LUXURY DETACHED CHALET IN THE MONT BLANC REGION, EASY ACCESS TO SKIING

This is a real gem.

Les Contamines is unspoilt, the skiing is superb and (sshhh!) remains relatively undiscovered. The altitude and proximity to Geneva make it a well known secret to locals but currently the tourist traffic is low - particularly outside school half terms - when I went there were times when I had the slope to myself, with glorious weather and well maintained pistes. For advanced skiiers it's worth getting the wider 'evasion' pass giving access to other local resorts for only 20 euros for the week, but if it's your first time to Les Contamines I wouldn't bother - there's plenty here. I'm speaking from the experience of having now been here 5 times.

So how do you get the best out of this 'find'? There's no doubt in my mind that it would not be possible to better Chalet Concluses in terms of comfort, value, quality, location and fantastic hospitality. Ivan and Deb are an English couple, fluent in French, who have made this place into a comfortable haven. As they live here for part of the year, they have excellent local knowledge and can steer you in all the right directions to get the most from your stay.

It's a traditional wooden chalet with all mod cons. It totally lives up to the description. The chalet nestles just below the village with a free bus stop a few yards away outside the front door to take you to and fro the slopes, with the village itself being a very short walk from the chalet. It has great views in all directions.

But the best bit of all is the standard of the catering - mindblowing!! Taking into account whatever your preferences may be, Ivan and Deb produce a memorable gastronomic experience. Breakfasts, afternoon cake, four course evening meals are all of the highest quality and kept on getting better as the week progressed.

Having said all that there is a self catering option (which I have done with friends in the Summer) and that works pretty well as there are good places to eat, most things you could want in the village and then if you have a car (as we did) economic supermarket shopping a short drive down the valley as well as great things to see locally such as Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi.

Thanks again Ivan and Deb for a great week.

We were looking for a suitable place to accomodate an extended family of 8 for a week in summer. Chalet Concluses did not disappoint, in fact it proved to be better than expected. The accomodation could not be faulted in any respect and was adequately comfortable for our number.

It may have been that we chose a week of almost unbroken sunshine and pleasant temperatures, but the area was most attractive with plenty to keep us all occupied. The star of the show being the Parc De Loisirs set in a stunning location just the other side of the village which itself is something of an attraction.

Apart from Les Contamines there are a number of smaller and larger villages and towns not much more than 20 - 30 mins drive away. And Chamonix has to be worth at least one visit.

Whilst this area is heavily geared to skiing, If you like an alpine environment Les Contamines still works well in the summer and a week is probably not enough, even if you are not a walker. If you are you had better come back, there is plenty of scope.

The chalet is positioned nicely out of the village but not too far to walk into for the bread in the morning or the restaurants in the evening.

One final comment, the attentiveness of the owner in ensuring our comfort and convenience right from first booking through the whole period of the let made our stay a joy and we will certainly be considering returning. So all get in the queue behind me!!!!

The chalet was cosy, comfortable, well equipped, very close to the bus stop at the bottom of the village and within fairly long walking distance of the shops (a car is useful). The mezzanine provided an excellent living space for the children, and is a great sleeping area for older children.

Ivan was incredibly helpful - nothing was too much trouble. He sorted out our group's ski hire in advance and his advice about the area was spot-on.

The Les Contamines ski area has something for skiers of all levels, and the village is lovely.

This area is a little off the beaten track, so you'll really feel like you're on holiday. But the lack of English speaking guests in the area does mean Group Ski lessons are conducted primarily (sometimes exclusively) in French - even when you book group lessons in English on the ESF website. If your French isn't good, you may find that a few private lessons provide better value for money. The quality of instruction from ESF is excellent.