Courchevel 1850, France / Aman Le Mélézin

With enough sway to be able to privatise the unopened slopes especially for their guests, steadfast Carrier friends, Aman, have upped the exclusivity of Courchevel’s 1850 a notch. 

Looking down on a fresh blanket of snow from the top of the legendary Combe de la Saulire red run is an experience only a select few Le Mélézin guests can know; the hotel does have the right contacts for special requests after all. That shows the big impact of such a petite hotel and says everything you need to know about the level of intimate and personalised service here – but we’ll elaborate anyway. Wrapped up warm in a timber coat, accessorised with Aman’s signature deep and moody style that hints at their far eastern roots, Le Mélézin is a south-facing ski-in/ski-out set up on the Bellecôte green piste. After a morning on the slopes, beginners slide back inside the hotel with ease to sip on a cup of vin chaud – with the lucky ones doing so in their private Norwegian hot tubs (unbelievably a rarity on our Europe ski roster, so book them early). And those that passed on the pistes? Having started their day with the rest of their group with some pre-skiing yoga, they’ve hit up the spa that impressively takes up two of the hotel’s four floors.

When it’s time for a bite to eat, Aman arranges meal times to be a family affair (multi-gens thrive here with a family apartment and the option to buy out the entire top floor). The hotel’s Japanese joint – Nama – has made a name for itself with the locals so much so that a reservation is essential. But Aman are happy to mix things up a bit by swapping in-hotel dining with more options at their foodie friends in the area. Skiers head to Les Airelles’ luxurious lunchtime spread or indulge in some high-altitude shenanigans at La Folie Douce club. Otherwise, they regroup with the slope-dodgers at authentic timber-clad Le Chalet de Pierres.

Travel notes:

• 31 rooms and suites
• Le Mélézin is a ski-in/ski-out property located on a green piste, making it easy for even beginners to glide back to
• For winter fun off-skis, snowmobiling after the slopes close, dog sledding, snowshoe hiking and Moonbiking are available
• Non-snow based activities include a Japanese teatime experience and Matcha Tea ceremony, cocktail mixology and sushi masterclasses
• Option to arrive and leave Chambery in the Aman private jet, with helicopter transfers to and from Courchevel 1850
• There’s a ski room with butlers and a shuttle service into Courchevel’s 1850