An old Savoyard farmhouse, Chalet Alpage is now a character hotel situated about 2 miles outside la Clusaz. This charming, long-established resort is little known by Brits but has been cherished by French families for generations.
Away from the animation at the heart of the resort (there’s a free navette bus by day and taxis at night), the Chalet Alpage is small, snug and spotlessly clean. And it’s on the doorstep of the Laquais lifts which link to the extensive Massif des Aravis domain so that even beginners can ski in and out of the hotel. Thierry is a sympathique and thoughtful host. Things like heated boot racks, a hot outdoor tub, a small heated pool and a sauna (all free) are soothing options after a day spent hammering the pistes; as indeed is the log fire in the cosy lounge alongside the bar.
Cuisine is unusually good and dinner can stretch to five courses - generous, gourmet fare which goes down equally well with skiers as it does with hikers in summer. All the recently-renovated accommodations have balconies from which to appreciate the glorious views. Typically Alpine in style, they feature lots of pine, even in the pristine tiled bathrooms. Three mini-suites are excellent for families.
Chalet Alpage is a terrific little hotel.