The Private Chalet Company, Sainte Foy, France - Review

Having tired of the annual ski moaning from every member of my family we decided to go private this year – in fact to the aptly named Private Chalet Company. The company offer gourmet and catered chalets in the picturesque Sainte Foy, France, which is only 75 minutes from Chambery airport and 2 hours plus to Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble. The resort is famous for its quiet runs, well-groomed pistes and off-piste skiing and as we discovered is a family-friendly, excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities – particularly if you also like the good things in life!

Owners Steven and Nuala, have over 25 years of experience in the service industry and offer escorted skiing not only in Ste Foy but in the resorts of Tignes, Val D`Isere, Les Arcs, La Rosiere and La Thuile in Italy. In one day we managed to have breakfast in Saint Foye – lunch in the very smart Val D`Isere and ended up half way up the mountain in Tignes dancing to some baleric beats early evening – much to the amusement of our teenager!

There are four chalets in the group – Jacques, Shanti, Jacqueline and the latest addition Panoramic offers exceptional accommodation suitable for anything from singles to groups of up to 18 people. Honesty bars, hot tubs, sauna`s luxurious interiors and free Wi-Fi are just some of the perks of these beautiful chalets and they even have a service which delivers the boots to your door! No more tantrums in overcrowded ski shops with language difficulties and impatient husbands!

The food was also out of this world and surprised us with every meal. Having taken courses` at Raymond Blanc`s Michelin starred `Le Manoir aux Quat` Saison`, Steven and Nuala`s chefs provided the best in fine cuisine throughout the stay. They even phoned us the week before to check any dietary requirements which is a great attention to detail we felt (especially as our teenager has recently announced she has become a pescitarian?!)

This was the first stress free skiing trip I have ever experienced and I am definitely now converted! My husband also fancies he is capable enough to manage the couple`s off piste weeks with a mountain guide. We discovered on our stay that Sainte Foy is renowned for being the destination of choice for instructors on their days off from nearby Tignes and Val D`Isere – but whilst his ego be a match for them I am not entirely sure his abilities will follow!