Ski holidays in a post-pandemic age: The rise and rise of self-catering chalets
According to a survey by The Ski Club of Great Britain last year, 20 per cent of more than 9,000 active skiers and snowboarders took a self-catered ski holiday the previous winter. Similarly results from the annual report produced by the London International Snowsports Trade Exchange (LISTEX) show 44 per cent of its database, made up of skiers and snowboarders who have consistently taken winter holidays since 2017, opted for a self-catered trip in 2019.
While chalet holidays continue to be the most popular choice for British skiers heading to the mountains, with over half of LISTEX respondents saying they’d taken a chalet holiday last winter, its top spot could be under threat. Following the coronavirus pandemic, the future of ski holidays looks set to be very different to before.
Research by The Telegraph has found that experts believe self-catered and self-drive ski holidays could see a boom in interest in winters to come, as the public look to maintain social distancing rules and have greater flexibility and control over their private space while on holiday. “By choosing self-catered, you can enjoy all the perks of being in a hotel whilst also benefiting from the privacy of your own space and flexibility,” said Becky Pascual, campaigns and partnerships manager at Ski Solutions.
“We really think self catering is the best option for this coming winter season. You can naturally social distance with your family, or group of friends and you can also keep your own space as clean as you require – plus you can take your own car,” said Jane Bolton, managing director of Erna Low.
Self catering in ski resorts has undergone a dramatic makeover in recent years and has been slowly growing in popularity, especially with the under 35 age group. “Those who haven't stayed in self-catered properties for a while might not expect to find such good leisure facilities, stylish apartments with a real sense of space and well-equipped kitchen areas,” said Alison Willis, general manager at Peak Retreats and Ski Collection.
Last winter I took the plunge and embarked on my first self-catered ski holiday, intrigued by reports of great flexibility, food-delivery services and a string of new five-star apartments opening in the Alps. As the spotlight shifts away from chalet holidays and towards self-catering, here are the lessons I learnt on my debut DIY trip to the mountains for those of you that might opt to trade the traditional ski holiday formula for the new self-sufficient kid on the block.
Order online
Admit it, nobody goes on holiday looking forward to spending a week cooking for their friends and family, especially not skiers and snowboarders who aim to spend as much time on the slopes as possible. Luckily, in recent years food delivery has become increasingly popular in the Alps. On my trip to Samöens, France, we tested the services of Huski, which now delivers to more than 250 resorts in the French Alps, from its base in Bourg Saint Maurice.
A range of meals, which can be cooked straight from the fridge or freezer, include all the British favourites such as chicken tikka masala and sticky toffee pudding, as well as traditional Savoyard options to add a bit of locality to the menu. Huski offers next day delivery as well as the option to allow drivers into your apartment, before you arrive, to fully stock your fridge and freeze.
“Arranging for a delivery so that you have something delicious to enjoy for dinner when you arrive is a great idea that avoids hassle after a long drive,” recommends Alison.
After a successful launch in 2016 Huski has now partnered with a number of the major tour operators, who have designed menus specifically for their guests, available for pre-ordering, often with discounts.
Stock up
Self-catering and self-drive are a match made in heaven for a reason. Those travelling by car can benefit from stopping enroute at supermarkets in the larger valley towns before heading up into the mountains, to stock up on essentials and food. This organised shopping trip can avoid you paying in-resort premium prices at small local stores where variety can also be limited.
“If you’re driving, it’s a good idea to stop down the mountain before climbing up to resort and visit a hypermarket - you’ll find a much wider variety of food and better prices than in resort,” said Becky.
Bring it with you
The thrifty among us may even choose to take the comforts of their home cupboards and fridges with them – an approach popular with families and fussy eaters. “Self-catered holidays are particularly well-suited to families who love the flexibility; being able to feed the kids what they know they'll love, when they are hungry, not being tied to a timetable,” said Alison. It’s not unheard of for those who head to the slopes for Christmas to take a turkey and all the trimmings from home, stored safely in a coolbox.
Whether it’s delivery, a big shop or bringing it from home, however and whatever you feed yourself, the choice is entirely yours.
Whatever your budget
The flexibility of self-catering also continues when it comes to pricing. From blow-the-budget, uber-glamorous chalets to budget-friendly digs and everything in between, the price of booking a self-catered holiday can be anywhere on the scale.
Recently, and most appealing to a first-timer like myself, there has been an influx of four- and five-star apartments open in the Alps, which have done wonders for self catering’s image and offer great value for money.
“Gone are the days where self-catering equates to sleeping like a battery hen in compact and run-down apartments. Guests now stay in high-end residences with facilities that rival top hotels,” said Cathy Rankin, sales director at Pierre & Vacances.
