General
Finding us
The Barn — 268 Route des S’Nailles, 74310 Les Houches, France
The Nest — 276 Route des S’Nailles, 74310 Les Houches, France
Chalet manager
Josephine is our chalet manager and your main point of contact during your stay.
Bus to Geneva Airport
Swiss Tours runs a direct, regular shuttle service from central Chamonix straight to Geneva Airport in around 1h15–1h30, with several daily departures. Tickets can be booked via Omio (which compares Swiss Tours alongside other operators) or directly with Swiss Tours.
Private Airport Transfer — a few good options
Cham-Van — Operating in Chamonix since 2004, offering shared and private door-to-door transfers between Geneva Airport and the valley, with consistently praised punctual, professional drivers.
Mountain Drop-offs — A long-running, highly reviewed transfer service (TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence), offering private and shared transfers with reliable communication and on-time pickups.
Chamonix Valley Transfers (CVT) — Local operator with 18+ years in the valley, offering shared and private options with strong, consistent reviews for reliability and friendliness.
Cyprien Sports (Skimium)
A family-run ski and snowboard rental shop in the heart of Les Houches, between the Bellevue cable car and the village church, specialising in snow sports equipment and clothing since 1964. Downhill, cross-country, and touring skis, snowboards, and boot fitting all available, with a professional workshop for maintenance and repairs.
Dojo Alpina guests receive a 10% discount — just mention the code Dojo Alpina – C63 in store.
Linen & towels
All linen and towels will be fresh in your room upon arrival. If needed, extra bed linen, slippers, and towels can be found in the laundry room.
Please don't wash linen or towels yourselves — these are cleaned externally and covered separately.
Washing machine & dryer
Available for your own use. A brief intro to both is posted in the laundry room. The washing machine has automatic soap dispensing, so there's no need to add detergent before each wash.
Linen, towels & bathrobes
We want to give you a luxury boutique hotel experience while you're here. Each room is equipped with five-star quality, customised linen, towels, and a bathrobe for your use during your stay at Dojo Alpina. Please leave these as you found them — they're not for sale, and are needed for future guests too.
Toiletries
Please leave any soap or other Dojo Alpina products in the room where you found them, for the next guests to enjoy.
Vintage travel magazines & books
Feel free to enjoy the vintage travel magazines for inspiration during your stay — but please leave them, along with all other books, where you found them when you leave.
Iron & ironing board
Can be found in the laundry room.
Hairdryer
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, kept in the green bag in the bathroom drawer.
No smoking
All of Dojo Alpina is no smoking inside — please only smoke outside, if needed.
No pets
We love pets, but please accept that they're not allowed at Dojo Alpina — we want to care for guests with allergies and protect our beautiful space.
Quiet hours
This is a quiet neighbourhood, surrounded by local residents — please respect this and keep quiet hours after 23:00.
Many of our neighbour families are our friends — please treat them as if it was your own neighbourhood.
Shoes off
Please leave your shoes in the ski room. Our chalets are shoes-off, so you can feel the ground of the space and the underfloor heating (and cooling during hot summers).
During your stay
Please keep the house clean during your stay, at your own convenience. There's an electric vacuum cleaner in the laundry room for simple cleaning, along with a bucket and mop.
A full, mandatory clean is carried out after your stay, so there's nothing to worry about there. If you'd like additional cleaning service during your stay, please contact our chalet manager.
If something breaks
Dojo Alpina is our private home, and every detail has been chosen and cared for with that in mind. We hope you'll treat the chalet with the same care you'd give your own home. That said, accidents do happen — if something gets damaged or stops working during your stay, please just let us know. For anything urgent (a leak, a broken appliance, anything affecting your stay), please contact us as soon as possible so we can sort it quickly.
Tap & sparkling water
The tap water comes straight from the mountain — please enjoy it freely. It's free, and easier than carrying bottles back from the supermarket. If you prefer sparkling, there's a SodaStream in the kitchen with compatible bottles.
Where to park
Maximum of two cars per chalet, parked in front of the garage. If you have extra vehicles, there's plenty of free parking about 150m down at the end of our road, in front of the tennis courts.
Storing your skis
Please store skis against the garage — do not carry skis inside the chalet.
Ski boots
Ski boots aren't allowed inside the chalet, except in the ski boot room. For the same reason, we've provided you with nice slippers for your stay 🙂
Sorting & drop-off
Les Houches uses recycling drop-off points ("moloks") around the village for glass, paper/cardboard, plastic, and metal. The nearest is on Rue des Chavants — up the street from the chalet and left at the U-bend in the road — textiles, shoes, batteries, and small electronics have separate bins there too.
