Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, Haute-Tarentaise, France

Posted in Projects on 4 May, 2025

Yeti paws, ski poles and forest flavours feature in a redesign at the heart of the French Alps.

The spirit of the forest permeates every nook of Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, which opened in December offering picture postcard views of the French Alps. The property, formerly called L’Aigle des Neiges, has been transformed by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, following its acquisition by Experimental Group in 2023.

“Following the resounding success of Experimental Chalet Verbier, we wanted a foothold in the French Alps, and Val d’Isère is a place we held special in our hearts. The hotel is ideally located very close to the slopes and, at the same time, it’s right in the epicentre of the resort which offers an atmosphere that we love so much. We immediately knew we had found the perfect place for Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère,” said Pierre-Charles Cros, co-founding partner of the Experimental Group.

“It represented a real challenge for us. How to recreate a contemporary mountain spirit,” says Dorothée, reflecting on the inspiration behind the design. “Quite immediately, this massive building made of slate, concrete, and wood made us think of an American-style lodge: wooden logs, branches, stone layout, and woodwork would be our starting point!” she continued. ‘“The spirit of the forest” would be our architectural system – which we brought to the design of the door frames, cupboards, headboards, handles, bathroom furniture, and the benches around the stoic stone fireplace.”

The property has been transformed by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, following its acquisition by Experimental Group in 2023. Photographs by Mr Tripper

Situated in the heart of the Alps, in the Haute-Tarentaise, the hotel has views of the Col de l’Iseran and Pisaillas glaciers. “We also, wanted to play with skiing as a source of inspiration. Val d’Isère is a demanding, sporty, and renowned resort.” Says Dorothee. “So we designed mirror frames inspired by ski spatulas, used snow-white marble, and created table legs made from ski pole slices… And above all, we invented the “ski” coating! A lime plaster reminiscent of the snow on the famous Face de Bellevarde slope after a day of skiing.”

A contemporary mountain spirit is the inspiration behind the design.

Furnishings and décor evoke the Savoyard traditions of the mountain village, with wooden chests like those handed down from father to son, carved footprints reminiscent of bread marked before it goes into a wood-fired oven, marquetry straps, ecru boucle carpeting, benches upholstered in soft duvets, and a few hidden Yeti paws for keen eyes to discover.

The grand L’Aigle d’or restaurant is inspired by this forest spirit. Executive chef Rudy Ballin has created a brasserie menu that twists mountain classics for sharing including veal chop, tartiflette and Mont d’or while also offering seafood platters. Log wall panelling frames tapestries of woven fabric, while woollen carpet and dark red and blue hues are offset by brushed stainless steel, aluminium and white marble. Delicate marquetry, floor lamps made from skis and mushroom lamps are dotted throughout.

At the more intimate L’Aiglon restaurant, diners come together along high benches around a stone counter surrounding the oven to share wood-fired raclette. Rosette-shaped indentations in the walls are reminiscent of vintage butter moulds and the markings of bread, while stone inserts on the floor, hanging paper lamps, plastered walls and dark wood give this cosy restaurant a warm, rustic atmosphere where Savoyard specialities are enjoyed in the purest tradition.

Experimental Cocktail Club Val d’Isère is furnished with benches on platforms overlooking a large wooden counter, carved and woven to create a warm atmosphere. The bar opens onto a terrace offering views of snow-capped mountains beyond. A second seating area is tucked away, with soft carpets and velvet decorated with frescoes reminiscent of the resort’s ski run map. It is deliberately 1970s in style with floor-to-ceiling carpeting and a high-fidelity sound system. The carpet is red, orange and burgundy, and the tables are made of wood and ceramic.

The spa offers the ultimate après-ski experience: a Nordic ice bath

The resort’s spa takes a bespoke approach to wellbeing, with each facial and massage tailored to the individual. There’s a large indoor swimming pool, numerous massage rooms and the spa offers the ultimate après-ski experience: a Nordic ice bath, sauna and hammam.

The hotel’s boutique offers a selection of clothing, technical gear and accessories for the slopes or après-ski, skincare and gifts.