- Appointment: Madeleine Munier takes over as General Manager of the Monte-Carlo One · Courchevel, announced on 20 August 2026 by the Société des Bains de Mer.
- Her background: nine years within the Airelles collection, including managing La Bastide de Gordes.
- The project: complete restructuring of the former Palace des Neiges, in Courchevel 1850, by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.
- The offering: a top-tier luxury hotel complemented by three private chalets, in the Jardin Alpin area, ski-in ski-out.
- Opening: Christmas 2027, marking SBM’s first property outside Monaco since its creation in 1863.
An ultra-luxury figure to spearhead the project
La Société des Bains de Mer de Monte-Carlo (SBM) is structuring its teams for its first major challenge outside the Principality. On 20 August, the group officialised the appointment of Madeleine Munier as General Manager of the upcoming Monte-Carlo One · Courchevel. Backed by a solid nine-year background within the prestigious Airelles collection, notably managing La Bastide de Gordes, she possesses all the right keys to orchestrate this strategic launch.
Madeleine Munier now has eighteen months to prepare for the opening and recruit the teams for this future alpine flagship. During this preparatory phase, she will oversee the final stages of construction and refine the property’s positioning to appeal to an international clientele accustomed to the highest standards.
The architectural renaissance of the former Palace des Neiges
The future property is set in an iconic location in Courchevel 1850. Global restructuring works, which began in September 2025, aim to completely transform the former Palace des Neiges. To shape this new sanctuary, SBM called upon renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, which has conceived a concept combining an exceptional hotel with three ultra-luxurious private chalets.
This residential configuration meets the growing demand for privacy and tailored services expressed by ultra-luxury clientele. Ideally situated in the highly sought-after Jardin Alpin sector, the property will offer direct access to the ski slopes, in the heart of the Savoyard resort’s Golden Square.
A strategic expansion beyond the Principality
This establishment in the French Alps constitutes a historic milestone for SBM, which had concentrated most of its activities in Monaco since 1863. This project embodies a desire for geographic diversification to support its loyal clientele throughout the year. Initially planned for an earlier date, the opening has been rescheduled for Christmas 2027 to ensure flawless finishes.
By establishing itself in Courchevel, SBM is entering the highly competitive market of mountain palaces with very high ambitions. This unprecedented synergy between the French Riviera and the Savoyard peaks will transpose the Monégasque art of living into an exceptional high-altitude environment.
Our perspective
The choice of Madeleine Munier proves particularly judicious for SBM. By recruiting an experienced professional from the Airelles universe, the group ensures a perfect mastery of Courchevel’s specific codes. This strategic appointment secures the operational deployment of a project already shaping up to be one of the major hotel events of the decade’s end.
The combination of Herzog & de Meuron’s architectural rigor and SBM’s age-old expertise promises to redefine alpine luxury standards. Although the wait continues until late 2027, this timeline seems essential to bring forth an exceptional address capable of rivaling the resort’s greatest names.
