A Breathtaking Ski Getaway in the French Alps

Étoile du Nord is the most recent addition from European ski chalet specialist Bramble Ski and its luxury sister company Haute Montagne. Set in the heart of Val d’Isère in the French Alps, this breathtaking residence was opened in December 2023 after a 10-year project.

Drawing from the surrounding forest and mountains, Manuel Nogueira, founder of London-based architecture firm AndArchitects, and interior designer Nicky Dobree completed two adjoining chalets with seven bedrooms in the East Wing and six in the West Wing. Étoile du Nord, in the centrally located Petit Alaska enclave, is a 10-minute walk or a two-minute drive to the slopes and a short stroll to Val d’Isère’s bars, restaurants, and shops.

A floor-to-ceiling high window in the vast living-dining room offers up to 14 guests unobstructed views of the mountains while sipping tea next to a charming log fire. Open-plan kitchens featuring fumed-oak cabinets and large stone islands, full-height marble slabs lining the bathroom walls, bespoke furnishings, and details crafted by local talented artisans give a sense of ease.

Named World’s Best New Ski Chalet 2023 at the World Ski Awards, Étoile du Nord features games rooms, a cinema with a bar, two boot rooms for ski equipment, and an underground car park. The property is also home to a spa, two swimming pools, a large steam room, three hot tubs, and saunas. After a day on the mountain, guests can enjoy a delicious meal such as sweet potato carbonara, Reine de Saba cake, and white chocolate soup prepared by the private chef.

Photography by Philipe Vile.