ISSUE NO. 8 YOUR LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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Bighorn Revelstoke, British Columbia
Welcome
Welcome to Consensio’s Eighth Ski and Lifestyle Magazine.
We are thrilled to introduce an array of new properties and services designed to enhance your alpine experience. Our dedication to luxury, comfort, and sustainability continues to drive us forward, ensuring that your time with us is nothing short of extraordinary.
Revitalise and Rejuvenate with our ultimate guide to spa breaks (page 10). Discover how to unwind and pamper yourself amidst stunning alpine scenery. From world-class spa treatments to serene wellness retreats, we’ve selected the best spots for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Explore The Art and Stars of Skiing in Courchevel, where celebrities, culture, and creativity converge in one of the most glamorous ski destinations. Dive into the rich history and vibrant atmosphere that make Courchevel a unique haven for the rich and famous (page 28).
For those balancing work and leisure, check out our guide on Ski Resorts for Digital Nomads (page 72). Discover the perfect spots to stay connected while enjoying the slopes, seamlessly combining productivity with pleasure.
Our commitment to sustainability continues with insights on how to Enjoy Eco-Friendly Ski Holidays (page 38). Learn about our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and how you can contribute to a greener future while enjoying your luxury ski trip. Skiing for All remains a core value at Consensio, and we’re proud to continue our collaboration with Disability Snowsport UK to ensure accessible holidays for everyone (page 76).
For those seeking adventure, delve into The Thrill of the Off-Piste and discover the best resorts for an adrenaline rush (page 68). Beyond skiing, explore Non-Ski Activities in the Alps for exciting alternatives like snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more (page 46).
Finally, keep up with What’s New, and discover the latest trends in luxury ski holidays, unveiling all the exciting developments at Consensio (page 56).
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our Consensio chalets or apartments this winter, where unforgettable experiences and unparalleled luxury await.
Ceri Tinley
Co-Founder / Managing Director
EDITORS
Helen Orford helen@consensiochalets.co.uk
Emmanuel Ehimuan
FEATURES WRITER
Patrick Thorne Emmanuel@consensiochalets.co.uk
CHALET PHOTOGRAPHER
Andy Parant
DESIGN & PRINT
Mountain Marketing Ltd
Planning: Frank Baldwin
Design: Lisa Edginton frank.baldwin@mountainmarketing. co.uk
Consensio Chalets, 9 Reece Mews, South Kensington, London SW7 3HE +44 (0) 203 393 0833 sales@consensiochalets.co.uk www.consensiochalets.co.uk
Contents
6 Chilled to Perfection:
How Relaxed Catered Chalet Holidays are Taking the World by (Snow)Storm.
10 Revitalise and Rejuvenate:
The Ultimate Guide to Spa Breaks in the Snow.
16 Unmatched Relaxation and Convenience:
Unparalleled Ski-In/Ski-Out access in a Relaxed Chalet.
20 Enjoying Luxury Holidays with a Smaller Group:
The Penthouse B Experience.
24 Snow Much Love: Propose in the Mountains.
Planning a romantic ski resort.
28 The Art and Stars of Skiing in Courchevel: Celebrities, Culture, and Creativity in the Alps.
34 Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Ski Holiday
38 Powder to the People: Skiing Sustainably for All.
42 Skiing for Beginners: A Guide to Your First Ski Trip.
46 Non-Ski Activities in the Alps: Snow-Brainers Beyond the Slopes.
50 Capture the Moment:
The Most Instagrammable Chalet in the Alps.
56 What’s New?
Discover the Brand New Ultimate Ski-In/ Ski-Out Retreats for Families and Friends.
60 From Piste to Party: Après-Ski Adventures in the Alps
64 Serviced Apartment Holidays: The Best of Both Worlds.
68 The Thrill of the Off-Piste: What’s The Best Resort for Adventure Seekers?.
72 Work and Play: Ski Resorts for Digital Nomads.
76 Skiing for All:
Accessible Ski Holidays in Collaboration with Disability Snowsport UK
Relaxed Chalet Holidays: Comfort and Laid-back Leisure Combined
CHILLED TO PERFECTION: HOW RELAXED CATERED CHALET HOLIDAYS ARE TAKING THE WORLD BY (SNOW)STORM
We’re all different when it comes to what we want from our ski holiday. We could be in a group of good friends wanting to ski all day and party all night, but equally, we might just want to escape the world and relax with our families in a private paradise. Skiing, yes, of course, but perhaps the chance to have a long lie-in, soak in the hot tub, enjoy a glass of fine fizz and, cliché though it may be, relish some real quality family time, is our most important consideration. If that’s your priority this winter, then fear not, Consensio has you covered with their special selection of Relaxed Catered Chalet Holidays located in tranquil destinations within Méribel and Val d’Isère in the French Alps. Exceptionally high service standards, fabulous food, and superb facilities, including private spas, all combine to deliver the holiday of a lifetime alongside a flexible, family-friendly atmosphere.
Unveiling Chalet Chopine
Chalet Chopine in Méribel offers the epitome of the relaxed catered chalet holiday experience. Located in the famous resort’s private Dou du Pont area, it boasts classic Alpine-style architecture with a large wrap-around terrace from which you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Mont Vallon. With its charming bespoke furnishings, numerous little design details to delight you at every turn, and seamless service from your chalet cook/hosts, concierge, housekeeper, and shared driver, it’s the perfect place to kick back and chill. Just a short walk from the beating heart of Méribel itself, at the centre of the world’s biggest ski area, it offers easy access to all the action.
Chalet Chopine has a delightful open-plan living area featuring lots of natural, local wood, rich textiles, and that
wonderful terrace. There’s also a beautifully designed wellness area with a large jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and of course, spa treatments that can be arranged by your concierge as required.
Chopine features five sumptuously comfortable double bedrooms, some of which can also be arranged as twins, each complete with private bathrooms. For movie nights, there’s a separate TV snug, and families travelling with children will also find toys, sledges, games, and books waiting for them. But it’s the personalised service provided by your Consensio team that really makes the difference. They’ll ensure your day is always perfect.
Staying at Chalet Chopine, your day is always your own to enjoy as you wish. Most days will start with breakfast, prepared to your specifications by the chef, to be enjoyed perhaps whilst gazing out at the spectacular panoramic vistas of Mont Vallon.
Many will then make use of the shared chalet-to-piste driver service to head out to the Chaudanne lifts, just a couple of minutes away, in your private vehicle, ready to explore the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, with Méribel at its heart. However, there’s always the option to explore Méribel’s many other delights—the heart of the resort, with its gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques, is just a few minutes’ walk away. Your hosts and concierge can also advise on the different activities available and book them too if you decide to try something new.
After you’ve been collected from the slopes at the end of the day, a scrumptious afternoon tea will await you back at Chalet Chopine. Afterwards, why not make the most of the wellness facilities, including that large jacuzzi for a soak, as well as the sauna and hammam? You could also book any spa treatment you’d like, delivered by a visiting therapist.
The evening meal is always a highlight of the day and the unlimited complimentary Perrier-Jouët Champagne, as well as a well-stocked bar of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, make the experience even more special and luxurious. Then the evening could be a cosy gathering by the open fire, or perhaps a family movie in the TV snug.
“The team couldn’t have been better or more accommodating - so thoughtful and professional and were great with the kids. Such a credit to Consensio... 10/10. The food was delicious and they remembered which wines we enjoyed and made delicious evening meals for the children, and were endlessly patient with their noise levels,” a recent guest enthused.
It’s difficult to overstate the rejuvenating benefits of a Relaxed Chalet Holiday. Blending comfort, luxury and personalised service, it also offers fabulous value. Could Chalet Chopine be the location of your next mountain retreat?
Revitalise and Rejuvenate: The Ultimate Guide to Spa Breaks in the Snow
WHY NOT COMPLEMENT YOUR SKIING WITH LUXURIOUS SPA TREATMENTS?
Numerous studies over the years have found that skiing is good for your physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, experts have concluded that as well as making us feel phenomenal, spa treatments help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. So, combining the two on your holiday in a spa and wellness chalet can deliver ski holiday nirvana. The only stress you may face is deciding how much time to spend skiing and how much to spend in the spa.
The Perfect Fusion of Adventure and Relaxation
People have been travelling to the mountains for centuries to enjoy the health benefits of spa treatments. Many famous resorts today began as spa destinations long before skiing became popular, and that trend of wellness tourism continues to grow. Combining a ski and spa holiday is the perfect solution for
travellers seeking adventure through the exhilaration of skiing and relaxation from calming wellness treatments.
“People come to the mountains to ski and eat good French food, but why not also visit to rejuvenate yourself and light a fire inside yourself?” asks Aurélia Chrétien Pomès from Elite Ski Team, a company that provides bespoke ski lessons and physical therapy, who work closely with Consensio.
Chalet Bacchus: The Ultimate Catered Chalet Experience
Located in the famous resort of Courchevel, within the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, Chalet Bacchus is perfectly positioned to provide access to some of the best skiing on the planet. But it also offers guests a host of luxurious amenities, including exclusive spa and wellness facilities.
With a prime ski-in/ski-out location in Courchevel Moriond, when you stay at Chalet Bacchus, you can focus on relaxation rather than the hassle of getting to and from the piste each day. Indulge in the wonderful sunken indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, soak in the outdoor hot tub, relax in the hammam, unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a marvellous spa treatment in the chalet’s own massage room.
“An outstanding chalet right on the Courchevel 1650 pistes. The style is modern yet with beautiful wooden and stone materials. Huge swimming pool and jacuzzi and sauna and steam room. Magnifique!” enthuses Fabrice, one of Consensio’s guests.
The best part? You can have the spa aspect of your holiday planned and booked before you even arrive in Courchevel. Simply discuss your wishes with your Consensio concierge manager ahead of your arrival, and they’ll book your bespoke wellness packages, including any spa treatments, so everything is ready and waiting when you arrive.
