Ski holiday types come in dozens of shapes and sizes, offering different kinds of skiing and snowboarding experiences. Here we look at the key types of skiing holiday our customers go on year after year.
Pick the perfect place to stay
Ski Hotels
A ski hotel experience comes in three board types: Bed and Breakfast, Half Board and Chalet Hotel. While B&B needs no explanation, half-board tends to refer to a breakfast and supper combination. In a chalet hotel, the full chalet catering package of cakes, wine and a three or four course evening meal is included.While chalet Hotels are run by British ski companies, half-board and B&Bs are run by locals in the resort. Swiss and Austrian hotels have a reputation for being particularly welcoming, offering guests an authentic alpine experience. Our site has the full range of ski hotels catering for every budget across North America and Europe.
Ski Chalets
A catered chalet holiday is for people that want to totally relax on holiday, letting others take care of the cooking. The chalets are run by British ski companies. Many operators offer a cooked breakfast in 4* and 5* chalets, along with tea and a four course evening meal. Chalets are less formal and more sociable than hotels. For groups ranging from six upwards there is the option of hiring a chalet for sole occupancy for the week, although early booking is recommended to secure a good spot.
Ski Apartments
Self-catering apartments are the cheapest way of hitting the slopes. They are good for groups of young people and families on a limited budget. Ski Apartments are mainly located in France, Austria and Andorra and are particularly prominent in resorts like Flaine and Avoriaz. To get the best deal, you need to reach maximum occupancy on an apartment, normally four people. Look out for newer, 4* and above properties for the most comfortable and spacious experience. In North America on the other hand, self-catering room only apartments can be as luxurious as a top hotel, with plenty of space at good value.
Ski Chalet Hotels
A chalet hotel offers the same board basis and ambiance of a chalet but is larger. Chalet hotel sizes range from 20-80+ guests and provides really good value for money. Typically you will get a cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and 3 or 4 course evening meals including wine for 5 or 6 nights of your holiday.
Choose a board option
All-inclusive
With an all-inclusive ski holiday, you pay for your travel, accommodation, meals and drinks upfront, while some packages also include ski lessons, lift passes and childcare. It’s one of the easiest ways to go skiing and offers exceptional value for money. Leave your wallet in your room and enjoy time in the mountains with your nearest and dearest.
Catered ski chalet
A catered chalet offers a cosy home from home during your ski trip. Your chalet hosts provide breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks, and make sure everything is clean and tidy during your stay. That means all that’s left to do when you’re done on the slopes is unwind in front of a log fire or, if your chalet has one, perhaps in the hot tub or sauna.
Half board
Half board hotels include breakfast and dinner in the price of your stay, but give you the option to find somewhere on the mountain for lunch. It's one of the most popular board types, and is offered everywhere from cosy family run establishments up to luxury 5-star hotels.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed and breakfast hotels are a great option if you’re keen to explore local restaurants for lunch and dinner. Enjoy your morning meal – which could be anything from a continental to a full breakfast buffet – in your hotel, and then hit the slopes, with no need to return until it’s time to hit the hay/bedtime.
Self-catered
Self-catered chalets or apartments are the way to go if you desire maximum flexibility. You’ll typically have your own living space and kitchenette, with no meal times to return for. That leaves you free to work to your own schedule, whether that involves cooking at home to keep costs down or heading out to sample the local restaurants.
Contactless catering
Contactless catering is a type of catered chalet holiday where, instead of being cooked by hosts, meals are delivered to your accommodation every day. You can choose between a pre-set menu option, where meals arrive ready to put in the oven, or an a la carte option, where you can order specific ingredients to create your own menu.
Quickly compare board options using the table below
| Board Option | Meals and drinks included | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| All-inclusive | All meals and drinks | Typically includes flights, transfers, accommodation, and all meals and drinks. Some providers also offer ski lessons, lift passes, and childcare. |
| Catered Ski Chalet | Breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and drinks | Chalet hosts cook, clean, and tidy. Some chalets have hot tubs and/or saunas. |
| Half Board | Breakfast and dinner included. Have lunch on the mountain. | Many hotels have on-site childcare, spas, swimming pools, and other fitness and leisure facilities, as well as restaurants and bars. |
| Bed & Breakfast | Breakfast only | B&Bs are often small, homely establishments, though some offer leisure and entertainment facilities. |
| Self-catered | None included | Your own apartment or chalet space with a kitchen. Go out to eat or cook at home. Some apartment complexes also house shared leisure, dining or laundry facilities. |
| Contactless Catering | Meals delivered daily to your accommodation | No on-site hosts cooking. Choose from a pre-set menu or à la carte delivered to your door for you to prepare. |
Choose the best type of ski holiday for you
Group Ski Holidays
A group skiing holiday is all about sharing the fun of the slopes and the apres scene with friends and family. But they are complicated to organise without the right help. Visit our groups page to find out more about booking for groups. Look at our expert advice on how to organise a group skiing holiday. Group discounts are often available for groups larger than eight, especially on off peak dates.
Family Ski Holidays
We specialise in getting the right holiday for all the family. We work with specialist family ski operators who offer skiing lessons and childrens activities, to give parents time to enjoy the peace of the mountains. Take a look at our pick of the best deals on family ski holidays. Call our experts to choose the best resort for your family and find the right accommodation for your needs.
Luxury Ski Holidays
Iglu offers exclusive luxury chalets in top resorts. Val d'Isere, Zermatt and St Anton have an excellent selection of luxury properties. Luxury ski holidays range from top end properties run by tour operators, which organise the flights and transfers, to accommodation only luxury properties if you fancy taking the private jet.
All-Inclusive Ski Holidays
An all-inclusive ski holiday is about minimising the stress and maximising the value of your holiday. Club Med are Iglu's favourite for all-inclusive packages, with many of our staff going back to Club Med year after year for an all inclusive holiday. With the lift pass and ski lessons included in the price, you can relax and enjoy the food. Lunch, either in a Club Med mountain restaurant or in the hotel, is included and unlimited free drinks are available from the bar.
Beginner skiing
Never skied or snowboarded before? Iglu Ski will help you choose the perfect accommodation and resort with our brilliant beginner ski holidays. Learning to ski or snowboard is a big investment in time and money. Make sure you take lessons with experts in resort. The French Ski School and Austrian ski schools have resort specific information online and there are many private ski schools with British instructors that can be booked with your holiday. Wrap up warm, stay safe and most importantly - have fun!
Advanced Skiing
As a company full of advanced skiers, Iglu is keen to help you find that dream trip to the perfect resort. Look at our top five expert resorts and ski holidays suited to advanced skiers.