New for this season, we will now be offering two distinct winter experiences. Our new, bespoke heli skiing experience is unlike any existing heli ski operation in Europe. Sitting at the foot of the Rhone-Alps, the chalet’s proximity to the Italian border allows guests access to three heli ski bases, with runs averaging 1,000 to 2,200 vertical meters. One part heli ski lodge, one part mountain chalet, our alpine abode will check all of your boxes for the ultimate ski experience. This is the epitome of epic, big mountain skiing in a private group setting. Add in expert guides, exquisite accommodations, down-day activities and unmatched amenities, and you’ve got a truly one-of-a-kind European adventure.

HELI-SKIING IN THE ALPS

The two chalets are located near three different heli-ski bases which access more than 40 descents averaging 1,000 meters in length. Expect long, untracked runs and a variety of terrain from steep, narrow couloirs to wide alpine bowls. After each day of heli-skiing the best lines that the Italian Alps have to offer, ski directly back to the chalet door to enjoy a chef-prepared meal, fine French wine, and sweeping views of France’s Tarentaise Valley.

Heli skiing in the Alps is unlike skiing anywhere else in the world. The vast diversity of terrain will keep even the most seasoned of skiers awaiting the next drop with increasing anticipation. The location on the Italian border allows for a truly customized heli ski experience from the chalet. This is rare in Europe, and even more unique because we can ski down to the chalet at 1,250 meters, after starting our descent from 3,400 meters. Every day we pick and choose terrain based on the current conditions – from glacier skiing, to perfectly-spaced tree skiing, to carving huge turns in wide-open powder fields.

WHAT WILL YOUR TRIP LOOK LIKE?

This all-new heli ski experience is unlike anything else that currently exists in Europe. Based out of two chalet located in Le Miroir, France, this exclusive and highly customized adventure will take you across the fabled peaks of the French-Italian border and beyond. You’ll explore different parts of the region on skis every day. The helicopter provides unparalleled access to untouched powder stashes high up in the Italian Alps, and our IMFGA-certified, local guide team will determine the best itinerary for your group each day based on current conditions and ability levels. The terrain and setting never repeat and you’ll refuel at lunch on either French or Italian cuisine as you hop between the border. Locals have been skiing these imposing peaks for centuries, and the tradition makes the experience truly unique.

DAY 1 – HELI SKIING IN LA THUILE

Start your day with a delicious, chef-prepared breakfast before heading out to the chalet’s drop zone to depart for Italy. Between getting first tracks on multiple 1,000-meter descents in the Aosta Valley, take a lunch break at a classic Italian mountain café.  End the day with classic après ski in the French style.

DAY 2 – HELI SKIING IN COURMAYEUR

Enjoy untracked lines on glaciated runs as you descend through open powder fields. Treat yourself to a gourmet, three-course Italian lunch before embarking on a sunset ski back to the chalet. End the day with a glass of Bordeaux and local cheese to toast a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

DAY 3 – HELI SKIING IN VALGRISENCHE

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Italian-French border, where cold smoke powder, and wide, open runs await. The vertical relief is giant, snaking through high-alpine terrain, tree runs, and finally to the valley bottom. Descend 3,000 meters to the chalet, with a stop at the Alpage, a quaint farmhouse that’s been remodelled in style. From here, the chalet door is an easy descent away.

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PISTE AND OFF-PISTE SKIING

If heli skiing doesn’t fit into your agenda, our winter experience is the perfect alternative for guests looking to find the best of winter in the Alps.  This is a choose-your-own-adventure-style vacation with a multitude of activity options included in your stay. Each day, choose between seven world-class ski resorts, including Tignes and Val d’Isère, or explore the area on cross-country skis or snowshoes. If ski-touring is more your style, our IFMGA certified guide team can take you to legendary off-piste runs with steep and deep lines that you can ski straight to the chalet door. With such a variety of winter activities to choose from, you are at the epicentre of alpine adventure.

The chalet’s setting, nestled in the tiny France mountain hamlet of Le Miroir, immerses guests in the local culture and provides the perfect base to recharge after a powder day. Après in the outdoor hot tub or fireside in the well-appointed, rustic living room, then indulge in regional specialities like fondue and tartiflette.