Of course, as with any Consensio luxury chalet, guests at Bacchus have access to personalised and tailor-made services for other aspects of their stay too. This includes your private chef, who will call for a consultation ahead of your arrival to better create a bespoke menu for you and your guests. They can even tailor your menu to include healthy dishes that enhance the wellness aspect of your holiday. Naturally, dedicated chalet hosts are also on hand to ensure every aspect of your holiday runs smoothly, from making sure the champagne is chilled in the snow bucket to ensuring the hot tub is bubbling, with your slippers and bathrobes ready and waiting at the end of a day on the slopes.
Ski and Spa: A Harmonious Blend for Mind and Body
Even if you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s ample evidence of the physical and mental benefits of combining skiing with spa treatments and other wellness activities. These include improved muscle recovery, reduced stress, and an enhanced sense of overall well-being so you’ll return home feeling completely re-energised in both mind and body.
To maximise your experience, consider scheduling spa treatments post-skiing for the ultimate relaxation of your tired muscles before your next delicious dinner. This can all be discussed with your Consensio sales manager.
Indulge in Ultimate Luxury with Consensio
Consensio Chalets offer a wide range of exclusive spa packages and services, tailored to meet the needs of the most discerning travellers and fully customisable to suit your preferences.
Whether you are looking for yoga and meditation sessions, nutrition and detox programmes, personal training and fitness
classes, or a combination of these, they are ready to help create a customised wellness retreat unique to your needs.
Consensio works with highly trained professional therapists, personal trainers, and dieticians, all highly regarded for their expertise in providing treatments, massages, pedicures, manicures, and more. Needless to say, only the highest-quality products are used in Consensio’s spas.
Embrace the Ultimate Ski and Spa Experience
It’s easy to turn the dream of the perfect ski and spa holiday into reality with Consensio. You can enjoy the perfect winter experience in a sumptuous slopeside property such as Chalet Bacchus, or one of our other incredible spa chalets, and create your best-ever ski trip. Simply browse consensiochalets.co.uk/ spa-and-wellness for more information and to book your luxury ski and spa chalet holiday. You can also contact them via WhatsApp or call +44 (0) 203 393 0833
Unmatched Relaxation and Convenience
HAVING VISITED MORE THAN 300 SKI RESORTS WORLDWIDE, PATRICK THORNE, AUTHOR OF POWDER, EXTOLS THE VIRTUES OF CHALET JUNO IN VAL D’IS E RE AND WHY IT IS HIS PERFECT SKI IN SKI OUT DESTINATION
I’m always excited to return to Val d’Isère, one of the most picturesque and vibrant ski resorts in the world, with its stunning mountainscape framing one of the planet’s largest and most exhilarating ski areas. The rich history of the place is palpable, felt in every stone and timber as soon as you step into the resort.
This time, anticipation was particularly high as we were heading to Chalet Juno, a property that promised both gorgeous aesthetics and a prime location, situated slopeside and close to the historic resort centre. As we approached the chalet—a beautiful building of traditional Alpine design nestled deep in snow—our first impressions were nothing short of impressive!
Chalet Juno
We’d chosen Chalet Juno in part for its fabulous location (on the slopes and only 450 meters from the village centre), in part because of its stunning amenities (including an amazing spa and cinema room) also from our previous knowledge of Consensio’s exceptional service. Juno is one of Consensio’s ‘Relaxed Chalets’ range. Not that the atmosphere needn’t be relaxed in all their chalets, but we quickly discovered Chalet Juno’s modern luxury and alpine charm delivered the perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity.
Unparalleled Ski-In/Ski-Out Access
As a seasoned skier, one of the biggest benefits of staying in Chalet Juno is its fantastic position in a key location on the slopes, providing access to both the Solaise and Bellevarde slopes and from there, we could move quickly into the wider, vast area above, linked over to Tignes.
Our party was a mixed-ability group, including some early
intermediates, so the gentle terrain in the area was another big bonus. Each morning, we tried not to overindulge at breakfast, nor linger too long over the sumptuous delights the chalet team prepared (although to be honest, some mornings we did take our time—after all, we were on holiday!). Then we headed down to the lovely boot room to get kitted up. Our ski boots, nicely toasty after a night on the warmers, were easy to slip on before we all headed out together.
We also checked with our chalet host for lunch recommendations that would suit everyone (with less experienced skiers using lifts to reach more remote locations), which the Consensio concierge then booked for us. Knowing that a jacuzzi, spa facilities, a glass of Champagne, and fabulous
food were waiting for us at the end of the day made it difficult to choose between “one more run” or heading back to the chalet. Usually, Chalet Juno’s many delights won the day.
Luxurious Accommodation
After parking in the covered garage, we were welcomed by our chalet team at Chalet Juno’s front door, including the chalet manager, host/cook, shared chalet-to-piste driver, and housekeeper. They quickly felt like friends, always professional and impressing us with their culinary skills and hard work, while we enjoyed the fruits of their labour in the relaxed ambience the chalet provides.
We started with a glass of the house Perrier-Jouët Champagne while our car was unpacked, then were taken on a tour of Chalet
Juno. We were shown the six spacious ensuite bedrooms and took our pick. Spread across four levels, it was a hard choice with every room beautifully and comfortably appointed with southfacing balconies and stunning views and up to 12 guests easily accommodated.
Next, we were wowed by the exceptional spa facilities. The indoor pool was set at the perfect temperature, complemented by a fabulous jacuzzi and a toasty sauna. We were also eager to dive into the cosy cinema room, which we did with gusto!
The Consensio Experience
The Consensio team worked hard to ensure our every need was met during our stay. In fact, we’d been planning the details of our trip with their excellent concierge service months before our arrival, ensuring all dietary requirements were met. They also pre-booked our lift passes, ski equipment delivery, ski school, nursery, and a few in-chalet spa treatments on our behalf, so everything was ready when we arrived. We took up the offer of a meat-free meal on the Monday night as part of Consensio’s (and our) efforts to eat more healthily and sustainably.
We had high-quality fluffy dressing gowns and slippers waiting in our rooms and enjoyed house wines, spirits and more of the wonderful, seemingly bottomless Perrier- Jouët champagne during our stay. I should also mention that the daily housekeeping was meticulous. Although most of what we needed was a short walk
or ski away, we did make use of Consensio’s in-resort shared driver service, available from 8am to 8pm, several times when we wanted to visit more distant spots in the valley.
It was easy to see why Chalet Juno is part of Consensio’s Relaxed Catered Chalet Collection. Like the other properties in the collection, the chalet has a family-friendly vibe with laid-back luxury, all at the more affordable end of the price range for this calibre of property and service. Sustainability is also a priority within the collection. We noticed extra efforts to source ingredients for our meals locally and avoid single-use plastics. We were informed that all of Consensio’s properties are in the process of switching to green energy. The relaxed
atmosphere also included a scrumptious afternoon tea upon our return from the slopes, with dinner served family-style, and unlimited complimentary drinks available.
Booking and Availability
It’s super easy to book Chalet Juno or one of Consensio’s other exclusive Relaxed Catered Chalets, which offer a unique blend of luxury, convenience, and relaxation. Your own unforgettable alpine experience can be secured with only a 25% deposit. However, thanks to everything I’ve described above, demand for these chalets is high, so it’s worth booking as far ahead as possible.
Enjoying Luxury Holidays with a Smaller Group
Courchevel 1850 is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Alps, home to more luxury hotels and chalets than any other ski resort. It’s a place of snow-capped beauty that’s part of the world’s largest ski region. In a resort where one luxurious accommodation can struggle to stand out from the rest, Penthouse B distinguishes itself with its perfect ski-in, ski-out location on a key Courchevel slope, placing its guests in a prime position to make the most of each day’s skiing. The Penthouse offers an exceptional luxury holiday experience for smaller groups, with flexible accommodation, intimate settings, and exclusive amenities, including a superb spa, delivering the perfect location for ski enthusiasts.
Flexible Accommodation
Penthouse B’s spaciousness, coupled with its sophisticated, elegant interior design, ensures it can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. The Penthouse has three generously sized double bedrooms, each with fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows that both let in natural light and provide stunning panoramic mountain views. Two of the bedrooms have luxurious en-suite facilities where you can enjoy the fluffy towels provided, while the third bedroom has an en-suite shower and washroom, with a separate bathroom across the hall. Room configurations are fully adaptable to suit the precise needs of your group, offering a harmonious blend of elegance and Alpine authenticity that delivers both privacy and togetherness.
Intimate Settings
Having exclusive use of a private alpine property creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for strengthening bonds among family or friends. The open-plan living area, along with
Penthouse B’s balconies, bedrooms and spa, also provides space to spread out when needed. Mornings can begin with planning your day on the slopes while enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast around the kitchen island or sipping coffee on the balcony, taking in the views. The large dining table is the heart of shared meals and memorable moments, enhanced by Penthouse B’s modern alpine design featuring natural wood elements. An inviting open fire adds warmth and ambience, creating a much more personal space for special memories than a hotel or other shared accommodation.
Exclusive Amenities
For complete privacy, Penthouse B’s superb slopeside location and fabulous facilities mean that you could spend your entire holiday here and on the slopes without needing to explore Courchevel 1850’s many other attractions. The Penthouse’s luxury amenities include an incredible spa area, featuring a large jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam. Unlike most private spas, you’ll find added extras that make it even more special—an open fireplace by the jacuzzi, private spa changing rooms, showers, and WC. For added indulgence, you’ll also enjoy a daily continental breakfast buffet with eggs cooked to order each morning to get the day off to a perfect start. Don’t forget the Perrier-Jouët champagne in your welcome hamper to enjoy during your stay.
