Chalet C by Chivoone, Grimentz, Switzerland

I had the pleasure of staying in this chalet for the opening week of the 2011/2012 season in Grimentz.

This chalet is self-catered, but nothing like anything you may have experienced before. We were greeted by Will on arrival, who manages the property, and he gave us the tour of the chalet. It really does have a "WOW" factor. It emerged that Will was previously the MD of "Powder Byrne" — a high-end tour operator — so you can appreciate the level of service offered. He is such a lovely host and really goes out his way to make sure you have a lovely time. As an example, he gives you a lovely welcome pack on arrival, with enough bits and pieces to get through the day if you hadn't had chance to nip to the supermarket... a nice touch.

The property itself is set on three levels, with a mezzanine level overlooking the lounge area. It is beautifully furnished, very stylish and modern-Swiss — think large sofas, a chaise longue, a large wood-burning fireplace (which you can rotate to direct the heat accordingly) and lots of soft furnishings set against natural timbers. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the valley of Grimentz — the views are something else! Sitting in the hot tub outside with a glass of wine, looking at 4000 meter peaks every night was really special — I could quite happily move here.

The bedrooms are lovely, with the master bedroom featuring a huge bath which sits in the middle of the room, so you can soak and enjoy views of the mountains... truly special. All the other rooms are a great size, all with big flat screen TVs. The bunk room is also really comfortable, I had no trouble sleeping in here at all... and again the views from the bed out the window were breathtaking.

Service wise, the operator will really look after you. It is pretty much a concierge-type service — if you don't want to go to the supermarket, they will buy your groceries and deliver them to you. In fact, anything you need or want can be arranged. For example, for a reasonable cost they will provide catering for a few nights in the chalet if you would like someone to cook for you... I loved the flexibility of trying out the lovely restaurants in Grimentz, and yet still being looked after in the chalet after an epic powder day on other nights.

In terms of the area, the Val D'Anniviers ski area really is a hidden gem. This is where the Swiss come for their holidays. There is everything from lovely long cruisey runs, to spectacular off-piste steeps & tree skiing — ideal for both families and die-hard skiers alike. Even non-skiers will happy with the well marked hiking trails, beautiful restaurants and scenery not dissimilar to Chamonix. The valley is surrounded by huge peaks, glacial ice-fields & alpine forests as far as the eye can see. The similarly charming resorts of Zinal & St. Luc offer something for everyone and have good aspects/high altitude to guarantee snow. There is so much out there to both see & ski, it's overwhelming. I will be back next year before too many people hear about it!

Apres Ski: 2/5

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