The Ultimate Après-Ski Chalet (France)
ABONDANCE, AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, FRANCE
A modern, colorful twist on the traditional chalet, this home is nestled among snowy mountains in the winter and rolling green fields and glistening lakes in the summer. Wood beams and natural materials feature heavily throughout, with a delightful preponderance of plaid, furs, and blankets. Farrow and Ball paint and art by Liza Giles ratchet up the style factor, while comfort reaches a new summit in the bedrooms, all en-suite and individually-styled with graphic tiles, French antiques, and country-style beds with crisp white linens.
Apres-ski or apres-hike can be spent on the expansive wraparound balcony, giving you a skybox seat to the spectacular panorama, or with a dip in the equally immersive copper outdoor bathtub. With a wealth of activities on the menu year-round, those looking for a retreat would be wise to consider a trip to this cozy home in the French Alps, which is designed for gathering and ideally configured for groups of family or friends.
The main part of the chalet has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeping up to nine guests. Of the top floor bedrooms, The Lookout and Mountain View have king-size beds, plus French doors leading to balconies. The Nest bedroom has a double bed and cabin bed, en-suite with shower and bathtub. This floor also has a nursery room that can sleep up to six, plus two infants in cots.
On the middle floor is a cozy living space with a kitchen, fireplace, balcony, terrace, and study space. There is one bedroom on this floor, the Pine Room, which has a king-size bed and en-suite with cast iron bathtub, with views into the garden and pine trees.
And for groups larger than eight, the home has an additional two bedrooms on the ground floor that can be booked. This consists of a self-contained apartment called the Garden Suite, which can sleep an extra four people. One bedroom has a double bed and the other two twins, with a bathroom in between them. There is a living area with a small kitchen and dining table. The living area has a sofa and TV, with French doors that open onto the private garden.
Location
Airport
Geneva Airport (70km)
Situated on Abondance’s outskirts within a warm, community-driven hamlet called Cercle and just south of Lake Geneva, the house is close to several renowned ski resorts. La Chapelle-d’Abondance is only a 10-minute drive away, offers free parking and is recommended for beginners and children. There are also plenty of blue and red run options. The owners enjoy this spot as it is local and therefore quieter. Chatel, a 20-minute drive away, is a well-known ski resort boasting 83km of piste. And Morzine, one of the most popular ski areas in the French Alps, is a 30-minute drive. It has 120km of pistes and a super gondola that links Morzine and Avoriaz.
Together, these ski areas make up a region called Portes du Soleil. It is possible to buy a ski pass for the region and use all of the ski resorts, which is what the owners do and recommend.
Within 25 minutes by car, you can be transported to Lake Geneva, a beautiful lake shared between Switzerland and France, and known for its abundance of water sports opportunities. On the French side, you’ll encounter the spa town of Evian, with its healing waters you can swim in or its hydrotherapy treatments to take in. The promenade here is a beautiful stretch that’s best explored by foot or bicycle.
The nearest shops and restaurants can be found in the picturesque French town of Abondance (5-minute drive, 30-minute walk). The owners recommend the Sunday morning farmers market, an aperitif by the river in the courtyard of Hôtel de l‘Abbaye, and a walk around Lac des Plagnes.