A guide to booking ski chalets in France

A guide to booking ski chalets in France

Prepare the salopettes and ready the riding gear, because ski chalets in France are a ticket to some of the most acclaimed winter sports territory in the world. With names like the 3 Valleys and Chamonix flying around, it’s hard not to be tempted by the sheer wealth of terrain, glaciers and tree-lined runs that are on the menu.

A French ski resort in the AlpsA French ski resort in the Alps

What are the main types of ski chalet in France?

Ski chalets in France range from the sprawling timber mansion to the cosy bolthole for 2. Some are right next to the pistes, while others are dotted around valleys a drive from the slopes. Some have chefs waiting to work their Savoyard magic, or dedicated kitchens where you can try the same.

A catered ski chalet in France

One way to ensure you can relax, unwind and focus on honing your carving skills on the mountain is to choose a catered rental. In these chalets, the services of a dedicated cook, cleaner and hostess are included, so you’ll be treated to morning meals to fuel your riding sessions and can sip those après champagnes without worrying where dinner is going to come from.

Self-catering chalets in France

Maestros in the kitchen might prefer to cook their own medleys of fondue and brioche, while away in the French Alps. For that, self-catering lodges are the way to go. The options range from pint-sized kitchenettes in the most affordable rentals to large-scale family kitchens that spread into dining rooms and onto terraces.

Ski-in, ski-out chalets in France

Real closeness to the slopes is signified by ski-in, ski-out French chalets. These are the homes that rub shoulders with the snowy runs themselves, so you don’t have to worry about hauling your gear to the gondola each morning. They tend to have the best locations in the resorts themselves, too, which can also see prices hike a little.

Resorts to consider when renting a chalet in France

Ski chalets in France tumble down a mountain covered in snow

Between the low ridges of the Jura Mountains and where the Alps crash into the Mediterranean Sea, France hosts some of the world’s most acclaimed ski resorts. Some of the real chart-toppers to consider include:

The 3 Valleys is France’s pièce de resistance

There’s no bigger interlinked domain on the planet than the 3 Valleys, which drapes over the serrated tops of the Tarentaise in the heart of the Savoie. It’s got 8 individual places where you can seek out chalets in France’s most terrain-heavy ski field, ranging from the quaint timber homes of Meribel to the high-perched town of Val Thorens.

Val-d’Isère is a perennial favourite

Val-d’Isère has long been magnetising British skiers to the peaks of the Savoie Alps. These days, it’s renowned for its hedonistic après scene, led by the infamous slope-side parties of La Folie Douce, along with some excellent high-altitude terrain that links with the smaller commune of Tignes, a little down the valley.

The prestige of Chamonix

It’s the cloud-splintering summit of Mont Blanc that crowns the ridges around Chamonix. For decades, it’s been hailed as one of the finest ski destinations in the world, with the intrepid off-piste Vallée Blanche and other iconic descents on its roster. Head down to pint-sized Les Houches, however, and you can pick up ski chalets near beginner slopes that are great for families.

How to score a cheap ski chalet in France

A ski resort surrounded by peaks in France

To stash some euros for the ski passes of Meribel and Chamonix, consider following the 3 hints below for saving on your French chalet this year.

Book really early

Ski chalets in France are being booked even a year in advance, which means you’ll need to be prepared if you want to be able to choose from the full range of deals and rentals. Leaving things to the last minute might lead to higher rates, but also a limited selection of pads in the best resorts.

Come later in the season

Thanks to the high altitude of the Alps in this corner of Europe, France is uniquely placed to offer a few snowsure ski fields that can push on well into April and even into May. For budget-conscious riders, there’s great news on the cost front, because chalets will tend to plummet in price as you move towards spring. To find your bargain late-season escape, consider the resorts of Tignes, Courchevel and Van Thorens in the 3 Valleys.

Choose somewhere further from the slopes

It’s often the case that ski-in, ski-out chalets charge the most. That’s not just because they give you doorstep access – literally – to the pistes, but also because they are regularly found in the beating heart of the resort. Heading up or down the valley might require a transfer on a ski bus to start the day, but it can also offer loads more value for money.