Chalet Refuge V

Escape to the Snow

Have you discovered the delights of skiing from Tignes? In which case you know that it is one of the only snow-sure resorts in France and all about the vast Espace Killy that is shares with its more eminent neighbour, Val d’Isère.

Or maybe you are seeking something that departs from your usual well-skied tracks. Perhaps the children have reached an age where fun facilities for adventurous families are high on your list of requirements. Someone might have whispered about some of the best snow conditions in the Alps. Refuge V, occupying a sunny spot just above Le Lac de Tignes, will be the highly persuasive factor to entice you to Tignes.

Refuge V is architecturally stunning while offering deliciously comfortable accommodation for up to ten guests. It has been constructed to make the most of its enviable position with windows that allow the magnificent high-altitude landscape to beguile and excite as breakfast is served. Stepping out onto the balcony – space enough for a dining area and deckchairs – the air might tingle and but clever design allows you to soak up the sun’s warmth while sheltered from those alpine breezes.

Refuge V is operated by true aficionados of the Tarentaise valley whose expertise will give you special insights into this area, its opportunities for adventure and its beauty. They also know what makes a chalet holiday tick. You can choose to self-cater if you wish or opt for the full-service. Fine dining with an emphasis on fresh ingredients lovingly prepared by well-trained professionals, an open bar, carefully selected house wines and champagne served with canapés in case you have worked up a gnawing appetite since the luscious cakes at teatime. A couple of hours in the chalet’s own sauna can leave you very hungry.

The accommodation is as flexible as it is fun. A spacious master bedroom with a generous en-suite has an area with bunkbeds. As well as two more double bedrooms and two more bathrooms, there is another bunk room. Sometimes it is claimed that sleep does not come easily at high altitudes, until you are acclimatised. At just over 2,000m above sea level you are on the summit of Europe. However, within the wood clad walls of your luxury refuge, snuggled into high quality bed linen and soft blankets, you will, we are sure, slip into restorative sleep. The soothing peace of the high mountains at night will do its magic.

And did we mention adventurous families? Tignes is an action-packed holiday for children of all ages and sizes, right up to those with forty years of skiing experience who still love to explore some of the most abundant off-piste opportunities in Europe. Make the most of the excellent children’s ski classes and child-care facilities, go wild on the water slides of the magnificent sports centre swimming pool. Fly a micro-light or go bungee jumping if you must. Dance on the tables as the resort fills again at the end of the afternoon with all the skiers and boarders whose day has taken them on or off the beaten tracks. Sleep favours the brave who have exhausted themselves. There won’t be many open eyes when they all, eventually, get to bed.

And when you need a refuge from all the excitement, the Refuge V will live up to its name. Here you will find your own little piece of high-altitude heaven.