France

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At a Glance

in the french alps village of le miroir, near the Swiss and Italian borders, charming timbered chalets are arranged helter-skelter on the hillside. Among these traditional homes, savvy travelers will find Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou, two buyout-only properties from Eleven that provide the epitome of a privatized, alpine-chic refuge for groups of up to 12 to 17 guests (both can also be booked together). In winter months, that often involves time on the slopes with expert guides at any of the seven major ski resorts within 30 minutes by car from Le Miroir. Come summer, hiking, via ferrata excursions, glacier treks, white-water rafting, fly-fishing and mountainside picnics are all on offer. And back at the house— dare we say home?—guests gather in the hot tubs, sauna and game room or by the fire. During the nightly chef-prepared dinners, conversations invariably look back on the day’s adventures—and ahead to those of tomorrow.

The Standout: Dinner at Alpage, a renovated sheepherder’s hut about a 45-minute hike up the mountain from the chalets, available exclusively to Eleven guests

Don’t Miss: Heli-excursions for offpiste skiing across the border in the Italian Alps (since they’re prohibited in France)

Indagare Loves

• The welcoming team of the property managers, guides, chefs and more (along with Piulaq, the general manager’s friendly malamute)
• Chalet Pelerin’s indoor pool that leads to a terrace hot tub with views over Mont Pourri
• Chalet Hibou’s game room and bar, perfect for après-ski

Chalet Pelerin & Chalet Hibou Review

Located in Le Miroir, Eleven Experience’s Chalet Hibou and Pelerin are the epitome of a privatized, alpine-chic experience. Both are seamlessly designed for families, couples and groups alike looking for a high-touch home base that makes returning from a long day on the mountain a highlight, no matter the time of year. From the timeless Alpine décor and variety of sitting and dining rooms to the spas and outdoor hot tubs perfect for unwinding, no detail has been overlooked. Meanwhile, the town of Le Miroir feels like an escape from the modern world, and when guests step out of chalets and into the village streets (which has just 50 year-round residents), they will find themselves surrounded by small Alpine homes set amongst a stunning landscape of snow-peaked mountains.

The smaller and slightly more intimate option of the two chalets is Chalet Pelerin, with 5,400 square feet across two floors, five bedrooms and two expansive outdoor terraces, one of which has an outdoor kitchen and dining area and the other a fire pit and hot tub. Each bedroom includes a terrace, bathtub or picturesque views of the mountains. The main floor showcases an open floor plan, and has a double-sided fireplace, plush seating corners and a dining area looking into the kitchen, making it a perfect spot for guests to gather when they’re not relaxing on the terraces—a stay at Chalet Pelerin is not complete without at least one afternoon spent in the hot tub overlooking the striking views of Mont Pourri. This chalet is best for those with 8-10 travelers, though it can accommodate up to 12 using the media room’s bunk beds if young children are in attendance. Of the two, Pelerin feels more traditional in its layout because of the main gathering space that can easily host all guests at once.

Located just across the street is Chalet Hibou, the larger of the two. Its 7,000 square feet and seven bedrooms (all with a steam shower) are spread across five floors. With the Bunker Bar—perfect for après-ski or a nightcap—gym, spa with a treatment room, outdoor hot tub, and numerous sitting and dining spaces (both inside and on the decks), Hibou welcomes larger groups in need of more space with a standard occupancy of 14 people. Multi-gen families may want to make use of the bunk room which bumps accommodations to 17 guests. This room is located just off the ground-floor media room, which is perfect as a playroom for children or a spot for the whole group to enjoy movies. Stairs may be an obstacle for travelers with mobility issues as the kitchen and living spaces are located on the third level.

For even larger groups, the chalets can be reserved together, allowing for more space and of course, the use of each chalet’s amenities. Note that a minimum night stay of three to seven nights is required depending on the season. But with such great access to the French (and Swiss and Italian) Alps, not to mention the amenities of the chalets themselves and the charm of Le Miroir, it would be difficult to get the full experience without spending at least four nights.

Heli- and off-piste skiing are the primary off-property highlights of the winter season. It is important to note that while heli-skiing is prohibited in France, guests can be transferred to the Italian border for heli-excursions. This, of course, is hardly an inconvenience when it allows you to experience the Italian Alps and enjoy delicious pasta dishes for lunch on the mountain. Spring, summer and fall also provide opportunity for a wealth of activities (don’t miss those that take place in the crystal-blue glacier rivers), including canyoning, e-biking, glacier hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing and Via Ferrata. All excursions year-round are arranged by the Experience Team prior to arrival and are privately led by adventure-seeking and engaging in-house guides.

Who Should Stay

Families, friends or groups in search of high-touch and personalized service paired with a plethora of activities and stunning views

Author

• Charlotte Clayson