Ski-in/Ski-out Convenience
Experienced skiers know that making the most of your day on the slopes all comes down to location, location, location of
your resort accommodation. There are few, if any, Courchevel properties more perfectly positioned in that regard than Penthouse B. Its fantastic ski-in/ski-out location, right on the iconic green Bellecôte Piste, places you at the heart of the resort and main lift departures, making it easy to enjoy the world-class skiing Courchevel 1850 is renowned for. This means you can be the first to the freshly groomed slopes each morning and in prime position to enjoy fresh powder after a snowfall—true luxury for the dedicated skier!
Elevate Your Alpine Experience
Nestled amidst pristine snow-capped beauty, Penthouse B seamlessly blends modern luxury with timeless alpine charm, redefining luxury living in the heart of the French Alps. Its perfect location—not just on the slopes but on one of the key pistes in the whole of Les Trois Vallées—along with wonderful service, including breakfast delivery with eggs prepared to your personal preference and daily housekeeping, creates a harmonious blend of elegance and Alpine authenticity. Penthouse B’s comprehensive entertainment system, high-speed WiFi, and that bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne awaiting your arrival just make it even better.
For your stay in Courchevel 1850, one of the world’s most sought-after ski destinations and part of the planet’s largest ski region, perfectly positioned Penthouse B is the ideal choice for your next alpine adventure. With its sublime, spacious design, flexible accommodation options, sensational spa, intimate settings, exclusive amenities, and wonderful ski-in/ski-out convenience, Penthouse B is a top choice for a world of refined luxury and breathtaking beauty.
Snow Much Love: Propose in the Mountains
THE PERFECT PROPOSAL: PLANNING A ROMANTIC SKI
RESORT ENGAGEMENT AT CHALET LE ROCHER, VAL D’ISÈRE
We all know there’s something magical about being in the snowy mountains. The magnificence of the pristine, snowcovered peaks lifts the heart, and the fun of playing in the snow takes us back to more carefree times. When we find our soulmate, the mountains quickly become our special sanctuary—the place we keep returning to throughout our lives together. So what better place than Val d’Isère for proposing to the love of your life and starting that lifetime journey in perfect style?
Chalet Le Rocher provides the epitome of luxury and romance, making it ideal for an unforgettable proposal. It’s also reassuring to know that Consensio is the master at ensuring everything goes to plan, covering each detail so that someone else has your back, helping make it all happen seamlessly!
The Perfect Fusion of Adventure and Relaxation
There are a myriad of different ways to organise a proposal, and Consensio has seen them all over the years. You may want to keep it just between the two of you, perhaps on a balcony with a stunning mountain vista around you. In that case, the team can ensure you have space to yourselves, and of course, that the champagne is ready. Or, you might prefer an audience of friends and loved ones, perhaps dropping to one knee at the dinner table in your cosy chalet, in which case the appearance of musicians to play your favourite tune or an after-dinner firework display would be fitting. You could even consider hiring a discreet professional photographer to capture the moment. All of these things can be arranged by Consensio.
Whichever way you decide to do it, if you’re proposing outdoors in winter, it’s important to think about choosing the right time of day, such as sunset or under the stars. However, be prepared to adjust your timing depending on what Mother Nature decides! Little things can make a difference too, like ensuring you’re both warm enough and wearing
the right footwear if you’re proposing out on the snow. Making it personal to you both is also incredibly important. If you think you’ll struggle to say those all-important words, you could have them written in the snow, ready to surprise your partner as you turn a corner on a snowy walk, or even a ski slope. You can let your imagination run wild - if it’s legal, Consensio can arrange it!
“We recently hosted an unforgettable engagement party for a lovely couple who came to celebrate in the Alps. We loved decorating the chalet with rose petals, fairy lights and lush greenery, and serving a gourmet dinner featuring local Alpine delicacies, which was followed by an evening of laughter and dancing. To top it off, we arranged a private fireworks display that illuminated the night sky. Love was really in the fresh mountain air that week!” says Violette Teissier, Consensio Operations Manager.
Chalet Le Rocher
A big part of the successful staging of your proposal will be where you choose to stay, and there’s no better choice than Val d’Isère’s stunning Chalet Le Rocher. Offering pure exclusivity, where the bottomless Perrier-Jouët flows freely, it’s the ultimate proposal destination.
Chalet Le Rocher certainly has the “Wow!” factor, with a stunning vaulted ceiling and stylish glass chandeliers, but it also offers marvellous comfort with plush designer sofas and a crackling log fire. The chalet, served by its own lift, boasts seven spacious, beautifully designed bedrooms and wonderful wellness facilities, including a steam room (disguised as a tiny chalet) and an indoor pool, which not only features a jet stream but also a cinema projector and screen with an integrated sound system.
Image:
© Sebastien Boudot
The chalet’s seven beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms exude Alpine charm, with reclaimed wood used throughout and intricately carved furnishings. You should take the indulgent primary bedroom suite - one of the largest in Val d’Isèrecomplete with side-by-side dressing rooms. There are excellent family facilities too, including a children’s playroom,
Chalet Le Rocher has a full team of staff, of course, all ready to provide those special touches to make your proposal memorable. The chalet’s chef is prepared to create your favourite dishes, the chauffeur will whisk you to and from wherever you want to propose, and your chalet manager and concierge are on hand to meet any other wishes you may have.
For proposals, the chalet is filled with ideal locations to choose from. There’s the balcony with its views of the imposing rock mountainside, or perhaps the living area in front of the large
roaring fire. Alternatively, you could take advantage of the vast ski area and propose on the slopes of Val d’Isère. After all, it’s a well-known maxim that “the family that skis together, stays together,” so it’s best to set things off on the right path (or piste!).
Wherever you choose, your chalet hosts can organise private dining experiences with a chef creating a custom menu, champagne toasts, cocktail hours, personalised decorations and any other special touches you’d like. Everything is possible—the impossible just takes a little longer!
Chalet Le Rocher’s beautiful design, fabulous facilities, amazing team and wonderful location in one of the world’s great ski villages make it the perfect place to reach a state of relaxation and happiness before you pop the question. And after the proposal, it remains the ideal location to celebrate, unwind and plan your future together.
Ethan Robertson
Celebrities, Culture, and Creativity in the Alps
WHY ARTISTS AND A-LISTERS ARE DRAWN TO COURCHEVEL
Courchevel 1850 has long been one of the best-known and most beloved ski resorts in the world. But its fame isn’t just due to its snowsure altitude or its prime location in the world’s largest ski area. The resort is home to more fivestar properties and Michelin-starred restaurants than any other in the Alps. It also boasts a myriad of art galleries, museums and a season-long roster of cultural events and exhibitions that draw both art lovers and celebrities from far beyond the winter sports world.
Cultural Hotspots in Courchevel Artists and creators of all kinds have long been inspired by the awe-inspiring magnificence of the mountains, where imaginations and creativity can run free. Courchevel is heavily invested in this unique connection between ski culture and the art world—both in inspiring visiting artists and bringing some of the world’s great art to the resort, further enriching the experience for its visitors.
One unique, not to be missed, season-long event is the fabulous Art at the Summit which simply brings works of art, usually huge sculptures, to key locations around Courchevel’s
slopes. Running for more than 15 years now (just like Consensio!), the initiative transforms Courchevel into a life-sized open-air gallery, bringing art to all with fresh work appearing each season at the 2,230m Biollay summit and even 2,659m up at the top of Vizelle. Other works are displayed at more key locations around the slopes. Most recently works by Costa Rican artist Jiménez Deredia graced Courchevel’s slopes, his beautifully rounded sculptures result from his innovative combination of preColumbian heritage from the Boruca tribe and contemporary abstract art. In previous seasons, works by Salvador Dalí, Michel Bassompierre, Richard Orlinski, Lorenzo Quinn, Julien Marinetti and other painters and sculptures famous for their monumental creations have appeared.
Why Celebrities Love Courchevel
It’s partly because of its artistic, creative, playful side that Courchevel, and especially its largest and highest village at 1850 metres altitude, has been attracting famous names to its slopes for more than 60 years. Of course, the availability of luxurious accommodations like Chalet Le Namaste - used as a summer residence by the famous “Iron Lady” Baroness Margaret Thatcher- along with sublime gourmet dining options (seven of the 100 restaurants here have at least one Michelin star) and haute-couture shopping opportunities are all part of the draw too. Add to that Courchevel’s vibrant social scene and the easy availability of exclusive services such as private chefs, luxury spas and personal ski instructors, and the appeal is undeniable. For the ultimate convenience, there’s even an airstrip right on the slopes, where dozens of private jets and helicopters arrive daily during peak season.
Film star Brigitte Bardot was among the big names of the
swinging 60s that first put Courchevel on the map. By the 1980s, royalty, particularly the younger generations, began to rethink their parents’ usual choices of Klosters or St. Moritz. Princess Caroline of Monaco and her first husband, Philippe Junot, were among those who opted for Courchevel. Today, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, along with celebrities like Pippa Middleton, David and Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, are part of a long list of A-listers who regularly ski here, many returning season after season.
Chalet Le Namaste – A Celebrity Retreat
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s chosen base in Courchevel, Chalet Le Namaste, has long welcomed highprofile guests and is now available to book exclusively through Consensio. Located in the exclusive Hameau de Cachemire, the chalet’s privacy and exclusivity make it the perfect choice for celebrities—especially with its private path leading directly to the blue Bellecote piste.
Chalet Le Namaste boasts a chic, modern interior complete with a dual-aspect fireplace, panoramic vistas, and three terraces, all exuding an authentic Alpine feel. Guests are introduced to the resort’s cultural scene through the chalet’s own modern art collection, which features works from the 1890s to the 1950s by a variety of highly regarded European artists.
