Testimonial: "Working remotely from the Alps: my teleworking experience at Chalet Dakota"

By Sophie V – Freelance UX Designer & Mountain Lover

My name is Sophie. I've been a freelancer for five years, and I'm used to big cities... but also wide open spaces. For some time now, I've been trying to balance my work with a healthier and more inspiring lifestyle. This winter, I decided to try a new experience: working remotely from the mountains for two weeks. That's how I came across Chalet Dakota in La Plagne 1800.

I spent two weeks there in January, joining a group of ten freelance friends. It was one of the most productive and rejuvenating stays of my professional life.

An exceptional natural setting to slow down... without stopping

Chalet Dakota is located in La Plagne 1800, in a quiet hamlet surrounded by fir trees. It's far from the noise of the crowded resorts, yet just a stone's throw from the slopes if you want to put on your skis for a break or a morning session.

What immediately appealed to me was the energy of the place: spacious spaces, natural light, mountain views, raw materials... And above all, the silence.

"I had finally found a place where I could concentrate, create, breathe... and ski when inspiration faded."

Work efficiently thanks to a space designed for it

Unlike many vacation rentals, Chalet Dakota offers a real workspace: a comfortable desk, a suitable chair, a fast and stable Ethernet connection, and well-positioned outlets.

I was able to conduct calls, remote workshops, and UX design phases without a single outage. The Wi-Fi easily supports multiple video conferences simultaneously—a crucial point when several of us were working at the same time.

In the morning, I worked from the living room overlooking the mountains. In the afternoon, I alternated between the office and... the slopes.

Skiing, relaxation, and productivity: a new rhythm

As a freelancer, one of the great advantages is being able to organize your days. And here, I've rediscovered an exceptional work-life balance.

• 7:30 a.m.: Quiet breakfast by the fire
• 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Deep work at the office or on the terrace
• 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Ski break and snowshoe hike
• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Video call + client tasks
• 6:30 p.m.: Sauna + reading
• 8 p.m.: Dinner shared with the girls

Every day was both efficient and fulfilling.

"For the first time, I was able to move forward on my projects while recharging my batteries."

A Comfortable Space, Even for a Long Stay

Staying for three weeks, I was a little worried about the "impersonal rental" feel you might get in some seasonal rentals. This was absolutely not the case here.

Chalet Dakota is spacious, warm, and tastefully decorated. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom (useful when you're living with several people!), the bedding is high-quality, and everything has been designed to make you feel comfortable.

I was able to really settle in: put my things down, cook like I did at home, do my laundry... all while enjoying the sauna, the lounge with fireplace, and even a library corner to unwind.

Complete autonomy... with service when you need it

The chalet is completely self-contained: large equipped kitchen, laundry room, ski room, parking (even though we came to the chalet by train), etc. But what I really appreciated was the flexibility of the service: you can choose to be completely independent, or call on the concierge for meals, ski and snowboard equipment, or local advice.

When my friends joined me, we ordered a raclette dinner delivered directly to the chalet. A real treat. And for ski rental, everything was done online with their partner, who came with a truck to deliver the skis and boots directly to the chalet—no stress.

Slow work & full presence: the mountain chalet effect

This stay allowed me to reconnect with a different work rhythm. Fewer artificial emergencies, more concentration, breathing, and creation. What I now call my "slow work mode."

The chalet encourages this: we are in a healthy, inspiring space, in contact with nature, without pressure, without noise. I was even able to move forward with personal projects at the end of the day: writing, doing free design, reading, drawing.