Ski season is in full swing, and there?s nothing like nestling around a dining table in your own apartment on the slopes, sipping at your own magnum of Brunello di Montlcino in privacy with your nearest and dearest, exchanging tales of the day?s adventures. However, until recently, the casual Alpine skier without the good fortune to own a home in St Moritz or Zermatt, would risk suffering for their hobby. In contrast to North America, ski apartments in Europe were patchy at best, cramped and devoid of service ? and still expensive ? at worst.
Then, French hospitality group Pierre & Vacances began constructing its own, purpose-built, resort and apartment complexes, with all the panache of the best ski-in, ski-out properties in North America. Arc 1950, L?Amara in Avoriaz, and Les Terraces d?Helios above Flaine, all in the French Alps, are delightful, contemporary developments, with five-star hotel-style service, spas, bars, pools and ? most importantly of all ? properly designed ski-in, ski-out facilities. More are in the pipeline, meaning you don?t have to buy a $10m apartment in the Engadine to enjoy high standards in your ?own place? on the slopes. LUX speaks to Martine Balouka-Valette, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism at Pierre & Vacances, about the Alps and other holiday trends. Martine Balouka-Valette
LUX: When we first saw one of your properties (in the recently-developed resort of Arc 1950 in France) we couldn?t help but be reminded of the holistic architect...