The chalet, which can accommodate 10 adults and four children in a separate children’s suite, offers ski-in/ski-out access and luxurious amenities, including spa facilities with an indoor pool, hammam, sauna, massage room and a yoga/workout area.
Skiing and the Arts in Courchevel
Courchevel successfully blends the synergy between skiing, the mountains and art on many different levels. Be it the remarkable Art at the Summit exhibition, the numerous art galleries in the resort running their own exhibitions and workshops, including outlets of famous international chains like Galleries Bartoux and Bel-Air Fine Art or simply understanding how the Alpine environment inspires creativity, nurturing artistic talent. You’ll also find gondola and cable car cabins colourfully decorated by modern artists, theatre shows, street artists performing, concerts and many other forms of artistic expression here. There’s nowhere else like Courchevel when it comes to successfully blending skiing with art appreciation.
For those seeking the ultimate experience of Courchevel’s unparalleled combination of skiing, art, and luxury, the exquisite Chalet Le Namaste is the perfect base.
What’s the Secret to a Perfect Family Ski Holiday?
Th ere’s an old adage that “The family that skis together, stays together” and it is true that family ski holidays can be the best part of your year. However, to ensure the holiday is as stress-free and successful as possible, it’s crucial to have everything in place. When a family ski holiday goes wrong, it can really go wrong. But with a perfectly designed and positioned apartment like Petit Chamois as your base in the super family-friendly resort of Méribel, and Consensio’s team supporting you to cover every need and eventuality, you can create great memories that will last a lifetime for both you and the kids.
Why Méribel is Perfect for Families
Méribel has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the French Alps. There’s a wealth of activities for kids and families to enjoy together, both on and off the slopes. On the snow, you’ll find dedicated snow fun learning areas for children and snow play parks, with nanny services for young children and ski school available from the age of three or four. If you’re skiing with younger children, look out for La Piste des Inuits, a funpacked mini snowpark with small jumps, banked turns and slalom courses. The Moon Wild piste, which winds through the trees where you can spot life-size animal models, is great fun too. The resort itself offers a wide array of family-oriented activities and events throughout the season, perfect for the kids to burn off any remaining energy after their day on the slopes, or for you to enjoy together as a family. The extensive list
includes sledging, bowling, indoor ice skating, dog sledding and a large swimming pool complex. There’s also an exhilarating 3km-long luge run for those over 12. When it comes to feeding the family, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly restaurants (Consensio can recommend and book according to your tastes), or you can opt for food delivery services like Hu.ski.
Planning the Perfect Family Ski Trip
Planning ahead is usually vital when it comes to securing the best accommodations, space in ski lessons or nursery care as most of these get booked up long in advance, particularly during peak periods which, of course, include all school holidays! Make sure you pack everything you’re going to need for your trip – it can be difficult squeezing everything for a ski trip without kids into your baggage allowance even without all the extras babies
and children need. Driving to Méribel can help with this, but regardless of how you travel, ensure you have snacks, drinks, and entertainment on hand for the kids, and plan breaks where you can.
Consensio’s Family-Friendly Services and Amenities
Consensio guests are personally welcomed to their apartment and shown its facilities, as well as receiving a welcome hamper with Perrier Jouët champagne, daily cleaning, gorgeous fluffy towels, bathrobes and cosy slippers to make your stay as relaxed and special as possible. The Consensio concierge, available from the time of booking through your stay, can arrange much more to make your family holiday totally seamless. This can include anything from daily breakfast basket delivery or pre-arrival shopping to ensure your cupboards are full when you arrive, to organising lift passes, ski school, evening meal delivery, or restaurant bookings, as well as childcare services. Consensio works with Jelly and Ice Cream, MeriNannies and Little Chicks for childcare, and six different ski schools in the village so they
can cherry-pick the one best suited to your family. Ski equipment rentals can be delivered directly to your chalet if pre-ordered, so you don’t need to queue in a shop with bored, tired kids. In short, all the usual family ski holiday stress can be expertly managed by the wonderful Consensio concierge!
Consensio operates a wide range of luxury family apartments and ski chalets in the best resorts in the French Alps. Their team includes parents of babies and young children themselves, so they are well aware of the many needs and equipment requirements of a young family (beyond just ski gear!). There’s an ‘Essential Baby Equipment List’ detailing baby items available on the company’s website, from cots and stair gates to baby cutlery and toddler toilet seats. If there’s anything else you need, simply let your concierge know as soon as possible, and they’ll do their best to source and provide it for you.
Apartment Petit Chamois
Apartment Petit Chamois sleeps up to eight adults and four children, with four ensuite bedrooms (the largest also featuring
a Hammam shower), and boasts one of the best locations in Méribel, at the Rond Point des Pistes, the hub of the slopes. It is a ski-in/ski-out property by the green ‘Forêt’ piste and just a minute’s ski away from the ‘Adret’ ski lift. This means even the smallest skiers can ski back to the apartment without needing to face the hassle of ski buses or transfers. It’s a very spacious property spread over a vast 290 square metres, so you’ll also have plenty of personal space. The interior design, by Nicky Dobree of Grand Designs fame, combines modern tech with an elegant, traditional Alpine style. For kids, there’s a movie playroom, while adults can enjoy sipping their complimentary Perrier-Jouët champagne on the south-facing balcony, taking
in the stunning, unobstructed views over the Méribel valley. A private ski locker with boot warmers and on-site parking with an EV charger, if required, complete the convenience.
Making the Most of Your Family Holiday Stay
Ski holidays are without doubt among the best trips you can enjoy together as a family, with memories that last a lifetime. To ensure everything goes perfectly, plan and book everything well in advance, choose a great resort like Méribel, opt for a spacious, perfectly located apartment like Petit Chamois and take advantage of Consensio’s expertise and luxury services to ensure you have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Powder to the People
THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE SKI HOLIDAYS
Abundant fresh powder snow is key to a skier’s dream, but with the world experiencing ever-warmer temperatures, the prospect of these conditions becoming a rarity looms large over future holidays. Consensio is working diligently to reduce CO2 emissions, with properties like Val d’Isère’s Chalet Lhotse leading the way in eco-friendly practices, helping to ensure winter wonderlands remain for years to come.
The Importance of Sustainability in the Ski Industry
Ski holidays are at the forefront of the climate emergency, both as victims and contributors. A Ski Club of Great Britain Consumer Research Survey found that 79% of skiers consider environmental policies when choosing a ski destination, but we all contribute to CO2 emissions as we travel to the slopes. Ski areas themselves have energy-intensive operations, but they are ahead of many other industries in their efforts to reach carbon neutrality.
Eco-Friendly Practices at Ski Resorts
Ski areas, recognising the existential threat of climate change, have been working for decades to reduce their impact. Many now use 100% renewable energy to power lifts and snowmaking, sometimes generating their own green energy through on-site wind, solar, and hydro plants. One significant challenge has been the diesel consumed by snow groomers, but even that is being addressed, with Val d’Isère switching to bio-fuelled snow groomers, reducing CO2 emissions by 90%.
Tips for Travellers to Minimise Environmental Impact
Ski resorts like Val d’Isère are now so environmentally efficient that it’s likely your carbon footprint will be lower staying there than it is back home. The biggest issue is how you travel to the resort, which makes up 60-95% of your holiday’s CO2 emissions. Arriving by rail or self-driving,
particularly in an electric vehicle or an efficient petrol model, is the most environmentally friendly option. If flying is unavoidable, participating in a carbon offset scheme is advisable. In the resort, follow the usual sustainable practices of minimising waste, conserving energy and supporting local businesses. Renting equipment and clothing and choosing eco-friendly gear are also recommended. Consensio works with experts at EcoSki to help guests make sustainable choices.
Chalet Lhotse
Consensio is deeply committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices and measuring every aspect of its carbon footprint, including chalet operations. In partnership with carbon consultancy ecollective, Consensio is working towards achieving Net Zero. The company has committed to the Protect Our Winters climate pledge and has already switched all staff travel to rail where possible. Future targets include using 100% renewable electricity across the entire portfolio by the end of next year and transitioning to 100% renewable heat and zero-emission vehicles by mid-2026. Over the past three years, Consensio has
implemented key carbon reduction strategies and consistently reduced its carbon emissions per guest night.
Do not fear, though—our luxurious properties will remain just as fabulous. Take, for example, our stunning Chalet Lhotse, located in the heart of Val d’Isère, with spectacular views of the La Face piste. Its eco-friendly initiatives are already visible in its spectacular spa, where the chlorine-free large indoor swimming pool (complete with cinema screen) and Jacuzzi use eco-friendly ozone technology. The spa also features a massage room, sauna, hammam, and gym.
The chalet spans a vast 500m², including six en-suite bedrooms equipped with plasma TVs, sleeping 12 adults, with an additional bunk room for children. There’s a large openplan living area with a grand piano, open fire and bar, and an elegant dining area overlooking La Face piste and the village’s church spire.
As with all Consensio chalets, there’s a private team of hospitality professionals, including a private chef, chalet manager, hosts and an in-resort 4x4 chauffeur, on hand to meet your every need. In line with all Consensio properties, the Chalet Lhotse team aims to source local produce to support the community and reduce the carbon footprint, eliminate single-use plastics, promote reusable items and offer guests a meat-free day during their chef consultation.
It’s still possible to enjoy a luxurious ski holiday but do so in a sustainable way. Consensio is working hard to make it even easier by converting all properties to green energy and renewable heat. You can consider taking eco-friendly action yourself, both on your ski holiday and year-round. Together, we can help preserve the natural beauty of ski destinations like Val d’Isère for as long as possible.
Skiing and snowboarding are among the best sports in the world. One of the great joys is that you can have as much fun learning from day one as you do when you’ve mastered the skills. It’s great fun to reconnect with your inner child and start sliding on snow again. You’ll quickly gain a sense of achievement as you master the basics, along with the adrenaline rush as you start moving a little faster. Before long, you’ll be whizzing down the slopes, lamenting the fact that as you’ve improved, you’re spending more time sitting on the lift! But to have the most fun, progress quickly, and ensure a safe and stress-free experience, it’s important to do things right.
