Chalet Le Namaste in Courchevel 1850 was the former summer residence of Margret Thatcher but now it is available for luxury exclusive weekly rental as a fully catered ski chalet.
Chalet Le Namaste certainly has real Kerb “piste” appeal! It’s ski in ski out access directly to the Bellecotte piste, an easy green run is the favoured location for the well-heeled visitors in Courchevel 1850. It’s this location that makes Chalet Le Namaste so perfect for a family vacation, the Bellecotte piste is known for being one of the gentlest ski runs in the area and a perfect place to learn to ski.
The Chalet underwent a multimillion-euro refurbishment in 2019 and is one of the finest ski chalets available to rent anywhere in the region. The exterior retained its traditional feel, but step inside, and its light tones with lots of old pine and exquisite soft furnishings give the chalet a perfect alpine feel. Large open fireplaces ensure a cosy night in, while from March onwards the large balconies come into their own, with splendid views across the piste and the mountains beyond and a perfect venue to share an après ski bottle of champagne.
Chalet Le Namaste is located in one of the most exclusive address in Courchevel, a gated community. The remodelled chalet now makes for the perfect family ski holiday, sleeping a total of 10 adult guests and 4 children. With a luxurious master suite and three further double rooms and a large children’s room, that incorporates a kids snug area with TV. This room sleeps for up to four children. In addition, there is a further smaller (windowless) double room suitable for a nanny or additional guests. All the bedrooms have private en suite bathrooms.
A separate play area for children is important for them to have their own space and to attempt to keep them away from the chalets own private and compact spa area with its indoor pool, Hamman and sauna. If I was renting this ski chalet, I’d insist the spa was a child-free zone!
The location of this chalets means the virtually every window in the chalet has a perfect view.
Chalet La Namaste is fully catered
The cost depends very much on the week of the season you want to stay. Expect to pay upwards of €30,000 for a week’s exclusive rental, which includes the costs of the dedicated chalet team. The role of the chalet team which include a chalet manager, chef, host and chauffeur, is to ensure you enjoy your time at this wonderful alpine home. The house champagne is Perrier-Jouet which flows freely throughout your stay, and which certainly sets the tone for a luxury week ahead.
Prior to your arrival the chef will discuss your preferences for the menu, which will be tailored to your exacting needs, be that to observing religious or cultural tastes or just your own personal preferences, including any fussy eaters.
Breakfast which is catered to your customised wishes is severed daily. A good healthy diet is important to set you up for a days activity and even if you stop at one of the many great slope-side restaurants in the three valleys for lunch, guess what? By the time you return to the chalet in the late afternoon, you will be hungry again. The chalet team will have baked cakes and biscuits, made soup or hot drinks ready for your return.
In the evening, pre-dinner canapés are served in the lounge before a four-course evening meal on 6 nights of your stay served with selected chateau bottled wines included, wines from the owners’ private cellar are available at a supplement. One night a week, the chalet staff have a well deserved night off, a chance for you to try one of the many excellent restaurants in the village.
About the skiing around Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1850, is one of Frances top destinations for skiers, The village is located 1850m above sea level, but the ski range is between 1200mk to the highest point at 3230m, therefore, the snow is guaranteed from early December through to the end of April in the average winter and is the Worlds largest connected ski area, covering 600km of perfectly groomed ski slopes.
The ski area is extensive and offers a wide choice of different ability ski runs. A very good network of easy greens and confident building blues runs extend to the nearby other villages which include La Tania and Meribel and a little further away from Europe’s highest ski resort Val Thorens.
Getting to Courchevel
The chalet change over day is on a Sunday so the Eurostar direct day service isn’t an option from London, but changing trains in Paris means TVG services to Moutier are possible, which is a 30-minute transfer from Courchevel. The nearest airport is Chambery 2 hours by road or the international airport at Geneva is 3 hours by road. Courchevel has a small private airstrip, where both small jets and Helicopters bring is guests from around the world.
Angus Kinloch is the Managing Director at Ski Line. Ski Line specialist ski agency that provides luxury ski holidays to Europe’s and North America’s most popular ski resorts.
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