Ski in Luxury at Chalet Inoko, Val d’Isere

With our private driver loading our luggage into the minibus, we made ourselves comfortable and opened the champagne with our welcome hamper, which had been left to make our journey just that little bit more enjoyable. As we got closer to Val d'Isère, the snow began to line the roads and the sun dipped behind the mountains. We were staying in one of the three chalets that Purple Ski has in Val d'Isère - Chalet Inoko. Sleeping up to 14 people, the chalet is tucked away in the trees overlooking Val d'Isère, and is just a short chauffeured minibus ride from the snow front and the resort's famous shopping and restaurant scene.

Once we arrived, we were greeted with a smile (and a glass of Champagne!) by Beth, the chalet manager. Staff at Purple Ski are handpicked to be the best in the industry, and are one of the reasons that these holidays are so unique, and the reason so many guests return year after year. The chalet itself was absolutely stunning and I couldn’t wait to explore. Set over three floors, the chalet comprises of six elegant bedrooms, two of which form a connected family suite along with an adjoining children's bunk room, a sumptuous wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, massage and relaxation area, spacious dining and living areas, and a TV room. The most exciting part for me was the jacuzzi on the terrace, looking out at the splendid views and a snowy forest backdrop! The chalet was the perfect mix of traditional alpine touches styled seamlessly with sleek, modern finishes and state-of-the-art facilities. It wasn’t long after our arrival that two members of the team from Oxygène arrived and we all had an in-chalet ski fitting. For me this was the first time that I had ever put on a ski boot and I’m not going to lie - they are not comfortable!

Central to the Purple Ski experience is the food, which is known as the best in the industry. After enjoying pre dinner canapés and champagne, we were treated to a fabulous menu of: burnt mackerel with caviar truffle tortellini, salted cod with prawn and red curry, and an earl grey creme brulee. With free rein to do what they do best, the in-chalet private chef tailors their dishes to suit their clients needs, tastes and preferences. The wines served were carefully selected from small producers to complement the food.  After dinner, I couldn’t resist a little relaxation time in the jacuzzi. It was absolutely picturesque looking out as it snowed down on the village below. 

The following morning after a hearty breakfast, including the chef's egg special and wellness shot, it was my first attempt on the slopes. Organised completely by Purple Ski, I met with my private instructor from Oxygène at the foot of the mountain before catching a cable car to the baby slopes. Now, for someone who has never set foot in a pair of ski boots before, I don’t think I did too badly! The instructor was very patient, and made my first time on skis a lot of fun. Getting off the chair lift is slightly terrifying, but other than that I was already looking forward to returning to the slopes the following day.That afternoon we had the very best experience at La Folie Douce, where we enjoyed an incredible meal whilst being entertained by some fabulous dancers and singers. When the sun began to drop in the sky and we had sipped on champagne for long enough, we headed back to our chalet where I heard the sauna calling to me for a pre-dinner wind down of my aching muscles. The Purple Ski chalets are so wonderfully relaxing, with attentive and helpful staff on hand, and after a hard day on the slopes, there is nothing better than curling up in front of the crackling fire.

The following morning, Purple Ski had arranged for the group to experience Electric Mountain Biking, which was such a great experience. It gave me a chance to really take in the spectacular scenery, whilst trying something different. Plus, getting up to some serious speeds on the way back down the mountain was exhilarating. That lunch time we enjoyed a hearty meal at Chez Gigi, which I needed for my next 3-hour ski lesson. Purple Ski were just fabulous at arranging every little detail, and making sure that other than worrying about where you’d left your skis - everything was taken care of. Back at the chalet, a company called ‘Massage Me’ had been arranged by Purple Ski to visit the chalet and take away some of our muscle tension. This took place in a private massage room within the chalet’s spa area. It was such a treat! After a little swim and some alone time in the sauna, I made my way upstairs for our final dinner by Chef Hugo Attou. Tonight’s menu was again delightful, and consisted of cured gravlax trout, aged beef fillet, Truffles Mont d’Or and St Honore with Vanilla and Hazelnut.

The whole weekend was absolutely perfect and Purple Ski were incredible hosts. It made my introduction to skiing a cut above the rest, the only problem is that when I return it can only be with Purple Ski.

A seven-night stay at Chalet Inoko, Val D’Isere starts from €45,420 on a catered basis. For more information and to book, please visit https://www.purpleski.com/chalets/inoko/