Chalet Cannelle, Near Châtel, Abondance Valley, Alps - Explore & Book

"Nowhere is perfect, but Chalet Cannelle comes close. This is a stunning 200-year-old farmhouse with original timbers running wild. It stands on the edge of the tiny hamlet of Suvay in the Abondance Valley, a picture of rural simplicity that gives way to lovely contemporary interiors. The vast lounge has a high ceiling, an open fire and comfy sofas scattered about, but the star of the show is the enormous window that frames huge views of Les Dents du Midi. The 6 chic bedrooms come in cool chalet style. Some have private balconies overlooking the valley and all have smart bathrooms. During the peak ski season (late Dec-April) you have the option to book the whole place, ideal for a house party with family and friends, with owners Andy and Lorraine doing all the hard work. After a lovely breakfast, you’re whisked off to the lifts at Châtel (1km up the road), then disappear into the mountains of the Portes du Soleil, some of the best skiing in Europe. At the end of the day, you return for afternoon tea, a soak in the hot tub, then discover the big surprise - Andy’s outstanding food. If you're after a romantic trip for two, you can book B&B and venture out in the evenings. Whatever you do, just come: it’s gorgeous, it’s great value, and you couldn’t hope to fall into better hands. Highs The house is so beautiful you may spurn the mountains for a day at home. Andy and Lorraine look after you brilliantly and make your stay very specialPerfect for couples but also very family-friendly - extra beds and cots, a family room, a playroom, tailored mealsAndy’s cooking is so much tastier than most of the food you eat in restaurants; whole-chalet rates during the peak ski season include breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and all your drinks - wine, beer, vin chaudThe Portes du Soleil - 650km of skiing on one very well-priced pass. There’s plenty to do in summer, too: hiking, mountain biking, zip wires, wild swimmingYou don’t need a car in winter and airport transfers are easily arranged Lows Dinners are only served if the whole house is bookedSome of the bedrooms aren’t huge and a couple don’t have much of a viewThis isn’t a ‘ski in, ski out’ chalet, but you’re shuttled to and from the lifts every dayNo TVs in the bedrooms, but there’s one in the lounge (that’s never used!) and the kids' den" - Tom Bell