Chalet Pic Noir

The most sumptuous four-bedroom, four bathroom chalet in Val d’Isère, in the most perfect location, Chalet Pic Noir (the black woodpecker) will satisfy even the most discerning of skiers and non-skiers.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking: oh no, not more tour operator twaddle! Once you read sumptuous and discerning in the same sentence, the alarm bells start ringing…

So can we justify the hyperbole? Well, Pic Noir, Perdrix and Ptarmigan are adjacent apartments occupying the whole third floor of the Résidence du Savoie in the village centre. The architect is Michel Covarel, who has pretty much single-handedly transformed Val d’Isère into the elegant resort it has become. Pic Noir is quite amazing – more like something from House & Garden than a ski chalet. Its kitchen alone is as big as some apartments!

The sitting-dining room is spectacular. Full of granite and old timber, with good lighting, modern sofas and a massive balcony. It offers the most amazing views from La Daille to Solaise, from the main street to the Face de Charvet.

Designerish people will enjoy all of the little colour-coordinated touches. The four bedrooms are beautifully fitted and finished, and all have the option of two good-sized single beds or a huge double. Please specify which you would prefer when you book your holiday.

The bathrooms (one bath, three showers) are also sumptuous, with wonderful showers.

Bedroom four is a perfect twin or double room, but its window opens into the hall rather than the outside world. If there are seven of you, the seventh will be very comfortable alone in that room. If you are eight, don’t give it to the fresh air fiends. The shower from Bedroom 4 opens into the sauna.

And can the position really be described as ‘the most perfect location’? Well, if you remember the old Perdrix Blanche restaurant, or if you know the new Fondue Factory, Chalet Pic Noir is literally on top of them. Bang in the middle of the main street, a few paces from all of the shops, restaurants, bars, pharmacies, physios and anything else one may want after a day on the world’s best slopes, which are just a four-minute walk away.

There are two guest parking spaces under the building, which are available to those staying in this chalet and the other 5 YSE chalets in the building. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and cost £100 per car, per week. The car park was not really designed for Range Rovers and G-Wagons! They do fit in, but most of the time the driver will need help from a second person outside the car.

There is nowhere better in Val d’Isère for seven or eight people…