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Book a Call Enquire OnlineBY - Tim Latimer , 16 May 2023 - VIEW ALL ARTICLES
If you are wondering “What is a catered chalet?” you can find all the information and answers to all your questions here. We have been matching customers with their dream luxury catered chalets for over a decade, so we know exactly what we are talking about.
There’s nothing quite like a luxury skiing holiday. The adrenaline of the downhills and the beauty of the landscapes combine to offer an immersive experience, unlike any other type of getaway. Of course, to get the most from these breaks, you’ll need to plan your accommodation carefully. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we break down what to expect if you go for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering by booking a catered chalet holiday.
Available in all the top resorts, including the likes of Meribel in France and St Anton in Austria, catered chalets come in various shapes and sizes, all exuding effortless Alpine chic. However, it’s not only the properties themselves that define this style of accommodation, but also the team of dedicated staff that come with them.
When you stay in one of these chalets, you’ll have a professionally trained chef to ensure you eat in style, and without having to lift a finger, for the duration of your holiday. There’s nothing better than working up an appetite on the slopes and then coming back to a hearty and delicious meal, all without having to so much as lay the table.
Many of these chalets also feature a wider team of staff to take care of you and your fellow guests. From hosts to greet you and mix your favourite tipples, to housekeepers who will keep your home away from home just so, to chauffeurs to get you where you need to be, these professionals are there to make your stay as seamless and pleasurable as possible.
This type of break could be ideal for you if you’re after a completely stress-free experience from the moment you land to the moment you leave, and it’s especially well suited to group trips, like family get-togethers and holidays with friends.
A catered ski chalet is the epitome of luxury skiing holidays. It combines the comforts of home with the indulgence of a five-star hotel, offering guests the ultimate ski experience without sacrificing on privacy or convenience. In a catered chalet, guests can expect exclusive use of the property, personalized service from a dedicated team, and gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs.
If a catered chalet sounds dreamy to you, then you are going to love luxury catered chalets. These are the best of the best chalets with chefs, and are our speciality here at Firefly Collection.
One of the things that makes luxury catered chalets special is the fact that the service can be tailored to suit the guests perfectly. The amenities and services provided often differ from property to property. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some of the features of a luxury catered chalet:
Private chefs – This is the hallmark of catered chalets, so you can expect your accommodation to come with a skilled chef to make sure that you never go hungry. Your chef will create a bespoke menu for your group based on your preferences. Everything is tailored to you, your likes and dislikes. Whether you would like a haute-cuisine gourmet dinner, a relaxed family meal or maybe a culinary theme night – it’s up to you.
Hosts – On hand to ensure you get the most out of your holiday, your host will be there to offer assistance and advice. This could include everything from offering local knowledge of the resort to help you get the most from your stay to organising ski hire, laying the dining table and serving pre-dinner drinks.
Housekeepers – When there’s so much to see and do, you don’t want to spend your time making beds or tidying up. The good news is, with your housekeepers, you won’t have to.
Drivers – Having access to a driver service means you don’t have to worry about how to get to and from the slopes. It’s all taken care of for you. Your driver will be ready and waiting in the morning to take you off to the ski lift in the morning and will be just a phone call away to come and pick you up in the afternoon. No more worrying about skiing back on a particular piste each afternoon to then having to walk or bus back to the chalet. Just ski down the nicest piste, maybe have an après-ski drink at your favourite après bar, and your driver can pick you up from there. Note that the chalet driver service is for short journeys in the resort, and does not include long journeys or airport transfers.
Bartender – The fun doesn’t stop when you hang up your skis. One of the most memorable parts of hiring a catered luxury chalet is getting back after a fun day up the mountains. You’ve had a shower and spa session, now it’s time for the bartender to rustle up your favourite cocktails at your chalet’s private apres ski bar. Enjoying the local atmosphere is a lot of fun, and this can be perfect before or after you venture out. However, we’ve had some fantastic evenings in these chalets, especially when we hire musicians to perform for the party.
Additional Staff – additional staff can also be arranged for your chalet to personalise your luxury holiday, such as nannies, massage therapists, yoga instructors or personal trainers.
Pre-Arrival Concierge Service – You will also benefit from our pre-arrival concierge service to help coordinate your trip, and book airport transfers and ski instructors for you.
The World’s Finest Accommodation– Picture this: dreamy interiors, stunning mountain views, and every modern convenience, creature comfort and luxury amenity at your fingertips. Our handpicked selection of catered luxury chalets boasts spacious living areas, stylish bedrooms, and indulgent amenities like private cinemas, heated pools and fully-featured spas. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or your partner, there’s a chalet to suit every taste and preference.
In terms of chalet facilities, again, these differ from property to property. The best properties can include spectacular private swimming pools, hot tubs, sumptuous cinema rooms, ski-in/ski-out access, massage rooms, gyms, party rooms, games rooms, private lift entrances and more. Some even have an indoor climbing wall or a private bowling alley. Thanks to the wide range of chalets available, you should be able to find options that tick all your boxes when it comes to these features.
Idyllic Locations – Nestled in the heart of the Alps, our chalets offer unrivalled access to some of the world’s best ski resorts and pistes. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping slopes or scenic winter walks, you’ll find it right on your doorstep. With your driver, getting to and from the chalet is a breeze, even the famed chalet La Fenice in Cervinia, a luxury castle at the foot of the Matterhorn (Cervino to the local Italians) overlooking the town in complete privacy.
Catered chalets may not be for everyone. Some travellers might prefer the independence, not to mention lower prices, of self-catered luxury chalets. However, if you’re looking for an opportunity to indulge in supreme levels of comfort and indulgence, with 5-star personal service, it’s hard to beat catered skiing chalets. Everything about these luxury holidays is about making your life as carefree and easy as possible and allowing you to focus on unwinding and appreciating each moment of your stay.
As well as giving you as much freedom as possible to ski and take advantage of all the other activities available in your resort, catered chalets enable you to spend more quality time with your family and friends.
A: While some of our chalets accommodate pets, it’s best to check with us beforehand to ensure compatibility. Generally, smaller well-behaved dogs are fine, because they are unlikely to damage the property.
A: Absolutely! All of our chalets are family-friendly and we can arrange certified childcare services upon request. Many chalets offer a level of personalisation for the food, which is ideal if you have any fussy eaters. Whether they are children or adults!
Ready to experience the ultimate winter getaway? Book your catered chalet holiday today and embark on a journey you’ll never forget. Contact us now to reserve your slice of alpine paradise.
Written by
Tim has been immersed in the travel industry for over 20 years. Tim is the owner and founder of Firefly Collection, a luxury holiday accommodation booking agent.