Features

These loveable chalets are chic but cheap(er).....we've only included catered chalets here.

Chalet Marie Avoriaz

This would be a great chalet anywhere, but the fact that it's on the slopes in Avoriaz - which is not renowned either for luxury or chalets - makes it all the more unusual. The chalet is modern and spacious inside, and charmingly decorated with Savoyard antiques. The heart of the chalet is its large open-plan living/dining area with high, beamed ceilings, a fireplace, and picture windows. There are seven bedrooms.

Price: from £499pp per week half board, including flights and transfers (sleeps 14). (currency converter)

Book: 01252 618333, www.skitotal.com

Heart rating: beautifully convenient.

The Farmhouse Val d'Isère

The 200-year-old farmhouse is set next to the church and 250m from the piste in the centre of Val d'Isère. Absolutely no expense has been spared in retaining the metre-thick walls and the original timber beams formed from complete oak trees. Contemporary features and yet more mellow wood have been added. The chalet has five bedrooms and a separate basement studio apartment for children and even a nanny - if parents want privacy.

Price: from £529pp for seven nights half board, including flights and transfers (sleeps 12-14). (currency converter)

Book: 0844 557 3119, www.vip-chalets.com

Heart rating: charmingly rustic.

Chalet du Guide Méribel

Chalet du Guide is a stand-alone, five-bedroom chalet, located in Méribel Village close to the piste and a two-minute walk to the village centre. The rustic chalet is built in Savoyard style and is full of character with traditional dark wood panelling and beams. There's a hot tub on the terrace and the master bedroom has wonderful views over the valley, and there's also a family room sleeping up to four. The living area is spacious with squashy sofas, a huge open fire and doors that open onto the balcony. Fish & Pips chalets take their food very seriously indeed.

Price: from £526pp per week half board, not including travel (sleeps 10). (currency converter)

Book: 0845 474 1054, www.fishandpipsmeribelskichalet.co.uk

Heart rating: a delicious destination.

La Couchire Val d'Isère

Built five years ago 50m from the Fornet cable-car, with the nearest piste 100m away. The chalet is suited to a large group of friends with its eight woody bedrooms, some of them set romantically into the eaves, and spacious sitting room with two stone fireplaces to add warmth and ambience.

Price: from £450pp per week half board, including flights and transfers (sleeps 16). (currency converter)

Book: 0845 122 1414, www.yseski.co.uk

Heart rating: sociably romantic.