Intervista
The mountain sets its own rhythm
Julien Favre manages three chalets above Val d'Isère. He explains why anticipation is the first form of thoughtfulness.
Julien Favre
Host and manager, Chalets Favre
Val d'Isère, France - 8 ottobre 2026
In winter, everything happens before arrival: ski equipment, the chef, lessons, transfers. Julien Favre has learned to prepare each stay like an expedition, so that his guests only have to enjoy it.
What is the hardest part of running a chalet?
Time. A family arrives for six days and wants to live everything. If the skis are not ready on the first morning, a day is lost.
My guests should never have to wait. It is my job to wait for them.
How do you organise yourself?
Everything is asked in advance: sizes, levels, dinner wishes. On arrival day there are no more questions, only answers.
A memory that stayed with you?
A couple celebrating forty years of marriage. They had mentioned the mountain hut from their first trip. We arranged a lunch there. They still talk about it.
