© Le Chardon Mountain Lodges
© Chardon Mountain Lodges
© Le Chardon Mountain Lodges
© Chardon Mountain Lodges
Jane Bennett: Chalet Manager for Le Chardon Mountain Lodges
Managing a luxury chalet in Val d'Isere & enjoying the odd hot chocolate..
Working in a luxury chalet in any part of the world takes dedication, patience, commitment, and ultimately you've got to love delivering great customer service to your guests - after all it's all about giving them the best possible holiday experience. This isn't the kind of job that just anyone can walk into and expect to succeed at, it takes a special kind of person to meet the needs of clients at the top end of the market, where no task is too much trouble and being the consummate professional goes without saying.
We've managed to grab a few minutes with Jane Bennett, in the relatively quiet period between New Year & February half term, to find out a bit more about what drives her, what she gets up to when she's not looking after guests, and important things like where to find the best hot chocolate in Val d'Isere...!
Jane, how long have you been living in Val d'Isere, and what do you do here?
I've worked for 3 years as a Chalet Manager with Le Chardon Mountain Lodges and am currently the manager of Lafitenia Chalet.
What makes Val d’Isere a special place to be for someone in your profession?
It's the best ski area in the world of course, combined with some of the best ski chalets in the Alps.
What are the best things about your job?
Happy guests and the freedom to use my budget to tailor make a special holiday for them.
And the worst things?!
I work long hours, to work here you have to be passionate about great service.
What is in store for the future with Le Chardon, any exciting projects?
We have just launched our new Chardon Spa Service which has been a great success. We hope to grow our wellness business more next season.
What are you personal and professional goals for the future?
I would like to stay in the luxury sector, and would like to get involved in helping to develop Le Chardon’s summer programme in the Alps.
Where would send someone who was after that something ‘something special’ in resort, to stay, eat or drink?
Stay with us for sure at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges and have dinner at L’Atelier d’Edmond (it doesn’t have a Michelin star for nothing!)
Your favourite place for lunch or dinner?
My favourite lunch spot is Tete de Solaise, their scallop carpaccio is amazing!
Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?
Chevallot for hot choc every time!
What has been your best ever day in Val d'Isere?
In late April, with beautiful sunshine, nobody on the piste, skiing all morning on spring snow, followed by a lazy lunch at Bar de l’Ouillette overlooking the lake, then skiing down at 3pm to the Folie Douce for some dancing on the table!
What's the best thing about Val d'Isere?
The incredible ski area.
And the worst?!
The busy February half term!
Do you remember your first trip to Val d'Isere?
Yes, and I knew then I wanted to live here.
What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing?
Having a hot chocolate and cake at Chevallot.
What do you do in the summer?
I work on private yachts as a host.
Which is your favourite shop in resort?
Boutique Ogier.
Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!
..
Thanks Jane, we'll let you get back to work now!
If you're looking to stay in Val d'Isere, as well as operating Chalet Lafitenia, Le Chardon Mountain Lodges can also offer other luxury chalets - Chalet Mistral, Le Chardon Chalet, La Bergerie Chalet and Chalet Kilimanjaro.. plus they have some great special offers running at the moment for shared chalets and sole occupancy.
You can follow Le Chardon Mountain Lodges on twitter (@lechardon) and facebook.
