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Ski
Accommodation in Apartments and Chalets
The cost of skiing isn't coming down, and more and more people are opting for a
do-it-yourself ski holiday in self catered chalets and skiing apartments.
France is currently the most popular ski destination for UK skiers, followed closely by Canada and the US. British skiers find that the flexibility of ski accommodation in apartments and chalets has a lot to offer because it is cheaper and offers the independence not available from tour operators.
The Ski Apartment
There are two types of ski accommodation - the apartment and the chalet. In
France we call the apartments 'boxes'. For the most part that's what they are -
piled one on top of the other into vast concrete apartment blocks. They may be
ugly but they have their advantages.
At the
budget end this type of ski accommodation can be cheap! The blocks
are usually on the piste so there is no walking, and the
facilities such as restaurants, supermarkets, bars and shops are close by.
They are purely functional with little or no aesthetic considerations, apart from some of
the apartment blocks being shaped like the mountains behind! They just
provide a bed, a bathroom, a small kitchenette, a sofa, and a table and chairs.
The quality end is comparative luxury. Companies such as MGM now have a
reputation for building ski accommodation in more attractive buildings and
converting town houses into flats where you can at least swing a cat. The
buildings at top and right, in Chamonix and Serre Chevalier are good examples.
The Self Catered Chalet
You can also choose from a vast selection of private chalets throughout the Alps as self catered options.
These will vary in quality but as they may be people's second homes they can be more roomy
and comfortable, and built in a traditional style. As a rule expect them to lie in outlying villages, although
sometimes they will be centrally located on the piste.
Ski Accommodation Services
Ski apartments and chalets will have any number of beds from two bed 'studios' to twelve bed 'duplexes' and more. Expect to pay between £100 and £250 per person depending on season and quality. Because competition is high, you just about get what you pay for.
You will also have to pay a returnable deposit for breakages Bed linen and towels will not usually be supplied in ski accommodation but can be rented by the agent for a reasonable fee. There will be an inventory before you leave and you'll be expected to leave the place clean and tidy!
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