Carrefour Contact
The closest supermarket, right on the main square of Les Houches — about a 15-minute walk. Mon–Sat 8:00–20:00, Sun 8:00–13:00.
Super U
A bit further out, but with a larger selection. Mon–Sat 8:00–19:30, Sun 8:30–12:30.
Maison de Santé Pluriprof
791 Avenue des Alpages, Les Houches.
Pharmacie de l'Arve
The closest pharmacy is right on the main square of Les Houches. Most pharmacies in France close on Sundays, but there's always at least one of the four pharmacies in Chamonix centre open on a rota — look for the "pharmacie de garde" sign or search online for that day's duty pharmacy.
Emergency numbers
SAMU (medical emergency): 15 · Fire/rescue: 18 · EU emergency: 112 · Non-urgent doctor referral: 116 117
If you need rescue on the mountain
Useful to have to hand before heading up — hiking, skiing, climbing, or ski touring.
France — 112
Haute-Savoie — PGHM Chamonix 04 50 53 16 89 · PGHM Annecy 04 50 09 68 68
Isère, Drôme, Hautes-Alpes — PGHM Grenoble 04 76 77 57 70 · PGHM Briançon 04 92 21 58 58
Switzerland — 112 · 144 (Valais) · 1414 (REGA rescue service)
Italy — 118 · +39 0165 238 222 (Valle d'Aosta)
Austria — 112 · 140 (Mountain Rescue Services) · 144 (Vorarlberg)
Norway — 112
Exterior
Firepit, sauna, Nordic bath, and outdoor kitchen & BBQ.
Sauna heater
Turn the left dial to start heating (or set a delayed start), and the right dial to set your temperature.
- To turn the sauna on now: turn the left dial (timer) clockwise past the white zone and into the black timer countdown zone, then turn it back left into the white zone (0h–3h) — this starts the heater immediately and it will run for that many hours before switching off.
- To delay the start (so it's ready later): turn the dial clockwise, past the white zone, to the hour mark for when you'd like it to switch on (4h–8h). The heater will then start automatically at that time.
- Turn the right dial (temperature) clockwise to make it warmer, anti-clockwise to cool it down. Start around the middle and adjust next time to find your ideal setting. Allow 30–45 minutes to fully heat up.
- Use the ladle to pour water over the stones for steam — never use a hose or pour large amounts at once. The sauna will switch off automatically once the timer dial reaches zero — no need to turn it off manually.
- Inside the sauna you'll find a selection of essential oils to create a true Scandinavian "sauna gus." Use just 2–3 drops of your chosen oil in a spoonful of water, poured over the hot stones, and enjoy a truly relaxing sauna.
- There are two switches inside the sauna: the top switch controls the air circulation fan, and the bottom switch controls the light. Please remember to turn both off after use.
Storvik hot tub
Open one side of the lid for two, or remove it fully for more — please shower first.
- If it's just the two of you, simply open one side of the lid to use the Nordic bath. If more than two are using it, please remove the lid entirely and leave it on the wooden deck in front of the sauna. Please don't have more than 4 people in the Nordic bath at the same time.
- Please shower before getting in, and don't add any soap or products to the water.
- The temperature is preset to 35°C in winter and 18°C in summer. Please don't use the technical/service panel to adjust it yourself — if you're having any difficulties, call the chalet manager instead.
- No glass is allowed in the spa area — please use the plastic glasses provided in the outdoor kitchen instead.
Mustang Pearl 4 gas BBQ
Open the lid, turn a burner knob and press ignition — full lighting instructions and gas info inside.
- The gas bottle will have been replaced ahead of your arrival. If you run out during your stay, replacement bottles are available at Super U, using the same connection system.
- Before lighting, turn on the gas at the bottle/regulator valve.
- To light: open the lid, turn a main burner knob and press the ignition button (marked with the lightning bolt symbol) until it lights, then adjust the flame to your preference. The built-in thermometer on the lid shows the internal temperature.
- Once you're finished, turn off the burner knobs and turn the gas back off at the bottle/regulator valve.
Firepit
Please only load the firepit with up to three blocks of wood at a time, to prevent oversized flames or damage to the product.
Property guide
The Barn
Skylight ceiling windows
Please remember to close these before rain or snow to avoid water damage. Controlled by remote.
