Alpine Echo

French Alps, Portes du Soleil, France

Sleeps: 7 guests for summer 08, 8-10 guests for winter 08

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Unique Features

• Bespoke ecologically-built mountain chalet in the most peaceful of settings
• A fusion of tailor-made features such as the fantastic staircase and oak interior doors with the luxurious, sumptuous beds and toasty warm relaxation areas
• Take in the spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Alps from this incredible location between the largest lake in Europe Lac Léman and the Alpine resorts

The Property

Exclusive Ski Chalet in Portes du Soleil, French Alps

See more pictures of Alpine Echo

Natural products and modern essentials combine in this bespoke traditional mountain chalet. From the stone-clad honeycomb brick on the ground floor and whole logs on the first and second floors, to an old-fashioned wooden shingle roof, the chalet is quite a unique find in the area.

Inside

• Style: Vieille France and Old English with a touch of modern luxury, accessorised with paintings and sculptures.
• Bedrooms: Each of the four bedrooms has an identity of its own, and tranquility reigns throughout. From the cosy, traditional en suite Vieux Chalet with king-size bed and a wooden French single, with open view of the mountains and the village to enjoy. The spacious, modern 'Atelier' on the second floor has three single beds (or one super-king and one single) and a huge art studio window looking east down la Vallée d'Abondance, relax in the bath in the private bathroom and take in the mountain views! There is a shower room on this floor, for those who prefer a shower rather than a bath. On the first floor there is a romantic old French king-size with a luxury en suite bathroom and the most fantastic views of the Vallée d’Abondance. On the ground floor, the Garden Room has an old French double bed and a shower room en suite.
• For relaxation: Making the most of the truly spectacular, uninterrupted views, the open-plan living space complete with beautiful 'log cabin' interior, south west facing balcony and wood burning stoves.
• For recreation: From board games and playing cards, to table tennis and table football (in outside areas). There are even plans for a boule park!

Outside

Surrounded by fields, the property has a T-shaped garden with a front orchard. There is a hot tub and outdoor sauna planned for winter 2008/9.

Food and Wine

• In-house cuisine: Dining at Alpine Echo is an event in itself! Born in Lyon, owner Pascal is as passionate about food and wine as he is about the environment. Meanwhile, wife Suzie enjoys creating tasty gourmet dishes sourcing the best local, organic and seasonal ingredients. From a hearty breakfast to set you up for an active day on the slopes to great teatime cakes and a delicious, wholesome, four-course evening meal. Dinner is complemented with carefully selected wines. Meals are served on the balcony during the summer months, while the dining room with west facing veranda and a beautiful Italian log burning range is the perfect winter haven.
• Eating out: Local eateries Café Historic, Abondance or Les Cornettes, Chapelle d’Abondance

• Airport transfer (winter only)
• Kir Royal welcome
• 7 nights accommodation
• Breakfast and teatime cakes
• Four-course dinner (6 evenings) and house wines
• Linen and towels
• Games, local papers
• Daily transport French Portes du Soleil slopes/activity centres
• Assistance arranging lift passes, equipment hire, ski school, other activities and childcare

Getting there:

• On the map: The property is in an incredible location between Lac Léman (the largest lake in Europe) and the Alpine resorts
• By air: Geneva airport 65k, around 1 hr and 15 mins from the property

Out and About

WINTER & SUMMER activities: Please note that all winter and summer activities as well as sight-seeing can be priced and arranged seperately.

From tandem paragliding to hot air ballooning there's plenty on offer if you want a birds eye view of the slopes!

SUMMER:

• Enjoy white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, water-skiing and wakeboarding.
• St. Gingolf to Chateau Chillon by boat on Lac Léman visiting the dungeons then following the history of the whole chateau through each room to the rooftops where there is a spectacular view of the lake.
• Lunch on the refurbished and unique steamboat Le Savoie and visit Geneva, which has all the attributes of a major city including historical buildings, galleries and, of course, shopping.
• Les Diableret in Switzerland by car and mountain rail to Glacier 3000m.
• Visit to Montreux and by train to Les Rochers-de-Naye, marmot paradise centre and La Rambertia Alpine garden.
• Visit by car to the lovely old French town of Annecy and its lake and mountains and the Jardins Secrets at Vaulx (with three musical evenings in July and August).
• Lavey-les-Bains thermal pools and spa, Switzerland, with large pools surrounded by mountains. Saunas, hammam and ice room + all usual treatments – fab!
  

Head to the slopes:

An intermediate/advanced skier or snow boarder needs to calculate on spending around 310-350€ for full Portes du Soleil pass and equipment hire to appreciate all that the Portes du Soleil has to offer. Beginners may spend less on a more limited ski pass but it is advisable to have lessons

• Ski/snow board lessons are around 150€ for 4 guests for 2 hours in a group of 3-6 people
• Half day hike in snow shoes – 20-30€
• Snow bikes – from 40€
• Ice diving from 65€
• Dog sledding – from 85€ half day

Pricing

• Weekly: Summer: 7 nts for 7 people in 3 rooms June to September £3800; Winter: 7 nts for 8 people in 4 rooms from Dec 14 - April 12 £4700 to £6900 (depending on week of choice)
• Weekend: Short breaks are available during the summer
• Xmas: Yes - 21 to 28 Dec £9200 Christmas Eve/Christmas Day with all trimmings
• New Year: Yes - 28 Dec to 4 Jan £7200 Pascal’s St. Sylvestre New Year feast!

Accommodation Details

A beautiful catered alpine chalet, in a stunning setting

• Personally Inspected: Pending
  
• Sleeps: 7 guests for summer 08, 8-10 guests for winter 08
• Double: 3 double rooms; 2 King size and 1 standard, all en suite
• Twin: 1 x 3-bedded room with private bathroom (which can also be a super-king plus single)
• Single: At an additional cost 2 extra guests can be accommodated in single beds
• Children: Subject to restrictions
• Pets: No
• Disabled Access: No
• Mod Cons: Sky TV, DVDs, CDs
• Eco-friendly: Solar panels, natural building materials
• Internet & Communications: Yes
• Arrival Day: Sunday
• Arrival Time: 3pm
• Departure Time: 10am