There are catered chalets and there are AliKats catered chalets. Snow Magazine headed out on a trip to Morzine to take in the vast skiing on offer in the Portes du Soleil - and the slopes and snow were great, but the chalet was what really stood out. This family-run company really are setting new standards for quality and service.
About AliKats
Al Judge and his wife Kat, co-owners of Alikats Mountain Holidays have built a reputation for five-star service. Indeed, since starting up in Morzine seven seasons ago, they have perfected the art of chalet holidays, putting together a team of like-minded souls, dedicated to providing impeccable attention to detail in a wonderful setting, with outstanding concierge service and amazing food.
The service
Nothing is too much trouble. From the smooth booking process, to the transfers and in-resort service, AliKats are the perfect hosts, even providing an in-chalet ski hire service so that you don’t have to lug boots and skis around town. They’ll take care of your ski passes, arrange ski lessons, book spa and beauty treatments and organise restaurant bookings.
For the catered chalets, they run a private chauffeur service in resort from 8am to 10pm, meaning you can get to the slopes or into town – and back again, without any hassle.
As parents raising three kids in the Alps, Al & Kat know how to help you cut out the fuss so you can maximize snow time and concentrate on the really fun stuff!
From babies through to teenagers, they put a huge amount of effort into ensuring parents have everything they need on hand for a fun-filled, stress free family holiday in the snow – be it simple things like cots or highchairs or the more complicated stuff like childcare and creches.
The chalets
AliKats operate three luxury ‘indulgence’ catered chalets, five further catered chalets and also offer self-catered chalets and a new ‘semi-catered’ option, where guests can do their own thing but with the added bonus of being able to enjoy the famous AliKats food with delicious two-course meals delivered to your chalet.
The catered chalets are amongst the top-ranked catered chalets in the whole of the Northern French Alps on Trip Advisor, including the #1 spot for Ferme a Jules, plus The View – one of the trio of Indulgence chalets – was built in 2017 exclusively for AliKats, with stunning interiors and incredible views over Morzine.
All the catered chalets are located in the Montriond area of Morzine, and all offer a ski chauffeur service to get you to and from the lifts - the super-fast Ardent telecabine which takes you straight into the heart of the Avoriaz ski area is just a five-minute drive away.
The food
We took the catered chalet option and the food (expertly prepared by our wonderful hosts Tiff and Rod) is just exceptional. Under the supervision of Kat Judge, the chalet chefs prepare cooked breakfasts every day, afternoon tea, and five superb evening meals – including free flowing unlimited wine - with a huge emphasis on using ingredients that are locally sourced, free range and seasonal. They make almost all their dishes from scratch - everything from stocks to sauces and ice creams.
As a sample dinner menu there might be tartiflette tatin with Reblochon ice cream and prosciutto shard, pomegranate-glazed duck breast with creamy polenta & spinach, blackberry, apple and spiced pear hazelnut pavlova & sweet chestnut cream and to finish, Beaufort cheese and biscuits.
All dietary needs are accommodated for and AliKats will do their best to tailor the menu so everyone has a fantastic and stress-free meal during their stay. The staff have two nights off which gives you the opportunity to try some of the local restaurants or order a raclette meal to be delivered to the chalet.
Keep an eye on snowmagazine.com for our full report of the trip. In the meantime, go to alikats.eu to see their latest offers.
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