How to choose the perfect chalet in the Alps this winter

Planning your upcoming winter getaway in the Northern Alps but not sure where to start when it comes to finding the perfect luxury ski chalet for your holiday? You deserve the ideal haven to relax, recharge, and enjoy unforgettable moments on the slopes! In this article, you’ll find all our recommendations on what to look out for in your chalet search — from choosing the right type of resort to discovering the activities on offer, as well as the services included in your future retreat. Let’s dive in — follow the guide!

We recommend starting your search by defining the type of resort you’re looking for. Are you dreaming of the warm, authentic charm of a high-altitude village? Perhaps you’d prefer a family-friendly resort with plenty of activities for children? Maybe your priority is a destination where you can enjoy intense skiing sessions to your heart’s content. Or are you seeking a resort that blends world-class skiing with a chic, luxurious atmosphere? The Northern Alps have everything you could wish for!

If it’s the atmosphere of an authentic mountain village that appeals to you, Val d’Isère, Zermatt, and Megève are gems not to be missed. With their traditional wooden-and-stone chalets, cobbled pedestrian streets, and enchanting settings—especially during the festive season—they are simply magical. The luxury chalets you’ll find here are true havens, where natural materials and refined details create a warm, inviting cocoon.

For ski enthusiasts whose goal is to maximize thrills on the slopes, Val Thorens—voted the World’s Best Ski Resort multiple times and part of the largest ski area in the world—will not disappoint. Within the same area, Méribel offers 150 kilometers of pistes and a vertical drop of over 1,800 meters, from 1,100 to 2,952 meters in altitude. On the opposite side of the valley, Tignes stands out as the most athletic resort in the Northern Alps, at the heart of the Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area, the seventh largest in the region. Meanwhile, Morzine & Les Gets, within the Portes du Soleil, open up an astonishing 580 kilometers of slopes shared with neighboring resorts!

For a chic yet sporty atmosphere, turn your attention to Megève, Courchevel, Crans-Montana, and Zermatt. These prestigious resorts combine exceptional skiing with a touch of glamour: world-class hotels, internationally renowned luxury brands, Michelin-starred chefs, and some of the most exquisite luxury ski chalets in the Alps await you.

And if it’s a family-friendly destination you’re after, with plenty of activities and events for children, we highly recommend Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Morzine & Les Gets, Megève, La Clusaz, and La Plagne. Our team would be delighted to advise you on the best times of year to plan your family escape—don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Once you’ve decided on the perfect ski resort for your winter holiday in the Alps, it’s time to focus on the chalet itself—and, most importantly, on the services that come with it.

Take a moment to reflect on the following:

• What capacity and number of bedrooms do you need to accommodate your family and/or friends?
• Would you like the services of a private driver or an in-house chef to free you from any organizational concerns during your stay?
• Do you prefer arriving to a fully stocked fridge and pantry, ready from day one?
• Is ski-in/ski-out access a priority, allowing you to head straight out onto the slopes from your chalet?
• Are you looking for a dedicated wellness area, complete with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and massage room?
• Would you benefit from a concierge service to book off-slope activities, transfers, or dinner reservations?
• Do you envision a game room or private cinema for cozy evenings with family and friends?
• Is the presence of fireplaces in common areas and bedrooms part of your dream chalet experience?
• And so on.

Asking yourself these questions ahead of time will ensure you prepare your holiday in the best possible way—so that once you arrive, you can simply relax and enjoy every moment, without stress or surprises.

Depending on the resort you choose, there are countless activities to enjoy beyond skiing—whether for family members or friends who don’t ski, or simply for those moments when you want to take a break from the slopes and discover the region in a different way. Once you’ve found the chalet and resort of your dreams, it’s time to explore the unforgettable experiences that await you in the Alps!

Your luxury ski chalet is the perfect basecamp, not only for accessing the world-class ski areas but also for discovering the region’s extraordinary diversity. At 1786, as specialists in Alpine travel, we are passionate about offering unique, exclusive, and off-the-beaten-path experiences across the Alpine resorts.

For example, set out with a guide on a snowshoe hike through pristine landscapes in the Vanoise National Park, the Mont Blanc massif, or the Aravis mountains, and marvel at breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding peaks.

Thrill-seekers can take things further with ski touring, heliskiing, fat biking, or even ice climbing—just a few of the adrenaline-packed adventures on offer.

Families will also find plenty to enjoy together: from digital treasure hunts in Chamonix to biathlon or cross-country skiing initiations, a helicopter flight over Mont Blanc, or a snowshoe trek to track local wildlife—these experiences are sure to create lasting memories for both young and old.

For food and wine lovers, we can arrange private wine-and-cheese tastings in the comfort of your chalet, or a tour of the Savoyard vineyards for a fascinating journey into Alpine winemaking. Our trapper evenings are also a favorite: a moonlit snowshoe walk followed by a hearty Savoyard dinner in the cozy atmosphere of a mountain restaurant. Or perhaps you’d prefer a fondue or aperitif in an igloo, dinner in a snow groomer, or drinks in an authentic mazot… the possibilities for magical evenings are endless.

Take inspiration from all the experiences the Alps have to offer and share your wishes with us—we’ll design a tailor-made activity program that meets your every expectation, ensuring a truly memorable holiday.

Do you feel you could use some guidance in choosing the perfect luxury ski chalet for your holiday? The team at Agence 1786, with its in-depth knowledge of the region and a wide network of trusted partners, will be delighted to assist you in your search!

As specialists in tailor-made Alpine travel, we can design a fully personalized, all-inclusive stay for you—covering every detail from private airport transfers, chalet rental and premium services, to curated activities, ski passes, and restaurant reservations. Simply share your wishes and criteria with us, and we’ll take care of everything from start to finish.


Our team is at your disposal to answer any questions and provide you with a tailored quote. And to go even further, explore the full range of services offered by Agence 1786.