Skiing holidays are a great attraction to many. Across the Alps mountain range, covering countries like France, Switzerland, there are many ski destinations that can also serve as good hill stations. If you are planning to pay a holiday visit to any one of such spots then you should start planning early. The main concern is booking an accommodation. Since most of the spots are based around small villages, you need to book early otherwise you will not find a vacant place to stay. In the field of accommodation you have two options- holiday resorts or ski chalets. Then there are two types of ski chalets- catered chalets and self catered ski chalets.
As the name suggests, self catered chalets are the ones where you have to live like you live at home. You will have to do all the work yourself although you will receive certain help from the management like dropping to and from the airport, delivering goods that you have requested prior to your arrival, arrangements for skiing, looking after kids if necessary and gifts and compliments from the house. There are some tourists who are not in favor of self catered ski chalets as they do not want to work during holidays. But for those who are looking for an authentic alpine experience, this is a great option. These self catered chalets are available in different capacities. Some chalets can hold 3-4 people while some have enough space for 40 people. There are some main considerations that you should make while hiring a self catered chalet.
Distance from the ski range
If skiing is your main goal then you should hire a chalet that is not far away from the skiing range. You would not like to walk miles every day through the snow for skiing. If you have kids with you then it becomes very problematic for them. But if you are not a ski enthusiast then location becomes less important.
Size of the building
The small chalets are perfectly suited for couples while for a large party you require the big chalets. Generally multiple chalets are situated in all of the popular ski destinations so you will have no problem in finding a suitable one. However the rent of the chalets is not always dependent on the size. It is mainly determined by the location of the chalet, its condition/ comfort level and available services.
Food
If you want to deicide and cook your own menu then self catered chalets are the best for you. If you stay in catered chalets you will have to choose from the menu prepared by the owners. For anything else you will have to go to the restaurants.
Hot selections
There is too much cold in such ski towns. Therefore it is almost essential that a chalet should have facilities like sauna, pool or a Jacuzzi where you can keep yourself warm from the cold. Also you will become relaxed and fully refreshed to enjoy the following day.
