Le Mathilda

The living floor is where the group lands. Kitchen open to one side, a long table down the middle, and a stone fireplace where everyone ends up once the boots are off. Above it, the six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, most set as a king-size double or twin to suit who's travelling. Raclette and fondue kit in the drawer, for the long evenings in.

Below the living floor, a heated indoor pool and a hammam, private to the chalet: ski-front, off the mountain and into the water without stepping outside again. The kitchen is modern, black units and ceramic hobs set into the old wood, a full run of appliances and a Nespresso machine. A ski room and boot warmers by the door take the kit, skis fitted here rather than in a queue at a shop. A garage keeps the cars off the snow.

Down the hill, the centre of Val d'Isère keeps its shops and restaurants close, with 300 kilometres of the Espace Killy from the door. Service comes in two tiers. Premium brings a concierge, a butler who makes breakfast, and a driver in the village. Prestige adds a private chef for five dinners and a driver into the evening. Winter runs Sunday to Sunday, late November to early May, open again in July and August.