Le Refuge *** in Tignes, where it all began
This establishment, built in 1924, was the first mountain refuge to exist at this altitude in the surrounding area. Let us not forget that the village of Tignes was originally located at the bottom of the valley and was completely flooded in 1952 with the construction of the dam. Thus, when the new Tignes emerged at an altitude of 2100 m, the Refuge became the best placed establishment in the resort. He moved to a hotel and is still run by the same family, the Favres, today. On the snow front, facing the frozen lake and the Grande Motte glacier, the Refuge welcomes families, couples or friends in their rooms with large balconies and an authentic mountain atmosphere. Another highlight: the breakfast, served on the 5th floor in front of the huge bay windows, allows you to take your eyes off andconsider the day's program in the best way.
For whom:
families and advanced skiers who wish to combine practicality and authenticity.
The table:
no restaurant, but a champion's breakfast served as a buffet on a huge cart.
Accessible to external customers by reservation.
The price:
from 153 € for a double room with breakfast;
usual price in winter from 232 €.
Hotel Le Refuge, 73 320 Tignes Le Lac.
Phone.
: 04 79 06 36 64L
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Read also Espace Tignes-Val d'Isère: the 2021/2022 winter guide
The 5 Brothers in Val d'Isère, family first
The “Roger” room (Audrey and Valérie's grandfather Mattis).
Arpin spinning, vintage photos and cozy atmosphere in a beautiful establishment with a strong identity.
The 5 brothers / Photo press
Between the church and the tourist office of the iconic Savoyard resort, this Family House plunges its guests into the heart of its history.
In 1936, Cécile Mattis opened the Bellevue, one of the first hotels in Val d'Isère, which her son would take over.
Subsequently, his 5 grandchildren, the famous 5 brothers, each write in their own way a decisive chapter in the history of the resort.
The life of this ancestral place is most beautifully extended by the fourth generation Mattis, the two cousins, Audrey and Valérie.
17 large bedrooms and lounge-library areas, games room and dining room are warmly arranged to share above all the happiness of being with loved ones.
For whom:
small and large families, skiers in love with the resort of Val d'Isère.
The table:
chicken and morel cream or veal blanquette… The “Family meal” is a simmered dish, served in a casserole dish and to be shared.
Formula at 29 € with dessert.
Dinner menu € 38.
The price:
from € 225 per double room.
Maison de Famille Les 5 frères, rue Nicolas Bazile, 73 150 Val d'Isère.
Phone.
: 04 79 06 00 03.
Read also From Megève to Menuires, the new mountain hotels to test this winter
Les Monts Charvin *** in Courchevel, natural
Les Monts Charvin *** an authentic and warm place in the heart of Courchevel 1850. Press photo
A stone's throw from the Croisette and the Tovets piste, the Hôtel des Monts Charvin is a pretty little local exception. Eleven years ago Aurore Charvin took over the “big house” built by her grandfather, who was also one of the first ski instructors at the resort, to transform it into a hotel. In this cocoon with 19 rooms, we perfectly accept the codes of mountain decoration based on small hearts, old wood, red color and fur plaids. The hostess offers a sincere breath of authenticity in this rather luxury and glitter-oriented resort. The service is very close to 4-star and the regular clientele is very diverse: from the young couple who have come to treat themselves to the popular destination of the 3 Valleys, to more affluent families in search of simplicity. A hell of a quality / price ratio.
For whom:
skiers looking for a natural version of Courchevel.
The table:
breakfast is as authentic and generous as the rest, fully organic with cheeses, dairy products and cold meats directly from producers in the valley.
The price:
from € 75 per double room with breakfast;
usual winter rate from € 165.
Hotel Les Monts Charvin, 94 rue des Verdons, Courchevel 1850, 73 120 Saint Bon Tarentaise.
Phone.
: 04 79 04 19 10.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY WITH BOOKING.COM
Read also 3 Valleys: ski slopes, ski passes, new resorts ... Our advice for this winter
The Araucaria **** in La Plagne, the great recreation
The family room for 4/5 people is equipped with a large bed and 3 single beds.
Press photo
At the foot of the Plagne Center slalom stadium, this 4-star hotel has been seducing young and old for 3 years. The 84 rooms, including 10 family rooms, are contemporary and a bit offbeat with a playful chic decoration by the talented Leslie Gauthier. The vast Nuxe spa has been designed for harmonious cohabitation, since it is equipped with a children's pool isolated from the other facilities. But the originality and added value of the place are particularly found in the very large common area equipped on one side with a Dantesque cocktail bar, with intimate corners and a music scene. On the other hand: various play areas adapted to each age and decorated with distributors of Tagada strawberries and Popcorn… The party can thus be in full swing for everyone.
For whom:
friends and young parents, who have not given up on the idea of a festive ski vacation, even with children.
The table:
a buffet of fresh and cooked products, in a market setting, where soups of the day compete with pizzas and other stews.
Formula at € 39 for adults and € 18 for children.
The price:
from € 220 per night in a family room for 2 adults and 2 children with breakfast.
Araucaria Hôtel & Spa, Plagne Center, 73 210 La Plagne Tarentaise Tel.
: 04 58 24 11 11.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY WITH BOOKING.COM
L'Aiglon à la Rosière, light break
The chalet, furnished in a traditional style, is composed of three types of rooms, all facing south / south-east.
Press photo
Freja and Jonny, a young English couple who learned their skills in the tour operator sector, put their bags down in 2018 in this pretty chalet in the resort in the Franco-Italian ski area. Here, the impression of being with friends is so strong that only the fact of putting your feet under the table or seeing your room done when you come back from skiing, reminds you that you are customers. Both warm and professional, the welcome leaves the right distance for everyone to enjoy the place serenely. The large sofa near the stove is the meeting place for snacks and aperitifs shared cheerfully and often in the company of the hostess. Another advantage is the brightness: between the large bay windows opening onto a 180 ° panorama and a glass ceiling overlooking theupper floor also provided with large openings, the light floods the space. Upstairs, the centerpiece on the transparent floor sometimes becomes a yoga or games room for children (practice to watch out for!), But is also ideal for admiring the most beautiful sunsets comfortably installed on large cushions.
For whom:
sociable skiers of all ages and from all backgrounds.
The table:
meals and breakfasts are entirely made by Jonny and Freja.
Varied and delicious, they also adapt to the weather: for afternoon tea, on bad weather days, Freja's cakes are judiciously accompanied by mulled wine.
Dinner menu at 35 € with aperitif.
The price:
from 160 € per night in a double room with breakfast.
Chalet l'Aiglon, l'Orée 73 700 Montvalezan.
Phone.
: 07 50 27 92 28.
To read also La Rosière, tout schuss
This article originally published on January 31, 2021 has been updated.
