Testimonial: “A dream week with friends – The perfect balance between skiing, comfort and freedom”

By James R, London ski enthusiast and group trip organizer

Every year, I take charge of organizing our traditional ski trip with friends. There's a group of about ten of us, most of us between 35 and 45 years old, all fans of powder snow, good food... and chalets with character. After several years of testing out different resorts in the Alps, this season, I've chosen La Plagne 1800, and more specifically a self-catering chalet that was recommended to me: Chalet Dakota.

I might as well tell you one thing right away: we've found our winter HQ for the years to come.

A true alpine chalet, stylish and ultra-functional

When planning a stay for 12 to 15 adults, the main challenge is finding accommodation that ticks all the boxes: large enough, well-equipped, well-located, at a high altitude to guarantee snow, and not impersonal.

Chalet Dakota is exactly that. Perched at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, the owner is so convinced there will be snow that he offered us snow insurance! Seven bedrooms with private bathrooms, spacious common areas (and not just a sofa for four), a huge kitchen, a large dining table... and an ultra-warm wood and stone ambiance without falling into Savoyard kitsch.

"We wanted authenticity, but with style. Chalet Dakota is the perfect combination of an alpine refuge and the comfort of a well-designed vacation home."

Perfect location: ski-in/ski-out, it's not a myth

A non-negotiable criterion for us is direct access to the slopes. Too often, "ski-in/ski-out" announcements are exaggerated. Here, we actually put on our skis a few meters from the ski room, ski down a small road, and are on the blue slope that descends to the Mélèze chairlift. And in the evening, we ski back to the chalet door via the footpath. No shuttle, no porters, zero logistics. Pure bliss.

In the morning, no stress. Everyone sets off skiing at their own pace. Some are on the slopes by 9 a.m., others hang around a bit with a coffee on the terrace, then join the rest of the group at the top of the chairlift. 

Another important point for us: the powder snow! Sébastien put us in touch with two instructors from La Plagne (Nuts & Camille), who specialize in off-piste skiing and know the Paradiski area inside and out. Seven days of incredible skiing!

Fondue, sauna, and wood fire evenings: our best life

After a busy day, we were all eager to get "home." And there it was, the perfect sequence: a sauna to relax our legs, a cold beer by the fireplace, and Savoyard fondue prepared in the ultra-equipped kitchen. What more could you ask for?

The living room is huge, with a library corner, a bar, games, a Bluetooth speaker, and more. We were even able to work together for a morning (the Wi-Fi is ultra-stable; Sébastien told us fiber optics would be installed soon). When we got back from the slopes, some of us took a nap, others enjoyed a quiet aperitif. We each had our own pace, and that's what we love.

"This chalet allowed us to live together without ever getting in each other's way. There's space to get together, but also to get away when we want to unwind."

High-end comfort, no compromise

Often, in group chalets, there are "sacrificed" rooms: small, windowless, or with a shared bathroom. Here, none of that. Each room has its own private bathroom, real, comfortable beds made of old wood, ample storage, and more than appreciable soundproofing (I'm an early riser, my friends less so 😅).

Special mention goes to the laundry room, the ski room with boot dryers, and the private parking right in front of the chalet. You can tell the owners are passionate about their work and not an impersonal hotel chain.

Smooth management and plenty of advice from Sébastien

Everything was easily arranged in advance via the website. I received quick and responsive email contact to confirm dates and ask questions about the services. Sébastien provided us with a very comprehensive guide, and we took advantage of the owner's great deals on ski passes and ski and snowboard rentals.

Upon arrival, the chalet was spotless, the beds made, and the fire ready to be lit. And during our stay, Stéphanie from the concierge service recommended some great restaurants in La Plagne Centre and even delivered a raclette one evening.

"We had all the freedom of a self-catering chalet, with the peace of mind of quality service in the background."