The idea of a chalet holiday is part of the fabric of the British ski market and has continued to grow in popularity over the last 50 years.
A combination of Brexit and COVID-19 has unfortunately changed the catered chalet market indefinitely. Ski holiday operators who survived last year's disrupted season have significantly reduced their liability by not committing to renting chalets for the whole season and are instead focussing on hotels and self-catered apartments. The resulting changes to employment laws caused by Brexit has meant that it is very difficult to have British seasonal staff working in chalets. Sadly, all of this has resulted in fewer chalet holidays being available for next ski season and beyond.
So what will the new normal be? Good question, which does not have an immediate answer and no doubt will evolve in the coming years. What we know now is that catered chalet holidays will still exist, they haven't gone for good. You will notice there are less available in the market place and less as a flight inclusive package. Those available may come at a premium price and may not feature the traditional UK chalet staff. The best advice we have if you are looking for a catered chalet package: it is best to book early to avoid disappointment.
“The rise of the self-catering chalet”
Obviously without the benefits of a chalet host but still a great chalet located in a superb position with the ability to fit a large group. You’ll need to work out how to eat! Be it ‘out’ every night, pre-ordering pre-made meals with a company like Huski (see below) or ordering it as part of your package with the accommodation provider (One of the Iglu team can tell you more about this).You can discover our range of self-catered ski chalets here.
Self-catered chalet apartment in Courchevel
Self-catered Apartments
Self-catered apartments have come a long way in the last ten years and whilst there are still some out there that you may have visited on your university ski trip it’s safe to say the quality has improved substantially. Often well located in ski resorts and some with ideal piste side locations in complexes with pools and Saunas - this might be a suitable alternative for you.
Most Popular Self-catering Apartments
The Centaure ApartmentsFlaine, France - 1 - 8 people
These luxury self-catering apartments have ski-to-door access and in the morning it is just a short walk to the nearest lifts. The indoor pool is the perfect way to relax after a good day skiing some of the 265kms of slopes the Grand Massif has to offer.
Premium Residence L'Amara
Avoriaz, France - Sleeps 1 - 6
Everyone loves a ski in / ski out apartment but the spa is a fantastic way to warm up and relax after a day on the mountain. For added convenience there is also a restaurant attached to the residence so if you don't feel like cooking one evening, a warm meal is never far away.
L’Altaviva Apartments
Tignes - Sleeps 1 - 8
Fantastic ski in / out apartment that is ideal for families with a kids club available for children aged 4 - 10. There are also Fondue and Raclette sets available for hire, for that authentic Savoyard meal.
Self-catered apartment in FlaineHuski offers a fantastic range of prepared food that is delivered to your self-catered apartment/chalet door prior to your arrival, so all you have to do is pop your tartiflette in the oven, sit back and relax and your chalet-style food will be ready to eat in 60 minutes. It is possible to recreate the catered chalet experience in the chalet-less world without the stress.
Hotels
Hotels in ski resorts offer plenty of choice and like self catering apartments have come long way in the last ten years, from hotels with affordable prices to small boutique hotels where grandma still cooks the evening meals! Our full range of hotels can be found here.
Hotel in Val d'Isere
As the UK’s largest Ski travel agency we’ve added even more self-catered apartments/chalets and hotels to give our customers even more choice in the post COVID-19 and Brexit ski holiday world.