Val d’isere Chalets, what are they like?

Are you planning a holiday in the Alpes? Are you still deciding where to go or where to stay? While many of us are familiar with staying in hotel accommodation, many travellers to Winter sport destinations prefer to stay in a chalet. However for those who have never stayed in a chalet and don’t know what to expect, read our little guide written by a recent traveller to Val d’Isere who stayed in the Chalet Appaloosa.

Picking the right accommodation is important and we are all familiar with the in’s & out’s of staying in a hotel, but a chalet is a great alternative and more often than not will be cheaper than staying in a hotel.  One of the most important aspects when choosing accommodation is location. My family stayed in a chalet in Val d’Isere called Appaloosa booked via Powder White Ltd after researching their properties on the Internet. For example, the chalet is set in a perfect location tucked away from noisy restaurants & popular public areas yet is close enough for a short walk to local shops & restaurants. Equally important is the distance of ski lifts with the Soliase & Bellevarde Ski lifts just 4  minutes walk away giving you quick easy access to the main ski slopes and the famous Espace Killey Ski Area & other world class ski runs. So everything I need are just a moment away from the chalet which saves on time & costs.

The Appaloosa is a freestanding timber chalet with a modern design.  The property has six twin bedrooms with ensuite loos. Some rooms were bigger than others but provided ample space for our needs but be careful as some chalets can be quite small. The Appaloosa also has space for an additional two guests if you want to increase the share of cost or want guests overnight. There are 2 extra bathrooms so there are no arguments when getting ready. The main living areas are open plan with a spacious and homely atmosphere helped by the large log fire which gives the room a warm ambience.  I prefer to have a balcony in my chalet which this one did but is not a deal breaker if one is not available, however the views of Val d’Isere are excellent and we often spent the evenings entertaining guests with drinks on the balcony.

Where your budget permits, you can rent a Val d’Isere chalet that comes complete with a spa area. The spa or wellness area included a Jacuzzi and hammam and some other chalets have a sauna. All ski chalets are also provided with basic facilities but can differ between each provider so it pays to check this before booking. Our facilities included a hairdryer, TV & DVD, WiFi Internet, parking for two cars, an iPod dock & ski & boot room which is more than you get with some hotels.  Some pets such as small dogs are also permitted which is useful for pet lovers.

When you book a chalet you can choose to self cater or take a fully catered chalet. With self-catered chalets it would be your own responsibility to arrange meals and carry out housekeeping duties to maintain the property. But with a catered chalet, a chalet host is assigned to carry out these duties for you from cooking breakfast, tea & dinner to housekeeping duties including making the beds. Drinks are also included in catered packages and you can also opt for premium wines & beers. Taking out the catered option is highly recommended; after all you are on holiday so deserve to have a rest from everyday duties at home.

Being in a chalet is like staying at home away from home. Good chalets should offer comfortable & cosy living and should exude a relaxed atmosphere. Where a chalet host is present, you will find you have more time to partake in resort activities and Val d isere has lots to offer. We hired an entertainment package which includes a games console to keep the kids occupied and even childminding facilities are available if you want to spend some time together or go out without the kids. Val d’Isere is one of my favourite ski resorts and has a fine selection of chalets to choose from. So next time you are planning a ski holiday, consider staying in chalets in Val d’isere!