The ultimate guide to a ski chalet holiday

What sounds better than comfy, cosy, casual accommodation, great home cooking and a sociable, friendly atmosphere? Well, it’s exactly what’s in store if you choose a catered ski chalet for your alpine trip.

I try to get away to the mountains every winter. I’ve been lucky enough to have stayed in a variety of ski accommodations over the past few years – chalets, hotels, self-catered apartments and an Austrian pension (a kind of Bed & Breakfast). I’ll admit I’m not quite brave enough for a campervan, like some. But it’s catered ski chalets that I keep coming back to.

Ski chalets aren’t just an architectural style. They’re also, often, a type of hosted stay that blends the best of both hotels and self-catered accommodation. If you’re picturing idyllic chalets glistening with snow, you’re not wrong. But a hosted ski chalet trip offers more than just the opportunity to stay in a gorgeous alpine home. They offer fabulous home-cooking (of the highest standard), charming hosts and hospitality – and the ability to treat these amazing places as if they are your own.

If the idea of hearty home-cooked breakfasts, afternoon tea and cake waiting when you get home from the piste and three course suppers with friends sounds like your type of trip, read on. Add into the mix comfortable bedrooms, inviting socialising spaces and hosts on hand to point you in the direction of the best your resort has to offer and this may be sounding irresistible. It is. And perhaps most surprisingly of all, it can be one of the most affordable ways to stay in an alpine resort. If you’re thinking this sounds far beyond your budget, give this guide a read before ruling out a ski chalet.

In this guide I’ll walk you through exactly what a ski chalet holiday is, what type of travellers it suits best, why you’ll want to consider one for your next alpine escape and what to pack to make the most of your stay.

Let’s get started.

There’s no AI here! Every post on Travels with a Saddle Bag is written by myself and based on my own travels. This post was written in October 2018 and last updated in November 2024, based on multiple catered ski chalet holidays in Europe over the last decade or so.

What is a catered ski chalet holiday?

A ski chalet holiday refers both to the type of accommodation you’ll be staying in and the catering that is included. A ‘chalet’ usually refers to an alpine house. It may be a traditional home (I’ve had the delight of staying in a beautifully renovated, centuries old farmhouse before) through to a contemporary chalet that looks like something straight out of Grand Designs. It can also, occasionally, mean a chalet apartment, a large well-appointed apartment that feels just like a home.

Whatever the architectural style, your accommodation will consist of a mix of private bedrooms and communal living spaces. You can either opt to exclusively hire the whole chalet – ideal for large families and groups of friends – or book just one or two bedrooms. If you opt for the latter, you’ll be sharing the chalet and evening meals with other like-minded alpine enthusiasts.

You’ll also have a host or two on hand throughout your stay, who might or might not live in the property as well. Usually British or English-speaking, they’re there to make sure you have a fantastic time, offer advice, keep the place ship-shape and prepare and cook two to three meals a day for you. In my experience, chalet hosts are universally delightful people, extremely knowledgeable about the resorts they call home and excellent cooks. Whilst they don’t expect to be treated as one of the party, you may find yourselves firm friends by the end of the week. Equally, they know when to take a back seat and give you and your travel companions the space to enjoy your own company.

Unlike a self-catered apartment or home, you won’t need to worry about housekeeping, shopping or cooking. It’s also a big step away from a hotel as you’ll find a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere – something I love.

The price of your stay will include your accommodation, meals and some drinks. Depending on how you book your trip, you might also find flights, transfers and lift passes included as well.

Ski chalet holiday accommodation

Chalets can vary in size enormously, I’ve seen everything from chalets for six guests through to sixteen or more. You’ll book a private room (or a number of rooms) for your party. There’s no dorm-style room sharing.

Each room will have its own bathroom. It might not be en-suite, but it’ll be close by and yours for the week. Your host will keep it tip-top during your stay.

How swish your room is will depend on your budget and your location. It probably won’t surprise you that the most luxurious and beautiful chalets cost considerably more in the most desirable resorts. But equally there are fantastic deals to be found that offer the opportunity not just to stay in gorgeous spaces but also those much more attractive and well-equipped than comparably priced hotels.

