Our chalet is located at the foot of Montchavin in the small hamlet of Montorlin. It is a converted farmhouse with superb views across the valley and on to Mont Blanc. Full of charm and ambiance with pretty little streets and alleys and a 17th century church, the hamlet is quiet and rural but close to the action. We drive our guests the 3 minutes to the lifts when you're ready in the morning; and collect you whenever you choose.
Set on the small village square, the house is an intriguing combination of old beams and stone walls and modern open plan spaces of glass and wood. The 6 bedrooms sleep 12 - 14 guests, with cots available on request.
Ground Floor: Double with en suite shower room. Family suite comprising large double bedroom with picture windows and four poster; through to bedroom with bunk beds; through to en suite bathroom.
First Floor: double with en suite shower and loo; twin with white washed walls; double with built-in 4 poster; twin with curtained Savoyard beds.
A spiral stone staircase connects the floors, leading up to the huge open plan 'loft' living area that takes up the entire top floor of the house. The sitting area has sumptuously big, squashy sofas and is a great place to take afternoon tea and to relax after dinner. Books, games, CDs, Digital TV and DVDs are on hand for rainy days or lazy afternoons. The kitchen and dining area has glass doors leading onto the large balcony with its sweeping views across the rugged miles of the Tarentaise, with Mont Blanc in the distance. The cellar underneath the house is a general utility room and boot room, and has storage for your skis or snowboards.
The Chalet Service:
We will provide you with the best of the traditions of a typical Chalet Skiing holiday, plus some of our own. On your arrival, over tea and biscuits, we will take you through everything you need to know about the resort and the chalet and then, when you're ready, we'll show you around the resort village and help you sort out the essentials. Lift passes, ski and boot hire and lessons can all be arranged in Montchavin and your hosts will help you do this. Lessons can also be arranged in advance.
The Catering:
Breakfast:
As well as a range of cereals, croissants, breads and jams there is a daily changing menu of cooked breakfasts on offer, including bacon, eggs, porridge, and pancakes. One day a week a cold breakfast will be set out for you the night before for you to serve yourselves.
Afternoon tea:
Indulge yourselves - Liza makes great cakes. (Last season's favourite - a close contest between Lemon Drizzle, Banana cake and Chocolate Gateau). Tea and cakes will be ready for you from 4pm, 6 days a week. On cold days we make mulled wine or hot chocolate toddies, served in the cosy sitting room. On sunny days you may prefer to take tea on the balcony and admire the views. An honesty bar is available all day long on the balcony, where you can help yourself to soft drinks or beer.
Evening meal:
The evening meal is the main event of the day, after your skiing adventures of course. A superb 3 course meal is served at the communal dining table facing the picture windows. A typical menu might include Grilled Goats Cheese on Walnut Bread; Pork Stuffed with Toulouse Sausages and Prunes; and a Chocolate Roulade, with a vegetarian option of a Nut and Wild Mushroom Wellington. Wine is included with all meals.
One day a week your hosts will have a day off, giving you the opportunity to sample the local restaurants in Montchavin or Les Coches.
