Chalet La Grange au Merle, Châtel

12-13 Guests · 6 Bedrooms · Châtel · France

A traditional farm chalet in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, La Grange au Merle was completely renovated for the winter season of 2016/17. The chalet's new design welcomes guests into a retreat full of warmth, comfort atnd style set in traditional Savoyard character.

The chalet's original charm and ambiance is retained throughout, maintaining La Grange au Merle's authentic atmosphere. However the renovations have added all the home comforts you could wish for. From a steamy hot tub and sauna to roaring fires in the grate, La Grange au Merle will ease your mind and relax your body.

The first floor is the heart of the chalet, with a south facing and open plan living space. Take in the amazing alpine views while you enjoy the cocktail bar, feature log burning fire or settle in the dining area to eat and drink with friends and family. Open the Sonos music app on your smart phone and set the background ambience in any of the rooms.

Our bespoke crafted larch dining table comfortably seats a party of twelve while also remaining intimate with two adults either side. There is a lovely ‘chef's table’ beside the kitchen which is great if children need to be fed separately. The kitchen itself overlooks the living area with rustic wooden panelled drawers and black granite work surface surrounding a substantial traditional style range. Modern amenities are not forgotten - microwave, double door fridge freezer, Nespresso coffee machine, dish washer and wine cooler are all present.

Suitably restored in mind and body it is time to bundle yourself under the inviting bed covers. Each tastefully decorated bedroom is finished in old wood, soft colours and cosy fabrics and has its own well appointed en-suite, provisioned with fluffy towels, bathrobes and luxurious bath products. If you have chosen to have access onto a balcony or terrace, open the doors for a look at the stars and enjoy the fresh evening air. Single beds and cots can be added for younger family members.

A dedicated TV snug is home to a large television with a selection of DVDs, games, toys and craft supplies. On the mezzanine a library offers a peaceful space to select a book or magazine and access the internet.

For relaxation after a hard day on the slopes soak in the outdoor hot-tub, unwind in the sauna or indulge in a massage. For those wishing outdoor fun, gardens surround the chalet with our alpine playhouse, ‘Crystal de Neige’, being irresistible to those with a sense of play and imagination.

New for winter 2017/18 we are landscaping the hot tub to fit neatly into the hillside beside the chalet. The same great views will still be there but now with a more elegant surrounding of larch decking steps with stone cladding to the hillside at the rear. This will also open up a little more space in the garden for some snow nonsense - just in case the kids want to build a snowman or anyone has the energy for a snowball fight!

The Sauna is located inside the main house with its own neighbouring shower. It can seat four or five. Just let our staff know that you would like to use it and they will make sure it is switched on and ready for you.

So, dart out from the bedroom terraces or run down from the living room and jump into the hot bubbles to sooth those leg muscles and enjoy the thrilling cold, dry air around whatever is left exposed.

Thick, dark grey outdoor towels are available by the door from the living room.

Along with spacious accommodation over four floors and garden, there is also a convenient covered garage for two cars located beside the property.

At La Grange au Merle the children are never forgotten. As you introduce your children to the pleasures of skiing we aim to provide as happy and fun an experience for your youngsters as for their parents. As they explore the chalet they will discover a few surprises just for them - notably the Kids' Snug in the Mezzanine and the alpine playhouse in the garden.

If your little ones are tired out after their busy day an early nourishing meal can be provided. They can be safely tucked up in bed while you relax within the chalet. Babysitters can also be organised should you wish to wander along the easy flat roads into town to explore Châtel's night life.

Our dedicated team of Chef, Chalet Manager and Chauffeur will strive to ensure you have a truly fabulous holiday. They will be on hand to answer all of your queries, provide recommendations on skiing, eating out and activities and events in the area. And at night the chalet will be your own to enjoy.

La Grange au Merle has been welcoming Chaletowners guests since 24 Oct 2017.

Prices and Availability Contact the host

Mouthwatering meals created by your dedicated chef are included in the price of your stay. This covers hearty breakfasts and home baked afternoon teas. In the evening early dinners can be provided for children, while the adults are treated to canapés and a sumptuous four course meal with selected wines and soft drinks. The chalet team have one day off each week, during which time we will provide you with a babysitter if required, allowing you to take advantage of the fabulous restaurants available in Châtel.

While you re-live the thrills and exploits of the pistes your Chef is busy preparing a mouthwatering feast in the state-of-the art kitchen. A measure of any catered chalet is the quality of the meals that are provided. At La Grange au Merle a four course dinner is presented at the dining table which is fit for kings, with an emphasis on quality seasonal food. The meal is accompanied by specially selected wines over which you can linger and make plans for the following day.

We are passionate about our wine. We have specially selected over 20 sparkling, red, white and desert wines from which we create paired menus each evening. It was a hard job choosing but we think you will enjoy them too! Guests may also enjoy our cocktail bar, mixing a refreshing gin and tonic before dinner. Complimentary soft drinks are also available.

With a fire crackling in the grate, pre-dinner drinks and canapés are served at the cocktail bar. Whether you choose to play at the card table, retreat to the sofas or prop up the bar, it is the perfect opportunity to exchange tales of the day's adventures.

The centre of the bustling village of Châtel is a two minute drive by our chauffeur or pleasant stroll away, with a tempting selection of aprés-ski bars, shops and restaurants. Surrounded by majestic scenery and alpine architecture it is an ideal location for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Your driver will then whisk you to the slopes in time for ski school, the first run of the day or simply to the coffee bar! The nearest lifts are only two or three minutes away.

There are innumerable restaurants and cafes to be found sprinkled over the pistes. Our dedicated and informed Chalet Manager can make recommendations and bookings ensuring your lunchtimes are spent in prime locations.

The Portes du Soleil ski area offers an immense playground where you can pass your day leisurely admiring the views or charging down the black runs and mogul fields of this unique region. We have lots of suggestions for skiing itineraries for all abilities - long/short day, for lunch or hard skiing, interesting places to visit, alternative routes. Here is one exciting and challenging itinerary linking several of the black runs and touring the Portes du Soleil.

Châtel sits in the Vallée d'Abondance - a rich mountain pasture among the lofty Alpine peaks of the Chablis Massiff. The village of Châtel is a 90 minute drive from Geneva airport through breathtaking scenery and rich farmlands.