CHALET DAMM, VAL D’LSERE FRENCH (RE) TREAT
ANITA HESKE AND OLE DAMM OF SOS SPORTSWEAR TRANSFORM A VAL D’ISERE GUEST HOUSE INTO AN ALPINE SHRINE OF STONE AND WOOD.
PRODUCTION AND STYLING BY HELLE WALSTED
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WICHMANN+BENDTEN

This chalet en plein cœur de Val d’Isère has had many faces. Its first, a 1950s-style slopeside villa. Its second, a guesthouse. Its third, several small ski flats. With each face, the grace of the building had gradually faded. Yet another chalet that had lost its way—until Danish couple Anita Heske and Ole Damm bought it, and transformed it.

 

All bedrooms feature weathered planking, warm rugs, and built-in wardrobes.

The owners of SOS Sportswear—makers of cutting-edge skiwear sold across North America and Europe—had tracked the villa’s demise for years. Finally, the two took action. Over a decade they purchased its flats one by one until they owned the entire building.

Next, they began its transformation, rebuilding the villa stone by stone and beam by beam. Using salvaged timber from 100-year-old barns, and solid stone mined from a local quarry, their four-floor masterpiece with stunning views of Val d’Isère slopes has been restored to its former glory.

From the southeast balcony there is a fantastic view of the Val d’Isère slopes.

Inside, fur blankets, smoked oak tables, chairs covered in sheep skin, and a warming central fireplace make the chalet cozy. Its vibe is rustic yet modern; raw yet contemporary. Chalet Damm is a French treat, and a true French retreat.