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Where you stay shapes your whole ski holiday. The right place means a short walk to the lifts, ski school close by and somewhere warm to dry the gloves. The wrong one can mean a daily trek in ski boots carrying everyone’s kit. This guide explains the main types of ski accommodation, how to choose a location, and where to look in the four French resorts we cover most.
The short version
- Location beats luxury. Being close to the lifts and ski school matters more than a bigger room, especially with children.
- Self catered apartments are usually the cheapest option for families, but French ski apartments are often small for the number of beds.
- Catered chalets take care of the cooking and childcare logistics, at a price.
- Hotels suit couples and short trips, and some family hotels include kids’ clubs.
- Check exactly where the property is on the resort map before you book. “Ski in, ski out” means different things to different people.
Types of ski accommodation
| Type | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Self catered apartment | Families and groups on a budget | Often compact. Check the floor area, not just the number of beds. |
| Apartment residence with facilities | Families who want a pool or spa | Many French residences have pools; some charge extra for them. |
| Catered chalet | Groups and families who want meals done for them | Usually sold as a package with flights and transfers. |
| Chalet hotel | People who like the chalet feel but want more space | Shared lounge and dining, private rooms. |
| Hotel | Couples, short breaks, people who want service | Half board can be good value in resorts with expensive restaurants. |
| Valley or village base | Drivers and budget travellers | Cheaper and more authentic, but you may need a bus, lift or car each day. |
A word on French apartment sizes
Many apartments in French purpose built resorts were designed to fit as many beds as possible into a small space. A “six person” apartment might mean a bedroom, bunks in a hallway alcove and a sofa bed in the living room. That can be fine for a young family, but six adults may find it cramped. Look at the floor area in square metres and the floor plan, and consider booking one size up if your budget allows.
Catered chalets
A catered chalet holiday usually includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine on most nights, cooked by chalet staff. It takes the stress out of the evenings, which many families value. We explain what to expect in our guide to getting the most out of a catered chalet.
Weighing up a package against booking accommodation yourself? See our guide to package versus DIY ski holidays.
How to choose a location
Distance to the lifts
Walking a few hundred metres in ski boots is hard work, and much harder with children’s skis to carry too. Look for accommodation close to a lift or a piste you can ski back to. “Ski in, ski out” should mean you can put your skis on at the door, but some listings stretch the term, so check the map.
Distance to ski school
With children in lessons, ski school is where you will go every morning. Find out where the meeting point is for their group, and book accommodation near it if you can.
Shops and evenings
Being near a supermarket matters if you are self catering. Families with young children usually prefer a quieter area; groups who want après ski may want to be near the bars.
Altitude
Higher villages usually have better snow down to the door, particularly later in the season. Lower villages tend to be prettier and more sheltered, but you may need a lift to reach the snow.
Where to stay in our priority resorts
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is made up of several separate villages at different heights, all linked by lifts and part of the Paradiski area with La Plagne.
- Arc 1600 is the quietest, with gentle first slopes, and is where the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice arrives. Good for families who want calm and anyone arriving by train.
- Arc 1800 is the largest, with the most shops, restaurants and family facilities. A practical choice for families with young children in ski school.
- Arc 1950 is a modern, car free village with short walks to the slopes. Convenient, but usually more expensive.
- Arc 2000 is the highest and most exposed, and better suited to keen skiers.
- Peisey-Vallandry is a more traditional village on the edge of the ski area, with a different, quieter feel.
More detail: where to stay in Arc 1800.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a car free resort at around 1,800 metres in the Portes du Soleil. You park at the entrance and your luggage is taken to your accommodation by the resort’s horse drawn sleighs or snow vehicles. Much of the accommodation is ski in and ski out, and the resort has a dedicated children’s ski area, the Children’s Village by ESF (Village des Enfants). Restaurant choice is more limited than in a traditional town, so many visitors self cater and head down to the valley for a bigger supermarket shop.
More detail: where to stay in Avoriaz.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a large, sunny resort at 1,860 metres, spread across a wide slope with several neighbourhoods. The nursery slopes sit right above the village. When choosing where to stay, check how close you are to the main lifts and the beginner area, as the resort is quite spread out. The linked villages of Vaujany, Oz and Auris offer a quieter, more traditional alternative, with lifts up into the main ski area.
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is laid out along a long main road, with the beginner areas running alongside it. Several of the lower nursery lifts are free, which helps if you have complete beginners in the family. Staying near the centre, close to the main gondolas and nursery slopes, keeps walking to a minimum.
From our own trips: in Les Arcs we stayed at Résidence Le Thuria in Les Villards, part of Arc 1800, and in Avoriaz we stayed in the Les Crozats area. Our Les Arcs and Avoriaz guides have more on each resort.
Where to book
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Look for somewhere close to the lifts or ski school, and check whether bed linen, towels and final cleaning are included in the price. The searches below open with February half term 2027 dates as an example. Change the dates and group size to match your own trip.
Arc 1800
Avoriaz
Alpe d’Huez
Les Deux Alpes
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
Booking tips
- Book early for school holidays. Well located family apartments go first.
- Check what is included: bed linen, towels and final cleaning are sometimes extra in French apartments.
- Look for a ski locker or ski room. It saves carrying kit up and down stairs.
- Check the changeover day. Many ski apartments run Saturday to Saturday.
- Ask about parking if you are driving. Some resorts charge for parking or are car free.
Next step: Getting there
Frequently asked questions
What does ski in, ski out mean?
It should mean you can ski to and from your door. In practice some listings use it loosely, so check the location on the piste map.
Is a catered chalet worth it?
For many families and groups, yes, as it saves time and the cost of eating out. For budget trips, a self catered apartment is usually cheaper.
Are bed linen and towels included in French apartments?
Not always. Check the booking details, as they are sometimes an optional extra.