Catered chalet holidays - why we love them so much!

I got the bug for catered chalet holidays back in the 90s. I had been taking my family of ski lovers to apartments in the centre of Meribel, the only ski resort I had ever heard of at the time that was in driving reach. I had nobody to help me organise the holiday, it was the days before the internet became what it is today. It all felt a bit rough and ready, we were shattered at the end of each day and too tired to cook. We dined in restaurants in the evening and oh boy did my spending money disappear quick! Affordable apartments were pretty soul less and not much fun and by the end of the week the limited space had meant a pretty messy existence. Heading out of the door in the evening to try and enjoy my holiday was the only option.

By the mid 90s, I had had enough. I was determined to make my holiday more enjoyable and was very surprised to find that a catered chalet holiday pretty much cost the same as my self-catered holiday when I looked at how much I was spending in restaurants.

Setting cost aside, the enjoyment of a catered chalet holiday experience by far exceeded the soul less self-catering offers I had experienced.

Nowadays, our catered chalet holidays are wonderful by comparison. The booking process is fabulous, the websites are easy to browse and very informative, choosing the best chalet for my group is simply done by browsing through lovely tempting photos and detailed descriptions. A choice of payment methods are available and most importantly in this uncertain climate, financial protection for my hard-earned money puts my mind at rest.

On arrival at the chalet, my bulky travel gear is ditched in the boot room, a lovely warm welcome from my chalet hosts awaits and I’m soon unpacking my case into my super comfy bedroom. Getting to do this as quickly as possible suits me perfectly, I want to go into the lounge and sit by the log fire in my t-shirt, jeans and flip flops and grab a beer or a glass of wine and relax. MY HOLIDAY HAS TRULY BEGUN!

The chalet soon becomes my home from home, I can relax, have a laugh with my friends and family and even do the odd bit of work when needed. Dinner time awaits, home cooked food and plenty of it washed down with a glass of vino or two. With dinner over and a bit of chill time, my bed awaits and a good night sleep, knowing I can jump in the shower and go down to breakfast in my ski pants! Before I know it, I can smell fresh coffee brewing and the aroma of freshly baked croissants. A hearty breakfast awaits with plenty of choice. I’m ready to hit the slopes for a big day on the mountain. My chalet hosts will clean up….brilliant!

By 4pm my day of exercise is over, my legs are tired and I’m heading back to my new home.  As expected, there’s cake and a cuppa and before long I’m in the hot tub with a nice cold bear watching the sun go down! There’s a call for dinner around 7pm and we all sit comfortably at the table. I feel spoilt…a dinner party every night….a fabulous menu with wine…and puds….I’m treated like a king!! It's the main event and lives up to the billing. One evening we head into town and the chalet hosts enjoy a much deserved day off.

By the end of the week I have had a truly amazing experience. My catered chalet holiday has been as expected. I am aware that my chalet hosts have truly created a real holiday experience. They have been politely attentive, warm and friendly without being intrusive and have looked after me real good by serving great food and creating a homely ambience. I have skied every day, come home to a cosy, clean and tidy home from home, I’ve eaten cake, just the best breakfast every day and enjoyed wonderful company over great food and wine in the evenings. I’ve had the time of my life and I can go home feeling my money has been well spent. My hosts were worth every penny and definitely worth a little token of my appreciation on departure and I’m sure the cost of my catered chalet holiday cost no more than the pretty soul less self-catering options long forgotten.

Catered Chalet Holidays every time for me !

How about you?

ALPINIUM CATERED CHALET HOLIDAYS

Alpinium even more….we collect you on arrival in our very own minibuses, driven by our lovely team who understand what our guests need. A nice safe journey and informative in our own language. On arrival our drivers escort you to the chalet and ensure you are settled in. Our chalet hosts provide a warm welcome over a glass of bubbly and before you know it, our qualified ski techs are delivering your pre-ordered equipment and check-fitting in the comfort of your new home.

You are fed and cared for unbelievably well for a week, you too will feel like kings and after your ski, you will feel truly relaxed in the comfort of your home in the Alps.  A truly amazing experience awaits. Let Alpinium take care of you, your friends and your family. The measure of a great holiday means that you’ve relaxed, loved your time on the mountain, feel well fed and spoiled.

That’s Alpinium…That’s what we do! BOOK NOW.