Types of Ski and Snowboard holiday

With so many different ski and snowboard holiday and accommodation options out there, it can be hard to know what is for you. This might give you an idea whether you are looking for a catered ski chalet, a self catered ski accommodation or a hotel for your next ski trip. Your choice can make all the difference.

Catered chalets. Whether in groups, singles or couples, one of the most popular type of ski/board holiday is the catered chalet ski holiday. Why? Simply because it is the most hassle free, pampered and sociable way to ski. Typical ski chalet holidays are like being in a home away from home, with dedicated hosts taking care of your every whim and fancy. After a hard day skiing, guests will eat together round the table and share comfortable lounges and living rooms. It is a great way to meet new friends and many end up meeting up again the following year. Chalets will vary in size from intimate 6-8 person ski chalets to larger chalet style hotels sleeping up to 30 or 40 people.  Most will include accommodation, breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and travel to and from the slopes. Many go further and will include your airport transfers, ski pass, ski hire, ski resort hosting, wine with meals and even international  travel. If they don’t, they are normally able to help you out or book it for you. Nice and simple. Once you have worked out where you want to go and found the right ski chalet operator for you, you can just relax and concentrate on enjoying your skiing, snowboarding and apres ski!

View catered chalet ski packages

Self catered chalets. For the more independent minded skiers, or ski groups on a budget, a self catered week is ideal. You can spread the cost of accommodation between more people, and are left with the freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please -  eating in to watch the pennies, or heading out to soak up the après ski. The draw back of course is that you need to sort out meals and more of the inclusions yourself – transfers, lift pass, ski hire etc. You may get a cheaper overall deal this way or get a higher quality accommodation for a similar price to catered chalets. 

Guest houses/B&B/ski hotels. Ski hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation generally offer more privacy than ski chalet accommodation. They are also a great introduction to winter mountain holidays as they are not usually so centred around purely skiing. Hotels and guest houses are likely to be able offer or assist in all sorts of other activities like snow shoeing, husky rides, cross country skiing and skating, or you can just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. In most major resorts you can find ski hotels and guest houses with levels of service and facilities to match every budget from basic rooms with breakfast to full or half board packages in luxury hotels. If you are ski focussed, many will also have ski packages that include meals, transfers and ski passes, and can arrange everything else you might need.

View ski B&B and guest houses

Getting there

Unless included in your ski package, you will need to arrange your travel too. Why not consider getting the ski train or ski bus to European resorts, for a hassle free, efficient, enjoyable and good value alternative.

Got something you'd like to add to this page?  Tell us about it and we'll give you a full credit with link back to your site!