Description
Darkoum is a four storey, freestanding chalet containing three comfortable apartments (Darkoum A, B and C) with a high ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms. For skiing, Darkoum is well positioned just across the road from the Bellecote piste, making it almost ski-in ski-out and perfect for families.
Darkoum A is well suited to families or adult groups. Spread over the two lower floors, joined internally by means of a spiral staircase. On the upper floor there is the spacious open plan living area with log fireplace and the dining room. From here, you can enjoy dramatic views down the mountain from the triple aspect windows. Outside is a large balcony, ideal for soaking up the views in the warmer months. There are also two bedrooms on this floor, both with en-suite bathrooms.
On the lower ground floor, the three remaining bedrooms share two bathrooms and all have full length French windows. There is a games and TV room with DVD player and an Xbox 360, ideal for children. Access between the ground and lower floor is via a narrow spiral staircase.
For larger groups, two or three of the Darkoum apartments can be taken together to accommodate up to 23 guests.
Guide price
£1,595 per person per week (Jan)
£1,595 based on a full chalet for 7 nights in mid January. The price includes flights, transfers, a Scott Dunn chef and host, food and a Champagne reception.
Accommodation
Chalet Darkoum A features 2 en-suite double bedrooms and 3 twin/double bedrooms which share a further two bathrooms. All of the rooms are airy and well proportioned. The bathrooms are attractively finished in a contemporary style and complemented with fluffy towels and bathrobes and organic bathroom products.
| Room 1 - Double/Twin | The largest room on the ground floor. Benefitting from windows on two sides, it is particularly light and comfortable. Bathroom with shower over bath and shower screen. Can accommodate a cot or even an extra bed. |
| Room 2 - Double/Twin | The smallest room on the ground floor can be set up as a twin or a double. Full length French windows flood the rooms with light in the morning. Bathroom shared with DA1 or DA3. |
| Room 3 - Double/Twin | Can be set up as a twin or double. Full length French windows and a bathroom with shower above bath, sink and WC. |
| Room 5 - Double | Master double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower over bath and WC. Can accommodate a cot. |
| Room 4 - Double | Double room with en-suite bathroom with bath, shower over bath and WC. Can accommodate a cot at a push. |
Childcare
Scott Dunn pioneered skiing holidays with childcare and this is an optional extra that many families consider indispensable. We offer childcare from 4 months and ensure that children have the most fantastic holidays and that parents can completely relax with peace of mind that their family is in great hands. Your children can be taken to and collected from ski lessons and will be kept entertained with a varied and imaginative activity programme and given healthy home made lunches and snacks.
Our childcare staff are qualified professionals and guests can opt to have a private nanny service . Babysitting is available too. A wide range of equipment for babies and toddlers can be provided to all guests on request, mostly free of charge.
| Private nanny | Qualified (CACHE trained or similar) nannies who are recruited for their mature but fun approach to childcare. Scott Dunn offers pre-season training, which includes a comprehensive first aid course. Nannies provide a structured day including food, entertainment and transport to and from lessons. |
| Baby sitting | Baby sitting is available in the evenings on a request basis and is chargeable per hour. |
Facilities
Sitting room with flat screen TV, UK Freesat TV, DVD player, Apple AV adapter, iPad, iPod dock. Telephone.
Shared (with Darkoum B and C) ski and boot room with boot-warmers and ski racks on the ground floor.
| Lounge | The open plan lounge and dining room has an open fireplace, large flatscreen TV, UK Freesat HK, Apple AV adapter, DVD player, iPad and iPod dock. |
| Ski/Boot room | On the lower ground floor and shared between the three Darkoum properties is the ski/boot room with boot warmers and space for skis and snowboards. |
| Playroom | Within the property on the lower ground floor is the playroom with a flatscreen TV and Xbox 360 games console. |
| Balcony | Large balcony with fabulous views over the valley. |
| Wireless ADSL | Broadband wi-fi. |
Activities
Courchevel has a reputation as a place for rock stars and royalty but make no mistake, it is one of the world’s premier ski resorts with good reason. The skiing has breadth and depth that is unequalled. The extent of the Three Valleys combined with perfectly groomed runs, vertiginous off-piste couloirs, gentle runs at village level and much admired tree skiing mean Courchevel has lots for skiers of all standards.
