Chalet les Pieux in Crest-Voland, a holiday centre in a quiet spot
The Centre de Vacances - Chalet les Pieux is a chalet-style holiday centre in Crest-Voland, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, set away from the resort centre. It suits group ski holidays with friends or family, with home-cooked meals, ski equipment on site and shuttles to the slopes.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Centre de Vacances - Chalet les Pieux.
Where Chalet les Pieux is and how to reach it
The Centre de Vacances - Chalet les Pieux stands in Crest-Voland, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, on the Chemin des Pieux. It sits below the resort, so it is away from the bustle of the centre. To get to the slopes, you mostly rely on the shuttles.
Several guests say that free shuttles run every day, but that the stop is not right next to the chalet and the timetable matters. Another review talks instead of a short walk to the resort. It is up to you whether that suits, especially with skis on your shoulder.
If you are coming from further away, Chambéry-Savoie airport is the most convenient according to the property listing. Annecy and Albertville are still within driving distance for a day out.
What the rooms and meals are like
The rooms at Chalet les Pieux are described as clean, spacious and bright, with a private bathroom and bed linen provided. Some have a private balcony with views of the Alpine landscape. The chalet is also very well heated, which matters in deep winter.
At the table is what guests highlight most. Here is what comes up in the reviews.
- The food. Several guests say the meals are made by a real cook, generous, varied and balanced, far from tinned food.
- Breakfast. It is served as a buffet on site, and the team welcomes you with a smile even if you turn up a little early.
- Ski equipment. The centre has its own equipment and a store right next door, which saves rushing around the resort.
- The evenings. One guest really enjoyed the evening entertainment.
What guests take away from their stay
Chalet les Pieux has 4.6 from 68 Google reviews, which is a very good score. Recent comments are almost all enthusiastic, with stays as a group, as a family and with friends.
What stands out most is the team, described as friendly, patient and attentive, including when things had to change at the last minute. Next come the calm and the views of the mountains. One guest sums up the spirit of the place well, without luxury but warm, with fair value for money. It is a good summary, and I agree with it.
What to know before booking
Chalet les Pieux has real strengths, but there are points to know before you book. Here they are side by side, so you can decide quickly.
| What people like | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Calm and mountain views | The chalet is set apart, so you need to plan around the shuttles and their timetable. |
| Generous home-cooked meals | Some older reviews criticise the meals, from several years ago. |
| Friendly team, ski equipment on site | An older review complains of a welcome that could not be found on arrival and little hot water at peak times. |
| Warm atmosphere | No luxury, it is a simple holiday centre. |
To be fair, these criticisms date back several years and recent reviews do not repeat them. I mention them anyway, because it costs nothing to ask about hot water and arrival times before you go.
Who the holiday centre is for
I would choose Chalet les Pieux for a group ski holiday, with friends or family. Several reviews talk specifically about large groups, with equipment and meals arranged on site. The centre is non-smoking and unpretentious.
It suits less those who want to go out in the evening in the centre or who are looking for a high-end hotel. If you would prefer a more conventional hotel in the area, have a look at the Hôtel Plein Soleil in Vacheresse.
Things to do around Crest-Voland
Around Crest-Voland, skiing is the main activity, with slopes that are easy to reach by shuttle. For a change, the property listing mentions several outings in the region.
- Annecy. The Palais de l'Île and the castle, for a day of sightseeing.
- Chamonix. The Montenvers Train to the Mer de Glace, under an hour away according to the listing.
- Albertville. The Olympic Hall, for sporting activities.
In short, Chalet les Pieux in Crest-Voland delivers a simple group holiday, well fed and quiet, provided you accept the distance from the resort.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
