Chalet Blanchot

It’s early spring when the first rays of sunlight bring nature to life following the last throes of a stubborn winter. Slowly, light falls upon the tips of conifers where it melts the snow into crystal droplets, then onto the snowy peaks, where it intensifies to reveal spectacular views of the Alps.

By noon, the sun is directly above Courchevel, warming up the wooden walls of Chalet Blanchot, a traditional chalet that neighbours the century-old, world famous ski station. The façade’s rustic appearance hides unexpected amenities: a swimming pool, movie theatre, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym are found within.

After venturing outside to catch a glimpse of a chamois or golden eagle, guests can unwind amidst the velvety warmth of the stone fireplace in one of 2 lounges in this 565-square-metre retreat. Curled up in a leather chair, one can admire the wrought iron staircase created by a renowned designer in the Atelier Parisien.

Each of the 6 bedrooms and bathrooms emanate the subtle scents of wood and fir, along with high-quality materials from local artisans covering floors, walls and ceilings. The delicate scents play tricks on the mind and carry us to involuntary childhood memories like the madeleine from Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time.

Between heaven and earth, near the highest peak in Europe, one will rediscover the simple joys of life sometimes consigned to the distant past. In the mountains, we may one day find ourselves at the heart of a Christmas story without realizing how we got there.