Two for the slopes - looking for luxury couples ski holidays?

Which date?

The best time to ski depends mostly on what kind of skiing experience you’re hoping for. See below for our run-down on skiing from December through to April;

• Early season: We always open our Val d’Isere chalets the first week of December. Prices are lower at this time of year and the slopes tend to be quiet.

• Christmas and New Year: Fulfil the dream of a white Christmas! The festive period is one of the most exciting times to ski, with all our resorts putting on a real show with decorations, fireworks and festivities. Escape the stress and let our hosts take care of Christmas dinner, or enjoy a three-course gala dinner on New Year’s Eve with champagne and canapes. There is something truly magical about a ski holiday over the festive period.

• January: By January the season is getting into full swing and cold temperatures ensure a great snow cover. The best date for a special offer is likely to be January and you can almost guarantee a good snow coverage and quieter pistes, but days are shorter and temperatures usually colder (don’t worry; it will be cosy in the chalet with the log fire lit). If you are not beholden to school holiday dates, January is a fantastic month to hit the slopes.

• February: February is one of the most popular months in which to go skiing with usually fantastic snow conditions. Valentine’s day is the next red-letter day in our calendar. Sipping champagne in a hot tub under the stars is a remarkable way to celebrate with someone special. UK school holidays are usually mid-February, so be warned, the pistes will be busier, lift queues longer and we’ll have little guests in almost every chalet in our portfolio.

• March: Typically March is one of the snowiest months in the French Alps, so you're pretty much guaranteed great skiing conditions and milder temperatures.  The days begin to lengthen as we move past the mid-way point of the season, leaving more time for long lunches and sunny afternoons of après ski. Late March and early April dates are ideal for catching some rays in a slope-side deckchair, and for a late-season special offer.

• April: Easter school holidays often fall in the month of April so some weeks will be busy on the slopes.  Choose April for usually warmer weather and sunshine on the slopes. Some of our resorts will be closing the doors just after the middle of April, but we’ll be skiing in Val d’Isere until early May most years.

Which chalet?

• CLUB chalets: if you’re looking to socialize and meet other like-minded skiers then our CLUB chalets have been designed with you in mind. A canape reception before dinner each night gives you the perfect setting to discuss the day’s escapades, while beer and wine on tap flow long into the night. We employ dedicated chefs as well as hosts to add an extra touch of luxury to the week.
  
  
• Hotel: Hotel Theodul and Altitude Lodge are small, friendly hotels which seek to make you feel at home from the offset. Our kitchens cater on a half-board basis on all seven nights. We find that many guests make friends and end the week with large communal tables for their evening meal.
  
  
• Shared chalet: we assemble groups in our shared chalets carefully, ensuring that the mix of ages and relationships is conducive to a memorable week. Outside school holiday dates, we would avoid placing children in shared chalets and you can travel secure in the knowledge that you’ll enjoy spending the week with like-minded people.
  
  
• Small chalet: our smallest chalets - Little Lumi, Darkoum Makan, Penthouse No 2, Eden East, Chalet Yukon and Petite Ferme - sleep 4 people and are perfect for a pair of couples or group of friends seeking a quiet week with no distractions. Catering is flexible with smaller groups and your chalet host will discuss each day’s menu to ensure it is tailored to your likes.