Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère

What was once strictly a Parisian nightlife outfit has quickly developed into one of Europe’s most interesting hospitality brands. The Experimental Group follows the success of Experimental Chalet Verbier with another Alpine hotel, this one a little closer to home: Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère is further proof that ski hotels and boutique-hotel style belong together.

Here Experimental’s designer of choice Dorothée Meilichzon transformed an existing hotel — the group’s largest property to date — into a fresh and original take on the ski-hotel genre. The visual language is influenced as much by American national-park lodges as it is by Alpine tradition, and the sum total of the effect is a look that’s indelibly unique.

In a place like this, a spa is a must; this one features an indoor pool and a steam room and sauna alongside its treatment rooms. An in-house ski shop handles rentals in partnership with Ski Set, and the lifts are an easy walk from the hotel. Nor are food and drink neglected in any Experimental production; here a grand brasserie, l’Aigle d’Or, and the cheese-focused l’Aiglon are joined by the Experimental Cocktail Club Val d’Isère, an Alpine counterpart to the Parisian original.