There are endless trails and ski lifts, routes, restaurants and multiple ski resort connections in the valley. Both chalets are surrounded by seven world-class ski resorts, all 30 minutes or less away. We choose the day’s best conditions prior to even stepping out the front door.

A word from your guide

Skiing in the Tarentaise Valley, especially the Sainte Foy area, is unlike skiing anywhere else in the world. There’s diverse outdoor playgrounds for on-slope resort skiing and off-piste runs easily accessible by cable car, not to mention authentic, local après ski bars, and incredible French cuisine. Our location on the Italian border means customized heli-skiing. This is rare in France, and even more unique because we can ski down to the chalet at 1,250 meters, after starting our descent from 3,400 meters. This equals a 2,150-meter ski run. Every day we pick and choose terrain–skiing on glacier, slaloming between trees, or carving huge turns in open fields.

On a ski safari in the French Alps, you’ll explore different parts of the region by ski every day. Easy-access powder skiing and plenty of off-piste runs can be accessed by helicopter, ski lift, or randonneé. The terrain and setting never repeat and you’ll refuel at lunch on either French or Italian cuisine as you hop between the border. Locals have been skiing these “hills” for centuries, and the tradition makes the experience truly unique.

DAY 1 – ON PISTE

Connecting two enormous world-class resorts such as Val d’Isère and Tignes might seem impossible, but it’s what we do here. Ride the same lift twice? Nope. Between perfecting your turns, take a lunch break at a classic French mountain café and end the day with classic après skiing a la French style.

DAY 2 – OFF PISTE

Explore historic mountain villages and ski Sainte Foy resort’s cotton-candy off-piste snow. After lunch at the Marquisse restaurant, return to the col granier. Descend 3,000 vertical feet to the chalet, with a stop at Eleven’s Alpage, a quaint farmhouse that’s been remodelled in style. The front door of both chalets are an easy descent away.

DAY 3 – HELI-SKIING

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Italian-French border, as 360-degree views, cold smoke powder, and wide, open runs await. The vertical relief is giant, snaking through high-alpine terrain, tree runs, and finally to the valley bottom. After three or four runs you’ll have earned a glass of Bordeaux and local cheese to toast an epic day.

DAY 4 – SKI TOURING

From the car, strap your skins on and climb through steep, wooded hillsides until you crest the top of an alpine ridge on Bec Rouge. The only thing that can top the glorious climb above tree line is the spectacular descent down 40-degree, north-facing powder pitches.

CHALET I PROPERTY DETAILS

• Four king bedrooms with en suite bathrooms
• One bunkroom with four twin beds and an en suite bathroom
• Media room
• Indoor freshwater pool
• Outdoor hot tub
• Finnish sauna and steam room
• 3,767 square foot chalet
• Max capacity: 12 guests
• The Alpage, a sheep herder’s hut-turned-off-piste outpost for buyout guests

Winter experience starting at $8,030 per night for a lodge buyout for 10 guests.
Winter heli-ski experiences are priced on request based on group requirements.

CHALET II PROPERTY DETAILS

• 5 king bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
• 1 queen bedroom with sitting area
• 1 bunkroom with 4 bunks
• Media room
• Outdoor hot tub
• Finnish sauna and steam room
• 6,222 square foot chalet
• Max capacity: 16 guests
• The Alpage, a sheep herder’s hut-turned-off-piste outpost for buyout guests

Winter experience starting at $11,360 per night for a lodge buyout for 14 guests.
Winter heli-ski experiences are priced on request based on group requirements.

INCLUSIONS

EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Pre-arrival planning and custom itinerary creation with an Experience Manager.

HELI SKIING
Guided heli skiing

GEAR
All gear necessary for activities.

CHEF-PREPARED MEALS
Breakfast, après, and dinner served daily.

ORGANIC MINIBAR
In-room whole food minibar snacks and beverages.

BEVERAGES
House alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Additional services not listed above including: round-trip airport transfers, wellness treatments, lunch, photography, and some additional activities.

SEASONAL DATES

Winter experiences open from December 2nd – April 23
Heli-Ski experiences open for winter from January 2nd, 2023 – April 23, 2023

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