Choosing the Right Resort
First off, it’s essential to pick a resort that has excellent ski schools, special areas of the slopes reserved for first-timers away from experienced skiers whizzing past and the chance to experience everything that makes a mountain holiday special — fabulous views, pure mountain air, wonderful food and aprèsski fun (which everyone can enjoy together). Resorts like Val d’Isère, traditionally a destination for advanced skiers, have made big efforts to increase their appeal to novice skiers too, including creating a free beginner area on the town’s slopeside and another on the Solaise side with easy-to-use conveyor lifts. There are great ski schools and gentle slopes to progress on once you’ve mastered the basics.
Booking Lessons and Preparing for the Trip
The biggest mistake you can make when learning to ski is not taking lessons from a qualified instructor right from the start. Being ‘taught’ by a friend or relative
(unless they’re a qualified ski instructor!) can set you back significantly and create holiday stress that you can definitely do without.
“Don’t just ski with friends who kindly offer to help. It usually ends in poor technique, getting overwhelmed too early without the skillset to back it up, or simply an unenjoyable time for all. We highly recommend you invest in some lessons right from the start. Book a lesson – any lesson,” confirms Ken Smith from Progression Ski and Snowboard School.
It is usually worth having lessons on a dry slope or indoor snow slope before heading to the Alps, if that’s convenient, to help you get used to the equipment and initial stance and technique. But you’ll progress much faster in a resort, where you can choose between a group lesson — where you can have fun and support each other as you learn — or a more expensive private lesson, where one-to-one tuition will help you improve faster.
Try to be ski-fit before you arrive, ideally with ski-specific exercises, focusing on leg and core strength. Book your lessons
well before you arrive in resort — your Consensio Concierge can help you choose the best type of lesson. Make sure you have the right clothing; thin thermal layers and a warm, waterproof outer layer are key, along with a good pair of gloves. Your skis, boots and helmet can all be rented. Finally, good mental preparation, with realistic expectations and a positive attitude, will ensure you’re ready to ski!
A Day in the Life of a Beginner Skier
Most people take to skiing immediately, but a few don’t. They’ll say “never again” but drill down into the “why?” of their position and usually, it is down to everything except the actual skiing. The problems can include ill-fitting gear, battling a ski bus to reach ski school, a grumpy, disinterested ski instructor, an unsuitable beginner lift ... the list goes on. It’s important to avoid these potential pitfalls with the help of Consensio’s experts.
Fortunately, skiing with Consensio removes all these risks. They can book the best ski instructor for you, have the right
equipment delivered to you, and you can stay at a super-welllocated apartment like Tournesol, a short walk from the Solaise learning area. Each morning they can arrange a breakfast basket delivery, so that’s one less thing to worry about, and book lunch at a cosy mountain restaurant so you get the full ski holiday experience from the start. In the evening, you can relax in Apartment Tournesol’s spacious open-plan living area or on the private terrace before exploring Val d’Isère’s shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Consensio’s Serviced Alpine Apartment Tournesol
Apartment Tournesol is in a serene yet convenient location, just a five-minute walk from the old town. Once you’ve got your ski-legs, you can ski back to the apartment! Fully wheelchair accessible, the building has a luxurious and contemporary Alpine design with spacious living areas, four double en-suite bedrooms and a very well-equipped kitchen. Also of note is a heated ski locker, utility room and covered parking.
Consensio ensures you’re met and shown around the apartment on arrival, and there’ll be a welcome basket waiting, including a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne. You’ll receive daily housekeeping, all linen, a final clean, and fluffy towels, bathrobes and comfy slippers. Consensio’s concierge service, available from the time of booking, can organise everything from breakfast and dinner deliveries to activity and restaurant bookings. They can advise and book all aspects of your skiing, including rentals, lessons and lift passes, using their expert local knowledge and connections to get you the best fit for your personal needs.
This is the year to try skiing or snowboarding! Once you do, you’ll wonder why you never did before. But make sure you get it right from the start by booking a perfectly positioned apartment like Tournesol and making use of Consensio’s service to ensure the perfect start to your new life on the pistes.
Image: © Esther Vittot
Adventures Beyond Skiing
EXPLORING NON-SKI ACTIVITIES IN THE ALPS IS A SNOW BRAINER
Wh en it comes to winter sports holidays, the idea of skiing all day, every day, has become somewhat dated. These days, there are many other activities to try in resort, and the list of options just keeps getting longer. In fact, you can enjoy a winter holiday now without actually going skiing at all! Val d’Isère is a particularly good example of a snowy haven with plenty to see and do without ever dipping into its fabulous 300km of ski slopes, and Apartment Etoile Filante is the perfect base for such an adventure. Located just two minutes from the ski bus stop, which takes you to key spots around the resort, and with Consensio’s fabulous concierge service ready to advise, arrange and book any activity for you, you’re ensured a hasslefree holiday.
Recommendations for Diversifying Your Adventures
Exactly what you choose to do in Val d’Isère will depend on your preferences and the weather, but you can go as easy or as challenging as you like.
Starting at the low-intensity level, snowshoeing is a fabulous activity, particularly if the powder is freshly fallen. Modern snowshoes are lightweight and easy to fix to your boots, supporting your weight as you effortlessly move over deep snow in a winter wonderland. Unlike the sometimes noisy, busy experience of the slopes, a guided snowshoe tour offers the opportunity to truly connect with the natural world. Night-time hikes are another magical option if it’s a starry or moonlit night.
Winter hiking is another great choice, and Val d’Isère has more than a dozen different signposted paths. These trails total about 30km and range from 1.5km to 6km in length, both in the valley and up in the mountains. By purchasing a pedestrian pass and using the lift system to access higher Alpine paths, hikers can admire the same
far-reaching views enjoyed by skiers.
One of the newer activities in the resort is ice bathing, which might sound nerve-wracking but is actually very gentle and incredibly relaxing! You wear a thick, insulated dry suit and lie back in a pool of water cut into the ice of the frozen lake. In this relaxed position, you can quite literally ‘drift off’!
Picking up the pace, dog sledding is another utterly brilliant activity to try. Whizzing along in the sled pulled by huskies is both exhilarating and great fun.
Ice climbing is another activity that may sound intimidating, but actually, almost anyone can give it a go. Beginner lessons are essential, of course, and can be arranged through your concierge. The La Daille icefall is even floodlit from 6 to 10pm most evenings, so you can ice climb at night.
For even more adrenaline, snowmobiling is another popular activity, or you could see everything from above, either from a tandem paraglider or on a helicopter sightseeing tour.
There’s plenty more “wintertainment” to be had in Val d’Isère, including the fabulous public indoor sports centre, the
Aquasportif. The village also has plenty of amazing spa facilities, and you can book culinary experiences like a fondue night or wine-tasting tours, as well as indulge in great shopping.
Consensio’s Apartment Etoile Filante: The Perfect Base
Styled by the famed interior designer Nicky Dobree, Etoile Filante (which means “shooting star”) is a modern duplex apartment in Val d’Isère’s La Canadienne development. It’s a wonderful spot, just a short walk from the nearest ski slopes.
This luxurious accommodation, spread over two floors, sleeps six adults in three double and twin bedrooms and up to three children in a bunk room. The primary suite is a real showstopper, with a separate shower and a private balcony offering views over the Solaise ski slopes.
The main living area is open-plan and centred around a signature fireplace, with a stylish dining room and separate kitchen. If any member of your party needs to work while away you’ll find a study area and for abundant fresh air, there’s a private balcony with wonderful scenic views.
Image: © Yann Allegre
To make your stay as special as possible, Consensio provides a pre-arrival concierge service, which continues throughout your stay and is ready to help with any activities you’d like to try. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and shown around, with a luxury welcome basket—including Perrier Jouët champagne—waiting for you. Luxury bathroom products, super comfy slippers, fluffy towels and bathrobes will also be provided, and you’ll enjoy daily housekeeping and a mid-week towel change.
Apartment Etoile Filante’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring Val d’Isère’s many non-ski activity options. Your Consensio concierge is ready to help you create the ultimate ski or non-ski adventure from Apartment Etoile Filante.
Capture the Moment
THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CHALET IN THE ALPS
The stunning scenery of the Alps has long inspired artists, writers, poets and philosophers. It’s a big part of why we all love being in the mountains. However,the social media age has taken things to a whole new level, and today, Val d’Isère attracts a plethora of celebrities and influencers looking for Insta-worthy moments as well as a fabulous holiday. The hashtag #valdisere has been used over 400,000 times. It’s not just influencers like London-based men’s fashion, grooming and lifestyle blogger Carl Cunard, with his 1.4 million Instagram followers, or celebs like chef Jamie Oliver and Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent posting from the slopes - there’s a growing trend of travellers seeking picture-perfect locations for their social media. Ski resorts are, of course, wise to the free publicity these images bring, so now make it easy, recommending perfect Insta spots with the best views themselves. With ever-better cameras on our phones, it’s also getting easier to get the perfect shot or TikTok video backdrop. However, you can still increase your chances of creating a social media masterpiece that everyone wants to share by following a few simple photography tips and perhaps booking into the very photogenic Chalet Blackcomb, which is full of Insta-worthy locations, without even going outside!
Visually Stunning Locations in Val d’Isère
It’s no surprise that Val d’Isère is such a hit on social media. Among the modern developments, you’ll find historic parts of the original village, including a church that dates back to 1664. Combine this with spectacular snow-covered mountains, stylish bars, shops and restaurants, and the potential for Instagrammable moments is endless. Popular Instagram spots include the main Front de Neige ski area with its magnificent views and lively atmosphere.
