The Daily Mail, 03 December, 2005
A Fabulous chalet can transform a ski trip – Peter Hardy presents the best in the world… And they needn’t cost the earth.

Chalet Aurea, Courchevel
There aren’t many chalets offering the chance to take an invigorating dip in your own pool, should you feel like a spot of exercise before the lifts open for the day, or as an après-ski wind-down.

A glass-floored steam room is suspended above the pool and steps lead down to a sunken hot tub. And if your legs are weary after an energetic day on the slopes, you can take the lift up to the open-plan sitting room and five bedrooms.

It sleeps ten in considerable comfort and is a five-minute walk or short drive from the shops, restaurants and main 1850 lift station. Three staff come as standard and there’s a driver service to the ski lifts.

Sample dinner: roast pumpkin and coriander veloute, open ravioli of scallops and asparagus, thyme and prune ballotine of guinea foul, coffee and praline parfait.