Most groups agree that ski chalets make the perfect base for a group holiday. Catered chalets are great for groups because they tick all the boxes for an unforgettable week together in the mountains.
The cosy chalet atmosphere creates a great place for your SNO mates to relax after big day on the hill, especially if you've secured the whole chalet for your party’s sole use (known as booking a catered ski chalet for “sole occupancy”).
More than mere "half board" meals included in hotels, chalets usually add afternoon tea and cake, the cleaning is taken care of and, most important for some, chalet board usually includes wine with dinner.
It’s hard to beat a home cooked breakfast to start your big day on the piste and you can even buy a packed lunch as an extra in some group chalets, although this is often at the discretion of your chalet hosts.
With postcard-worthy chalets in classic Alpine style and high-altitude access to snow-sure ski areas, France is our top pick for group ski chalets. Val d’Isere is renowned for chalets with swift slope access. For a warm, intimate setting, consider Chalet Foxtrot (sleeps 8), just 100 m from the red Santons piste in the Bellevarde area. Additionally, there's the delightful Aspen Lodge Suite (sleeps 6). In other resorts, Chalet Arktic in Tignes features a home cinema and accommodates 16-18 guests, while Chalet Sarenne in Alpe d’Huez sleeps 10.
In Austria, classic wooden chalet buildings dot the picturesque old Tyrolean villages and market towns. St Anton and St Christoph in Austria offer an ideal setting for a group catered chalet with a traditional alpine ski experience. Close to the lifts, favourites like Antoinette (sleeps 12) and Mountain Lodge chalets such as Chalet Rendl or Chalet Albona (ideal for groups of 8-10) provide a unique and cosy atmosphere.
Explore the birthplace of iconic wooden ski chalets in Switzerland for an unforgettable group ski adventure. For the best choice of ski chalets for groups, have a look at the lively village of Verbier, known for its exceptional chalets like Chalet Sorojasa (with a games room and cinema) or Marais Rouge featuring a large family-size outdoor hot tub. Saas Fee offers traditional charm and glacier skiing certainty, with chalets like Chalet Les Arolles (sleeps 10) and Chalet Casanou (sleeps 12). Or, indulge in a 5-star experience at Chalet Shalimar in Zermatt, accommodating up to 20 guests.
Experience the charm of group ski chalets in Italy, where the laid-back atmosphere, delicious cuisine and affordability make it a top choice. Skiing here is notably cheaper than in France and Switzerland, covering everything from lift passes to lessons. Choose from ten resorts for groups with huge linked ski areas suitable for all levels. Group ski chalets are a bit of a rarity in Italy. Chalet Soldanella in Selva (one of the five villages of the Sella Ronda) is one of our top picks for groups. Close to the lively resort centre and easy access to ski-lifts, it accommodates up to 26 guests, perfect for large groups of friends or clubs.
Chalet | Resort | Country | Sleeps | Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chalet Sarenne | Alpe d’Huez | France | 10 | Wellness area, near gondola |
Chalet Isba | Meribel | France | 15 | Top location, billiard room, hot tub & sauna |
Marais Rouge | Verbier | Switzerland | 13 | Cinema room, hot tub, near piste |
Chalet Arktic | Tignes | France | 16-18 | Pool & spa facilities, near lifts & centre, home cinema |
Marco Polo | Val d’Isere | France | 10-14 | Ultimate luxury group chalet, spa floor, unbeatable facilities |
Chalet Hotel Le Savoie | Val d’Isere | France | 62-87 | Main street location, luxury chalet hotel, |
Chalet Hotel Parc Victoria | Cortina | Italy | 86 | Rare catered chalet in Italy, historic property, central location |
Chalet du Berger | Val d’Isere | France | 16 | Great value group chalet, near pistes, triple rooms |
Chalet Sorojasa | Verbier | Switzerland | 10 | Luxury chalet, swimming pool, games room, cinema |
Chalet Choqui | Verbier | Switzerland | 16-20 | Incredible luxury chalet, private pool, spa, games room |
Chalet Chateau | Alpe d’Huez | France | 15 | Near slopes, shops, bars & restaurants, hot tub & sauna |
We update this list often but facilities can change, so if any specific feature is essential to your trip, make sure you ask us to confirm the details before you book your holiday.
Booking and Top Tips
1. Get everyone to commit deposits at the start; essential for very large ski groups but experienced group organisers will do this at the start of their holiday search for any ski group above 6 people. It means that, if you come across a great deal, you can book it and not take the chance of losing it while the stragglers are slow to transfer the money. It’s also a great way to be really sure who is definitely coming and who is just talking the talk - many great group chalet deals are jeopardised by the odd few people who can’t actually commit to the trip or don't have the deposit when everyone else has agreed on a package and is ready to secure the booking. Deposits vary but are usually £135 or less. If you are booking Club Med all inclusive ski packages deposits are approximately 25% of the total holiday price.
2. Collect everyone’s info;
3. Make the most of your host; it’s easy to see that the most worthwhile “extra” or added value, included in your catered group ski chalet holiday, is your chalet host. Living and skiing full time in the resort, they have a wealth of information about both the ski area and the après ski close to your group’s chalet. A good group chalet host is the best “feature” of even the most luxury group ski chalet and they are the key to making your stay surpass your expectations. Where is the best off-piste, the most group friendly restaurants, the best dancing, the sunniest slopes, the nicest mountain meet-up spot and the best way to get around? Just ask and your host will make sure your group has a great week both in and out of your chalet accommodation. They will also have information on all local events, including night skiing and tobogganing. Ask them to make your reservations for you, especially for your supper on their night off - doing this at the beginning of the week is a good idea, especially if you are a large group because restaurants get very busy on the tradition chalet hosts’ night off. Some Chalet hosts are also able to set up your own bar in the group chalet itself, if you would rather have a night in!
It can be really handy to record the skiing or snowboarding level that everyone is at, to help inform your choice of the best ski resort for a group like yours.
For more advice and top tips look at our guide to organising and booking a group ski trip.
Cheap deals in top resorts. Call for further group discount.