The White Chalet, Winter 2009/2010
Available Saturday 19th December 2009 to 24th April 2010.
The ultimate position
The White Chalet is situated in a wonderful location. Directly opposite Chamonix valley's most popular ski resort; the Grand Montets, the chalet has spectacular views of the ski pistes and the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif.
Tucked away at the end of a quiet lane (with plenty of parking space right outside) it offers a bit of peace and quiet from the hubub of the centre of Argentiere, which is only 2 mintues walk away.
Argentiere is a bustling little village with several shops, bars and restaurants. It sits at 1200m above sea level towards the top end of the Chamonix valley approximately 155m higher than the town of Chamonix. Argentiere is one of the highest resorts in the alps and since we moved here 10 years it has always had a good level of snow in the winter.
Mont Blanc, as seen from the chalet in summer.
Excellent accommodation
The four storey chalet is large (350m2of living space) with seven bedrooms all with en-suite. It has a large lounge (with log fire), dining area, (which seats up to 20) large screen tv, separate internet room and outdoor hot tub for 6.
The lounge, a great place to relax after a long day out in the mountains
Our service to you
The chalet is in the perfect position, the accomodation is great, the skiing offers some of the best and most varied in the alps and the views are incredible. But what most people remember from their visit to our chalet is our delicious cuisine, which we have been preparing and serving (no seasonaires on a crash cooking course) for our guests for the last 10 years, and in which we take great pride. To give you a good start to the day, we serve a hot breakfast (for example, eggs and bacon, scrambled egg and sausages, or pancakes). On your return to the chalet our afternoon tea of home made cakes (for example, scones with jam and cream, carrot cake, or banana and walnut cake) is something to look forward to when you get back at the end of a great day on the mountain. After afternoon tea there is just enough time to ease yourself into the hot tub before dinner at 7.30.There is the option (at no extra charge) of an earlier dinner for children if required. Our 3 course dinners include large portions of delicious food, as much red wine as you like, scrumptious puddings and coffee/tea and chocolates to finish.
Extras, that can make all the difference
We want to make your holiday as relaxing as possible, so let us help you organise your Ski hire, lessonslessons, (group or private with a ski or snowboard instructor we recommend). So all you have to do is turn up.
Accommodation
The dining table was specially built for the chalet and seats up to 20 people
Bedrooms
The chalet has 7 bedrooms all with en-suite and sleeps up to 14 people in twins/doubles or up to 18, in 5 twins/doubles and two large rooms of four, (available as either four singles or two singles and one double).
This large family room is available as a double and two singles or four singles
The bedrooms are all spacious and five of them are south facing and look out on to the spectacular views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille Verte and the Chardonnet.
Facilities
The chalet has an out door hot tub with fantastic views.
For the 'big kids' we have a table football and SonyPlaystation2. In the lounge there is a large selection of dvds/videos and just off the lounge there is an internet room with wi/fi and broadband.
Catered holidays or self catered holidays:
Catered accommodation
Catered accommodation is available throughout the winter and bookings are usually taken on a weekly basis, Saturday to Saturday.
On a catered week we serve a cooked breakfast every morning, home made afternoon tea every day and a 3 course evening meal six evenings of the week. All evening meals include wine, tea and coffee.
During our Christmas week we have a special four course Christmas dinner and our New Year week includes a five course meal.
To find out more about staying on a catered holiday, please have a look at our options:
I'm interested in staying at the White Chalet:
with my family
on my own
with a friend/partner
Groups
If you're a large group then you might want to book the whole chalet for your stay. The chalet sleeps a maximum of 18, but we start our full chalet prices based on an occupancy of 14 but at the same price as 13. There is then an additional but reduced price per person for any extras from no. 15 up to 18. This way you get the full chalet for a great price and further bookings will reduce the cost even more.
Booking the full chalet means you have exclusive use of the chalet.
Family/Families
By the room
You can book the chalet by the room or for exclusive use. If you are booking by the room then subject to availability you have the option of booking a twin/double or one of our larger four bed rooms - available as four single beds, or one double and two singles.
The price per person would depend on the number of people to a room and the ages of the occupants. Babies are free and toddlers under the age of 2 and requiring catering are 75GBP when sharing a double/twin with two others and the price for children 3-12 is discounted by 60GBP or 70euros. If you're not sure what would be the best for you, send us an email and we'll work out your options and send you some choices.
Exclusive use.
If you are a group of families then you may be interested in booking the chalet for your exclusive use. The price for the full chalet starts at 14 people (but at the price of 13 people) with an additional but reduced price for numbers 15-18.
As none of our single beds are bunk beds we are able to convert two of our large rooms into rooms of 5 should you require the space for two more. We are also happy to provide cots for babies/young children sharing a room with two adults.
Availability and prices
Young children
We cater for children of all ages and have travel cots, high chairs and baby listeners and can recommend baby sitters. If you would like to have your children looked after whilst you go out then there are a few possibilities. The Panda Ski School behind the Grand Montets takes children from the age of 3 years - skiers and non skiers alike. The local ski schools Evolution 2, and Ecole du Ski Francais d'Argentiere also take children from 3 years for lessons. The chalet is also close to the children's/beginners slope Le Chosalets which is at the foot of the Grand Montets, the resort opposite the chalet.
If your child is under 3 years of age then we can recommend a very good and qualified nanny who lives within 2 minutes of the chalet. Sabine is french but speaks english. She looked after our children for over 3 years before they started school and has looked after our guest's children since then. If you are interested in booking Sabine then it would be advised to resevere well in advance as she only takes 5 children a day.
