Courchevel, Megève, Gstaad or St. Moritz: how to get the festive season right in a private chalet, from choosing the place to the private chef, from jet or helicopter access to security and children, with the timeline for the busiest week of winter.
Experiences · Alps · Festive season 2026
In short: in 2026 Christmas falls on a Friday and New Year’s Eve on a Thursday. The week from 19 December to 2 January is the busiest of the season in Alpine resorts. A successful chalet rests on four things: the right place, a reliable household team, discreet security and an arrival without waiting. AC PRIVATE - A List concierge coordinates everything, from the first brief to departure.
Choose the resort to match how you celebrate
- Courchevel: 3 Vallées ski area, altiport, nightlife and fine dining. The women’s World Cup night slalom is announced for 22 December 2026, subject to final FIS confirmation.
- Megève: historic village, warm family atmosphere, easy from Geneva.
- Gstaad: Swiss discretion, traditional chalets, a calmer pace.
- St. Moritz: the Engadine, historic grand hotels and the first events of winter.
Finding the chalet
The finest chalets are often booked away from public platforms, through owners and trusted agencies. Our private chalet sourcing service checks what matters for the holidays: bedrooms that are truly usable, road access in snow, distance to the slopes, wellness area, a kitchen suited to a chef, staff accommodation and cancellation terms.
The household team
Private chef, butler, housekeeper, driver, private ski instructors, childcare: each role must be booked weeks ahead for the festive period. We write a precise brief for each: diets, allergies, meal times, the menus for the 24th and the 31st, wine preferences, family rituals.
Have a project in mind?
Our experts are ready to create a bespoke experience for you.
Request a confidential consultationSecurity, discreet but real
A secluded chalet during the busiest week of the year calls for simple thinking: access control, safe, alarm, instructions for staff, confidentiality on social media and, depending on the profile, a close protection officer. We tailor this to each family without making it visible.
Arrival: jet, helicopter and car
Geneva, Chambéry and Sion airports, the Courchevel altiport and helicopter transfers book up early in December. Our private aviation service arranges flights, slots and transfers, with snow-equipped vehicles. The chalet is ready on arrival: heated, stocked, skis fitted.
The timeline
- October to early November: choose the resort and the chalet.
- November: book the chef, staff, flights and instructors.
- Early December: menus, gifts, decoration, equipment rental.
- Festive week: one point of contact available day and night.
For the full service, see our page Christmas and New Year in an Alpine chalet. If you are staying in town, read our guide to a private New Year’s Eve in Paris.
Further reading
- Planning the 2027 season, from Lunar New Year to the Grands Prix
- Exceptional Christmas gifts 2026
- 2026 through the eyes of AC PRIVATE - A List concierge
Frequently asked questions
When should I book a private chalet for Christmas and New Year?
Ideally in the autumn. In November options remain, often away from public platforms, but the choice narrows every week.
Can I have a private chef on 24 and 31 December?
Yes, if booked early. We give the chef a full brief: diets, allergies, festive menus and wine pairings.
Which resort for a family Christmas?
Megève and Gstaad for a calm family atmosphere, Courchevel for liveliness and skiing, St. Moritz for the Engadine and its grand hotels.
How can I reach the chalet quickly?
By private jet to Geneva, Chambéry or Sion, then by helicopter or snow-equipped car. December slots go fast.
How do I contact AC PRIVATE - A List concierge?
Via the contact page or at [email protected]. Reply within 24 hours.
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Alexandre Emmelin
Founder, AC PRIVATE - A List concierge
Alsatian entrepreneur, Alexandre founded AC PRIVATE - A List concierge with one conviction: true luxury is reclaimed time. He personally leads the most sensitive missions and writes a monthly editorial sharing his vision of exceptional concierge service.
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