I'm not much of a skier. My family doesn't like skiing, so I never really learned it when I was younger and I never went with friends either. I have stood on one of those things once (!) and I must honestly say that it went quite well, but I also got tired of it pretty quickly. Being in the snow and the mountains and the food on the slopes, on the other hand, I find to be a real treat. I believe I've been calling with my friends for years to rent a chalet together. Not sliding off the slopes isn't a problem, because there's plenty of other fun things to do. Wonderful, such a huge house with a hot tub, watching a movie together on the couch in the evening and then falling asleep around 10 o'clock. I can chill nicely somewhere in a spa, cook a feast every evening, and maybe I would like to try skiing again.

This year I'm making another attempt to see if we can all go to the snow. During my research, I came across the most beautiful ski chalets. Of course, well above our budget, but looking at pictures is allowed, right? Someday later...

We start with this amazing chalet on the border of France and Italy in a village called Route du Mottaret. The lift to the slopes is a 2-minute drive away and of course, you are taken there by a chauffeur. The chalet has several bedrooms, a huge living room with a fireplace, a billiard room, a cinema, and of course a steam room and jacuzzi where you can rest your tired ski legs every day. There is a brigade of chefs and service staff present, and if you want to have friends over for a small party, that's no problem. If you want to stay here for a week during the high season, you should think about 35,000 euros. But if you're with a large group, you can split the cost, right?

We are now heading to Valais in southwestern Switzerland for a slightly cheaper chalet. Namely the Virgin Lodge. In 5 minutes walking, you are in the center of Verbier. This chalet has room for 18 people, so the whole family and their partners can easily come along. If there are also children, there is an incredibly cool playroom with luxury bunk beds. The food is all taken care of, which is logical. In the large open kitchen, you can see how the chefs are working for you every day, and breakfast consists of a buffet that you could eat from for at least 2 years. In the basement, there are dozens of bottles of wine that can definitely be consumed. Everything will be on the bill, of course. You understand that you pay top dollar during the high season, but if you go in the summer for example...! No idea if you can ski there then, but then you only pay 15,000 euros per week.

Chalet Razzi is 20 meters from the Bellecote slope. Okay, never heard of it, but it's in France. The house has 3 floors with a basement that has a hammam and enough other things that immediately make you think you're in the Zwaluwhoeve. Nothing wrong with that. If you want, you can be taken from the airport to the house by helicopter, and the ski passes and skis and boards are ready for you upon arrival. How nice. You can easily sleep 10 people there, and all five bedrooms have a balcony with a view that you probably have never seen so beautifully. Well, now you want to know what the value of this little joke is. In February, you pay at least 45,000 per week. And that doesn't include the helicopter flight.

Last but not least: Chalet Chesa Falcun. With four floors, 480 square meters, this is the most beautiful mansion in Klosters. Also located somewhere in Switzerland. You can sleep here with 12 people, but there must definitely be a toast for the master bedroom, because it has a fireplace and a gigantic bath. The other rooms are not less, but they don't have a fireplace. Still important. There is of course enough equipment to relax, such as the sauna and steam room. There is an outdoor hot tub, but fortunately, it is half covered. Imagine a little snow falling on your nose while you're sitting in a 40-degree heated bath with a glass of champagne in your hand. Brrr.
Of course, this isn't all free. In February, the chalet is still available, and you pay 50,000 euros per week. Fresh flowers and the daily newspaper are included.