Alpine Escape to Chalet Cervinia
Leah Pierce discovers the beautiful Val d’Isère for an unforgettable ski experience
Location
Situated in the heart of Val d’Isère, Chalet Cervinia’s prime location gives guests easy access to 300km of marked pistes in this beautiful French resort. Not only does Cervinia’s location provide easy access to the slopes, but also to several Michelin-recognised restaurants, local boutiques, and traditional French boulangeries. Val d’Isère sits adjacent to the Vanoise National Park, a region renowned for its exceptional environmental protection and natural beauty, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of snowshoeing and scenic exploration after a day of skiing.
Facilities
Since 1991, Purple Ski has been offering the finest luxury catered ski chalets in the French Alps. Originally established in Méribel, the brand has since extended its carefully curated boutique chalets to include properties in Courchevel and Val d’Isère, ensuring guests enjoy some of the most sought after ski destinations in Europe in style.
Chalet Cervina is Purple Ski’s newest addition, created by owners Etienne and Jeanne Roesch Degoy, the husband and wife team behind the award-winning Chalet Inoko. Chalet Cervina sleeps 13 across 6 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. Whether you are looking for relaxation or indulgence, the chalet and staff can cater to all your needs. From a fully equipped cinema room to a jacuzzi, pool, sauna and even an open bar and lounge area, Chalet Cervina truly has it all.
Guests have access to a full team of dedicated staff, daily housekeeping, and an in-chalet ski and boot fitting service, for those who require rental equipment. Guests also have access to the convenience of a private chauffeured minibus, allowing guests effortless travel. Whether it be making dinner reservations or enjoying private airport transfers complete with a champagne picnic.
Bedrooms
From double rooms to a child’s bunk room, the chalets’ bedrooms provided a level of comfort and warmth to wind down after a day on the slopes. The wooden panelling from the exterior of the chalet and lounge spaces were mirrored throughout the bedrooms, adding a touch of French sophistication. My room was a double room including a bath, twin sinks, desk space and a large wardrobe. There is no need to worry about bringing damp ski clothing into the rooms, as the heated boot room upon entry to the chalet is a space provided to ensure all ski equipment is dry and ready for the next day. Staff turned over the room twice a day, ensuring I was never without a made bed, fresh drinking water and clean warm towels.
Dining
Stays with Purple Ski include a private chalet chef who provides a catering experience like no other. Each morning, we were greeted with a spread of local fruits, cheeses, meats and pastries, embracing the French culture and utilising the finest local delicacies. And of course, dinner in the chalet was an immersive experience, with wine-paired dishes and four delectable courses, all prepared right before your eyes.
During a stay at Chalet Cervina, the in house dining truly elevates the experience, with the staff and chef creating a personal profile for each guest from the moment you step through the doors, catering to any dietary requirements or preferences you may have.
The Purple Ski team were so knowledgeable regarding the finest places to dine during the trip when in the local area. We sat down for lunch at La Cucucina, La Folie Douce, a restaurant inspired by Leonardo da Vinci with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. With its renowned reputation, Folie Douce does not do things in halves, with a breathtaking lunchtime aerial performance in the middle of the restaurant. We were also lucky enough to dine at La Luge, a beautiful traditional French restaurant that specialises in a fondue menu curated with local cheeses. Followed by drinks at La Baraque, a live music venue specialising in unique cocktails and sharing platters.
My Experience
Staying at Chalet Cervina was an unforgettable experience. The chalet itself is stunning, with wooden interiors, panoramic windows that open onto the village, and fireplaces to warm you up after a day on the slopes. Enjoying a massage in the chalet’s very own treatment room was incredible. Being able to relax and recover after a day of skiing in the comfort of your own chalet, with a full menu of treatments from Massage Me such as Swedish and sports massages, made the experience all the more bespoke.
The highlight of the trip for me was the ski lessons with Progression Ski. They were fantastic, helping me gain confidence quickly, whilst being patient and encouraging. Progression Ski School provides instructors for all levels; whether you are a beginner or a pro looking for a guide, they are able to adapt lessons to suit your personal needs. Oxygène Ski provided high quality equipment that was fitted in the chalet, making everything effortless.
We also had the opportunity to try our hand in Biathlon, a quick paced, engaging winter sport in the Manchet Valley. The sport combined cross country skiing, shooting and endurance. It was vastly different from piste skiing, so it was great to delve into a new sport.
Après-ski at the Folie Douce was a real standout, set against the most picturesque alpine scenery. The lively atmosphere, music, and energy were unmatched. Dining was equally memorable. From enjoying lunch at Refuge de Solaise, a restaurant perched at the top of the slopes with a huge sun terrace for the warmer days, to a visit to Château de Candie in Chambéry, where every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, even getting to meet the chef behind it all during dessert with open opportunities to ask any questions.
What made the stay truly special however, was the staff. Their warmth, attentiveness and attention to every detail made everything feel effortless. Chalet Cervina is a perfect blend of luxury, comfort and French charm.
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