Seven of the world’s best ski chalets

Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel 1850

Billed as "the most anticipated new chalet this year", Chalet Edelweiss's size 3,000 square metres over seven floors will make it the biggest in the French Alps, says James Ellis in The Times. It sleeps 16 guests in eight bedrooms, with the rest of the space given over to a private nightclub, bar, cinema, wine cellar, pool and spa with hammam. "As you'd expect, it isn't cheap, but this much luxury never is." Seven nights full board costs from £9,970 per person per week, excluding flights (Summitretreats.com; 020-8870 3339).

La Folie Blanche, Le Praz, Courchevel

This "stunning designer chalet" in the French Alps has its own spa with swimming pool, squash court, sauna/hammam and Jacuzzi, says Belinda Archer in The Daily Telegraph. You book it on a flexible freedom to choose' basis; the price includes a chef, so you can cook as much or as little as you like, with all food priced on top. It sleeps eight and costs from €5,100 per week (Alpleisure.com; 00 33 47 900 5942).

Hidden Dragon, Swiss Alps

"Forget chintz, gingham and cowbells: this chalet was built from scratch according to the principles of Feng Shui and the wishes of the owner's Japanese grandmother," says Cond Nast Traveller. The furnishings include Italian art, vintage chests, an antique Chinese piano and leather chairs. But "despite its cool, Zen-like styling, Hidden Dragon contrives to be cosy and welcoming". The staff are "relaxed and diligent" and there is a chef cooking "Asian-inspired creations". There is also a mini-cinema and a huge wine cellar. It sleeps 12 and costs from £39,000 for seven nights, all-inclusive (Hidden-dragon.com; 0845-505 0251).

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Chalet Trois Couronnes, Verbier

This new Swiss chalet is minutes from the Mdran ski lift and features its own art gallery and banqueting hall. The developers "scoured the world to source antique furniture, gothic fireplaces, stone fountains and reclaimed 18th-century flooring and wood panels", says James Ellis in The Times. There's parking for eight cars, a swimming pool, hammam and sauna and a fully stocked wine cellar. It costs from £30,758 (£1,920 per person) per week (Akvillas.com/luxury-ski-chalets; 0845-618 2205).

Chalet Cragganmore, Chamonix

This chalet in Chamonix, France, "cuts an imposing figure against Mont Blanc, thanks to its rough-hewn stone and exposed timber", says James Ellis. It has six bedrooms all with mountain views a sauna, massage room, gym and outdoor hot tub. "The living room features an impressive centrepiece a fireplace that dangles from the ceiling." A private chef is available if you need him. Seven nights self-catering costs from £542 per person, excluding flights (Chaletcragganmore.com; 0131-558 1671).

Chalet Artemis, St Anton, Austria

This chalet has a private cinema, pool and sauna, and is "the last word in comfort", says Belinda Archer. The food is the main draw the "chefs pride themselves on their show-stopping culinary creations". Lighter alternatives include sushi, tapas, and fine cheeses. From around £2,150 per person per week (Scottdunn.com; 020-8682 5400).

Chalet Floralie, St Martin de Belleville

This "cosy but sophisticated chalet" is situated in "one of the only authentically French villages left" in the Three Valleys area, says Cond Nast Traveller. The main living space is huge, "lit by floor-to-ceiling windows" and filled with large sofas. The dining area is "cosy" and is an area where "children can easily hide away from adults, or vice versa". Various "thoughtful features" include a library with ski- and mountain-themed books, and heated cupboards in the hall "so that damp ski jackets and gloves can dry overnight".

This chalet is "ideal for combined family groups", sleeping 18 in total, with four of the group in a "stylish, self-contained penthouse". Prices start from £900 per person for both the chalet and the penthouse for a week including catering (Skifloralie.com; 01243-572691).