Our expertise
Why it’s worth it to stay in a luxury ski chalet
By Nici Davies, Ski Travel Specialist at Travelwise
Luxury ski chalets conjure a certain image:
Champagne on arrival, snow-covered rooftops, the smell of something delicious drifting in from the kitchen. And yes, that’s all part of it. But for me, the real magic of chalet life is how easy it makes everything feel.
You’re not checking into a lobby or navigating busy restaurants. You’re stepping into a private space, designed entirely around your group. The pace slows, the pressure lifts and everything, from breakfast to bedtime, just flows.
Nici Davies
With over 30 years of expertise at Travelwise, Nici specialises in family adventures, luxury ski holidays and indulgent beach escapes. Her extensive knowledge of diverse destinations allows her to offer the perfect suggestion, even when you're not exactly sure what you're looking for.
Most of the chalet bookings I arrange are for groups.
Multi-generational families, a few couples travelling together or friends planning something special. It’s often a shift from the hotel experience, but once you’ve stayed in a chalet, it’s hard to go back.
Why choose a chalet over a hotel?
It’s about space, atmosphere and service. In a chalet, everything is tailored to you: no set dining times, no juggling spa slots or ski storage. Just a home-like setting with hotel-level service behind the scenes.
Mornings start with a private chef preparing breakfast. The children head to the cinema room while the adults ease into the day with coffee by the fire. You return from the slopes to freshly baked cake or a glass of wine waiting in the kitchen. Dinner is served when it suits you: no dress codes, no strangers.
It works especially well for groups. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family holiday or a relaxed week in the Alps, there’s something about a chalet that brings people together – without ever feeling crowded.
What’s included - and what makes it special.
Most high-end chalets include a chef, daily housekeeping, a concierge and often a driver for the week. But it’s the details that elevate the experience: preferences remembered, timings adapted, favourite drinks stocked, kids’ meals made early without asking.
You can have hot tubs under the stars, indoor pools, saunas, massage rooms, cinema setups or yoga instructors on request. No two chalets are the same, and that’s part of the joy.
How the pricing works.
Chalets often offer better value than people expect, especially for larger groups. A 7-bedroom luxury chalet might cost around £49,000 for the week. At first glance that’s a big number, but once you break it down, it’s roughly £1,000 per room per night including meals, drinks, transfers and service.
Compare that to seven hotel rooms with meals, extras and ski logistics, and you’re often in the same range, without the privacy, flexibility or warmth of a private space.
Why the right help matters.
Planning a chalet stay involves more than just picking a pretty property. I’m closely connected with the chalets I recommend, so I can guide you through the teams, the layouts, the locations and the small things that make a big difference.
From booking ski passes and restaurant reservations to finding a chalet that suits your pace, I’ll help plan a trip that flows, so you can focus on enjoying the mountains with the people you love.
Thinking about a ski trip?
If you’re starting to dream of fireside evenings, fresh snow and somewhere special to bring everyone together, I’d love to help shape your perfect chalet stay. Just get in touch and we’ll start planning.
