Ice Bear

Ice Bear: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Offering guests an enticing mix of traditional mountain design and modern style, this chic three-bedroom apartment is the perfect family-friendly mountain escape. Whether you're visiting in the depths of winter in search of virgin powder or stopping off in the summer for breathtaking hikes and bone-shaking mountain bike trails, it's a true four-season escape.

While you won't find the ancient, gnarled beams of some of the vast chalets in this upscale French resort, its wood-clad walls pair perfectly with the mid-century-style furnishings and faux animal fur. The open layout provides a sociable sanctuary out of the elements. When the sun's shining, you're welcome to make the most of the spacious decking equipped with Acapulco chairs and a bubbling hot tub. Moreover, each of the three welcoming bedrooms offers its guests direct access to the deck, ideal for rushing back inside after a wintry dip in the water.

The apartment's location in Courchevel Moriond (formerly 1650) ensures easy access to some of the finest skiing in the French Alps, in the form of the titanic Les Trois Vallées. Meanwhile, the fact it's on the edge of this area means that the slopes are often quieter. After an adrenaline-fuelled day on the mountain, Moriond is known for its vibrant après-ski scene. In addition, it offers a variety of restaurants serving everything from homemade burgers to haute cuisine.

Home truths:
*Check yourself in on arrival with the keypad
*A cot is available on request
*A new construction is underway next to the apartment – the exterior is finished so you won't have any noise but the view is slightly obstructed
*The neighbours are known to be early birds, so please keep noise to a minimum in the evenings
*The apartment's on the ground floor, so it may be suitable for those with more limited mobility
*There's no desk here, but the dining table can double up as a laptop-friendly workspace if needed
*Given the home's proximity to the lifts, a car isn't a necessity here – however, there's on-site parking should you need it
*You'll have access to a digital concierge service