CHECK IN: HOTEL ALPARENA, LA ROSIERE

There is little more enjoyable after a long day on the ski slopes, than curling up in front of a roaring fire with a large glass of red wine. So when I saw the photos of the log burners at Hotel Alparena I knew I needed to stay there! We spent a week skiing in the resort of La Rosiere, and stayed at Alparena on a half board basis with ski passes included.

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THE LOCATION

Hotel Alparena is located on the slopes – literally – of the small mountain town of Les Eucherts, part of the pretty La Rosiere ski resort. La Rosiere is directly across the valley from the larger Les Arcs. The hotel is still relatively new, having only opened in 2019, and during our visit, everything was immaculate.

The hotel is ski-in-ski-out via the blue Papillion route, and the sleek, modern boot room is on the same level as the slopes. It is less than five minutes down to the ski school. 

THE ROOMS

The Alparena perfectly melds the atmosphere of a cosy mountain chalet, with all the amenities of a boutique hotel. This extends to the décor – the building itself fits well into its surroundings, constructed from the traditional local wood and slate stone, whilst the interiors are reminiscent of a cosy alpine cabin, just with the addition of some of the whizziest technology I have seen in a hotel. Grey felt, warm wood and sleek granite dominate the understated, elegant rooms.

There are 58 rooms, spread out over three buildings and five floors. There are two categories of room – one simply larger than the other – and a number of family suites and apartments. Ask for a room out the front for wonderful views back down the valley. 

We had booked a double room, but were allocated a two bedroom apartment which would have been perfect for two couples to share. Each bathroom and bedroom combo could be separated off from the rest of the apartment so offered lots of privacy. We decided to treat ourselves and used a bathroom each! The rooms are satisfyingly high tech – Japanese toilets, digital panels for lighting and heating control, and phone chargers integrated into the bedside tables. As we were staying half board we didn’t use the kitchen much, but it was very well appointed and also had a number of sleek gadgets… including a Nespresso machine, a pancake maker and wine fridge! What more could you want? The log burner in the living area was also an unexpected – and very welcome – addition to the chalet vibe. 

THE EXTRAS

I simply cannot decide whether the food or the spa area is the real highlight at the Alparena, so I am simply going to have to declare they are both the best bits! 

The 1,000 sq m wellness area includes an indoor pool, a separate children’s pool, two saunas, two steam rooms, a fitness room and several treatment rooms. Hotel guests also have access to a second floor with indoor and outdoor wooden hot tubs. The pool can get a bit busy in the afternoon as ski school spills out for the day, but we had it to ourselves in the morning and early evenings. Go at sunset for the most amazing views from the geometric glass windows. Unfortunately, due to a snow storm everyone was trapped inside the hotel whilst we were there so the massages were fully booked, but they came highly rated from guests who managed to get a booking. 

The hotel has two great restaurants. The main restaurant, Alpagio, serves breakfast and dinner whilst Solariohas panoramic terrace views just off the slopes and serves lunch. The menu at both features local Savoyade specialities, and Solario also has a selection of stir fries and pizzas. 

The food at the Alparena is outstanding. I am always a bit wary of half board but our three course meals at the Alparena were genuinely amongst some of the best I have had – beautifully presented and head and shoulders above anything else I have had in a ski hotel, or any other package menu. There is no set menu, so you can choose what you fancy each evening from a relatively broad set of options. Even better, fondue, raclette and tartiflette are all available on request as part of the half board package. 

There is an in house ski shop, but I think you are likely to get better value picking up anything you have forgotten from the shops in town. Lift passes are sold in reception. 

THE LESS LOVEABLE

I was struggling to think of areas I thought could be improved so I consulted The Husband. His assessment was that the main problem with the Alparena was that it has now set our standards so high for what a ski holiday should look like, we will struggle to go anywhere else! 

Additionally, I think it testament to how lovely the hotel is that for two days of our week long ski trip, we were trapped inside whilst the pistes were shut due to blizzards, and we still had a fantastic time. Normally, not being about to get out onto the mountain would leave us feeling cooped up and a bit grumpy.

So all in all, I’d say there was little we didn’t like about our trip to La Rosiere and little that the hotel could do better!  

If you are looking for other lovely places to stay, be sure to check out my sleep series, and have a look at my guide to Lucerne for more wintery inspiration.