The Rise of Luxury Ski Apartments
Discover the benefits of luxury self-catered ski apartments: flexible, modern, and serviced like five-star hotels.
Elena Dryden
Chalet & Apartment Specialist
Elena Dryden is a Chalet and Apartment Specialist at Oxford Ski Company with almost a decade of winter seasons spent in the French Alps.
Originally planning to spend six months working as a chalet chef, Elena ultimately spent nine winter seasons in the Alps, including eight in La Plagne and one in Sainte Foy. She went on to manage a small portfolio of catered chalets in the Tarentaise Valley, giving her extensive first-hand knowledge of both resort life and chalet operations.
Ski experience and expertise
Skier or snowboarder: Skier and snowboarder
Skiing experience: Skier since the age of 11
Ski seasons: Eight in La Plagne and one in Sainte Foy
Favourite ski resorts: La Plagne and Breckenridge
Elena’s favourite luxury ski properties
Chalet Trois Ours, Méribel
One of Elena’s favourite private Alpine chalets.
Chalet Nyumba, Verbier
A standout Swiss property and another personal favourite.
Where does Elena recommend for mountain lunch and après?
Elena recommends the terrace at Le Carlina in Plagne Bellecôte for a long sunny lunch. For après-ski, La Folie Douce in Val Thorens is a favourite.
Elena’s insider ski tip
“During busy school-holiday weeks, ski between midday and 2pm. With many people stopping for lunch, the pistes and lift queues can be noticeably quieter.”
Areas of first-hand knowledge
Elena has particularly extensive knowledge of La Plagne, Sainte Foy, the Tarentaise Valley, catered chalets and luxury self-catered ski accommodation.
Articles I've written
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Why a Self-Catered Ski Chalet Could Be the Perfect Property for You
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The Best Luxury Self-Catered Chalets for a Summer Holiday in the Alps
From Italy to Switzerland, Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, explore the range of stunning luxury self-catered chalets with availability this summer.
The Best Eco-Conscious Hotels for Skiing
Planning a sustainable skiing holiday? Book with Oxford Ski Company and explore our eco-friendly hotels for skiing.
Finding the Perfect Alpine Property for You
Discover which style of luxury ski accommodation best suits your needs for that perfect Alpine getaway.
Our Insider’s Guide to the Paradiski Area
With nearly a decade of winters in the French Alps under her belt, our Chalet and Apartment Specialist, Elena Dryden shares her guide to the popular P
What makes us different?
Experience
We have been designing and delivering luxury ski holidays for over 25 years. Our experience in the industry is unparalleled. You can trust us to create the perfect trip for you and your family.
Expertise
Our team live and breathe skiing and are passionate about the destinations we sell. We work with only the best chalet and hotel providers. All are regularly inspected to ensure our exacting standards are met.
Service
Each Oxford Ski Company booking includes our complimentary pre-arrival concierge service. Your specialist will help arrange the all-important finer details that are part of planning the perfect ski holiday.