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A catered chalet is a very British way to ski. You stay in a chalet run by a UK tour operator, staff cook your breakfast and dinner, and there is cake waiting when you come in off the slopes. For families and groups it can be the most relaxing way to spend a week in the mountains. Here is what to expect, and how to get the most out of it.
The short version
- Catered chalets usually include breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course dinner with wine on most nights of the week.
- There is normally one night off each week when the staff do not cook, so budget for a meal out.
- You can book a whole chalet for your group, or rooms in a shared chalet.
- Tell the operator about dietary needs and children’s meals well before you go.
- It is usual to tip the chalet staff at the end of the week if you were happy.
What is usually included?
Every operator is a little different, so always check the details, but a typical catered chalet week includes:
| Included | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Continental breakfast, often with a cooked option on some days. |
| Afternoon tea | Homemade cake and hot drinks when you come back from skiing. |
| Dinner | Usually three courses, with wine, on most nights. |
| Staff night off | Usually one evening a week with no dinner. You eat out or cook for yourselves. |
| Housekeeping | Daily tidying of shared areas; rooms cleaned regularly. |
| Flights and transfers | Often included, as most chalets are sold as packages. |
Lunch is not usually included. Some chalets offer packed lunches for an extra charge, or you can buy lunch on the mountain. See our guide to finding a cheap lunch on the mountain.
Whole chalet or shared chalet?
If you are a large family or a group of friends, booking the whole chalet means you have the place to yourselves. Smaller parties can book individual rooms in a larger chalet and share the dining table with other guests. Plenty of people enjoy the sociable side of shared chalets, but if you have young children, check whether the operator offers family friendly weeks or earlier children’s meals.
Catered chalets for families
- Children’s tea. Many operators serve an early meal for children so adults can eat later in peace. Ask whether it is included.
- Childcare. Some family focused operators offer nannies or crèches. Book early if you need it.
- Cots and highchairs. Request them when you book.
- Location. Check the distance to the lifts and ski school, as with any accommodation. Our guide to where to stay on a ski holiday explains why this matters.
How to get the most out of your chalet
Talk to the operator before you go
Let them know about allergies, dietary requirements, fussy eaters and anything you would particularly like. Chalet staff plan menus in advance and cook for everyone together, so the earlier they know, the better.
Plan your night off
Find out which night the staff are off and book a restaurant in advance, especially in school holidays when resorts are busy.
Respect the routine
Breakfast and dinner are usually at set times. Let the staff know if you will be late back or eating out on another night.
Tipping
Chalet staff often work long hours on modest wages, and tipping at the end of the week is customary in UK run chalets if you were happy with the service. There is no fixed amount; operators sometimes give guidance.
Is a catered chalet good value?
It can be. When you add up breakfasts, dinners with wine and afternoon tea for a week, the cost of eating out in a ski resort can be high. A catered chalet often looks expensive at first glance but compares well once food is included. It is not usually the cheapest option though. For the tightest budgets, a self catered apartment will cost less. Our guide to package versus DIY ski holidays helps you compare.
Book a catered chalet
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Skiworld has catered chalets across the Alps, sold as packages with flights and transfers. Check what is included, such as wine with dinner, afternoon tea and the staff night off.
Skiworld: catered chalets
Chalets for couples, families and groups, including shared chalets and chalets for your own party.
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
From our own trips
We have stayed in a catered chalet in Val d’Isère. The best bits were the homemade cakes waiting when we got back from the slopes, wine with the evening meal, and board games together in the evening. It made the whole week feel relaxed.
Start with step 1, choosing a resort, then work through our eight step ski holiday planner.
Frequently asked questions
What is a catered chalet?
A chalet where staff cook breakfast and dinner, and usually provide afternoon tea, for most of the week. It is normally booked as a package with a UK tour operator.
Is wine included in a catered chalet?
Usually with dinner, but check with your operator, as some include more than others.
Do you have to share a catered chalet?
Only if you book a room rather than the whole chalet.
Should you tip chalet staff?
It is customary in UK run chalets if you are happy with the service, but it is up to you.