Skiing and romance go together like champagne and oysters, café and croissants, brie and jambon, which is why loved up couples frequent the French Alps.
The French Alps are a mecca for romantics and skiers alike, who adore its world-class ski runs, off-piste thrills, snow-dusted villages, brilliant blue skies and charming villages. If the epitome of romance sounds a lot like being curled up in front of a roaring fire, wrapped in cozy blankets and sipping a glass of vin chaud, then these romantic French ski resorts will give you the perfect base to keep isolated with your lover.
HOTEL BARRIÈRE LES NEIGES, Courchevel 1850
Surrounded by Narnia-like pine forests and located at the foot of the renowned Bellecôte run, Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges boasts an enviable ski-in ski-out location. Created with all the ingredients of an exclusive alpine escape, you can expect haute cuisine, attentive Clefs d’Or Concierges and arresting mountain views.
Photos below credit: Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges
Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges stand out feature has to be its accommodation. Every room offers a unique charm of its own, yet tells a story that brings the mountain and snow-capped summits to life in a very real, yet intimate way. Hitting the high notes of natural splendour—high ceilings create a sense of space, while sexy lighting, scattered pillows and furry throws evoke a seductive atmosphere.
If you’re thinking of double dating or celebrating a wedding anniversary with the in-laws, but still want to savour the intimacy of your winter getaway, then opt for L’Appartement Les Neiges. Comprising of 3 bedrooms, upscale bathroom, posh dressing room, a dining room seating 8 guests, a spacious living room complete with glass box fire and a balcony offering views of Mont Blanc and Courchevel 1850.
When you’re not skiing in the world’s largest ski area (Les 3 Vallées), the obliging concierge are on hand to give you unforgettable experiences. Yes, you’ve got all the classics—tobogganing, roasting marshmallows, snowmobiling, but this hotel takes it to another level with a torchlit mountain descent, flying over Mont Blanc and dog sledging.
Hotel Portetta, Courchevel 1650
Set on the slopes at Courchevel Moriond 1650, Hotel Portetta offers an enticing combination of traditional alpine décor, comfortable rooms with snugly duvets and beautiful spa.
Photos below credit: ® Amy Murrell
While Portetta delivers on all the fronts expected of a luxury ski resort, it goes the extra mile with its Cucina Angelina. Matching the casually elegant style of Portetta, with richly textured seating, reclaimed wooden tables, and regal paintings gracing the walls, the restaurant exudes subtle sophistication.
Fancy an après-ski cocktail? Head to the legendary Fire & Ice bar. Well-regarded for its huge log fire, fur rugs and wood-burning pizza oven, it’s one of the best places to stop for an appetising lunch and afternoon aperitif.
Les Airelles, Courchevel
Money can’t buy you love or happiness, but it can fund your stay at this life-sized gingerbread house, formally known as Les Airelles. Both exterior and interior epitomise the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen storybook and will leave you pleasantly lost in a fairytale.
Photos below credit: Les Airelles
Once you’ve navigated your way through this Narnia-like jardin to your room, you’ll be greeted by tasselled furnishings, caramel-tone woods and frescoed accents. Whether you opt for a classic room or a regal suite, you’ll get all the glamorous feels of a palace in Courchevel, but all the homely vibes needed to properly unwind.
Expect to dine like a king here. There’s slope-side venues, decadent restaurants dishing up rainbow-hued cakes, foie gras and seafood that stares at you. And unsurprisingly a boujee bar.
Exceptional service, unadulterated luxury and attention to detail are keywords for Les Airelles. To keep you entertained off the slopes, they have a plush spa with all the hot tubs to soothe your aches, a cigar-and-cognac smoking den, private helicopter rides and in-house jazz concerts. Why not pull out all the romantic stops by taking a Hermès horse-drawn carriage around the town. To keep warm, snuggle under the cashmere blanket provided.
LA MOURRA Hôtel VILLAGE, Val d’Isère
Taking classic alpine accommodation to a whole new level, La Mourra Hôtel Village is the perfect marriage of exclusive chalets and an enchanting hotel. La Mourra brings all the charms of the forest and displays them throughout its 4 private chalets and 9 hotel suites—giving you all the snowy-retreat feels with the convenience of a central location in Val d’Isère.
Photos below credit: La Mourra Hôtel Village
Whether you opt for a stylish suite in the hotel or a private chalet, you’ll be blown away by the exceptional interiors—worthy of a magazine shoot.
Suites and chalets are individually decorated along the same cosy-chic line: lots of natural wood, an eclectic mix of reclaimed designer furniture, warm-hued lighting and fluffy tartan blankets.
The hotel restaurant is decked with alpine character—I’m talking heavy wood panelling, velvet sofas and a bar that mimics the mountain outside. Guests can also dine at the hotel’s sister property, five-star Le Blizzard, in the centre of town and specialises in more traditional Savoyard cuisine.
Fuel up for a day on the slopes at La Mourra’s breakfast buffet—complete with eggs, crepes and a continental spread of meats, cheese and croissants.
