The basic concept of a catered ski chalet holiday
With a chalet host on hand to prepare your breakfasts, high tea and evening meals, and keep your chalet clean and tidy during your stay, booking a catered ski chalet is all about simplicity. You’re on holiday, so you don’t have to lift a finger!
Guests in catered ski chalets can either book one chalet for their exclusive use, or book a number of rooms in a larger chalet on a shared basis. Taking a chalet on exclusive use is great, because you can enjoy privacy among close friends and family. But booking a few rooms in a shared property is also popular, as it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy the company of likeminded skiers and snowboarders.
However you choose to enjoy the catered ski chalet experience, the key to it is relaxation. Awake at your leisure for a filling breakfast, head out to the slopes, and return to your chalet for a tasty slice of cake. And in the evening, sit down to a delicious dinner among friends and family.
What catering standard can I expect?
The standard of cuisine you can expect in your catered ski chalet will depend very much on the kind of ski chalet you book. From standard 3* to higher-end 4* properties, all the way up to the sumptuous luxuries of 5* and 6* accommodation; the breadth of quality and price is broad.
Standard catering services typically include a breakfast of hot and cold options, with bread, jam, teas and coffees in the morning. There’s a tasty home-made cake to enjoy upon your return to the slopes in the afternoon, followed in the evening by a 3- or 4-course dinner with wine. Your chalet host will have received a degree of training before taking on his or her role, though the standard of cuisine you receive can vary.
In a luxury chalet, the superior standards of accommodation and service are reflected in the standard of cuisine you can expect to enjoy. Evening meals may begin with Champagne and canapés, before proceeding on to your starter, main, dessert and coffees. Chefs in luxury chalets tend to receive a far higher level of training – and start the role with far more cooking experience – than standard catered ski chalet hosts. Indeed, at the top end of the luxury chalet market, many chefs have broad experience in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens.
Chalet or Chalet-hotel?
Ski chalets typically accommodate from around 6 to around 20 guests, depending on the size and number of rooms. Chalet-hotels, on the other hand, are larger – with added capacity to accommodate far more guests on a shared basis.
The catering structure in a chalet-hotel is basically the same as you find in a chalet – with breakfast, high-tea, and 3- or 4-course evening meals with wine. But chalet-hotels tend to offer a little more flexibility on timings – with buffet breakfasts from around 7am to 9am, and table service during evening meals.
Flexibility is perhaps the main reason to choose a chalet-hotel over a chalet – as chalet-hotels tend to have more room to accommodate a wider range of specific requirements. For example, if you need a single or triple room, you’re more likely to find it in a larger property like a chalet-hotel.
In short, chalet-hotels typically combine the catering services of a chalet with the rooming flexibility of a hotel. They’re popular among couples happy to take one room in a larger property, and larger groups in need of extra rooming flexibility and hassle-free dining. But they don’t offer the same privacy as booking a chalet on exclusive use.
Packaged ski holiday or independent chalet?
In the ski holiday market, packaged holidays offer flights, airport transfers, food and accommodation in one handy price – and remain a popular way of experiencing the Alps with ease. But there is another kind of catered ski holiday which works well for many – independent or ‘owner-run’ chalets. Here, holidaymakers arrange their own flights, car, or train travel to the Alps, and make their own way to their chalet.
If you’re looking for the best value for money, booking a package is a good option. But it has to be said that many guests experience a higher quality of service among independent or ‘owner-run’ chalets.
However you choose to do it, booking a catered ski chalet is a wonderful way to enjoy the Alps. For more details on our catered ski chalet offerings, we’re here to help on 0203 0800 202.