back to top A family destination

Standing on the track that leads down to the chalet there is an almost tangible stillness and tranquility. A stoic building sat solid at the head of its domain, lines of mountain peaks drawing your gaze down the length of the Chamonix valley. There is a pervading sense of poignancy, almost of pathos. In a way, you feel you are looking at history.

As you step across the doorway the first thing you'll notice is the smell, the scent of cooking, ash from the fire. You'll be enveloped by the hazy warmth, by the sense of being somewhere that is truly lived in, a home that has cared for its family for decades. The chalet has a peaceful, spacious, timeless beauty that can't be designed or bought, that can only be grown. You have an odd and immediate sense that you have always lived there. You will wish you lived there. You will never want to leave.

back to top Location

If you head up the valley, Le Planet is, effectively, at the end of the road. It is in every way a different Chamonix to the one you would see staying in town: instead of being squeezed by huge, humbling peaks on either flank, at Le Planet you are on a raised plateau, the chalet's dignified gaze cast calmly down the valley. Mont Blanc and the Midi are less imposing, more visible, in a different relief. The suddenly impressive Aiguilles Rouge sit at your right hand. You are at an altitude high enough to keep snow through the whole winter. And at your feet is a private snowfield, a full acre of property at the centre of which is a converted farmhouse which has for generations been home to the same family.

back to top Facilities

For all Le Planet is traditional and homely, it is not devoid of modern comforts. You can drop your boots on the heated rack as you get in from your day, then take some time to ease-off in the ambient-lit three-person sauna, or in the sound-system equipped outdoor hot tub that looks over the depth of the garden. Or curl up with a book from the excellently stocked bookshelves. There is a large DVD and music collection. If you need somewhere to hide the kids, the downstairs playroom is armed with a games console.

The most notable features, though, are the huge garden itself – with sledging versions of blue runs and reds – and the tranquillity. Le Planet is not in town. It is not even out of town. It is out of town, up the valley, off the road, at the end of a short track which, with a bit of snow, you could ski down. If you're driving out, you'll want to bring the Land Rover.

back to top Bedrooms

The bedrooms are tremendous. Three downstairs, three up, sleeping fourteen in total. There are two top-floor balconies, but there is no mind-blowing master suite, no flashy modern trimming. The three lower-floor rooms have just been repainted in cosy neutrals, but you won't stop cold when you see them. You won't be tempted to take a picture of these rooms. But you will want to sleep in them. The whole downstairs is like a den. Upstairs the rooms have odd angles, snug corners, the walls and beams wrap around you like a hug. You will sleep well.

back to top Kitchen

Cooking at Le Planet is a homely experience. The kitchen has everything you need without bewildering you with twenty-piece knife sets or patronising you with magic bottle openers. The extras here are actual cooking accessories: pots and jars, herbs and spices, the things you would find in a real kitchen, because this is a real, fully functioning kitchen. It is perhaps not the place to produce a twelve course gourmet degustation (though our private chefs may differ on this point!), but it is just the kitchen for a good old English roast. Or step through the door to the covered terrace, and make the most of the full-size Weber gas barbeque.

back to top Living Area

As with every other aspect of Le Planet, the only word you really need is 'cosy'. It is in a similar format to a lot of chalets, a spacious open-plan mid level combining kitchen, dining area, and sofa space – but here it is snug in a way you could only achieve through years of use. It will work for you because it has worked for generations. The sofa you sit on will not feel comfy because it has just been flown in from Dudgeons of Knightsbridge – it will feel comfy because it has been there, feeling comfy, since time began. Nothing is pristine. You will feel at home because you are at a home.

back to top Services provided

Self Catered Option includes:

• Concierge service before and during your stay to help organise any services you might require such as ski pass purchase, transport etc

• A welcome at the chalet to explain how everything works as well as the chalet rules; a summary of what is going on in Chamonix and the best places to visit, rent skis, go out etc; a run through and confirmation of any services you may have pre booked with us such as guides, monitors, baby sitters etc

• 12 hours of housekeeping organised at a time most convenient to you.

Comfort Pack Includes:

• Concierge service before and during your stay to help organise the services included at the most convenient times for you as well as anyadditional services you might require such as ski pass purchase, transport, guides etc

• A welcome drink at the chalet to explain how everything works as well as the chalet rules; a summary of what is going on in Chamonix and the best places to visit, rent skis, go out etc; a run through and confirmation of any services you may have pre booked with us such as guides, monitors, baby sitters etc

• Daily housekeeping including a full change of linen and towens in the middle of your stay.

• Fresh fruit and flowers: an elegant bouquet, as well as a large bowl of fresh seasonal fruits will be present on your arrival.

• Bathroom Products: at the beginning of your stay a range of high quality bathroom products will be provided for each bathroom.

• Fridge filling and champagne: the fridge will be stocked with a variety of the finest local fare, so you can prepare a light meal on your arrival and enjoy your first breakfast without having to worry about shopping or bringing your own food. Do let us know if any of your group have special dietary requirements.

• Chocolates: A box of delicious local chocolates will be waiting for you upon arrival.

• Newspapers: every morning a daily newspaper of your choice will be delivered by the housekeeper.

• Daily spa Servicing: The hot tub will be checked and rebalanced for you each morning.

Fully Catered Includes

• A full time host: Dedicated to making your stay as enjoyable as possible by organising the services included at the most convenient times for you as well as anyadditional services you might require.Your host starts working for you before your arrival and remains available throughout your stay.

• A welcome drink at the chalet to introduce all the staff who will be striving to make your stay in Chamonix better than you expect.....

• Daily housekeeping including a full change of linen and towens in the middle of your stay.

• Fresh fruit and flowers: an elegant bouquet, as well as a large bowl of fresh seasonal fruits will be present on your arriva and changed mid-stay.

• Bathroom Products: at the beginning of your stay a range of high quality bathroom products will be provided for each bathroom.

• Fridge filling and champagne: the fridge will be stocked with a variety of the finest local fare, so you can prepare a light meal on your arrival and enjoy your first breakfast without having to worry about shopping or bringing your own food. Do let us know if any of your group have special dietary requirements.

• Chocolates: upon arrival a box of delicious local chocolates will be presented.

• Newspapers: every morning a daily newspaper of your choice will be delivered by the housekeeper.

• Daily spa Servicing: The hot tub will be checked and rebalanced for you each morning.

• Chef:Our chefs are all fully trained with years of experience but more importantly completely at your service. They come every day to prepare a cooked or continental breakfast, freshly baked cakes for tea and then a lavish evening meal with all drinks included. They will liase with you prior to arrival for any special dietry requirements as well as to fine tune the menu to your preferences.

• Wine and soft drinks - A good quantity of wines and all soft drinks are included at your discretion. A further wine list is available for connoisseurs.

• Transport: 2 drivers and vans will pick you up at the airport and will then be available at your convenience throughout your stay. This means that you can easily split your ski days between different areas of the valley, catering for different skiing abilities or simply tracking the sunshine throughout the day; you can pop into town for supplies without any hassle; you can make the most of the valley's restaurants, bars and nightclubs without needing a designated driver, and without risking finding out at 4am that Chamonix has no all-night taxis.

• Masseueuse: Four hours of massages are available for your group

• Guide/Monitor: We include one guide or monitor for the week either to help you explore all the different areas in the valley or to take care of and help any children improve from a personal teacher.