Klosters Snow Reliability

Last season was an awful season for snow reliability across Europe. Nowhere seemed to be immune from some weeks of poor snow. However one of the reasons that we chose Klosters as the resort for our chalet was that, despite it's low height, it has an excellent record of snow reliability due to its specific geography. Judging by both the official statistics and visitor feedback, Klosters delivered on its promise. At one point skiers were being bussed in from resorts 300 metres higher. Each of us can only do a bit to roll back global warming, but if you want to chose a resort that gives you a very good chance of snow reliability, Klosters is an excellent choice.

Chalet Improvements

Although visitors seem to share our enthusiasm for the chalet as it is, there is always room to achieve more. This year we have added hand woven oriental rugs, modern and traditional, to add to the luxury feel; a couple of chests of drawers and side cupboards (there always seems to be a need for more storage space, especially with winter gear); and some very Swiss items. We came across a spinning wheel that had been used locally, some old wooden farm implements and an old writing desk. They all add to the cosy atmosphere after a day in the mountains.

Prices Unchanged

We have been able to keep most prices unchanged despite price rises in various costs.

Give Yourself A Real Break - We can Provide You With Your Own Private Chef.

Prefer a catered chalet to self-catering? We have now linked up with Tyrone Power, and acclaimed chef who has travelled the world providing high quality catering to luxury holidaymakers. You can learn more about him at: www.tyronepower-personalchef.com

He will fly out with you and stay either in the chalet or next door whilst cooking delicious gourmet food for you without the need for you ever to stp outside your own front door. Perfect after a hard day's skiing.

Mark's Places Ltd. Is Launched!

The success of the chalet has been so great that we are now expanding to Italy as described below. All three properties will be properly looked after and serviced by a our new company, Mark's Places Ltd. By setting up a company we expect to negotiate better deals for our visitors for everything from ski rental to transport. More on this in due course. Mark's Places Ltd will only service our own properties, so we can be sure that anyone using our accommodation will know that they are getting the same quality - something of the highest standard and quality, that we are happy to holiday in.

Italy Makes Progess

Quite a few of our guests at Chalet Rhaetia have asked us about our Puglia venture. As you can see, our trulli in Puglia is definitely not ready yet! But it will easily be finished by the end of this year, ready for next, and we will let everyone know to confirm this later in the year. There will be a 3 bedroom/2 bath trullo, and a 2 bed 1 bath trullo. A trullo is a round stonebuilt countryside building only found in about 50 square miles of Puglia, originally designed to be pulled down quickly if the taxman came along! They are so special that the area is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The two we are restoring are next door to each other, so the accommodation is flexible for a group needing up to 5 bedrooms, say two families. True to the philosophy of building to the standards we want for ourselves, the swimming pool will be a full size 15m x 5m. Many trullis economise with small pools that you can't spot from the photos. Oak doors and shutters are on order, rather than cheaper pine. The ceilings are either original stone or brick coffering in the traditional style - no plasterboard here!

As soon as the trulli are fully complete and furnished photos of each room will appear on a website, just like the chalet. Many trulli are in quite built-up areas, but we wanted pure Puglian countryside. In the meantime, here is the view that will great you every morning - a mixture of vineyards and olive groves, and a couple of pictures of nearby towns to give you a sense of the area. This is the deep south, like Northern Italy was 20 years ago before it was overrun by the Chiantishire brigade. If you would like me to send you more of my recent photos of the area click below.

View from the sitting room

Chalet Rhaetia Will Have Broadband
This Winter

In recognition of the increasing demand for broadband internet access at all time Chalet Rhaetia will be online with free broadband for guests from December 1st. There is no computer, but a standard broadband socket will be provided. Electrical sockets are European standard, so remember to bring an adaptor if your machine has a non-European plug.

Mailing List and Spam

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