At La Daille, there’s a great range of pistes and scenic descents perfect for action shots. It’s also here where you’ll find The Lost Village, a collection of treehouses with a very photogenic appearance in the snow, perfect for Insta posts. In the village centre, you can capture the local vibe. There’s always something new—the local tourist office and lift company have helpfully created love-heart frames, perfect for posing inside, near the top of the Olympique piste.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Best Shots in a Chalet
Popular Insta post ideas for ski holidays include the group selfie on the chairlift (top tip, don’t drop your phone!), the fondue party, the reflection of you taking a selfie in your goggles, you by a sign for a famous run, dancing at La Folie Douce, a spectacular mountain view, making snow angels or in the perfect Jacuzzi (again, for the last one, that don’t drop your phone top tip applies!). For the pictures to be their best though it’s worth considering natural light and the best times of day if you’re taking interior pictures in the chalet or where the sun is, if outdoors. What can make your image stand out from the rest can depend on how you frame the shot to capture the most interesting features of your subject. There can also be great beauty when you capture small details, like textures, fabrics, décor or a ski pole in deep snow.
Val d’Isère’s Most Photogenic Chalet
Chalet Blackcomb is a design masterpiece created by the husband-and-wife duo Amy and Hewie Dalrymple, of the London-based interior design firm Dalrymple Studio. Their brief was to create a home away from home feel, oozing luxury and light, from a building previously owned by a family of avid downhill racers that was formerly divided into two separate parts. Taking everything back to the outer walls and adding an extension, the resulting four-level family chalet is one of Val d’Isère’s top properties. For Instagrammers, as well as being utterly luxurious, it’s chock-full of things you’ll want to photograph.
“When designing the initial layout of the chalet, we had to be conscious of the window locations and positioning to ensure everyone in the family gets a good view from their rooms,” Amy told Home Journal, adding, “The stone for this space was sourced from a local company in Val d’Isère, and the old vintage sledge
table adds a distinctly local character to this restorative space.” That sledge table is one of many perfect locations for Instagram shoots, with the book nook, living area with fireplace and balcony views as other popular options.
Feature on Chalet Blackcomb
Chalet Blackcomb is a fabulous designer luxury property in a prime location in the exclusive domain of Cacholet, close to ski areas and the centre of Val d’Isère. You have a private chalet shuttle at your disposal to take you to and from wherever you want to go. The chalet is filled with local stone, natural wood, and stunning textiles and boasts an open-plan living area with a fireplace and kitchen area where your chalet team will prepare your sumptuous meals. There’s a large private balcony here with fabulous views overlooking the valley - you’ll want to picture and post. A second open-plan lounge area with a dining area is separated from the first by a stunning floor-to-ceiling glass wall. The ground floor has a large indoor swimming pool that uses ozone technology, making it completely chlorine-free, and in-chalet massage or spa treatments can be arranged on request.
Chalet Blackcomb has five twin or double spacious ensuite bedrooms. The two main bedrooms share a large south-facing private balcony with an outdoor hot tub so double prizes when it comes to Insta images - assuming you’re not enjoying yourself so much you just forget about social media until you’re heading back home!
Throughout your stay, and from the moment you book, Consensio’s concierge service is available to advise, and if you wish, book anything you need. You’ll have a private chalet team of two dedicated hosts/cooks preparing your meals, refilling your bottomless glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, and serving any other drinks you’d like from the well-stocked bar. There’s also covered parking with an EV charger, a heated ski locker, the services of a shared driver between 8am - 8pm, and daily housekeeping.
Val d’Isère provides the ultimate backdrop for your Insta posts, and if you book into Chalet Blackcomb, your followers’ jaws will drop, and your posts will go viral before you know it as you capture and share your unforgettable moments in the Alps.
Photographs © Kensington Laverne
New Val d’Isère Apartments Named After Goddesses
DISCOVER THE BRAND NEW ULTIMATE SKI-IN/SKI-OUT
RETREATS FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
This winter, Consensio has introduced a new collection of four luxury serviced apartments in Val d’Isère: the Joseray Collection. Newly built and operated exclusively by Consensio, the apartments collectively sleep up to 30 guests and are an excellent solution for extended families, friends and other guests who want to spend their ski holiday together, but with the independence that separate luxury serviced apartments can offer.
Introducing the Joseray Collection
Christened Flora, Aurora, Ceres and Luna after Roman goddesses, the four luxury apartments are located in a prime position between the Bellevarde and Solaise mountains and offer ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Two of the apartments sleep up to eight guests each, while the other two can accommodate six adults apiece, with one also having space for two children. Collectively, they can accommodate up to 30 guests. This combination offers exciting flexibility for your group, with the option to book from one to four apartments for six to 30 guests. Having individual apartments allows groups to have an independent holiday space while easily being able to get together on the slopes or whenever else they like.
As with all of Consensio’s serviced Alpine apartments, you’ll be able to discuss the needs of your group—whatever its size—with Consensio’s dedicated personal concierge service before your travel and throughout your stay in Val d’Isère. You’ll be greeted on arrival by Consensio’s experienced apartment manager and given an introduction to the property, where a welcome hamper of luxury goodies, including Perrier-Jouët champagne, will be waiting to kick off your holiday in style. Guests benefit from daily
housekeeping, final end-of-stay cleaning, all linen and fluffy towels, along with super comfy slippers and dressing gowns.
Apartment Flora
Flora, named after the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, symbolises the blooming of nature and renewal. This is fitting for this elegant new three-bedroom apartment, which sleeps six and is spread over two floors, covering an impressive 130m². Upon entering the apartment, you’ll find a convenient ski and boot storage area that leads into the large open-plan living and dining area—perfect for socialising with your loved ones after a day exploring the mountains. The three twin and double bedrooms are nestled below, each offering en-suite wash and shower rooms.
Apartment Ceres
Even more spacious at 136m² spread across two floors, Ceres, appears in Roman mythology as the goddess of fertility and motherly relationships, reflecting her nurturing spirit. This luxury
apartment boasts a cosy bunk bedroom for children alongside three luxurious en-suite bedrooms, making it a fantastic choice for families with younger children. Two of the double/twin bedrooms have full en-suite facilities, while the third and the children’s room both feature en-suite washrooms. Additionally, the property includes two separate bathrooms and a large, comfortable open-plan lounge and dining area on its upper floor, complete with heated ski/boot storage.
Apartment Luna
Luna, named after the Roman goddess of the moon, is one of the larger luxury apartments, spread over 143m² and three floors. Offering the same opulent feel and meticulous design as the other Joseray Collection luxury serviced apartments, it features a spacious open-plan living and dining area. Imagine stepping onto your private balcony to soak in the panoramic mountain views — a stunning spot to enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. After a day of adventures, step into Apartment Luna and be welcomed by your private boot room, keeping
your ski gear organised and ready for the next day’s excursions. Sleeping eight, the apartment’s four bedrooms are all tranquil havens, each with en-suite facilities. The upper-floor bedroom is particularly special, featuring a freestanding bathtub at the foot of your bed and a private balcony — perfect for unwinding under the stars.
Apartment Aurora
Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn who renews herself every morning and flies across the sky announcing the arrival of the sun, would love this luxury apartment named in her honour. With its private spa and relaxation area complete with a sauna and steam room — rare amenities for an apartment — Aurora is the largest and most luxurious of the exceptional new Joseray Collection apartments. Spanning four floors and covering 190m², Aurora, like Luna, accommodates eight guests. This apartment features a magnificent open-plan living and dining area, complete with a cosy fireplace and expansive balconies at both ends, offering extraordinary mountain views. Additionally, the outdoor jacuzzi
is ideal for enjoying a glass of fizz while soothing your tired legs after a wonderful day of skiing. The four bedrooms are spread across two levels, with three spacious double/twin bedrooms on one floor and the luxurious primary suite on its own private level. Aurora’s facilities are rounded off with a private ski and boot room and washing facilities.
The Collective Experience
The Joseray Collection of beautifully appointed, spacious, fully serviced apartments is brand new for this winter. The flexibility offered by being able to book any number or combination of these luxury serviced apartments provides fully customisable stays, from intimate family holidays to larger group gatherings. Their perfect ski-in/ski-out location in the winter sports paradise of Val d’Isère is the icing on the cake. This winter, you have the chance to be among the first to enjoy the Joseray Collection for yourself and experience an unforgettable alpine getaway.
All images express a design impression of the final apartments, please visit the Consensio website for up-to-date photographs.
From Piste to Party
APRÈS-SKI ADVENTURES IN THE FRENCH ALPS
French ski resorts are generally not as well-known for their raucous après-ski scenes as some notorious destinations like Andorra and Austria. Perhaps that’s a good thing though, when you consider resorts like Val d’Isère have a plethora of rather more sophisticated places where you can start the party even before the last lift of the day, and then carry on all night if you wish… and have the energy! If you want to check out all that Val d’Isère’s nightlife has to offer, a stay at Consensio’s serviced Apartment Les Sorbiers could be your best choice, located close to the après-ski action as well as the slopes.
Best Après-Ski Bars and Clubs in Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère offers a rich blend of lively bars, chic clubs, and cosy spots. Most famous of all is La Folie Douce, an iconic on-mountain cabaret bar that has proved so wildly successful that other venues in the franchise have opened in leading resorts across the French Alps, but the original is here. Famed for its high-energy open-air parties on the slopes, La Folie
Douce offers great food and drink, with live DJs, dancers, and circus performers. It all kicks off in the early afternoon, and it can be difficult to force yourself back onto the slopes once you get drawn in! However, there are dozens of other bars in all shapes and sizes to choose from across the resort. Le Petit Danois, for example, is famed for its welcoming atmosphere and generous happy hours, making it popular with Brits and Scandinavians. Or, if you want to go straight from the slopes to the party, Cocorico at the base of the slopes delivers high energy with live music and a buzzing atmosphere. Doudoune is also great for dancing and is in one of the easiest-to-reach locations in the village (by ski, on foot, or ski bus). The party usually starts around 4 pm and continues well into the small hours—can you dance for more hours than you can ski?
