IT IS the hot tub view like no other, looking out on the French Alps from a hotel penthouse perched at the top of a former Olympic ski jump.

L’Apogée Courchevel is high up in Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world, and famously home of the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Located at the peak of Courchevel’s exclusive Jardin Alpin, the hotel offers ‘ski in, ski out’ stays 1,850 metres up, and has won a reputation as one of Europe’s most stylish Alpine retreats.

The 55-bedroom hotel is preparing to open for the season on December 17 with a distinctly festive feel, fixing the focus on an elegant, socially distanced escape.

On both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Father Christmas will make a pit stop bearing gifts for children staying at the hotel.

Meanwhile, adults can ring in the New Year at a glamorous black-tie dinner themed ‘The Cotton Club by L’Apogée’, recreating the ambience of the legendary Harlem speakeasy in the Roaring 20s.

It will feature a feast at Le Comptoir de L’Apogée prepared by executive chef Jean-Luc Lefrançois and pastry chef Malo Le Cras, followed by cabaret dancers, magicians and circus performers.

For foodies visiting over the festive season, there’s a ‘Ski & Gastronomy’ package, as chef Lefrançois takes guests out onto the powder for a day filled with adrenaline and gourmet dining.

Roaring log fire in the lounge

Following the morning spent skiing and exploring the Three Valleys, participants will enjoy a slope-side picnic with the chef himself. Later that day, there’ll be a a fine dining dinner back at the hotel.

Down the valley, linked by lifts, slopes and a circuitous road, are the villages of Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650, all named for their altitudes in metres.

Junior Suite with a view

L’Apogée Courchevel’s winter season runs from December 17 until March 26, 2022, with Deluxe Room rates starting from €1,200 (approx. £1,020) per night on a half board basis, including Courchevel alti-port pick-up.

For Christmas and New Year festivities, see the hotel website.