An exceptional refuge

Recently restored, the 107 rooms and suites are like cocoons, with wood panelling, soft fabrics and exceptional bedding. Perfect retreats after a day on the slopes and a break at the Deep Nature spa, a brand created in the nearby village of Les Houches and acclaimed for its range of expert treatments and massages.

Such assets already justify the success of the place, but the best is yet to come with communal areas designed to federate a real community; locals and travellers come together around the same passion for great skiing, and long hours spent together on the slopes. What's on the agenda? First and foremost, the Casa Nonna restaurant, with its rustic-chic ambience and excellent cuisine, halfway between Italy and Savoy, imagined by Alessandro Lucci, with real nuggets on the menu, such as this tartiflette with guanciale or this panettone perdu, which will delight all sweet tooths.

Another HQ, the bar, is built around a 10-metre-high glass roof, revealing the towering silhouette of Mont Blanc. It's a grand spectacle, and the whole of Chamonix flocks here to sample ultra-creative elixirs, including signature cocktails such as the "Mer de Glace", an infused ice-cream, "Mer de Glace" and "Mer de Glace".Mer de Glace", infused with spices, or the "En haut des cimes", which combines génépi, orgeat syrup and fir liqueur. So many delights to savour in front of the big fireplace, curled up in deep sofas and armchairs. And at the end of the evening, it's time to party, with two privatized karaoke areas, ensuring a crazy atmosphere until late, late into the night.

This doesn't stop ski enthusiasts from heading to the restaurant room in the early hours of the morning, where an anthology buffet awaits them (local cheeses and charcuterie, exceptional burrata) before they set off to hit the slopes. Do you regret not having the best equipment at your disposal? The hotel has thought of everything, and has reserved an area - the only one in the resort - dedicated to the Millet brand. Born in Annecy, but tried and tested for over 100 years in Chamonix, the brand offers high-performance clothing and equipment for sale and hire. As we told you, we're here in the Mecca of great skiing.

Three questions for Alain d'Addio, hotel manager

Gault&Millau: This hotel is a Chamonix institution. How have you redesigned it?

Alain d'Addio: Now a member of the QuinSpark group, the hotel has been extensively restored by Israeli interior designer Saar Zafrir. The rooms are decorated with beautiful woodwork and light tones, the terrace has been renovated and enlarged, and the redesigned garden now houses a heated outdoor pool, sauna and hammam

G&M: In what spirit did you carry out this restoration?

A. D'A.: Our aim is to offer a place for reunion, a refuge where you can share warm, serene moments with loved ones. But we're also in a resort that caters to a very specific clientele, with a passion for mountaineering and skiing. That's why we're also committed to welcoming the locals who make up the spirit of Chamonix. Hotel Les Aiglons is open all year round to welcome Chamonix locals, even outside the tourist season. The rest of the time, they mingle with our guests, who enjoy a 100% mountain experience. This spirit of community and sharing is very strong at Les Aiglons.

G&M: This local anchoring also involves events...

A. D'A.: With the Millet brand, partner of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, we have devised a monthly event starting in January 2025, an evening during which we will screen a film on the theme of the mountains. We'll also be organizing conferences and meetings on the environment and the preservation of our ecosystem. Once again, these events are designed to unite true mountain lovers...