World’s Best New Ski Chalet 2023

Nicky Dobree and AND Architects completed Val d’isere’s newest and largest chalet to date, Etoile du Nord, in early 2023. Ten years in the making, the chalets are pioneering, taking chalet design to a new level. They are the result of an ambitious vision, pure passion, and utter determination. The existing plot which began its life as a small, rundown, and unloved chalet– was completely reimagined into two vast chalets, plus a staff gatehouse, offering an additional level of privacy for guests.

“I have always believed that a good interior respects the important relationship between the environment, and the architecture,” says Nicky. At EDN we were honoured to not only work with an incredible landscape but to collaborate with Manuel from AND Architects and his vision from the outset.”

Understanding the environment, the natural sunlight and the views that connect it to its environment are so integral to the experience and the space and nowhere more so than here at EDN.  What is more, it is not only the external views that are integral, but the internal ones too, both across and through the spaces connecting them all together.

Large scale residential chalets that can be rented such as this one offers a unique challenge as we often do not know who the guests will be.   We must therefore create spaces that are versatile, yet ones that have a sense of familiarity and feel like home.

Every detail from the selection of the materials to the quality of the finishes has been carefully considered and contributes to the overall comfort and aesthetic of this remarkable chalet.

The Étoile du Nord Chalets consist of three chalets that can operate independently or as a single home. Combined, they become one of the biggest private chalets in Val d’Isère, with 17 bedrooms, 2 large social spaces with views of the valley, 2 high specification kitchens, cinema with bar, games rooms, 2 boot rooms for ski equipment, an underground carpark, 2 swimming pools, steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas, and massage rooms.

With a separate staff building for added privacy EDN has it all and is now available to rent for the 2023/4 season.

*Worlds Best New Ski Chalet 2023 Etoile du Nord East Wing (France) as voted by World’s Ski Awards November 2023