Winter is quickly approaching in the northern hemisphere and for some people that means the arrival of ski season. Gîte la Bartavelle is a small mountain chalet at a ski resort in the French Alps. Like the traditional alpine chalet, or Swiss chalet, this new version is constructed of wood and has the characteristic gabled roof which slopes to the sides, substantial overhangs supported by heavy brackets, and small windows protected by operable shutters.

The small house manages to squeeze three bedrooms into only 78.6 m² (846 ft²). There is one bedroom downstairs with its own bath, and two more tucked under the roof. The combined living/dining/kitchen is compact with room for only a short single-wall kitchen. Wood paneling and an open beam ceiling add to the feeling of coziness. All that’s missing is a wood stove for warming up on cold winter days. It looks like there is floor protection in one corner for a stove, but for some reason it was not installed.

There is a panoramic view of the Alps from the front windows. However the traditional chalet style has fairly small windows that make it difficult to enjoy the view from inside.

This small ski chalet is available for rent through Gîtes de France Savoie.

Photographs courtesy of Gîtes de France Savoie.

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