Chalet Gralliere, La Clusaz, France

This 125m2 semi-detached chalet sleeps up to 10 people (maximum 8 adults) in both comfort and charm. It is set back from the main road, which is always kept clear of snow due to its location in this pretty village and there is a double garage with plenty of parking.

Inside, there is a useful cupboard in the hall, which opens on to the open plan living area. After a busy day in the mountains you can curl up on the leather sofa and chairs around the woodburning stove to plan the next day or relax in front of the TV. There’s a WC on this floor too, which is where you’ll also find the washing machine and tumble drier.

The well equipped kitchen is separated from the dining area by a breakfast bar and there are doors on to the sunny terrace, which wraps around two sides of the chalet, so that you can follow the sun. There’s a hot tub out here too, which is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the sun set over the mountains.

The four bedrooms, all of which have quality bed linen and wardrobes, are upstairs – two double rooms, a twin bedroom and a children’s room with two sets of bunk beds. Two of the rooms open on to the balcony with mountain views and there is also a shower room and a separate bathroom with two sinks.

In the basement you’ll find the garage and a ski room, with a heated boot rack, so that your ski boots will be warm and dry when you put them on in the mornings. There’s also a sauna, where you can relax after an active day on the mountains.

The Bossonet ski lift is right across the road from the chalet and the Aravis ski pass gives you access to 220km of pistes in La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Manigod. The weekly flood-lit descent in La Clusaz is a must! The local ESF ski school meets for beginners’ lessons next door to the ski lift and cross-country skiers will find great terrain at Lac des Confins and the Glieres plateau, just a short drive or ski bus ride away.

Non-skiers will have no time to be bored either, with an ice-skating rink and cinema in La Clusaz, as well as sledging, snow-shoe walking, dog-sledding and sleigh rides. The chalet is also just a short walk from the village’s new bowling alley. If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation, perhaps pop for a swim in the heated outdoor pool at La Clusaz, while the snow falls gently around you.

There’s no end to the summer activities and entertainment when you stay at the chalet. Walking or biking in the mountains is a pleasure, and all the hard work is done for you if you take the ski lift to the top and bike or walk down at your own pace. Take a picnic and make a day of it, or treat yourself to lunch at a mountain restaurant, many of which are open all year round.

Adrenalin junkies can try paragliding, canyoning, climbing, mountain-biking or white-water rafting. Via ferrata is a great family day out, with children as young as eight able to explore the mountains safely on iron walkways, secured to a harness. There are also several golf courses within an hour of La Clusaz and children will love the outdoor swimming pools in La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand.

A day out in the medieval town of Annecy is a must: spend the morning exploring the shops and markets of this canalised town, enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant and then spend the afternoon on the beach or hire a boat and visit some of the beautiful villages around the lake. Winter or summer you can only be impressed with the area and its activities, so call or email and look at the options on booking this excellent chalet.