We’re building again! Three new chalets in Avoriaz

Having opened 4 new chalets in Avoriaz this winter we’re now setting our sights even higher and will be overseeing the construction of a further 3 brand new chalets, set to open in time for Christmas 2019. Chalet Kipnuk, Chalet Sakami and Chalet Ipaka are the latest additions to our growing portfolio of chalets throughout 10 of the greatest ski resorts in France and Austria.

We sat down with MD Andy Sturt to chat through his thoughts on this exciting new venture:

Q - With chalets and hotels in 10 different resorts, why have you chosen to concentrate on Avoriaz? What makes it so special?

A – “To put it simply: Avoriaz has it all. At an altitude of 1800m it’s always the first resort in the Portes du Soleil to open and invariably manages to squeeze a couple of extra weeks onto the end of the season after Morzine and Les Gets close. The pedestrianized roads mean that once the lifts have closed the resort is a haven of peace and quiet and the location; perched at the edge of dizzying cliffs overlooking Morzine, is nothing short of spectacular. A ski holiday should be a real departure from humdrum everyday life and I can’t think of anywhere better-suited to knock our customers’ socks off.”

Q - Who should look at ski holidays to these chalets? Will they be suitable for families?

A – “We tend to sell smaller chalets like these to small groups of friends or families who enjoy the luxury of a private chalet. Each of these new chalets sleep 6 guests in 3 en-suite bedrooms, with an additional 2 bunk beds in Chalet Kipnuk which are bound to be a hit with our little customers. Children in these bunk beds are charged at half the adult rate - making a real difference to your holiday cost. They will of course all come kitted out with a wireless music system, UK freesat TV, cosy log fires and the pièce de résistance– a dedicated VIP SKI chalet host to prepare gourmet 3-course evening meals, hearty breakfasts and scrummy afternoon teas.”

Q - I haven’t skied in the Portes du Soleil before, what’s it like? How large is the ski area?

A – “650km of runs, over 200 lifts, 13 resorts to explore and 2 different countries: it’s tiring just thinking about it! The Portes du Soleil extends to over 1036 square kilometers with pistes to suit all abilities. On a sunny day take the Chavanette lift to the border with Switzerland where the brave can tackle the infamous Swiss Wall and the sensible can admire the views over the Dents du Midi at 3257m. If the weather isn’t on your side, then head lower down to Les Lindarets where the tree-lined runs ensure good visibility. Squeezing the whole of the Portes du Soleil into one week is no means feat, which is why we’ve chosen a central piste-side location. Clipping into your bindings outside the front door in the morning is a luxury which can’t be underestimated.”

Q - Finally, where do the unique names come from? Is there a story behind them? 

A – “Once the plans have been approved, the contracts signed and the builders have begun laying foundations, naming new VIP SKI chalets is an amusing perk of the job. The name of a chalet conjures the all-important first impression in our customers’ minds and must be snappy, memorable and unique. There are hundreds of chalets in France named in the tradition of the language – I’m sure that everyone has stayed in a Chalet Pierre, a Chalet Chapelle, a Chalet Marmot or a Chalet Flocon (okay, even we’re guilty of one of these). For the latest three additions I’ve looked to towns in Alaska and Canada for new inspiration. I’m constantly motivated by the incredible standards of interior design, architecture and service which you can find across the Atlantic and intend for our new properties to emulate the best of the West, only a little closer to home”.

Chalet Kipnuk, Chalet Sakami and Chalet Ipaka are on sale now from the 15^th December 2019 to the 19^th April 2020. They’ll be completed over the summer and we’ll be sending our photographer out in early December to capture the finished product, including those breathtaking panoramas from the balconies. For now, check out the CGI images which show exact layouts and are overlaid with real drone footage showing the views from each window. Bookings made before the 31^st October 2019 can save £100pp on holidays in January or on the 15th March, but don’t delay, we’re sure that these chalets will have been snapped up long before then.