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There are many types of ski trip, all equally valid, but a ski chalet holiday is perhaps the quintessential experience.
Picture it: a beautiful chalet built from wood and stone, dramatic eaves, a sloping roof capped by several feet of snow like a generously frosted cake. Inside, a cosy living room with its cheerful, crackling fireplace makes for the perfect evening resting place as you wind down with your favourite aperitif after a perfect day of skiing.
If that sounds like your ideal ski holiday, you might be wondering: how much is this going to cost me? Is a ski chalet worth it? How does it differ from other types of skiing accommodation? And are there any downsides?
Come on in and see for yourself. There’s cake on the table.
What are the benefits of choosing a chalet ski holiday?
Here are our top 5 reasons why you should choose a chalet ski holiday.
Home away from home
No noisy guests in the next room (and if they are being noisy, you can always ask your friends to quieten down), no shared facilities, your very own kitchen (but this time with its own chef) and a living space warmed by a log fire - a chalet really is a home away from home. Kick your feet up, play rowdy games, or go to bed at 9pm, there’s nothing to stop you doing what you want.
For those thinking of a shared chalet holiday, while communal facilities are shared, expect a relaxed, homely vibe as you sit around the dinner table with your fellow guests, drinking your favourite drink while you exchange stories of the day’s adventures.
Can be better value than a hotel
Is a chalet better value than a hotel? It certainly can be. The difference between the cost of a chalet versus the cost of a hotel room is that breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, canapes, and drinks are all included in the price of renting a catered chalet, which can be more cost-effective than a half board hotel (particularly if you do like a drink in the evening), or a bed and breakfast board hotel and eating out every night.
Your own hosts
Chalet hosts aren’t just there to provide your meals and to make sure the chalet says clean and tidy, they can offer a personalised service that meets your every need. That includes tailored advice on the best runs for your level of ability (they may even come on the mountain with you to show you around if you ask), advice on and booking for you the best local activities, shuttling you back and forth from the slopes, and even giving you a lift back from the après after a few too many. And that’s not all. Want a massage to relieve your aches and pains? Your host can book it for you. In need of some groceries? Looking for a nanny service? Ask your host.
Dietary requirements catered for
Finding food to meet special dietary requirements can be difficult when skiing, especially in the Alps, with its Savoyard specialties of cheese, meat and bread. But in a chalet, you don't have to worry. Whether you or anyone in your group is vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, or diabetic, or if you prefer to eat at particular times, your hosts will be more than happy to accommodate the needs and preferences of your group.
Quieter locations
Chalets are usually situated away from the hustle and bustle of the resort centre, but are usually within walking distance and hosts will often provide a private shuttle service to anywhere you need to go. That means you get to enjoy the tranquility of a quieter location without being inconvenienced by your distance from local amenities.
Great for large groups
When it comes to large group chalets and chalets suitable for big family groups, the great thing is you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere that fits you all for dinner (apart from if you choose to go out on chalet night off, which is usually mid week and your hosts can book a restaurant for you), or about disturbing other people. Even better, you don’t have to worry about other guests disturbing you. Whether you want to read a book in front of the fire or play boisterous party games, the choice is yours.
“My friend and I really enjoy staying in shared chalets when we go on holiday together. We love meeting and skiing with new people, the convenience and deliciousness of a home-cooked three course dinner and playing games with our fellow guests with a glass of wine after a long day on the mountain.”
Aimee Bradshaw, Ski Marketing Specialist at Iglu Ski
Discover the biggest range of private and shared catered chalet deals all in one place!
What are the disadvantages of a chalet holiday?
After reading about the above benefits, it might be hard to believe that there are any downsides to a chalet holiday, but there are some limitations you should be aware of.
Shared chalets mean shared communal spaces
If you choose a shared chalet, you’re essentially entering a lottery over who the other guests will be. Shared chalets can be great for small groups that like being social, and anyone else choosing this type of accommodation is likely to be up for socialising. However, you might also draw the short straw and be landed with a group of chalet companions not quite to your taste.
Not as many amenities as hotels
While you’ll have your own facilities in a chalet, you’re unlikely to have as many amenities as you’d find in a hotel, which can include a bar, swimming pools, spas, restaurants, games rooms and shops. You may be able to find a chalet with a hot tub, sauna, or even a pool, which, unlike in a hotel, you won’t have to share with anyone else, but these will come at a cost.
I like the fact that hotels are hassle free. Beds are made up in the morning, rooms made up daily, meal times are less rigid (if included). It's a nice hub to have, and it's great to meet other people in the bar pre or after dinner (while also being able to escape back to your room if you wish!). I also like the spa facilities, big fan of a saunas after a day on the slopes. I find half board hotels often offer really good value for money.
Milan Danilovic, Ski Product Specialist at Iglu Ski
Chalets are usually set to weekend changeover days
Changeover days in chalets are usually Saturdays or Sundays, so you won’t have the flexibility to arrive on whatever day you’d like as you would in a hotel or apartment. Additionally, if you’re leaving on a Sunday (at the same time as other tourists and locals heading home after a week or weekend of skiing) you won’t be able to enjoy what is usually the quietest day on the slopes.
Not as sociable for children
If your kids like to hang out with other kids, you might be short of options in a chalet (unless there's a big group of you with kids). Hotels often have kids clubs and provide entertainment for children of all ages, so parents can have some time off to go to a nice bar or restaurant safe in the knowledge that their children are being looked after and having fun. Your hosts will probably be able to organise a nanny or an earlier dinner, but the charms of your chalet may be lost on your children.
In summary: is a ski chalet worth it?
On balance, if you’re looking for a picture-perfect ski holiday in beautiful surroundings, your own space to do with as you wish, and attentive hosts to cater to your every need, a ski chalet is more than worth it.
Big groups, large families, and those with quite specific requirements will especially enjoy a chalet experience. You’ll also know that you can maximise your time on the slopes without having to worry about where to go for your next meal or how to get home afterwards. Read our dedicated guide to chalet ski holidays to find out more!
The only other considerations are that, if you like to have access to plenty of amenities to keep you (and your kids) entertained, or if you want to have more flexibility over when you leave and arrive, a hotel or self-catered holiday might be preferable.
Book your chalet or hotel ski holiday with Iglu Ski
Your catered ski chalet holiday is only a few clicks away with Iglu Ski. We have a range of wonderful chalets available across France, Austria, Italy and North America, with great deals for 2024 and 2025 now live.
