Photo: Chalet Orsini, Verbier
5 Reasons to Rent a Chalet for the Whole Season
Seasonal chalet rentals are on the rise and here's why you should book one this season.
Advice
Published at: 4 Oct 2019
Last updated at: 1 Jun 2023
In recent years we have seen a growing demand for seasonal chalet rentals. Whether you’re taking a break from your career, looking to improve your skills on the slopes or working remotely, renting a luxury ski chalet for the season has many advantages.
Serena Norton
Photo: No. 5 Apartment 5, Verbier1 / 5
Photo: Apartment Sweet Escape, Courchevel 18502 / 5
Photo: Sweet Little Home, St Anton3 / 5
Photo: Chalet Crystal White, Megeve4 / 5
Photo: Chalet 3 Flocons, Verbier5 / 5
- Navigate the mountain like a local
One of the best reasons to take a chalet for the season is to truly get to know the mountain and ski area. Gone are the days when you have to keep stopping and pouring over the piste map. Before you know it you will be zipping around the resort like a local, knowing exactly where to find that untouched powder and where to go to avoid the crowds. - Become part of a mountain community
A week is definitely not long enough to get under the skin of a resort. What about all those bars and restaurants you didn’t get to try? After a season, you will be a pro at knowing where and when the best bands are playing, where the locals go to drink, where you can find the best late-night snacks and so much more. Perhaps you might even brush up on your language skills? Plus think of all the activities you have longed to try but haven’t had time to pack in. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, paragliding, dog sledding - the options are endless. - Value for money
This may surprise you but renting a chalet or apartment for a season could actually save you money, particularly if you plan to spend a few weeks of the season on the slopes. Peak weeks such as Christmas, New Year and Half-Term tend to have peak prices too. By renting a chalet for the season the rates do not fluctuate week by week and are a lot more reasonable overall. You could even sublet the property to friends on weeks you aren’t going to be there to cut costs.
Then there’s the matter of the ski pass. A seasonal lift pass is surprisingly cheap for the number of skiing weeks you get. For example, a week’s lift pass in St. Anton cost €337 for the 19/20 ski season whilst a seasonal pass was €860, meaning you can ski from 21 December until 3 April for the price of approximately two and a half weeks. - Flexible Travel
One of the advantages of renting a seasonal chalet is the fact you aren’t tied to specific dates set by the owner or operator of the chalet. Not only does this give you a better choice of flights, thus reducing travel costs, but also means you don’t have to travel at peak times thereby avoiding airport queues and extra hassle. Also, if you plan on flying back and forth over the course of the season you have the satisfaction of knowing that your ski kit is in the chalet ready and waiting.
You can also time your weeks to coincide with the best snow. By keeping an eye on the forecast, just book a flight and you’ll be knee-deep in powder before you know it. Once you're there, enjoy the bluebird days and avoid the white outs - there's so much less pressure to ski every day when you're there for a longer period. No more guilt, just spend time relaxing in the luxury of your chalet. - Improve your skills on the slopes
Always wanted to master moguls, go freestyle or try your hand at slalom? This is what spending a season in the mountains is all about. It is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and learn new disciplines. A week’s skiing once a year just isn’t long enough to truly fulfil your potential.
We have a fantastic selection of seasonal chalets & apartments as well as some off-market properties. Contact the team to find out more.
