Best for high peaks: Mont Blanc valley

According to Roddy Aris of Knight Frank’s Alps desk, there are two types of buyers in his patch: the ‘powder junkies’ and those who want to use their Alpine property all year round. ‘Those who care only for skiing must go high, with Val d’isère and Courchevel both being the destination of choice for the majority. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a chalet to use in winter and summer, then there is really only Chamonix.’

Chalet Arpont is a newly designed contemporary interpretation of the traditional Savoyard vernacular. When complete, it will have five bedrooms with accommodation set over four levels, including a sauna, spa and gym. €3.9 million. Knight Frank (020– 7861 1727)