When deciding where to spend your next ski holiday everyone’s criteria is slightly different. For many the resort is first to be decided upon, with many devoted disciples of Val d’Isère, Verbier or St Anton not considering hitting the slopes, or off-piste, anywhere else. For others it is the chalet that will take the lead, whether it is due to group size, chalet style or service, whichever they find most important.
A FEW DAYS AWAY
Due to the options being almost endless, it is important to consider what you wish your ski holiday to deliver. I ask this question after spending a few days and nights in Chalet Ecurie, in the traditional Savoie village of Villarabout, just a couple of minutes chauffeured drive from the ski lifts and pistes of St Martin de Belleville, France. If the answer for you is an authentic Alpine holiday experience that mixes charm and excellent service then read on…
SNOW COVERED MOUNTAINS
To be surrounded by beautiful snow covered mountains whilst nestled in your warm and cosy chalet is for me the pure essence of a winter ski holiday in Europe. If the warm toasty glow of a crackling fireplace slowly thawing cold toes whilst enjoying a glass of wine is the thought that is on your mind when heading down the last ski slope of the day; then this is your sort of place.
CHALET ECURIE
The chalet is a renovated 130 year old traditional stable building, and opened its doors for the first time to non equine guests last December! The result is a haven of original features, warm woods, cosy fabrics and modern touches where they are most appreciated. The top floor is given over to open plan living, with the lounge featuring deep sofas which envelope you, and the dining room, which are both arranged around the central feature fireplace. The further two lower floors house the beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms.
If like me, good food and wine play a large part in any holiday, let alone one where you need to be refueling for your next days adventure on the ski slopes, then you will be in for a treat here. Hayden, the chef, along with Capri, the host, made sure we were looked after royally.
In the evening we were treated to numerous freshly prepared delights; with several standout dishes including artichoke hearts and charred Jerusalem artichoke and puree, crisp skin and homemade riccotta with pickled shallot and lemon oil – yum; as well as crispy pork belly, parsnip puree, boudin noir puree, savoie apple with shallot cream and delicious pork jus. All matched with a varied selection of delightful old and new world wines, with the Montepulciano a personal favourite.
When it comes to the skiing or snowboarding, your on call chauffeur is on hand to whisk you to the slopes just a few minutes away. The charming resort of St Martin de Belleville is your link into the skiing of the Belleville valley and the expansive 3 Valleys, which the ski lifts and pistes connect directly into. For those looking at keeping the kilometres ticking over, you are only 2 lifts from Méribel and 3 from Val Thorens and Courchevel.
The skiing in the local area St Martin de Belleville / Les Menuires is best suited to intermediates, with many long undulating blue and red pistes to play on. For those who like to play in the powder and off-piste, there are vast swathes of snow between the pistes. The red run ‘Jerusalam’ which descends from the ridge between Méribel and St Martin is a real blast, and will leave you ravenous for afternoon tea.
A luxury chalet holiday in St Martin de Belleville and Chalet Ecurie is the perfect choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway, or for families and groups of friends who appreciate quality time together in a quiet and authentic setting and chalet that sits harmoniously in its beautiful surroundings.
Luxury chalets in St Martin de Belleville
Our hand picked collection of ski chalets in St Martin de Belleville can be viewed below. If you are interested in booking your next chalet holiday please do not hesitate to give us a call on 00 44 207 117 2085 or enquire below.
