This unique chalet is tucked away on the edge of Villaroger, a tiny village in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley, just below the ski resort of Les Arcs. Plucked from the ruins of a farm that once belonged to the great, great grandparents of current owner Alain, it had lain unused for decades before being transformed into the sleek, contemporary building it is today.
Entering is like walking into the pages of an interiors magazine: brushed steel sits against walls of glass, and statement furniture is scattered around the 3 floors, all linked by a striking open staircase. The 5 rooms (4 doubles and a 2-bedroom Family Suite) blend traditional Savoyard stone from the original house with ultra-modern touches such as waterfall showers, digital art and designer lighting. There’s also a state-of-the-art media room, salons with fireplaces, and a dining room where breakfast and dinner are served around a giant resin table. In winter, you’re just 50m from the lift up to Les Arcs, which forms part of the mighty Paradiski ski area, and within easy reach of Val d’Isère and Tignes; in summer, you can hike, bike, paraglide and play golf. Afterwards, return to the sauna and outdoor hot tub, or laze on the balcony as the setting sun glints off the peaks above.
Highs
- The flexibility - unlike many chalets, Mineral Lodge is let by the room, so it’s a great option for couples and small families. Larger groups can book the whole place on a catered or self-catering basis
- The tranquillity - this is no bustling resort, just a quiet mountain retreat with spa treatments and stunning scenery
- The spaciousness - there are 2 guest lounges, balconies and terraces with soaring views, and lots of nooks to snuggle up in
- The food - hearty Savoyard staples such as fondue, veal or rabbit stew, and tarte tatin. Local wine and beer is available, too
- Alain’s infectious enthusiasm for design. He hosts regular exhibitions of iconic furniture in the common areas, and some pieces are available to buy
Lows
- The design can feel rather spartan - it’s not for those who prefer cosy, more traditional chalet style
- Meals are communal affairs - not to everyone’s taste - and breakfast is a fairly light continental spread, though you can pay extra for cooked options
- If you want to be close to nightlife and après-ski action, stay elsewhere
- Check-in is late (5pm) and full prepayment is required a month prior to arrival
- Some feedback suggests form comes before function (escaping shower spray, slow service), but we didn’t experience this during our visit
Best time to go
Mineral Lodge is open throughout the winter ski season, from December to April; the nearby slopes can get particularly busy during the peak weeks of New Year and February half-term, although the chalet itself is a quiet base away from the crowds. During the summer, there’s excellent hiking and biking in the surrounding national park. Please note that the property is normally closed from late April to early June and again from late September to November, however Alain will accept reservations of 3 rooms or more during these periods.
Our top tips
This is an excellent choice for those who want to explore different ski resorts in one holiday. As well as sitting just beneath Les Arcs and Paradiski, it’s within easy reach of Val d’Isère, Tignes and Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise; you can even ski at La Thuile in Italy, which is just 20km away.
Location
Mineral Lodge is located on the edge of Villaroger, a small village just below the resort of Les Arcs in the French Alps. It’s in the Tarentaise Valley, close to the borders with Switzerland and Italy.
By Air:
The nearest airports are Annecy (116km away), Chambéry (123km away) and Grenoble (189km away), though most guests fly into Geneva (202km away), which is served by a greater range of flights and has exits into France and Switzerland. Click on the links below for a list of airlines flying to all these airports.
From the Airport
It takes 1.5-2 hours to drive from any of the above airports. Alain can arrange transfers (see Rates), or you can hire a car (see below).
By Train:
Villaroger is only 20 minutes from Bourg St Maurice, which is served by TGV trains from Paris and, during winter, the direct Eurostar ski train from London St Pancras. It’s an easy taxi ride from the station to the chalet, and Alain can organise a pick-up on request.
By Car:
You won’t need a car in winter, as the lift to Les Arcs and Paradiski is only 50m up the road. However, you will need to drive if you want to ski in other nearby resorts, and it’s best to have a vehicle in summer so that you can get out to explore - see our car rental recommendations. The chalet has a garage for parking.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com.
More on getting to France and getting around
Airports:
- Geneva 202.0 km GVA
- Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc 116.0 km NCY
Other:
- Beach 190.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km