Saint-Gervais Scene

Gather around the wood-burning stove, pull on a blanket, and let the mountains do the rest – this chalet in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the kind of alpine retreat that earns its place on the shortlist immediately. Timber ceilings, an antler chandelier in the dining room, and a terrace with sweeping valley views set the tone, while a sauna and private gym make post-slope recovery as restorative as can be. There's also a Jacuzzi on the terrace. The Saint Gervais Le Bettex gondola is just under 2 kilometres away, with a direct bus connection from the door, and the village centre is a ten-minute drive – convenient and cosy, just how we like our ski retreats.

Home truths:
* Air conditioning is available in four of the five bedrooms – one by the living room and the three upstairs rooms – but not in the living areas. The chalet stays naturally cool, so this is unlikely to be an issue for most mountain stays.
* You're in a quiet residential area rather than the village itself. The centre of Saint-Gervais is a seven-minute drive away, so you'll want a car for day-to-day errands and après-ski evenings out. There are two parking spaces here.
* If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, your host can provide a cot. You'll need to request it in advance.
* As is common in France, some bathrooms have separate toilets.
* A complimentary mid-stay cleaning service is included for stays of 14 nights or more.