Signature Alpine Cocktails
The après-ski and cocktail worlds are a marriage made in heaven. At the end of the ski day, a traditional vin chaud (mulled wine) or hot toddy keeps you warm as temperatures drop and you cool down after a day on the snow. Later, you might like to
try a Génépi Mule, a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, using the local Génépi liqueur. Or, there’s the newer Aperol Spritz, currently the most popular cocktail in the Alps. Toffee Vodka is another wonderful drink to warm the cockles of your heart, and the Thunder Toffee Vodka brand actually began with a barman in Val d’Isère seeking to perfect the best one in town. They have a long list of cocktail mixes using their unique liqueurs, but the Sledgehammer toffee vodka champagne cocktail is arguably the best.
Everything In Moderation, Well Kind Of…
With so many fun options to explore, it’s easy to lose track of time and everything else when your night is going well. But it’s important to plan your après-ski adventure, just as you do your day on the slopes. The best advice is to eat a substantial meal before heading out to maintain your energy levels (what better excuse to enjoy a Savoyard favourite like fondue, tartiflette, or raclette?). Once you’re out in the bars and clubs, ensure you stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic drinks with water. With some venues open until near dawn, make sure you know when to call it a night so you get enough sleep to enjoy your next day on the slopes. It sounds a little dull, but it also makes sense to lay out your ski gear for the next day before you head out partying, so everything is ready to go once you wake up.
Consensio’s Serviced Apartment Les Sorbiers
Les Sorbiers is ideally located for accessing Val d’Isère’s vibrant nightlife and the ski slopes. The property, which sleeps ten adults and three children, is situated within a luxury building right in the heart of the original village.
The apartment’s ground floor is open plan, with the living
area centred around its welcoming fireplace. There’s an adjoining snug with a TV and office area, whilst the dining room connects directly to the open-plan kitchen with a breakfast seating area. Outside, there’s a garden and terrace offering mountain views and a private Jacuzzi from which to enjoy them. There are five en-suite bedrooms, a private heated ski and boot locker, and two underground parking spaces.
Les Sorbiers guests can take advantage of Consensio’s preand post-arrival concierge service, which can organise every aspect of your stay to suit your needs. This might include hiring a mixologist (Consensio partners with The Mountain Mixologist) to create personalised cocktails in the comfort of your apartment.
You’ll also enjoy a welcome reception upon arrival, with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne chilling in the fridge. There’ll also be luxury bathroom products and complimentary slippers provided, complete with mid-week housekeeping and towel change. Other services can be arranged by your concierge as required, including pre-arrival shopping, food delivery, ski hire, ski guides, lift passes, transfers, nannies, restaurant reservations and in-resort activities.
When it comes to a vibrant, multi-layered après-ski scene, Val d’Isère is hard to beat. Les Sorbiers’ location near bars and clubs makes it the ideal base from which to ski all day, enjoy après-ski activities and then relax before you do it all again!
Serviced Apartment Holidays: The Best of Both Worlds
LUXURY APARTMENTS OFFER REAL HOLIDAY FREEDOM, AND WITH CONSENSIO YOU ARE GUARANTEED THE HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE TOO.
We all head to the mountains to enjoy the amazing views, fabulous snow and the exhilaration of whizzing down the slopes. However, for the perfect holiday, it’s important to get the other parts of your trip — travel and accommodation — right too. Sometimes a traditional chalet or hotel isn’t quite right if you want to organise everything yourself, but equally, standard apartments can leave you feeling unsupported when you do need help. The answer? A beautiful, serviced luxury Alpine apartment providing the perfect blend of independence and affordable luxury.
The Advantages of Choosing A Serviced Apartment
The terms “serviced apartment” and “affordable luxury” can cover a wide range of accommodation standards, but with Consensio, you can be sure that the apartments and the services provided are exceptional and deliver the high-end experience you expect.
Choosing a serviced apartment for your ski holiday offers complete accommodation independence with the service you’d expect from a luxury hotel—more space, privacy, and the high-end design and facilities provided by luxury chalets, but without the catering, giving you the freedom to dine in or book a restaurant each night as you wish.
With Consensio, you’ll still receive services such as concierge, an apartment manager, and daily cleaning, as well as the luxuries that make your holiday special, including a welcome basket with Perrier Jouët champagne and the highest quality toiletries in the bathrooms, while still enjoying the freedoms of apartment living.
In terms of affordable luxury, serviced apartments can be particularly cost-effective for families and small groups seeking a more understated level of service, offering privacy and space,
as well as personalised service, compared to the limited space and standardised service provided by most hotels.
Serviced Luxury Apartment Options From Consensio
Consensio’s luxurious serviced apartments are, as you’d expect, a cut above the Alpine norm. The company’s apartments are chosen partly for their perfect locations in the world’s leading resorts, but they also need to offer the highest standards of elegance and design, so few can qualify.
Consensio offers a choice of luxury serviced apartments in Val d’Isère, Méribel, and Courchevel. Those booking them are provided with exactly the same high standards of service in key areas on which the company’s reputation has been built. That includes the services of a private concierge, available not only during your stay but also pre-arrival, seven days a week. An apartment manager is also available throughout the trip to ensure not only a luxurious stay but also that any personal requests are accommodated. You’ll be personally welcomed on arrival at
your chosen apartment, where a scrumptious welcome hamper awaits, complete with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne. You’ll, of course, find your beds made on arrival, with all linen and fluffy towels provided, along with luxurious slippers and dressing gowns. The finest quality bathroom products will be arranged in each bathroom. Daily housekeeping is included, with a midweek towel change and end-of-stay cleaning.
Apartment Jossane: A Premier Choice
Apartment Jossane is one of the best luxury serviced apartments in a prime Méribel location, with direct access to the slopes and lifts and close to shops and restaurants, meaning everything you need is very close at hand. With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking mountain views and a 23m² private wraparound balcony, you probably won’t want to leave very quickly. The name ‘Jossane’ comes from the Cantonese words for ‘Hello’ (Jo San), and it’s the kind of greeting we all hope to receive as we sink into one of the apartment’s plush sofas in front of the
apartment’s open fire and perhaps pop open the complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne in the welcome basket or sample some other tipple from the private bar. Guests of Apartment Jossane have free access to Les Grands Chalets des Pistes’ spa and gym (16+ only).
The apartment sleeps four adults and four children in two double bedrooms and one children’s room with bunk beds. Each bedroom has a private bathroom, and there’s a large dining table seating eight. Child-friendly equipment is available on request.
Consensio offers the same commitment to providing a personalised approach to luxury and service that it does for all the holidays it offers, ensuring your holiday at Apartment Jossane or indeed any Consensio serviced apartment, promises to be an unforgettable and unique ski holiday experience.
If you’re looking for many of the services and amenities of a luxury chalet in a fabulous property in a superb location, but with greater freedom and independence, consider one of Consensio’s serviced apartments for your next ski holiday.
The Thrill of the Off-Piste
WHAT’S THE BEST RESORT FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS?
Any shortlist of the world’s great freeride destinations will include Val d’Isère, a paradise for those seeking the freedom that comes from venturing off the groomed runs. For serious powder skiers, the resort scores top marks in key areas such as perfect powder, vast terrain, massive vertical drops and innumerable varied and exciting descent options. The sense of adventure as you drop into the powder cannot be understated, creating a legion of Val d’Isère powder addicts. Named after one of the resort’s most infamous couloirs, Apartment Lorenzo is the perfect hub for thrill-seekers staying in this famous ski village.
Val d’Isère - The Off-Piste Paradise
Val d’Isère is widely regarded as one of the best off-piste ski destinations on the planet, and for good reason. The vast extent of the terrain — some 10,000 hectares — is largely accessible via the resort’s extensive, fast lift network. The high altitude of the village ensures excellent snow quality, making fabulous long, top-to-bottom powder descents possible all winter long on famous off-piste routes like the Tour du Charvet and Vallon de la Sache, among many others.
Safety is paramount when heading off-piste. The top tip is, of course, to always ski with a guide who is not only trained to keep you safe but also knows the best terrain on the day, with expert knowledge of conditions. It’s also very beneficial to take an offpiste skiing class before you head out. This ensures you know how to use the essential kit you need to carry, like an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, and you’ll know what to look out for when checking the weather and avalanche forecasts. All equipment can be provided by your guide. Above all, of course, never ski alone.
“Val d’Isère is rightly known for its truly epic off-piste opportunities, but its slopes are steep and avalanche prone and there are sudden cliff drops, so it’s important to take it deadly seriously. But hire a guide and you’ll be in off-piste paradise before you know it.” advises ski writer Patrick Thorne, author of the best-selling ski guide, Powder.
Couloir Lorenzo - A Hidden Gem
To really connect with Val d’Isère’s freeride scene, booking your base at Apartment Lorenzo is a good way to start. It is named after the infamous Couloir Lorenzo, which pitches at 38-45 degrees and drops a vertigo-inducing 547 vertical metres over its 1.1km length. If that’s not enough to inspire you, then perhaps taking in the view of the famed La Face de Bellevarde from one of the apartment’s two balconies will do the trick.
This luxurious apartment is located at the foot of the Solaise forest on Avenue Olympic, close to the shops and old town (visible from the other balcony), with the ski lift departing from the Snow Front just a few minutes’ walk away. You can even ski back to the apartment at the end of your ski day on the slopes.
Apartment Lorenzo is a spacious duplex that sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The apartment has been designed to maximise natural light and boasts modern decor, combined with local (A or a?)alpine materials for authentic charm, making it the perfect hub for your off-piste adventures.
