For many of us the perfect ski holiday must combine wonderful skiing, great après-ski and comfortable, spacious accommodation with authentic Savoyard charm. And a warm welcome, naturally. To inspire you in your own quest for a luxury ski experience this winter we’ve put together an exclusive selection of wonderful destinations and places to stay.

New...OPENING IN DECEMBER 2009, the latest in 4 star luxury has arrived in Méribel. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, the Helios Hotel and Spa has three different themes, a different personality for each floor. The first is very contemporary, the second is based on a Nordic style and the third has a cosy cottage feel. Something for everyone it seems, with spacious junior, deluxe, tradition and duplex suites ranging from 30m² to 80m², there is even a magnificent Helios suite at 105m².
The spa has a panoramic view towards the pistes and offers treatment rooms, swimming pool, cabin whirlpool, and steam room for relaxing and invigorating those tired limbs.
Rates start at €280/person/day half-board accommodation with free access to the Spa. Info and reservations: www.lhelios.com

THE AWARD-WINNING Arc 1950 Le Village has perhaps the perfect location, offering doorstep skiing, yet with all the facilities a resort needs within just a few steps from its premium accommodation. The colourful, pedestrian village also has a choice of bars and restaurants plus chic boutiques, ski-wear shops and equipment hire.

See Also...
Profile: Arc 1950
Les Arcs resort review
Profile: Le Village de Lessy

Les Arcs has been a firm favourite with a whole generation of French family skiers, who appreciate its combination of extensive and accessible high-altitude skiing with lots of self-catering accommodation. The British, too, have taken it to their hearts in increasing numbers, particularly since the liaison with La Plagne opened things up still further to create the vast Paradiski area. Add the direct funicular link to Bourg St Maurice, for slick transfers to overnight rail services direct from London and you have an unbeatable package.

L-R Savoyard architectural styling; Entrance and Reception area, Résidence Hameau du Glacier.

Intrawest Residences Arc 1950
Le Hameau du Glacier
A luxury residence in the heart of the pedestrian village. All guests have free access to sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, swimming pools and fitness facilities. Apartments are cosy, beautifully furnished and well-equipped, and each has a balcony or terrace. Ski lockers are on the ground floor with access to the slopes.
Intrawest Residences manage Le Hameau du Glacier, Le Refuge du Montagnard, Le Prince des Cimes and Le Jardin de la Cascade — all within this unique 4-star village.
Enquiries and bookings:
MountainPassions Ski Holidays
Tel: 0845 863 0540 (UK)

L-R Val d'Isère at night photo ©Agence Nuts - Office du Tourisme Val d'Isere; Residence MGM Les Chalets du Laisinant; the legendary Espace Killy ski terrain.

Residence Alpina Lodge

These sought after apartments provide an attractive, high quality base in the very heart of the resort. They are very close to both shops and nightlife, and just a short walk from the slopes. There is a bus stop next to the apartments to link you with the other areas of Val d’Isère.
Enquiries and bookings:
MountainPassions Ski Holidays
Tel: 0845 863 0540 (UK)

L-R Résidences MGM Les Fermes du Soleil interior, authentic Araches, skiing among trees at Les Carroz.

Les Fermes du Soleil
Les Carroz d'Araches, Grand Massif

Les Fermes du Soleil is a luxury residence located right close to the heart of the village. The free shuttle bus to the ski lifts (800m away) stops nearby.

This MGM built development is composed of 5 traditional style chalets housing 114 apartments. It enjoys a private indoor heated swimming-pool (12mx5m) with Jacuzzis, sauna and steam room, a fitness room and a beauty salon.
Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
0844 576 0170 (UK)
or +44 23 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk