CHALET BLACKCOMB

Ski resorts don't come with much more heritage than Val d'Isere, in fact, no other resort can boast such a rich history. The very first ski resort to welcome would be skiers, this quaint town is ground zero to one of the most exciting, daring and challenging ski resorts around.

For those looking for a casual ski on gentle slopes, you can find your way comfortably thanks to the very well marked routes and conveniently positioned resort maps between handy stops that will offer up some respite such as the world renowned La Folie Douce - of which Val d'Isere's establishment is also the very first. However, if you are looking to challenge yourself, then there are plenty of snow covered routes that should raise your pulse. What's more, thanks to the high altitude of the resort, you won't have to worry about any lack of snow.

Whether you are a keen skier or more of an après ski connoisseur, Val d'Isere has something for everyone to enjoy, from high end shopping to indulgent and even historic restaurants such as La Grande Ourse - open since 1936, serving up authentic Savoyard cuisine - and the best way to ensure you can do exactly what you want, when you want, is to opt to stay in one of the luxurious chalet's on offer.

Recently undergoing a complete renovation and impressive transformation, Chalet Blackcomb from Consensio Chalets offers up one of the best ways to enjoy this incredible resort. Part of their growing collection of luxury properties, Blackcomb joins the family in the 'relaxed catered chalet' collection which delivers a catered chalet experience unlike any other, and it's not just the meticulous, chic, modern alpine finish you'll enjoy.

Providing a more relaxed, family-focused chalet at an affordable price, with sustainability at the forefront, you benefit from Consensio’s concierge, an in-house chalet team of two dedicated hosts/cooks, an in-resort chalet-to-piste shuttle service and a housekeeper leaving nothing for you to do but enjoy yourself.

As a catered offering, you can indulge in some delicious fare of your choosing with some fantastic vegetarian and vegan options that will surprise even the meatiest of meat eaters thanks to some incredible knowledge from the in-house pairing of professional chefs Henry Eldon and Mikkaila Mckeever-Willis who are on hand to help with anything and everything you might need, including a top up of that free-flowing champagne.

In-keeping with Consensio's sustainability ethos and the pair's own environmental beliefs, at Chalet Blackcomb you can enjoy a completely plant-based day to explore the flavours that Henry and Mikkaila are able to deliver without any animal-based products at all and sample some of the finest local ingredients they can get their hands on. You might even spot a few cows out of the window that provide cheese for the chalet on those nonvegan days.

While on a larger scale, Consensio themselves are committed to protecting the environment, having joined the Protect Our Winters campaign, and conducting a carbon footprint analysis of its entire operation, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2035. Working directly with owners, Consensio are able to help make their properties more efficient by integrating the latest environmental practices, including using renewable energy, increasing the recycling rate (currently around 80%), removing single-use plastic items and promoting meat-free days during guest dietary consultations.

With regard to Chalet Blackcomb, this became even more prevalent thanks to the scale of work undertaken on the property, creating a whole new section of living space along with the addition of a luxurious basement pool. This complete renovation and refurbishment has allowed for the creation of one of the most luxuriously comfortable chalets around. Vast glazing with vista's to dream of at every turn pair beautifully with the soft tones of natural wood throughout. Impeccably finished, every corner of Blackcomb has been expertly curated to create the perfect living space for guests to enjoy day or night whether you are visiting as an all-adult outfit or family with children.

Books, games and all the modern technology you could possibly need are on hand should you run out of slope stories, and an abundance of varied spaces are available both inside and out to ensure everyone is able to escape the 'crowd' should they need some quiet time to contemplate.

With capacity to sleep up to ten people in five twin or double ensuite bedrooms, this stunning chalet is set over three floors with living space at the top comprising a beautiful open-plan kitchen and seating area separated by nothing but the stairs and glazed wall from the main living and dining area complete with fully stocked bar - which you can serve yourself from should you wish. You will also find a cosy snug in the furthest corner with views out to the mountains and a vast balcony from which you can enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail with an incredible vista.

The relaxed nature of this chalet means that the chalet staff won't interrupt unless required or requested to do so, so a top up of Perrier-Jouët house champagne can be achieved by your own hand at your convenience just as easily as waiting to be served by the super efficient staff without it being forced upon you. There is one rule...if you enter the hot-tub and didn't inform the house staff that you didn't want champagne, then you should expect to receive a glass shortly.

With so many seating, dining and lounging areas available, you might just find yourself taking some time to relax in the chalet without even considering a venture to the slopes some days, and no one could blame you. Comfort is at the forefront of Chalet Blackcomb's spirit and it's easy to see the second you step foot inside. A warm, relaxed welcome continues throughout your stay.

Consensio Chalets

As you move down through the property, you will find all of the bedrooms located on the first floor - some with access out to private terraces, balconies and that all-important hot-tub. Each can be set up to suit your needs should you require double or twin rooms and each has been beautifully finished in-keeping with the rest of the property. Ensuites vary from indulgent freestanding baths to opulent and refreshing showers, or for the main suite, a touch of both. None of the rooms suffer for space, so there won't be any arguments over who gets which room, as long as no one else knows about the access to the hot-tub that is.

Once you venture down to the ground level - which boasts the main access to the property - you will find a substantial boot room where you can welcome your ski hire company should you require - with Oxygene offering an excellent, quick and professional in-chalet service - and access to the spa area.

Soon to welcome some additional features - look out for next season - the underground spa is a stunning hidden feature that you will very much welcome after a long day on the slopes. Relax and unwind in the crystal clear, naturally clean pool - using the latest filtration system to remove the need for harmful chemicals such as chlorine - and continue to enjoy your Perrier-Jouët as long as you like. With well-being a key focus of Blackcomb, this lower ground floor spa with oxygenated pool and relaxation area is the ideal place to escape.

As part of Consensio's carbon neutral efforts, they are keen to encourage guests to reduce their footprint as much as possible, offering alternative travel and clothing options for your trip. Ecoski provide the perfect way to enjoy the very best ski gear without forking out for the full cost and you can simply return it all once your home without even having to wash it. And while you are there, why not enjoy the quality ski hire offering from Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School who can also provide you with a friendly, experienced guide for your trip.

International travel brings with it one of the biggest environmental issues, and Consensio are pushing for a cleaner ski trip with the use of train travel over flying. Dramatically reducing your impact, switching from plane to train won't add much time door-to-door, but will have a major impact on the environment.

Val d'Isere and Chalet Blackcomb offer up the ultimate homefrom-home escape in the perfect spot for skiing. Relaxed luxury doesn't come much better than this and you can enjoy it all now.

What to wear and how to get there...

Chalet Blackcomb is available to book for catered ski holidays from mid-December to the end of April, and costs from €2,200 per person for 7 days, for 10 guests. For more information visit: www.consensiochalets.co.uk

Ecoski has a philosophy of having a kit with a conscience, they repair, rent and sell the highest quality preowned and new skiwear to reduce production and waste to support the circular economy. Example pricing: Outer icebreaker jacket costs £569.99 RRP (£60 for a 5-day rental - 10.5% cost of a new identical jacket); and Icebreaker mid-layer top costs £165.00 RRP (£22 for a 5-day rental - 13% cost of new top).

Your kit arrives two days before you travel and you simply return it in the prepaid bag before 12 noon the day after the final day of rental unwashed. Or should you choose to keep it, simply get in touch and they will provide you with the full price - minus your rental cost and any previous usage.

15% OFF OF ALL SKI HOLIDAYS!

To celebrate the abundance of snow in the Alps, Consensio are offering a phenomenal 15% off all their luxury ski holidays this winter!

Whether you'd prefer a holiday in an Ultimate Catered Chalet, a more family-orientated ski trip in a Relaxed Catered Chalet or a more understanded getaway in a Self-Catered Apartment - all Consensio holidays for this winter are 15% off!

*applicable for all 7-day holidays for the 22/23 season, not in conjunction with other offers.

Eurostar from London to Paris start from £78 per person or £39 one-way. Train travel is by far the most eco-friendly option - 4kg per person for a journey to Paris compared to 57.8kg by air in average CO² emissions. That’s an equivalent of 14 Eurostar journeys to one flight.

The train from Paris to Bourg St Maurice takes six hours and costs £72 per person, each way.

A Large Electric Caravelle Transfer from Bourg St Maurice to Chalet Blackcomb costs €306 for the return journey, carrying up to eight passengers.

Ski hire and ski guides available with Oxygene Ski & Snowboard School. Ski Guide: Antoine Prieur - 4 hours for up to 3 people - Low season €359; Mid-season €399; High season €419. 6 days Ski Rental - Bronze pack €189; Silver pack €229; Gold pack €289; Diamond pack €319. *All packs include skis, shoes and poles; **guests get a 10% discount on Chalet Fitting services with lessons; *** guests get a 30% discount on shop rental services with lessons.

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