Christmas in the mountains has a special magic: snow-dusted chalets, twinkling lights, roaring fires and the excitement of skiing during the most festive week of the year. But because it’s one of the busiest periods of the winter, planning ahead for your catered chalet val d isere holiday is the key to making your holiday smooth, memorable and stress-free. Here’s how to do it.
1. Book Early – The Best Chalets Go First
Christmas week in the Alps sells out months in advance. Catered chalets with great locations, family-friendly facilities or ski-in/ski-out access are usually snapped up by September or October. By booking now, you’ll:
- Secure your preferred dates and resort
- Lock in early-bird prices
- Get a wider choice of room configurations and amenities
Tip: Decide on your destination and group size as soon as possible so you can reserve the perfect property before it disappears.
2. Choose the Right Resort for Your Group
Not every resort suits every group. Consider:
- Families: Look for resorts with gentle nursery slopes, ski schools and short transfers.
- Mixed-ability groups: Choose larger ski areas with varied runs and plenty of après-ski options.
- Powder chasers: Aim for high-altitude resorts with reliable December snow.
Val d’Isère, Tignes and Val Thorens in France are perennial Christmas favourites because of their snow records and vibrant holiday atmosphere.
3. Opt for a Catered Chalet for True Relaxation
Cooking Christmas dinner for a crowd after a day on the slopes can be daunting. Catered chalets remove the stress: breakfasts, afternoon teas and festive dinners are all prepared for you. Many even offer Christmas Day feasts with all the trimmings, so you can focus on skiing and family time instead of shopping and cooking.
4. Organise Travel and Transfers Early
Flights, trains and transfers to alpine resorts get more expensive and harder to find as Christmas approaches. Booking early means:
- Better flight times
- Reserved seats together for your group
- Guaranteed private or shared transfers to your chalet
Check baggage allowances for ski gear or consider renting equipment in-resort to lighten your load.
5. Pre-Book Extras
Ski schools, childcare, lift passes and equipment hire often sell out before December. Reserving these now ensures:
- You get your preferred instructors or classes
- Skip-the-queue lift pass collection
- The right sizes for boots and skis waiting for you on arrival
6. Pack Smart and Plan for Festivities
Bring your Christmas jumpers, stockings or small gifts if you want to keep family traditions alive in the mountains. Check whether your chalet decorates for the holidays or if you’d like to bring a few personal touches.
7. Stay Flexible and Enjoy
The best way to guarantee a stress-free Christmas ski holiday is to plan ahead now. Once everything is booked, you can relax, knowing that the chalet, travel and extras are taken care of — leaving you free to enjoy the snow and festive atmosphere when you arrive.
Final Word
Christmas week in the Alps is magical but high-demand. By booking your catered ski chalet and extras now, you’ll secure the best options and avoid the December scramble. That way, when the snow starts falling and the lights go up, all you have to do is pack, travel and enjoy a Christmas you’ll never forget.