Ski chalet holiday meals

Your chalet host will prepare and cook breakfast and dinner each day for you. They’ll usually also whip up tea and freshly baked cakes ready for your return from the pistes in the afternoon. They’ll let you know in advance what your meals will be, and when they will be served.

Breakfast

Usually a help-yourself affair of toast, cereals and fruit – with copious tea and coffee. In most chalets there’s a hot option too, that might vary every day. My absolute favourite was freshly-made pancakes in the beautiful chalet we stayed in in Serre Chevalier a few years ago.

Lunch

This isn’t normally included, as you’ll probably be out and about. If you like preparing a packed lunch for when you’re out on the piste (like we do), just ask first before taking over your host’s kitchen. As long as you do so, and purchase your own food, I’ve always found chalet hosts to be hugely accommodating. They’ll just let you know if there’s any no-go areas in the kitchen (sometimes they’ll have to contend with a few health and safety rules and the like), and when they’ll be busy cooking. On one occasion we were free to do whatever we liked provided we prepared food in the dining room rather than the kitchen. I think our hosts were both curious and impressed.

Afternoon tea

You heard me right. A freshly-baked cake and hot drinks are a given when you return from the piste, I’ve even come across hot soup or toast and jam as an extra. A great way to fill up before heading on to a bar or a pre-dinner sauna session.

Dinner

You’ll want to be hungry before your evening meal. Usually a three course affair, your host will cook something different and delicious every night. Expect hearty, tasty comfort food with a nod to the local cuisine. Think boeuf bourguignon, tartiflette and risotto. Most places also offer complimentary, bottomless (and very drinkable) wine with your meal. Not enough to get trollied (although you’re welcome to bring your own bottle) but more than enough to comfortably lubricate the evening.

It’s normal for chalet hosts to have one evening off per week (it’s often a Wednesday). It’s the perfect opportunity to try a local restaurant. Take advantage of your host’s local knowledge for great recommendations. That’s not to say you can’t eat out other days during your stay, just remember to politely give your hosts a heads up the morning before (at the latest) to let them know you won’t be joining them for dinner.

Top tip: Let your hosts know your dietary requirements. We’ve always found hosts to be extremely accommodating, often making it easier than navigating eating in hotels. Ideally let your tour operator know when you book (they’re used to handling these requests) and remind your hosts on arrival.

Other facilities

If you’re worried that choosing a chalet means compromising on the facilities you might expect in a hotel, there’s no need to. And given the more generous space, you’ll likely find more than you are used to self-catered accommodation.

Ski and boot storage

You’ll always find sufficient – and well-looked after – ski and boot storage in a separate room or ski locker. No need to book anything separate.

Outdoor space

It’s common to have access to a balcony or terrace or two if, like me, you delight in a morning coffee or post-ski beer with a snowy outlook.

Spa facilities

You’ll almost certainly have access to spa facilities of some kind, but it’ll likely vary depending on the size of the property and the price tag (sorry). Staying in a small chalet? You might be lucky enough to have access to a private hot tub or sauna. Bigger chalet or chalet apartment? You’ll almost certainly have access to a pool, sauna or hot tub. Some will be private, others may be shared with other chalets or apartments, but either way it’ll still be a delight.

Indoor space

If you don’t plan to be on the piste all day, or just like chilling out on an evening, a ski chalet is perfect. You’ve got a cosy living room and space to play games, watch a movie or just relax. This also makes a chalet an ideal choice if you’re travelling with kids or non-skiing partners and friends.

Who will enjoy a ski chalet holiday?

I’m fairly confident you can find a chalet holiday that suits almost anyone.

It’s perfect for groups of friends, large or multiple families. You’ll have plenty of space to socialise and feel at home. Booking a whole chalet for private hire with people you love spending time with is enormously good fun.

For smaller groups of friends and couples, chalets are ideal if you like to socialise, or want a space that’s more laid-back and comfortable than a hotel. Booking a room or two in a larger chalet can be a fun way to meet other people, or least enjoy some company from time to time. It’s worth saying that although meals are eaten together there’s no forced socialising, so if you’d rather follow your own itinerary or take an early night no-one will mind. I’ve always found other chalet guests to be friendly but also respectful of one another – after all, you’re sharing a home. There’s usually enough space to find a quiet corner if you prefer one, but equally find someone who’s up for a beer.

