A Stay Like No Other: Discovering Chalet Baita 1697, Pragelato, Italy
The Chalet Edit, we’re always searching for unique, transformative experiences that truly elevate a client’s stay. And on a recent visit to the Italian Alps, I discovered somewhere that completely embodies this spirit; the exceptional Chalet Baita 1697 (sleeps 12 – 18 guests), tucked away in the postcard-perfect hamlet of Pattemouche in Pragelato at 1600 metres in the vast Milky Way ski area, with over 400 kilometres of interconnected pistes.
Inside, the chalet accommodates up to 18 guests across five elegant master bedrooms, a media snug with a double bed, and a charming dormitory sleeping six children under the eaves. Interiors are warm and tactile, with underfloor heating, bespoke Egyptian cotton linens, high-spec bathrooms, and thoughtful design details throughout. There’s also a rooftop terrace with a traditional wooden hot tub for soaking under the stars.
Lovingly restored by acclaimed interior designer Lucie McCullough, Baita 1697 has gained international recognition, including a feature in Architectural Digest. Whether you opt for a fully catered experience or something more flexible, every stay is tailored with considered touches, making it the perfect blend of style, comfort and authenticity.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a palpable sense that this is no ordinary ski retreat. Originally a 17th-century farmhouse, Baita 1697 has been meticulously restored and seamlessly blends rustic character and contemporary design, underpinned by a strong ecological ethos. Every detail has been considered from reclaimed materials to locally crafted furnishings creating a space that feels both grounded and refined.
Ski-In Simplicity
Location is everything, and Baita doesn’t disappoint. Step out the door, clip into your skis just 15 metres away, and glide to the Pattemouche gondola. From here, you’re whisked up to Sestriere at 2,035m, part of the majestic Milky Way ski area 400km of beautifully maintained pistes spanning Italy and France. It’s an absolute dream for skiers of all levels.
Elevated Alpine Living and high-quality produce.
What truly sets Baita apart are the experiences. Our stay was peppered with thoughtful, unforgettable touches that spoke to the heart of what modern luxury should be; personal, purposeful, and a little bit magical.
We took a twilight skidoo ride through snow-dusted forests to a remote mountain restaurant at the very top of Sestrieres ski area, arriving to candlelight and the scent of woodsmoke. We soaked under the stars in a Nordic hot tub, warmed by fire and surrounded by silence. There’s a TV and playroom stocked with books and games to keep little ones entertained, and children will love the dormitory-style bedroom, with six single beds tucked under the eaves – perfect for sleepovers and shared adventures.
The food was the true highlight for me, think organic local wines, home-crafted apple strudel, and freshly made pasta and minestrone soup from scratch, lovingly prepared by the house manager and deeply rooted in the region and the chalets organic ethos.
Sink into sumptuous beds big enough to get lost in, wrapped in natural textures and soft linens, with mountain air drifting through the shutters. It’s this effortless balance of simplicity and style that makes Baita so special. Even the toiletries have been carefully sourced from local artisans and are beautifully organic, featuring scents of rosemary and orange blossom.
A stroll around Pattamouche Villas, with its quaint cobbled streets, is a must, it’s like stepping back in time. You’ll find a delightful selection of family-run bars and restaurants, each brimming with local charm. And don’t miss the ever-friendly ski hire shop, though be warned, snowboards are strictly by pre-booking only
Transcending the Ordinary
Baita 1697 isn’t flashy or overly styled, it’s thoughtful, authentic, and quietly spectacular. It’s a place for families, friends, or couples who want something more from their ski holiday. Something rooted in place and people, with comfort and character in equal measure.
If you’re ready to transcend the ordinary, let us craft something bespoke for you. This is alpine living at its finest, honest, elevated, and entirely unforgettable.
To find out more, speak with me directly or reach out to our expert team. Your next adventure awaits.
Call: +44 (0) 208 133 1130
E-mail: [email protected]