Top 5: French ski chalets
During the bargain-heavy end-of-season, you needn't be a Russian oligarch to pick up a chic chalet
Val-d'Isere, Alps, France
Club Bellevarde
01 Club Bellevarde Val-d'Isère
After a day on the slopes, step into twin, terrace hot tubs and admire the view — you're right on Santon's piste at this smart, stone-and-timber retreat. A chef takes care of dinner in the vast, vaulted dining room, while the dozen rooms are booked individually to create a clubhouse vibe. vip-chalets.com
Chalet Dalmore
02 Chalet Dalmore Chamonix
Mont Blanc is yours for the taking, framed through the panoramic windows of this striking five-bedroom chalet. Cosy up in the 'whiskey snug' on the roof terrace and warm up in the heated outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub. And that's before you get to the show-off suspended fireplace, inside. alpineguru.com
Chalet One
03 Chalet One Megève
Located in the village of Combloux, this modern, three-floor, six-bedroom cabin comes with an outdoor hot tub, picture windows with mountain views and a Harley-Davidson in the entrance hall (not wildly useful on the slopes, but the ultimate showpiece nonetheless). akvillas.com
Le Grenier
04 Le Grenier Méribel
This smart ski resort's shiniest new address comes with six plush en suite bedrooms, a huge living area with a triple-height window overlooking the valley, plus a whirlpool bath, sauna, gym and — to aid weary limbs— a lift. Plus, this season, a fitness coach is on hand for ski workouts. meriski.co.uk
Chalet Genepy
05 Chalet Genepy Val-d'Isère
With a hammam and swimming pool built into the rock, you don't have to go outside to embrace the elements. This six-bedroom lodge also comes with a nanny, kids' club and cosy bunk room — a fine family retreat. scottdunn.com
Published in the March 2016 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)