Heating & temperature
Underfloor heating is centralised, controlled by two Weishaupt thermostats — one downstairs next to the back door, and one on the first floor next to the sofa. Simply click the wheel and turn it to adjust to your desired temperature.
Each bedroom also has an electric towel heater, separate from the floor heating, with a timer that runs for up to 4 hours once activated.
There's no air conditioning in summer, but the chalet is built with cool tiles that help naturally moderate the indoor temperature.
Coffee machine — Sage Oracle Touch
Press Power, choose your drink on the touchscreen, and the machine grinds and brews automatically.
- Press the Power button (bottom left). The touchscreen will show "Select your drink" — tap your choice (Flat White, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, and more) and follow the on-screen directions.
- The machine grinds fully automatically. Shift the portafilter left to remove it, insert it under the grinder, then attach it back on the left side where indicated to grind fresh coffee.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head (centre, marked "Hot Surface") by rotating firmly to the right until it stops. The screen will show a brewing status (grind, heating, temperature) while your drink is made.
- For milk drinks: fill the small jug (provided) with cold milk below the spout line, lower the steam wand fully into it, then touch Milk on screen — it froths automatically and stops when ready. After steaming, please wipe off the nozzle with a damp cloth.
- Adding water: open the lid at the front top of the machine to fill — only fill with water there. You can check the water level at any time via the small window just below the group head.
- Adding coffee beans: lift the lid on top of the machine to add beans.
SodaStream
Tilt out the metal buckle, then lift the bottle up and push it into place — no need to screw the bottle on (the screw thread is for the lid only).
Push the button for 3–4 seconds, and enjoy nice sparkling fresh mountain water.
Ovens — Siemens
There are two built-in ovens. Only the top oven has both a microwave function and a conventional oven function; the bottom oven is conventional only. Touch the screen and select "Types of heating" to choose your mode.
Dishwashers — Siemens (x2)
Located either side of the kitchen table. Tablets are in the drawer under the sink. Choose Eco (50°), Auto, Intensive (70°), Quick (60°), or Glass (40°), then press Start.
Dining table extensions
Extra leaves for the main dining table are stored on the mezzanine floor. Please take care when moving and fitting them — they're heavy, so always mount them with two people.
Each of the two leaves has 6 screws that all need to be mounted. The screws are in the black bag stored together with the extensions on the mezzanine. If you'd like a hand fitting them, please ask our chalet manager.
Fireplace
Wood and starters are stored underneath — once lit, lower the glass to enclose the fire.
- Wood and fire starters are stored underneath the fireplace.
- Once lit, lower the glass to enclose the fire — the vent is at the front, below the glass.
- If you run out of wood, it's available at the local supermarkets.
Fire extinguisher
Mounted on the wooden beam to the left of the fireplace. On the ground floor, there's also a larger fire extinguisher in the electrical cupboard — the right-hand door at the end of the hallway.
First aid kit
Kept in the electrical cupboard on the ground floor — the last door on the right of the hallway.
Rechargeable candle lights
The charging station and remote are on the table next to the window. Please return the candles to the charger after use.
Boot dryers
Operate on a timer by default. Press the button shown to turn them on before the timer starts. They have two heating levels — you shouldn't need to change these.
Television — Samsung The Frame (65")
Press Power to turn on — when off, it switches to Art Mode and displays artwork rather than a blank screen, which is normal. Press Power once more from Art Mode to switch to TV/streaming. Use Source to switch inputs.
While connected to the Barn WiFi, you can easily AirPlay from an iOS device and play movies or shows directly from your phone. All the usual streaming apps are also preloaded on the TV — just log in with your own account credentials.
SOUNDBOKS speaker
Power on from the battery compartment, then pair over Bluetooth from the front control panel.
- First, open the battery compartment on the back and press the round button on the battery to turn it on.
- Then, on the front control panel, press the Power button to turn on the speaker, and use the central dial to adjust volume.
- To pair via Bluetooth: press the red HOST button until it starts flashing, then open Bluetooth settings on your phone and select "SOUNDBOKS 322303" from the list of devices.
Printer
Located next to the desk in the living room, connects via Bluetooth. For low-volume printing only.
Board games
Various board games are stored in the cupboards under the television — free to use, so play and have fun together!
Inside lighting
Living room ceiling inlays — controlled by the split switch to the left of the TV screen.
Kitchen light — controlled by the switch to the right of the entrance to the master bedroom section.