Added extras
Many apartment blocks are now kitted out with spas, pools, kids clubs, restaurants, bars, heated boot rooms and underground parking. On my self-catering debut I stayed at Peak Retreat’s new Residence Alexane, where a 1,000m2 wellness area with indoor pool, hot tub, saunas, steam room and extensive treatment list took my stay to a whole new and totally unexpected level of comfort and selfcare.
Some residences also have their own restaurants, available for guests in apartments to book for their evening meal, as well as options to order breakfast hampers from reception. Despite the title it’s totally possible to mimic a hotel stay while self catering, but with the benefit of having an entire apartment to call your own and space to socially distance if you wish.
“Guests who are out on the mountain during the day won’t want to waste money on full-board packages of hotels, but may wish to dine at one of the residence’s restaurants on certain evenings to save them cooking. Likewise, those who can’t function in the morning until they’ve eaten can ease those morning mood swings with a Pierre & Vacances breakfast delivery of fresh bread and pastries to set them up for the day,” said Cathy.
Take the car
As social distancing becomes the norm and the future of air travel remains uncertain, driving to the Alps has never been more appealing.
“We always recommend self-drive with Eurotunnel to our clients and this also enables clients to minimise their contact with others. They could effectively get from their home to their accommodation without the need to be in contact with anyone,” said Alison at Peak Retreats.
The benefits for those self-catering extend even further, with the ability to stop for shopping, take home comforts and pack the car with toys to entertain the kids, plus no luggage or ski equipment restrictions or charges, proving invaluable to the likes of families and groups.
Book secure
Holidaymakers are understandably nervous about booking future trips, with thousands out of pocket due after the premature end to the 2019/20 ski season. Those that would have previously favoured independently-booked holidays, where refunds and booking conditions are less secure, may now turn to the security of booking with a bonded operator that offers flexibility and trust.
While it is possible to book self-catered apartments and chalets through the likes of Air Bnb and Booking.com, skiers are often surprised to hear there are a number of major operators offer the option, with all their usual protection and customer service – taking much of the hassle out of securing refunds or compensation should travel plans be disrupted in the future.
“All our self-catered tailor-made packages are ABTA and ATOL bonded. We have also put a flexible booking policy in place – so clients pay a reduced deposit of £150 per person and have the freedom to change their travel plans, for both date and destination, with no amendment fees up to 12 weeks before departure,” explains Becky.
The security continues beyond the booking process too. “If a guest was to be in a resort with a quick shut down, if they have booked via Erna Low they would have a number of extra benefits. These include someone at the end of the phone if they need immediate advice and Flexiplus Eurotunnel crossings, so if they need to get back quickly they can simply turn round and drive back with priority boarding at Calais,” said Jane.
Think ahead
As a skier who has grown up with the security of dinner being prepared by a chalet host or hotel staff, on my self-catering ski holiday debut I made the rookie mistake of overdoing it at apres and forgetting I needed to cook, eat and wash up afterwards.
Luckily a little forward planning can avoid you having to call on the local pizza takeaway too often. Deciding what you’ll have for dinner, defrosting it if necessary and making a note of cooking times before you head out in the morning will stand you in good stead if you decide to stay for one more vin chaud that evening. “The best part of self-catered is the freedom; with no meal times to abide by, you can take that lie in or stay a little later in the town. It’s up to you to do what you want, when you want,” said Becky.
In or out
Just because you have a fully-stocked fridge back at the apartment doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the local delicacies and mouth-watering menus on offer in resort restaurants. “Take a couple of nights out to eat locally so you have a bit of a break from catering and experience some of the local, regional specialities,” advises Jane.
As gastronomy becomes increasingly sophisticated in the mountains, set aside a night (or two if staying a week) to explore the local gourmet scene to make sure you go home having tried the flavours of your destination. Try to avoid clashing with the weekly chalet night off though, when restaurants will be brimming with those that are usually catered for elsewhere.
Latest self catering deals
Best for New Year
Seven nights in Arc 1950 for six people costs from £549 per person, saving 20 per cent. The price includes a two-bedroom apartment and Flexiplus Eurotunnel crossing, arriving December 26 2020, with Erna Low.
Best for a giant ski area
A week at the five-star Premium Residence l’Hevana in Méribel costs from £976 per persons, saving 20 per cent. The price includes accommodation for four, arriving December 12 2020, with Pierre & Vacances.
Best for off-the-beaten track
Seven nights in a four-star apartment at Peak Retreat’s newest residence Le Saphir in Vaujany costs from £159 per person, saving 15 per cent. The price includes accommodation for five in a two-bedroom apartment and FlexiPlus Eurotunnel crossing, arriving March 27 2021, with Peak Retreats. Offer ends May 31 2020.
Best for ski-in/ski-out access
A week in a two-bedroom apartment at the five-star Residence Koh-I-Nor in Val Thorens costs from £1,505 per person, saving £130 each. The price includes accommodation for four, flights and transfers, departing April 3 2021, with Ski Solutions.
