Renting a Catered Chalet - Your FAQs Answered

Thinking of renting a catered chalet for your skiing holiday this year? If you’ve never done it before, you might find the following FAQs useful.

What sort of service is provided?

That depends upon two things really: how much you’re paying and your group's personal food preferences. In general, whatever you opt for, a typical catered chalet will provide wholesome and comforting food in order to provide the energy you’ll need on the slopes. You’ll be burning up plenty of calories and they’ll need to be replaced. Some chalets may specialise in specific cuisines - such as Italian or oriental. You might also find some that offer haute cuisine prepared by a fully trained chef. It’s really a question of doing your research and asking to see samples of their menus.

Is it communal eating?

In a smaller place that you rent exclusively for your own use, you will, of course, be eating with just your own party. If you are renting part of a larger chalet then yes, you will typically eat as part of the group.

Can I say what time I want to eat?

Yes but whether staff will be able to accommodate your requirements may vary. In most budget chalets you’ll find a specified mealtime, although some may offer a little leeway.Slightly more up-market establishments will be able to offer more individual dining – it simply depends on the catered chalet you’re looking at.

What happens if I have special dietary requirements?

This is a tricky one because practices here vary widely from one to another. Many, though not necessarily all, will be able to make arrangements to provide things like ‘generalist’ vegetarian meals, providing they are notified in advance of your requirements. Very special requirements (for example vegan or macro-biotic) may be more of a problem and it’s advisable to have a full discussion with the provider before booking. Don’t assume you can start a discussion like this on the day of your arrival.

Do they serve alcohol? Many do but again not all. Some may be teetotal while others may operate a ‘bring your own’ system; some might offer beers and wine but perhaps not spirits. If wine is included, the chances are that it will be to a specified quantity per meal, though you may be able to purchase more if required. Note that although camaraderie and even some horsing around are encouraged, drinking yourself drunk would probably be frowned upon.

Can I also eat out?

Yes, of course – you're not bound to anything. Of course, bear in mind that there may be a cost-effectiveness issue because a catered chalet won’t operate as a restaurant on a pay-per-meal basis - so if you’re eating out one night you may, in effect, still be paying for your meal at the accommodation.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in a catered or self catered chalet in La Tania and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.