Rising to breathtaking heights where the air is tangibly crisp, resides an intimate alpine retreat, Le Mélézin, in the French Alps. Standing four storeys high under a distinctive black slate roof it provides an après-ski home set in a mesmeric wonderland of groomed slopes - both nursery and couloirs – framed by snow caressed conifer forests under a piercingly blue midday sky. Ideally situated on the Bellecôte ski slope, the hotel is a lively home of glowing warmth, a stroll from the epicentre of one of Europe’s most fashionable and exclusive resorts, Courchevel 1850, with access to some of the most exceptional skiing in Europe…directly from the front door. Le Mélézin’s history dates back to 1956, when it was opened as Le Savoy. The village of Courchevel was little more than an alpine pasture, a summer gateway for hikers and mountain climbers. The Trois Vallées region that embraces Courchevel today is acknowledged for its beautifully groomed slopes, superb infrastructure and some of the consistently best skiing conditions in the world. Situated right on the Bellecôte piste allows ski in and ski out access to the resort. Watch skiers slalom from the comfort of Le Mélézin’s Salon. Enjoy spectacular mountain views throughout the resort from wall-sized windows in the lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms, catching the alpine sun, forests of pine and larch and the skiers themselves. The scenic vistas from Courchevel 1850 open all the way from the French to the Swiss Alps. The four-storey, slate-roof of Le Mélézin is imbued with the comforts and intimacy of a manor house. Reflective spot lighting lends a patina of warmth throughout. The classically patterned parquet flooring and panelling of the Lobby and Bar feature 200 year old oak beams, adding a weathered touch to the updated surroundings. On the ground floor, bronze sculptures of wild birds add a rural French flavour. Its classic ambience and hammam steam room, gym and pool, offer the ultimate in après-ski. The winter season runs from mid-December to mid-April. Cuisine The Dining Room offers traditional French cuisine adapted to the lighter demands of the modern diner, as well as an authentic Thai menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in an elegant manor-house setting, amidst old oak beams and engravings. The Bar is decorated in oak panelling and has a classically patterned parquet floor. Weather permitting, the outdoor Terrace serves lunch, refreshments and afternoon tea. The salon and library With its cosy fireplace and views to the slopes, the Salon is a popular après-ski gathering place. After sunset, guests may enjoy pre-dinner drinks here and order their dinner. A selection of books and magazines, along with DVDs and CDs, are available in English and French. Sundeck This area is designed for private sunbathing, with deck chairs for reading and lounging. Spa The Spa offers treatments in two massage rooms, one massage/facial/treatment room and one Thai/Shiatsu room. Hammam and gym The classic and convivial hammam (steam room) with its capri-stone walls and vaulted ceiling is a popular spot for winding down. A massage or facial is a natural complement to the steam soak. The adjacent gym has a variety of exercise equipment. Swimming pool Set between stone columns, the cosy indoor pool basks in natural light which filters down through a glass-pyramid skylight. There is one jacuzzi at either side. Ski room The ski room opens directly onto the Bellecôte ski slope and offers racks for storing skis and snowboards, as well as heated racks for boots. Bellboys lay out the skis on the snow every morning, ready for guests to start their day on the slopes. Le Mélézin can arrange for a personal ski instructor, mountain guides and ski passes. The ski village of Courchevel 1850 is situated in the heart of the Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, popular for its well-groomed slopes, extensive infrastructure and consistently good skiing conditions. Geneva and Lyon-Saint Exupéry are the closest international airports. Limousine and helicopter transfers are available from Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry. The Heliport is a few minutes from Le Mélézin. Le Mélézin arranges flights to various airports and guests may also drive direct to Courchevel. From Geneva, 140km north of Courchevel, or Lyon, 200km to the west, it is a two-and-a-half-hour drive while Paris is seven hours away by road. By fast TGV train, Paris to Moûtiers-Salins takes just over four hours, followed by a 40-minute drive to Courchevel by taxi or private car. The concierge at Le Mélézin can organise all types of transfers.