Front Row Seats at Nature's Blockbuster

Sitting back in your hot tub you see them race past you one after another, concentration etched on their faces as they take part in one of the world’s most difficult ski races, the Kandahar, combining downhill and slalom skiing. You admire their supreme effort, as you are poured a fresh glass of champagne, and resolve to emulate them in your skiing endeavours. Tomorrow. This afternoon you will enjoy the view from the hot tub at Chalet Norel, and add this to the list of holiday firsts.

Sitting directly on the ‘La Verte’ world cup slope you are in prime position, and if not race day you will still enjoy watching the thrills and spills of the mere mortals who take up the challenge of this infamous ski run. Green by name, but very much black by classification! It is a privileged position, a rare slope side chalet in Les Houches granting quick, albeit challenging, access to the slopes. For those amongst you that relish the challenge a little less, there’s always your private chauffeur on standby, ready to take you to the lifts nearby – or further afield in the Chamonix valley should you wish. 

The spleandour of Norel does not begin and end with its situation, though it is enviable. The interiors of this newly built chalet blow you away; modern layouts and clever design encourage communal, open plan living, perfect for spending quality time together, but with oh so much space to recline in. All the latest technology is there, but it is subtle, and blended with a chic Alpine style to create light, bright and airy spaces, which channel you towards the incredible views out onto the Mont Blanc mountain range. The bedrooms are sumptuous, vast in size and intimate in design each with its own distinctive colour splash.

You feel a great sense of calm from the moment you step into the entrance hall and your coat is secreted away by your friendly and welcoming chalet manager. Installed in the rocking chair you admire the striking wood burning stove, which sits in the middle of the beautiful solid wood floor to be viewed (and to warm) from all angles.  You will continue to be surprised by the small and clever details in this magnificent family chalet throughout your stay. The children love the double bunkroom, and the mezzanine snug is a perfect hangout for them, or for a quiet moment – perhaps a film one night on the huge flat screen tv.  Ask your chef to prepare the popcorn!

The adults will appreciate the spa suite which compliments the out door hot tub. A glamorous hamam and equally stylish sauna are the perfect grown-up retreat to help ease those aching ski muscles from your latest assault on La Verte. 

What sings out most from Norel is the sheer bliss of everything being taken care of for you. The accomplished chef creates incredible dishes every evening, each one more surprising and delightful than the last. Sitting at the theatre cooking island, glass of Bordeaux in hand and watching him piece together these delicious creations becomes one of your favourite parts of each day. You could opt to take the chalet on a self-catered basis, and you nearly did, but what a treat you would have missed!