Kitsune

Very Val

Whatever the weather, there is something about the smell of alpine air that, once breathed in on a mountain morning, stays in your heart through those long months back down on the plain, in the city. All the better if its sweet scent is accompanied by the click of boots into bindings right outside the warmth of your chalet. Stuff of dreams – until next season begins!

This is Chalet Kitsune. Even when, as here, there is the option of your chalet’s dedicated driver to whisk you down to the lift station, to slide down fresh piste first thing in the morning is an absolute privilege. If there are children to get to ski school, or non-skiers, or some who prefer a slower start to the ski day, they can opt for that comfortable alternative. But come on! Join me for the first turns of the day.

So, you get it. Chalet Kitsune is in a brilliant position right by the slope and five minutes’ drive to the fabulous village of Val d’Isère. It is a newly renovated 288m2 of contemporary design in a style that is pleasantly low-key. The basic concept is the relaxing minimalism of industrial chic but set off by warm timber and stylish lighting to be eminently liveable. A magnificent wood-burning fireplace with a marble surround provides a focal point in the centre of the large living room. The space flows around a sofa area to a long dining table positioned to appreciate the mountain view. There is then the smart open-plan kitchen that will be mainly the domain of attentive, friendly chalet staff. Breakfast and housekeeping are daily with afternoon tea, champagne and canapés ensuring total indulgence on six nights of the week.

Further indulgence on the lower ground floor is the steamy warmth of the spa with its indoor swimming pool and sauna. Also on this level is a TV room and one of the five bedrooms. This one has a small double bed and an en-suite shower room. The WC is separate and so might be shared by other users of the floor. The other four bedrooms are on the top floor. One has a double bed and an en-suite shower room with its own WC. The other three can all be converted between doubles and twins. They each have their own shower or bathroom of which one is en-suite and two are separate. The three bedrooms share a WC on this floor and there is another guest WC on the floor below. Honeyed pine panelling and gentle colour schemes provide restful spaces for all of you who will, no doubt, be making the best of your holiday in Val d’Isère and therefore will appreciate a few hours before the next day begins.

So, let’s go. Time to head down to the ski room on the lower ground floor. Some of the party are still lingering over their exquisitely cooked breakfast but that coffee and croissant worked for us and the misty morning sky is already turning blue. The ski boots are cosy toasty after a night on the warmers and that piste is still pristine. We shall be the first and those few turns will be magical. We could always get another coffee by the lift station as the others join us after the ride down with the driver. No stress.