What to expect when you go on a catered chalet holiday – Firefly Collection

BY - Tim Latimer, 16 May 2023, ARTICLES

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. And with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult knowing 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.

What is a catered chalet?

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.

What’s included in a catered chalet?

One of the things that makes 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 to look out for when you’re booking.

A private chef – 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 an haute-cuisine gourmet dinner, a relaxed family meal or maybe a culinary theme night – it’s up to you.

A host – 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, to 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 own housekeepers, you won’t have to.

Driver – 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 have 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.

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, book airport transfers and ski instructors for you.

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.

Why choose a catered chalet?

Catered chalets may not be for everyone. Some travellers might prefer the independence, not to mention lower prices, of self-catering holidays. 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 care-free 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.