Individuals
You'd like to come out skiing/boarding but none of your friends ski or board, or don't have the time. We're happy to take individual bookings. If you're happy to share a room then the price is the same as the website price. If you'd like your own room there is a supplement, please enquire. To find out about bookings, the weeks that already have individual bookings rather than exclusive use bookings are marked "By Room"With friends
All our rooms are available as twins or doubles, so if you fancy coming out with your friend/partner/wife or husband then don't hesitate to let us know what you'd like. The chalet is a fun place to meet other like minded people and it's also a great place to find somebody who might be the same standard as you or your friend/partner/wife or husband, so you can mix and match during the week. Weeks that already have individual bookings are marked on the website as "By Room".Self-catered holidays
The chalet is available on certain weeks for self catering use. Please email us with any enquiries email
Chalet Plan
Ground floor:
Sharon, Mike & Ellie Sands, New Year week 2008/2009
Cive, Sharon, Barry, Sally, Sandra, Chris, Phil and hundreds of kids, Feb half-term 08
Gill Battla, Christmas 07
Helena Posnett March 07. www.ResponsibleTravel.com
Emily and Raf Roche, New Year 06/07
Virginia and Andy, New Year 06/07
Alistair and Emily, New Year 06/07
Ducas and Judge Parry, New Year 06/07
The Smith Family, Andy, Jackie, Robin (13), Rebecca (11), Megan (9) and louis (3). New Year 05.
Peter MacGuire, Feb 06
Diana and Richard Harrison-Murray, Aug/Sept 04
Claire Smith, July 04
Marcia Lotito, Christmas 05
The Green Family (Dad, Mike and Rich), July 04
Michelle, July 04
John M, Mike, Graham, John S, and Sinead, September 02
Rob Moonie, Leeds, July 01
Dave Murrell, London, July 01
Phil Hill, Berkshire, Berks, July 01
Chalet Layout
Bedroom 6: Large room with the option of four single beds, or one double and two singles, with en-suite bath and shower.
Entrance hall, equipment room and laundry room.
First floor:
Bedroom 1, 2, 3 and 4 all have spectacular views and balcony access.
Bedrooms 1 and 2 are available as doubles or twins with en-suite bath/shower
Bedroom 3, double bed with en-suite shower
Bedroom 4, double or twin with en-suite shower
Out door hot tub seats 6
Second floor:
Bedroom 5: Double/twin with en-suite bath/shower
Large lounge and dining area. Table seats 20, balcony access. Kitchen. The kitchen has a large oven, microwave and dishwasher.
Third Floor:
Apartment with the option of 4 single beds, or two singles and a double, bathroom with bath/shower separate toilet and balcony access.
Food and Feedback - What our Guests have said:
We just wanted to thank you for last week, we had a great week and the effort you both put into everything Ð which you make look easy but probably isnÕt - is a credit to you all. ÊÊWhether it was cooking earlier for the kids or picking up from La Tour nothing seemed like too much trouble. Martin, your cooking was a treat and your approach to everything was so positive and relaxed so thank you.
I hope you are having another good week and the rest of the season goes well for you. All the best and thanks again
What can we say....Top notch food and hospitality. We've lived like lords for a week and have been thoroughly spoilt. We've had a great time.
The food was superb and the variety amazing; so much so that it would leave many of our own so called 4 and 5 star hotels in England in the shade.
Just got home and wanted to email you straight away to thank you for
such a fantastic week. Couldn't fault a thing!
Food was delicious, beds extremely comfy and felt you really went out
of your way to make our stay memorable. I know we all really
appreciated being shuttled to and from the ski lift particularly after
a hard day off piste!
A magnificent holiday in a beautiful place, hosted by kind generous thoughtful people. Thank you.
I was hoping for a great holiday but our week here was much more than that. Super family environment, better food than most restaurants in London, and the best location possible. Even a non-skier cannot leave disappointed. Thank you so much you exceeded all expectations.
We had an absolutely brilliant time and couldn't have asked for anything better - the welcome, food accommodation (and hot tub) were all wonderful. We will be back.
Our first attemt at a ski holiday with two young children was a huge success! We felt so welcome and at home here. It was like staying with friends and family - although we were totally spoilt at every mealtime and didn't have to lift a finger! Nothing was too much trouble - a real gem of a find - we will definitely be back.
We've never enjoyed a holiday so much and much was down to the hospitality that you provided.
"The best week skiing I've ever had. Nothing was too much trouble and the guides and instructors were great - next time book me in for a helidrop."
What a gem to find this chalet, could be the best kept secret in the Alps - food ambience, people... the whole scene. One never to forget and one certainly to return to. So very many thanks.
The Chalet was faultless, excellent accommodation and better food than a restaurant.
I dream of Martin's desserts
What a fantastic week that will remain with us for the rest of our lives! Thanks to Martin and Mel for looking after us at the chalet - Martin if you ever give up your day job - become a top chef (that lamb was incredible).
Thank you very much for a fantastic time - great accommodation, food and excellent service.
Had a great week. Food and accommodation excellent. Thanks to all involved.
Absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere at the Chalet and Martin's cooking and hospitality combine to perfection with a brilliant mountaineering week.
Staying at the white chalet has been a real pleasure and I can't thank Martin enough for his friendship, hospitality and that cooking!
Weather - GREAT
Views - GREAT
Climbs - GREAT
Martin's cooking - GREAT
What our guests have said: Food and Feedback