Outside lighting
Switched on via the switch next to the sliding door in the kitchen.
Motion-sensor lighting
The hallway, ski room, laundry, and staircase are all on motion sensors and will switch on automatically as you move through them.
Master switch-off
Located next to the main door. This switches off all interior lights in every room.
Property guide
The Nest
Coffee machine — Sage Oracle Touch
Press Power, choose your drink on the touchscreen, and the machine grinds and brews automatically.
- Press the Power button (bottom left). The touchscreen will show "Select your drink" — tap your choice (Flat White, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, and more) and follow the on-screen directions.
- The machine grinds fully automatically. Shift the portafilter left to remove it, insert it under the grinder, then attach it back on the left side where indicated to grind fresh coffee.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head (centre, marked "Hot Surface") by rotating firmly to the right until it stops. The screen will show a brewing status (grind, heating, temperature) while your drink is made.
- For milk drinks: fill the small jug (provided) with cold milk below the spout line, lower the steam wand fully into it, then touch Milk on screen — it froths automatically and stops when ready. After steaming, please wipe off the nozzle with a damp cloth.
- Adding water: open the lid at the front top of the machine to fill — only fill with water there. You can check the water level at any time via the small window just below the group head.
- Adding coffee beans: lift the lid on top of the machine to add beans.
SodaStream
Tilt out the metal buckle, then lift the bottle up and push it into place — no need to screw the bottle on (the screw thread is for the lid only).
Pull down the handle for 3–4 seconds, and enjoy nice sparkling fresh mountain water.
Everyday glasses
Normal glasses for daily use are in the cabinet labelled "Normal Glasses."
Cutlery & knives
Found in the drawer to the right of the sink, labelled "Cutlery."
Baking equipment
Found in the drawers to the left of the stove, labelled "Baking Articles" and "Baking Equipment."
Pots, pans & green pans
Found in the drawers just below the stove, labelled "Pots and Pans" and "Green Pans."
Electrical appliances
Found in the drawer labelled "Electrical Appliances" — includes a sandwich toaster, a hand mixer, and a vacuum blender for smoothies.
Pots (Le Creuset)
Two additional high-quality Le Creuset pots are in the bottom drawer, labelled "Pots."
Serving bowls & deep plates
Found in the cupboard below the coffee machine, on shelves labelled "Serving Bowls" and "Deep Plates."
Pantry & seasonings
The cupboard to the right holds seasonings, honey, coffee, sugar, olive oil, pasta, and other pantry staples.
Plates & bowls
Found in the cupboard under the kitchen island, facing the dining table (behind the bar chairs) — organised by size and labelled: Tiny, Small, Medium, and Big Bowls, Egg Cups, Small, Tall, and Big Plates.
Glassware
Also in the cupboard under the kitchen island — wine glasses in two sizes (Red Wine, White Wine), Champagne glasses, Pink Tall Glasses, and everyday Drinks glasses.
SOUNDBOKS speaker
Power on from the battery compartment, then pair over Bluetooth from the top panel.
- Open the battery compartment on the back and press the power button on the battery to switch it on.
- To pair via Bluetooth: press the HOST button on top until it starts flashing, then open Bluetooth settings on your phone and select "SOUNDBOKS 066305" from the list of devices.
Suitcase storage
Suitcases can be stored under the bed. Lift at the front of the bed using the leather handle, right under the mattress, to access the space underneath.
Safety deposit box
A Master Lock keypad safe in the ski boot room, currently set to PIN 2021.
- Located on the top shelves in the ski boot room. A Master Lock electronic keypad safe with a numeric keypad and turn-handle. The PIN is currently set to 2021.
- If you'd prefer to set your own PIN for privacy during your stay: open the safe using 2021, then, with the door open, enter your new 4-digit code and turn the handle to confirm. Close the door — the safe is now locked with your new code.
- Please reset the code back to 2021 before checkout, and contact the chalet manager if you have any trouble setting or opening it.
Fireplace (Focus)
The handle on the right controls the vent — full guide covers ash emptying and fire safety.
- The small metal handle on the right side of the opening is the vent — use it to increase or decrease the airflow to the fire.
- Emptying the ashes: open the vent shown at the bottom of the hanging fireplace, make sure to place the bucket underneath, then use the brush inside the fireplace to wipe it clean.
Fire extinguisher
Located next to the kitchen.
First aid kit
Stored in the electrical cupboard right behind the main entrance door.