It features a comfortable living area with a fireplace and a large TV. There’s a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar and a separate wine
fridge. The main floor houses three of the bedrooms, each with private west-facing balconies. The primary bedroom has both a bath and a shower, while there’s a double/twin bedroom and a bunk room with two bunk beds. The fourth bedroom is located on the upper floor and boasts stunning views from its full-height windows.
If staying at Apartment Lorenzo inspires you to ski its namesake couloir, make sure you have the skills and fitness required to tackle it, as good technique is essential. The risk of falling is significant, and it could have serious consequences! As with all things off-piste in Val d’Isère, or anywhere else, it’s best to take proper advice from mountain guides first.
Guests receive Consensio’s fabulous concierge service
before arrival and throughout their stay. The team can help with everything from boulangerie breakfast delivery, prearrival shopping, ski hire, lift passes, transfers and restaurant reservations, through to booking the guide you need to take you to Val d’Isère’s best off-piste spots during your stay. You’ll also receive daily housekeeping, all linen and fluffy towels, luxurious slippers and dressing gowns, and a welcome basket complete with Perrier-Jouët champagne on arrival.
Why not consider the luxury serviced Apartment Lorenzo as your base for off-piste adventures in Val d’Isère? What could be better than skiing the wonderful terrain above the famous village and then skiing back to a stunning property named after one of its most famous descents?
Work and Play: Ski Resorts for Digital Nomads
DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE BALANCE OF WORK AND LEISURE AT CHALET LE GRENIER, MÉRIBEL
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John Adams, one of America’s Founding Fathers, once said: “Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.”
The enforced isolation we all experienced in the early 2020s, leading to the normalisation of remote working, certainly proved that. Since travel has resumed, we’ve seen the rise of the digital nomad—and what better base to work from than a beautiful ski chalet in a snowy resort? At properties like Méribel’s ultimate catered Chalet Le Grenier, especially well-suited to remote workers, you can ski for part of the day and work the rest, enjoying all the fabulous facilities, service, and cuisine of the chalet experience. There’s even a whole sub-genre of this lifestyle: the Digital Snowmad.
The Allure of Remote Working from Ski Resorts
Working remotely from a ski resort makes sense in more ways than you might initially realise. A recent Forbes study into remote working quoted survey results and statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that 61% of workers have a “very positive” view of remote working, and 78% found it improved their work-life balance. They didn’t say how many respondents were talking about working remotely from a ski resort, but it’s a safe bet that if they had been enjoying the fresh air, stunning scenery and immediate access to not just skiing but a range of indoor and outdoor leisure activities, those percentages would have been closer to 100%.
For families, there’s the added benefit that partners and children can enjoy a full holiday while you work when needed. If you’re not working for yourself, allowing you to work remotely even makes sense for your employer. An experiment by Stanford Business School, involving over 16,000 employees, found that productivity increased by 13% when staff were given the option
to work remotely. The Forbes/ONS research also found that 79.9% of employers believed remote working improved staff well-being—so it’s a win for everyone.
“I was delighted when my company gave me the green light to work from a ski resort,” said digital snowmad Anne, adding, “One of the best things was being an hour ahead of my office in the UK, so I skied a few hours each morning before opening my laptop.”
Digital Nomad-Friendly Amenities
Ski resorts have not been slow in recognising the benefits of attracting digital snowmads. High-speed internet, often better than you might have at home, is increasingly the norm, and they’ve created dedicated workspaces and comfortable living arrangements specifically for remote workers wanting to stay slopeside.
“Nowadays, heading off to France is not an issue from a work perspective; from my point of view, it gives me clarity and motivation to achieve more. From a creative and well-being
standpoint, it’s important for me not to be boxed in with the usual 9-5 office routine. And to the outside world (unless I tell them), everyone just assumes I’m sat in an office in the UK, when in fact I’ll most likely be on a ski slope in the Alps. It’s a complete gamechanger really,” said Lyle Metcalfe, founder of e-bike brand Volt.
Chalet Le Grenier in Méribel is a perfect choice for remote working, offering high-speed internet and a large private library/ office for you to work from, complete with iMacs and a printer. It’s a serene, distraction-free environment in the heart of the French Alps.
Whenever you want a break from work, Chalet Le Grenier’s prime location close to the Morel chairlift and Hulotte piste for easy ski-in/ski-out access, means you can quickly get on the slopes, whether you want to spend half a day working, half skiing, or perhaps doing an hour’s work, popping out for a few ski runs, then back in the office and repeat throughout the day. With the slopes right there, the choice is yours.
When not working or skiing, you’ll want to enjoy Chalet Le Grenier’s chic design by Nicky Dobree and its many luxurious features. Spread over a huge 550m² space, the first “Wow!”
comes in the central foyer and living area with its triple-height windows and panoramic mountain views. The next might be the chalet’s incredible spa, which includes a sunken family-sized Jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and well-equipped gym. The chalet also features a cosy TV snug for relaxation and a separate games room. All these facilities are perfect for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, quickly contributing to your relaxation and overall well-being once you put down the phone and step away from your laptop.
Chalet Le Grenier has spacious en-suite primary suites and double/twin bedrooms, most featuring balconies or terraces with stunning mountain views. If you’d like a break from the office on a blue-sky day, you can even work from the balcony with fresh air, mountain views and delicious fresh coffee (or PerrierJouët champagne!) readily available.
Is this the winter that you embrace the digital snowmad lifestyle? Ski all morning, catch up on emails in the afternoon and then perhaps some spa time. Is there a better way to increase your productivity while improving your work-life balance and mental well-being?
Skiing for All
ACCESSIBLE SKI HOLIDAYS IN COLLABORATION WITH DISABILITY SNOWSPORT UK
It’s all too easy to forget, as we enjoy another fabulous day on the slopes in our snowy corner of paradise, just what a miraculous thing skiing is. Through our collective efforts, we humans have created many great things, but can any of them top the joy of skiing – the feeling of floating down the slopes, the fresh air, and the connection back to the freedom of childhood fun? For Consensio, it’s important to make ski holidays accessible to everyone, providing whatever is needed to make that happen. Consensio operates chalets designed to cater to individuals with disabilities in resorts where ski schools and lift companies are also set up to help. Additionally, Consensio sponsors Britain’s premier charity in this area, Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK), in their mission to help young disabled people experience the mental and physical benefits, as well as the sheer joy of skiing.
The Importance of Accessible Ski Holidays
Scientific studies have long since proven the physical and mental health benefits of skiing for all, so the importance of making snowsports accessible to individuals with disabilities cannot be overstated.
Kelly Gallagher MBE, who is visually impaired with oculocutaneous albinism, took Britain’s firstever Winter Paralympic gold medal a decade ago. Despite feeling that she was fairly average at most sports, skiing was a very different experience. Recalling her first time on skis at the age of 17, she told The Guardian, “I’d never in my memory experienced that ability to just shoot off, without anybody else’s help.”
Fortunately, the facilities and services available continue to improve and it’s now
possible for almost everyone to get on the snow and experience that sense of freedom we all love.
Consensio’s Accessible Properties
Consensio is passionate in its belief that the mountains should be accessible for all to enjoy and works with DSUK to improve accessibility further. The company collaborates with highly qualified adaptive snowsports instructors who have the skills and experience, along with specialist equipment, to help anyone with physical or cognitive needs enjoy exploring the mountains. When staying with Consensio, your adaptive snowsports instructor will meet you at your chalet and accompany you throughout your day on the slopes.
Consensio’s services are bespoke, whatever your individual requirements. These include a full consultation with your chalet manager ahead of arrival and, once in the resort, the availability of a chauffeur to take you from your chalet to the piste and back whenever you wish to finish for the day. You can also discuss any
dietary requirements with the chalet chef.
One of their flagship chalets, Ultimate Catered Chalet Marco Polo, is perfectly positioned in a private corner of Val d’Isère with easy access to the town and is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy its fabulous 1000m² of alpine-chic design, including a gold-leaf, Christian Lacroix ozone-technology swimming pool. Chalet Marco Polo has been titled ‘France’s Best Ski Chalet’ no fewer than three times and named one of the ‘Top Three Chalets in the World’ at the prestigious World Ski Awards. The additional wellness facilities, including a hot tub, hammam, relaxation area, massage rooms and hydro massage machine, no doubt contributed to the judges’ decision, along with the entertainment facilities, which include a games room, pool table, darts, techno gym and interactive racing game.
Consensio’s Support for Disability Snowsport UK
To help Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) in its mission to make
snowsports accessible to all individuals with disabilities, Consensio has sponsored DSUK’s Children’s Accessible Snowsports Programme for two consecutive years. During the courses, each child receives one-on-one support, with tailored tutoring and specialised equipment provided. This, of course, costs much more to offer than a regular summer camp, but Consensio’s sponsorship ensures it remains affordable for all.
Rebekah, mum of eight-year-old twins Harrison and Fynn, said: “I just wanted to say from the bottom of my heart, the biggest thank you for the help Consensio’s sponsorship of DSUK provided for many children just like mine. It allowed them just to be children like everyone else and join together in a club and bond through their shared love of snow sports. The happy smiles at the end of each of these club sessions, from both the children and their carers alike, were magical to see, and I am sure many families have created wonderful memories this summer that will have such a positive impact going forward too.”
The Future of Accessible Skiing
There’s a growing demand for accessible travel options in the travel industry, and Consensio Chalets, in partnership with DSUK, will continue to champion inclusivity and provide ever-greater access to the slopes for all, leading the ski tourism business.
Finally, our last word has to go to Kelly: “At the Paralympics, you see so many people with interesting stories, and you realise how everyone has their own unique story. So disability isn’t really separate; there aren’t able-bodied and disabled people – it’s just that everyone’s experiencing life in a different way.”
