Yesterday I shared my very first time skiing in Tignes with Mark Warner and we had so much fun on the slopes – but one of the best parts of our trip for me was our beautiful Chalet and the gorgeous food we enjoyed after all that hard work in the snow! We stayed in the Chalet Hotel Ecrin de Val Claret in Tignes at the top of the French Alps which was absolutely adorable and really took me by surprise – as soon as we walked in I knew we were going to feel right at home for the next three days.
Our rooms were like something from Frozen with their cutout wood panels, adorable lampshades and snow fluttering down on the balcony. Behind the wooden door was a perfectly sized bathroom with a bath perfect for relaxing in and sink with products and dressing gown to use. In the main room I had two twin beds which were so comfy and served me well after three very tiring days on the slopes!
The cute didn’t stop in our rooms, the entire Chalet was downright adorable! With vintage ski paraphernalia hanging from the ceilings, lining the corridors and sink into sofas and armchairs surrounding open fires in the bar, the entire Chalet felt like one big house. In your package with Mark Warner you get your breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine included and the food was absolutely fantastic. Every evening there were three choices for each course and bottle of wine that just kept coming – we never went hungry and it was something I really looked forward to every day!
Around the Chalet is a beautiful little town with local cheese and trinket shops perfect for presents and of course stocking up on the latest ski gear! Bars galore and lovely restaurants (check out our top two lunchtime recommendations in my Ski post here) make for a lovely walk taking in the scenery and quizzically watching skiers whizzing by on the blue slope that shoots right through the centre! Grab a coffee or a mulled wine and watch the snowboarders doing tricks with the mountains forming one of the most beautiful backdrops.
After a hard morning skiing I head straight to the spa for a hot stone massage! The girls in Viva were absolutely fab and the spa itself was just a little haven in a snowy wonderland. Cosy, calm and relaxing as all great spas should be with a great treatment menu to boot. Every day they have treatments on offer so you’re sure to be tempted during your stay – I enjoyed a Hot Stone Full Body Massage and a Leg and Foot Scrub and Massage both of which were heavenly and very well priced. With electric blankets on the bed for extra warmth and relaxation and talented and friendly therapists it was one my favorite places in the Chalet!
After the spa you can take a swim in the indoor pool, relax and let the jacuzzi water jets massage you or re-heat in the steam room and sauna. It’s beautiful here and a perfect contrast to the cold outside. If you feel extra active you can even head to the gym although I could barely pull myself onto the spa treatment bed after a day skiing let alone a treadmill!
This Salted Caramel Brownie caused quite a stir around our table and I’m still dreaming of it now!
Evenings at Chalet L’Ecrin Du Val Claret are a social affair in the bar and lounge with quizzes and light entertainment. Play pool, pick up a board game or simply relax with a drink by the fire – life at the Chalet felt like one big family but never felt forced or crowded. There’s always something to do or somewhere to relax with a good book if you fancy a night to yourself.
Take a look at how we got on with our first time skiing!
I was blown away by the service, the luxury, the food and the pure beauty of Chalet Hotel Ecrin de Val Claret – it’s a real gem and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. A week in Tignes with Mark Warner starts at £549 per adult and includes flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast, afternoon tea AND dinner with wine – what are you waiting for? Get that snowy break sorted!