Ski Safari? Eleven Experience Takes You on a Wild Ride to 7 Luxe Resorts

Eleven Experience is known for ultra-luxurious, ultra-adventurous bespoke holidays in undiscovered destinations. In the tiny town of Le Miroir in the Savoie region of France the company offers a unique ski safari affording skiers the chance to ski seven world-class ski resorts, including Val d’Isère and Tignes, all without leaving your mountain home of either Chalet Pelerin or Chalet Hibou.

Chalet Pelerin, courtesy of Eleven Experience.

With the two chalets located across from each other, Chalet Pelerin offers four king suites and an ensuite bunk room, while Chalet Hibou features five king suites, one queen suite and an ensuite bunk room. Chalet Pelerin also boasts a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub, while Hibou has its own spa. Each property is offered as a buyout, and the close proximity of the homes make it ideal for families or friends traveling together. 

Everything about your Eleven Experience trip is completely custom and designed to exceed all expectations. Before your stay, you’ll work with Valentine, the experience manager, to craft your perfect ski safari adventure, winter activities and après ski time.

Chalet Hibou, courtesy of Eleven Experience.

You’ll be greeted with an enthusiastic, “Bonjour” by Valentine and her team when you arrive, and then you’ll be quickly ushered to the terrace where chilled champagne and a breathtaking view of the Alps awaits. It’s the perfect way to kick off your adventure. 

After settling into Chalet Pelerin’s master suite, and eyeing the bronze soaking tub for later, it’s time to meet Jean-Noel, your IFMGA-certified ski guide and get fitted for your gear. Another perk with Eleven Experience is that you don’t need to lug your ski equipment across the pond, they have the latest and greatest ready for your use. 

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The first night ends with an in-chalet dinner prepared by private chef Anna Pearce. Based on your group’s food preferences, Chef Pearce may whip up a starter of fresh figs stuffed with cheese and topped with walnuts and honey, followed by a duo of salmon gravlax and a fish pate, and a main plate of risotto. Eat hearty, you’ll need it for the ski days to follow.

Depending on your group’s interests and ski ability, your itinerary might be straight skiing, heli-skiing or a mix of both. The chalet’s mountain proximity allows guests to ski off-piste runs straight from the front door. Expert skiers can enjoy access to heli-ski bases at La Thuile, Courmayeur and Valgrisenche. Located just over the nearby Italian border, these ski bases offer runs averaging 1,000 to 2,000 vertical meters.

Courtesy of Eleven Experience.

After a quick helicopter ride to La Thuile, you’ll discover virgin, untracked powder, stop for lunch at an in-the-know local restaurant and spend the afternoon skiing over the border back to France, with the masseuse waiting for you at the chalet. Or opt for Jean-Noel to lead you on a guided heli-ski adventure in Courmayeur. He’s a native of the region and knows the area like the back of his hand. 

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy an  incredible pasta meal and the best tiramisu in the valley. You’ll ski back to the chalet via many world-class slopes. If you choose to heli-ski at Valgrisenche you’ll start the morning with off-piste fresh powder runs followed by a traditional Italian lunch with a friendly family in Bonne. Back at the chalet take a dip in the indoor pool, or soothe sore muscles with an après ski drink in the hot tub.

For skiers who prefer lifts over helicopters, Eleven Experience has you covered too. Chef Pearce lays out a delectable breakfast spread featuring local ingredients, like yogurt made by the farmer in the valley and cheese from the fromagerie down the road.

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Courtesy of Eleven Experience.

Assorted bread, pastries, muesli and made-to-order crepes are sure to help you power through a morning skiing in the Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise wilderness and off-piste skiing in the afternoon. On another day, ski at the world famous Tignes and Val d’Isere slopes. After a full day on the mountain, end with the legendary après ski at Val d’Isere before returning to the chalet and enjoying a unique Alpine dinner. 

Located higher in the mountain above the chalet is the Eleven Experience Alpage. This restored French farmhouse provides the perfect backdrop for a rustic gourmet feast. With the fire crackling in the fireplace, you’ll enjoy a pot of fondue made with local cheese, giving it a distinctively different taste than traditional Swiss fondue. 

While it’s tempting to load up on the bread and cheesy goodness, don’t, there is so much more food waiting in the dining area below. After adding salmon, potatoes, salad and much local Savoie wine during dinner, your group may just find itself being convinced by Valentine to don some costumes they keep at the Alpage and dance the night away.

Courtesy of Eleven Experience.

Depending on how long you choose to stay, you can add ski days at La Rosiere, Les Arcs and La Plagne, or opt for other winter activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or dog sledding. 

After nearly two years of being confined close to home, Eleven Experience is ready to give luxury travelers back their zest for adventure, exploration and new experiences back with a unique spin on this winter ski season.