If skiing is just a sideshow for you, the boutiques and art galleries will keep you occupied until it is lunchtime at one of Courchevel’s many fine restaurants. Most renowned eateries including Cap Horn, Chalet de Pierres, Bel Air and Soucoupe are accessible by road or by gondola.
Apart from skiing, the village has plenty to offer. We recommend a flight from the famous altiport or a cookery course with Michel Rochedy, the Michelin starred chef at Le Chabichou. The toboggan run to 1550 is another favourite. There is a farmers’ market on Wednesdays and the Forum is home to an Olympic ice rink, bowling alley, climbing wall and small gym. Paragliding, horse drawn carriage rides, forest walks, show-shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice karting and hot-air balloon rides are also possible.
Courchevel hosts special events including the International Pyrotechnic Festival, the most impressive fireworks display you will ever see, and ski-jumping competitions at the Olympic ski jump in Le Praz.
Services
Our Original service is the foundation of Scott Dunn upon which our reputation as the benchmark for top quality chalet holidays has been built. Your chef and host will greet you on arrival with a Champagne reception, provide delicious, carefully prepared meals to your and your children’s tastes and will do everything to ensure that your stay is thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing.
| Chef | Your experienced chef will design a delicious menu tailored to your dietary requirements and preferences. Our Original dining service includes breakfast (full English, daily special and continental options), afternoon tea, canapés and four-course dinners on six days per week. Children's menus are varied, imaginative and healthy. |
| Host | Our Original chalets include the services of a friendly chalet host. Because a chalet is a home from home, your host is an integral part of the success of your holiday and we only employ hosts who combine a professional service background with natural charm. Bringing you tea in bed in the morning and serving you canapés and wines are the basics but our hosts go out of their way to ensure that you are able to relax on your holiday. |
| Chalet Manager | Your Chalet Manager will be an experienced hospitality professional who will take responsibility for ensuring that your skiing holiday meets and exceeds your expectations. They will arrange transfers, lift passes, ski guiding and tuition, advise you on where to ski, where to have lunch and where not to and address any problems that come up. |
| Driver service | Our trained drivers offer a prompt and pleasant service from 8am to 8pm each day anywhere in the village. They will be happy to take you to the ski lifts, shops, restaurants and back. On your chef's night off the driver can collect you from your restaurant until 11.00pm. Our 4x4 vehicles are the most comfortable and safest means of transport available. |
| Private Nanny | Scott Dunn private nannies are available on request. All our nannies are fully qualified with a mature but fun approach to childcare. |
| Beauty treatments & massage | Qualified physiotherapists and beauty therapists, can come to the chalet to provide treatments. |
| In chalet ski fitting service | On arrival, our recommended supplier will come to the chalet or look after you at their shop. They are specialists in ski equipment and will provide high quality skis and boots together with the best possible service and advice to guarantee you the most comfortable and most appropriate equipment to enable you to get the most from your skiing. |
| Ski lessons & guiding | Years of experience have enabled us to identify the best ski schools and guides who combine local knowledge, technical expertise and excellent communication to enable you to make the most of your skiing holiday, whether you are a beginner seeking confidence, an intermediate wanting to improve or an advanced skier looking to go off piste or heliskiing. NB book early in school holiday weeks. |
When to travel
Courchevel offers a great balance of high and medium altitude and predominantly north-facing slopes to offer excellent skiing throughout the winter. In December, huge capacity for artificial snowmaking and the connection to the Val Thorens valley make good skiing probable. Courchevel really comes into its own from January to March, typically seeing regular snowfalls. When it gets really cold, runs to the lower villages are bearable and come spring time, north-facing pitches hold up well.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Courchevel 1850, France
Chalet Darkoum is well positioned in a peaceful part of Courchevel, enjoying views over the Bozel valley and only 100 metres from the (green) Bellecote piste and a 15 minute walk to the village centre.
Geneva 226km, Chambery 103km, Lyon 181km, Grenoble 125km.
How to get there
Scott Dunn offers scheduled British Airways flights from London to Geneva followed by shared transfers (2hrs). Regional and private flights and private and helicopter transfers can also be arranged. Alternative airports include Lyon (2 hrs 30 mins) or Chambery (1 hr30mins). Helicopter transfers take around 30 mins.
Additional notes
Spiral staircaseInternal access between the two floors is via a narrow spiral staircase. There is a gate at the top. Suitcases can be taken downstairs via the external stairs.
