Ski Chalets

Hiring a ski chalet is a great way to enjoy a self catering ski holiday with a bit of extra atmosphere. A chalet is usually a detached house or villa, made of wood and is commonly found in all the ski regions of Europe. Many holiday resorts have adopted this style of accommodation for those seeking self catering ski holidays. More than a million Brits a year take skiing holidays in France alone, and when you add destinations in Italy, Austria, Romania and other countries, that figure rises sharply. That's why there's a lot of demand for good quality self catering accommodation – and this holiday fits the bill.

Ski chalets are an affordable alternative to other accommodation types. Many of them are run as family businesses. The Chalet provides an enjoyable experience which maintains your personal privacy and a comfortable lifestyle. You can still enjoy the après ski by popping into the local town when you leave the slopes.


            


So, what do you get with a self catering ski chalet ? There are different chalet styles, from traditional rustic, to very modern and you can select the comfort level you need. Some chalets are studios, suitable for those holidaying alone, while others sleep four or more, and are fully equipped. As an example, a chalet suitable for a family of four might have two bedrooms and a bathroom, a living room with a convertible bed, a fully fitted kitchen (you may even get a microwave, entertainment (TV, DVD, stereo) and somewhere for you to store your ski equipment. You may even be able to ski straight from your chalet onto the slopes.

When selecting your chalet, make sure that there's enough accommodation for all of your party and check that the number of bathrooms and toilets is adequate. Another key issue is the nearness to other facilities. A self catering chalets that is close to a town or village centre offers the right mix of privacy and convenience. You never know when you might want to pop to the shops or enjoy a meal out. One thing you can be almost sure of is the great views – snow capped mountains will be all around you if you select the right chalet.

Once you've chosen your ski chalet, it's time to plan the rest of your trip. That means taking out a travel insurance policy that gives you coverage in case there's no snow, includes protection for snowboarding and other extreme winter sports and provides medical cover in case there's an accident. Next, buy or borrow the right clothes. If you can get hats, gloves, jackets and socks that are both thin and warm, you'll be comfortable in any conditions. Thermals, boots, sunscreen and goggles will complete the outfit – and skis of course.
Don't worry if you don't have any. You will probably be able to rent equipment on site if you don't have ski's of your own. Once you've got your clothing, equipment, insurance and your ski chalet booked, you're all set for some fantastic skiing.