The location
Chalet Cristal Morillon is a beautiful chalet set in the centre of its own large (1000 sq-m), private garden in a quiet hamlet on the sunny, south side of the Giffre valley in the middle of the Grand Massif ski area. It’s less than one hour from Geneva or an easy eight hour drive from Calais.
The chalet is surrounded by hedges on all sides making the garden very private and providing ample off-road parking for three - four cars. It's within 5 mins walking distance of bars, shops, restaurants and a superb bakery as well as the stunning Lac Bleu, which offers cross country skiing in winter and swimming, zip wires, trampolines and volleyball in the summer.
The ski bus stop is at the end of the road, less than 100 m away and it's less than 5 minutes drive to the télécabines at Morillon, Samoëns and Vercland. Further afield, Les Gets is only 20 minutes and Chamonix about 45 minutes.
The chalet sleeps nine people in four bedrooms, two of which (a double and a European king (160 cm wide bed) are ensuite). The other two bedrooms, which are a twin and a triple share a family bathroom. The triple room also has a TV / DVD player so it's ideal for children / teenagers. There is a further bedroom in the separate, self-contained, ground floor apartment ( HomeAway ref 8624117). The apartment also has a double sofa bed, sleeping up to 13 people in total. Booking the chalet and apartment together is perfect for larger family groups; it gives grandparents or parents of very young children the opportunity for their own space whilst still being very much part of the holiday.
The living space:
The chalet is entered on the first floor via the spacious double aspect kitchen. This floor is mainly open plan with the kitchen leading into a large living and dining area with a lovely wood burning stove, large smart TV and DVD player and seating for up to ten people.
The kitchen is fully equipped with new granite worktops, oven, new induction hob, microwave, large fridge freezer, and dishwasher and also has a fondue set, raclette / hot stone grill, Nespresso machine, kettle, filter coffee maker, cafetiere, toaster, electric hand whisk and hand blender, and a wide range of baking dishes and trays and cook books.
The living area is incredibly bright and sunny with south and east facing windows and two sets of double doors giving access to the south facing balcony and east facing verandah with views of the slopes above Morillon and the mountains of Criou and Buet. There is a wide selection of books, DVDs and games for all ages, with WiFi throughout the chalet.
The walls in the living area are clad in horizontal, unfinished wooden planks for a contemporary chalet style. Furnishings are also contemporary with large, comfortable, squashy leather sofas and original artwork by local artists. The huge coffee table, which is made from a reclaimed door, adds character and is perfect for board games and pre-dinner drinks and appetisers.
On the ground floor of the chalet is a large bootroom with heated boot cupboard, bench and plenty of storage space for skis and snowboards. In summer there is ample space for up to six bikes, whilst another secure storage area to the side of the chalet provides space for a further four bikes.
The chalet is child friendly with a cot, folding bed, high chair, stair gates, cutlery, plates, bowls and cups all provided. The garden is securely fenced and a couple of sledges are also available for use. There is a wide selection of DVDs, games and puzzles suitable for pre-school children upwards.
The bedrooms:
With its two king / double en-suite bedrooms and a further five single beds, the chalet is ideally suited for both families and also groups of friends with a mix of couples and singles.
The first bedroom is a double, with ensuite shower room, on the same floor as the open-plan living and dining area and kitchen. This bedroom has a 140 cm wide double bed, large chest of drawers and two bedside tables and faces west with beautiful sunset views over the Marcelly.
Stairs from the dining area lead up to the second floor which has a further three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The large south-facing master bedroom has a European king-size (160 cm) wide bed with a superbly comfortable mattress and topper. This room has contemporary solid oak furniture including a large chest of drawers and two bedside tables as well as the bed. There is also ample hanging and storage space. Walls are white / off white with some natural wood. The ensuite bathroom has a bath and hand-held shower, basin and toilet.
The south-facing triple with TV/DVD player, which is perfect for children or teenagers, is decorated in a contemporary pale grey and white colour scheme with matching grey furniture.
Finally a large twin faces north and has beautiful views of La Bourgeoise and the Joux Plane. This room is decorated in a calming pale green and white.
There is a large family bathroom with bath and shower and a separate washing machine / drying room under the eaves.
The bedrooms are all chalet style with some sloping ceilings and exposed beams; all bedrooms have ample storage space, a mirror, hairdryer and reading / bedside lights.
Outside space:
The garden area is laid to lawn and extends around three sides of the chalet and is fenced, making it ideal for youngsters to play safely.
There are a number of large trees which provide welcome shade in the summer and there are lovely views of the slopes above Morillon, Mont Buet and the Marcelly.
In summer, a hammock, two sun loungers and a seating area comprising a large three seater sofa, two large armchairs, all with cushions, and a low table as well as a 3 m parasol are all provided. There's also a large square table and parasol, seating eight, for al fresco dining.
There is also a charcoal BBQ and a brazier for late summer / early autumn evenings, when it starts getting a little bit chilly. For those looking for a bit more activity there's a slackline.
On the first floor covered verandah there is a table seating six, which is a perfect any time of year or day, but particularly in the morning as the sun rises and a bench and two armchairs and two stools. There's also a hammock chair, which is supremely comfortable.
Last, but by no means least, is a large, seven seater Canadian Spa hot tub, which is available all year round.
Changeover day is normally Sunday, meaning guests benefit from a fantastic, quiet last day skiing on a Saturday. We can of course be flexible, particularly in off peak season and can also offer short breaks. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Prices are for rental of the chalet on a self-catered basis and include:
* Beds made prior to arrival
* Hand, bath and tea towels provided
* Welcome hamper of food and drinks
* Complimentary toiletries
* Firewood (in winter)
* Washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, bin liners and cleaning products provided
* Complimentary end of stay cleaning
A €500 damage deposit must be paid before arrival, which will be refunded within ten days of departure assuming that there is no damage or additional cleaning required - please contact us for more information if required.
Note that prices do not include the one bedroom apartment on the ground floor - please contact us for more information. Also note that the apartment and the chalet are never rented to separate groups of guests but the owner may use the apartment at any time.