Having more space to feel a home can also make chalets ideal for families with smaller children (who’ll likely be spending less time on the piste) as well as couples and groups with non-skiers joining them. Chalet hosts (by reputation) are super accommodating of children, and will happily prepare separate kids meals earlier in the evening if this works best for you.

If you’re a little shy or prefer not to share spaces with others, a chalet might not be your cup of tea.

Top tip: If you’re keen to try a ski chalet holiday but aren’t looking for exclusive hire, try phoning tour operators. Yes, that all sounds a little backward in 2024 but trust me, it works! They can help you find the best deal by matching you with remaining available spaces in chalets (their goal is always to fill a chalet). Therefore, you can find unadvertised offers to ‘fill up’ more expensive chalets or help you find more elusive options like triple rooms or adjoining family rooms.

Why you’ll love a catered ski chalet holiday

Great company. If you’re a solo traveller, couple or small group of friends who enjoy the company of others, a chalet stay is the perfect way to meet other like-minded individuals. Equally, it’s the perfect environment for socialising with larger groups – which can be less easy in hotels.

Great accommodation. With generous proportions and alpine architecture it’s hard to dislike a ski chalet. Search around and you’ll find something for every taste, from ancient alpine farmhouses to jaw-dropping contemporary homes.

You can put your feet up. There’s no need to spend any of your precious off-piste time food shopping, washing up or making breakfasts. This is serious relaxation.

It’s relaxed. On the above note, a ski chalet holiday is serious relaxation. There’s none of the life admin associated with self-catered trips (putting the bins out on a mountain is really no better than at home). And it’s much more relaxed than a hotel. There’s no need to dress for dinner, and a glass of wine on the sofa is very much encouraged.

It can be surprisingly budget-friendly. There are a huge range of trips out there to suit every purse. From once in a lifetime decadence to sweet and simple you really can find it all. Budget travellers will appreciate that almost everything (including drinks) is paid for up front and that there is plenty to keep you entertained without hitting the apres-ski. It’s also an option that makes budgeting with friends easy.

What to pack for a ski chalet holiday

Aside from your usual ski packing essentials, a few additions can make your trip even more enjoyable.

• Drinks and snacks. If you’d like to drink something other than what is included in your package, you can. I’d recommend a quick trip to the shops on your arrival to stock up on your beers, diet cokes, gin and tonics – and remember, snow makes an excellent drinks chiller. We always stock up on some pre-dinner nibbles to see us through until the main event.
• Slippers and dressing gown. Mostly to make your stay even cosier. But you’ll be grateful if your bathroom is adjacent rather than ensuite, or if you have a walk to a hot tub or sauna.
• Swimwear. On which note, if you have a hot tub or similar, don’t forget your swimwear to make the most of it.
• Wash kit. You won’t find hotel-style freebies so don’t forget to bring your toiletries.

Truly, one of my favourite ways to stay in the Alps

There are a lot of ways in which a winter sports holiday feels completely unique. Putting our bodies through their paces on the piste, encountering breathtaking and hard to reach landscapes, experiencing après-ski (especially slopeside!) and discovering the cultural and gastronomic heritage of these extreme environments. So why not take it one step further and enjoy a stay that’s different – and whilst not entirely exclusive to the world of skiing – one that’s likely different from most other trips you’ll take.

Skiing as part of a large group of friends over the years, catered ski chalets have always been a perfect fit for us. We know we’ll always love the accommodation, and enjoy the extra space for raucous games, evening beers and the occasional quiet cup of tea and curl up with a book. We love to eat, so having someone filling us up with great food (without any of us having to be chef) is wonderful when you want to make the most of your days on the piste. And it’s fantastically sociable – just what you want when you’re catching up with friends you’ve not seen for months.

Lastly it’s one of those rare holidays where the more there are of you, generally the better value you’ll get. Once you’ve put aside a little spending money, there’s very little to pay for once you’ve arrived in resort. It can surprisingly work out cheaper than self-catering in some resorts – especially those with fewer shopping options.

We can just rock up, have fun and not worry – and all without the formalities of a hotel.

If you’ve not tried a ski chalet trip before, give it a go. I can’t recommend this unique experience enough.