Hotel Le Blizzard, Val d’Isère
With its aged wooden beams and panelling, Hôtel Le Blizzard is a classic ski chalet, oozing alpine charm and character. Designed with discreet luxury and elegant romance in mind, the hotel has a warm ambience, making guests feel truly “at home”. This feeling continues into the lounge bar, thanks to the inviting cushions and indirect lighting. Can you think of a better place to order a few cocktails and warm your cold feet by the open fire?
Photos below credit: Hôtel Le Blizzard
When it comes to rooms and suites, you’re spoiled for choice—opt for classic alpine or zen and tranquillity or art deco and bold beams. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to relax, rejuvenate and restore your energy for the next day’s adventures. After swooping and gliding through one of 153 runs in Val d’Isère, indulge yourself in a post-ski massage at the Clarins Spa or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool to enjoy views over the glistening mountains and your partner, of course.
Staff are on hand to take care of everything, from ensuring your ski passes and rental equipment are delivered to your door, to sorting restaurant reservations and booking all kinds of fun spa treatments.
LE LODGE PARK, Megève
As the original home of glamour and luxury in the French Alps, Megève retains a traditional and elegant atmosphere, making it an idyllic ski resort haven. Amid the après-ski glamour of Megève, Le Lodge Park offers a distinctive look indeed. With all the flourishes of a hunting lodge, and all the trimmings of a Ralph Lauren photo shoot, Le Lodge is every inch high-end, but in my view, feels distinctively more homely and cosy than surrounding hotels. Crucial ingredients for lovers.
Photos below credit: Le Lodge Park / L. Di Orio, M.P. Morel, T. Shu & DR
Warm alpine décor and serious comfort are at the top of the hotel’s agenda, and its clear everything has been thought of to meet the requirements of an unforgettable romantic ski holiday. High-end bedding, contemporary bathrooms, tactile fabrics, log furniture and a personal fireplace, all culminate in intimate indulgence.
The wild-woods aesthetic stretches across the restaurant, which is renowned for dishing up the finest cuts of local meats and the sophisticated Le Bar du Lodge—adored for its open plan living space and deep, cosy sofas.
So what will it be, Moscow Mule, hot chocolate, cointreau or vin chaud?
Le M de Megève, Megève
For me, Le M de Megève is the ultimate definition of effortlessly chic. From the outside, this boutique hotel offers the charm of a traditional alpine hideaway, but step inside, and it’s given a very contemporary twist with its black light fittings, chesterfield sofas and sheepskin throws.
Photos below credit: Karin Creuzet
Keeping things simple, stylish and Savoyard in the bedroom department; most rooms come with a balcony that offers space to enjoy the crisp air and mountain serenity. If you want to raise the romance level a notch, then opt for the Royal Suite. Whilst you’ll be raising the cost of your ski retreat, you’ll be gaining extra privacy, a roaring fire, two bathrooms, and a fruit basket delivered daily.
When it comes to drinking and dining, Le M de Megève knows its competition and seamlessly rises to the challenge with its sophisticated Le M Restaurant, snug Bar du M, and the crème de la crème (or should I say fromage de fromage), Les Grands Crus de Fondues.
Oh, and for an extra dose of romance, and the hotel offers a complimentary horse-drawn carriage, so you can explore the chocolate-box village of Megève with your sweetheart in true love-story style. Merci beaucoup.
Les Fermes de Marie Hotel, Megève
Owners—Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet—set about revamping a hamlet of nine chalets with centuries-old building materials to create the undeniably magnificent Les Fermes de Marie Hotel.
Photos below credit: Les Fermes de Marie, L’Alpage, La Ferme de Bacré / L. Di Orio, M.P. Morel, T. Shu, F. Paubel & DR
But it didn’t stop there. They went on to create a portfolio of stunning properties that really deserved their own blog post. But for now, let’s turn our attention to Les Fermes de Marie. This place is a far cry from your usual ski hotel, but profoundly five-star and confidently characterful.
Rooms and suites are spread out across the main hotel and neighbouring chalets—none of which are bling bling, moreover sensational alpine. Warmth and comfort come courtesy of cosy fur bed throws, cracking wood fires, rich woods and cross-stitched cushions.
You don’t want to miss out breakfast or lunch hotel at one of the hotel’s barn-style restaurants. Fuel up on hearty Savoyard dishes: eggs with chestnuts, legs of jamón ibérico, Savoy cheeses with rustic breads, black truffle pasta and delicate pastries.
Powder hounds are taken care of with a complimentary shuttle bus to the Chamois gondola lift just 5 minutes away, while those seeking a pampering session will be warmly welcomed at The Pure Altitude Spa. With a subtle touch of Japanese zen, you’ll lose yourself in the honey facials, cranberry wraps and hot-stone massages.
Whether you’re in search of rip-roaring high-altitude skiing, decadent parties in slope-side bars, culinary delights (think melted camembert and a bottle of Merlot) or intimate wooden chalets, these romantic French ski resorts will deliver on all fronts. Hide away from the world, soak up the scenery and enjoy each other’s company in the privacy of your own mountain retreat. ❤
