Planning a ski holiday in the heart of the French Alps is an exhilarating prospect, but it also comes with one big decision: do you stay in a self-catered chalet or indulge in the luxury of a catered one?
At Ski Cuisine, we offer the best of both worlds, with three catered chalets and one charming self-catered chalet located in the stunning Méribel Valley.
In this blog we’ll take a closer look at both options, so you can decide which chalet experience suits your holiday style.
The cost of buying ingredients
For those staying in a self-catered chalet, one of the most significant considerations is the cost and time of buying ingredients to cook with. After all, you’ll be in charge of all your meals, from breakfast to dinner. While self-catering can initially seem like the budget-friendly option, it’s essential to factor in local food prices.
In ski resorts like Méribel, food will be more expensive than your average shop at home. That said, shopping in the local food shops and bakeries can be part of the adventure, allowing you to experience French produce such as local cheeses, charcuterie and the much loved baguettes and pastries!
A catered chalet takes all the guesswork out of meal planning. With professional chefs sourcing and preparing all your meals, you won’t have to set foot in a supermarket or worry about the bill at checkout.
From hearty breakfasts and afternoon tea bakes to indulgent evening meals, everything is taken care of for you. While a catered chalet may cost more upfront, you’re paying for a complete service; not only delicious meals, but also the convenience of having them prepared for you and your chalet hosts to ensure you relax and enjoy the catered chalet experience.
Spending Your Energy on the Slopes, Not Cooking
The main appeal of any ski holiday is, of course, the skiing! Days spent carving your way down the slopes, exploring the expansive Three Valleys area and enjoying the mountain air are what you’ve come for.
When staying in a catered chalet, you can use all your energy on the slopes without worrying about what to shop and cook when you return. After a full day on the mountain, there’s nothing better than coming back to a warm chalet where a delicious meal is already waiting for you.
In a self-catered chalet, the responsibility of cooking falls on you. While some skiers enjoy the flexibility and freedom of self-catering, after a day of physical activity, you might find the idea of meal prep a little daunting.
Depending on how much you like to cook, preparing meals each day might take away from the time you’d rather spend relaxing or exploring the village.
However, self-catering gives you the chance to cook exactly what you want, when you want it. This can be a real advantage for families with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Discovering Méribel’s Fantastic Restaurants
One of the joys of staying in a self-catered chalet is the freedom to explore the local dining scene. Méribel boasts a fantastic array of restaurants, from cosy mountain bistros to Michelin-starred dining.
Whether you’re craving traditional Savoyard fondue, hearty steaks or even fresh fish, you’ll have endless opportunities to treat yourself after a day on the slopes. Self-catering allows you to sample these local delights as often as you like, enjoying the variety and atmosphere of different establishments.
Of course, staying in a catered chalet doesn’t mean you miss out on the restaurant experience altogether. Our guests often choose to dine out on their host’s day off, giving them the chance to explore Méribel’s restaurants while still enjoying the convenience of catered meals the rest of the week.
How Much Food Do You Really Need?
Skiing is one of the most energy-intensive activities out there, so it’s essential to fuel your body properly. After a day on the slopes, you’ll need to replenish the calories you’ve burned so you’re ready for the next day.
In a catered chalet, our professional chefs are well aware of this. They create interesting menus designed to keep you energised and satisfied. Meals are planned to provide the right balance of carbohydrates, protein and fresh produce, ensuring you’re ready for another day of adventure.
In a self-catered chalet, you’ll have full control over what you eat and when. This can be ideal for anyone with specific dietary needs or preferences. However, it also means you’ll need to be mindful of planning meals that provide enough energy for skiing. Skipping breakfast, a light salad or quick sandwich won’t cut it when you’re spending hours on the slopes, in colder temperatures than we are used to at home. You’ll want to prepare hearty meals that refuel your body, which often means spending a bit more time (and money) on ingredients.
The Final Decision: Which Chalet Experience is Right for You?
Whether you choose a catered or self-catered chalet comes down to your personal preferences and how you want to spend your time on holiday.
If you relish the idea of total relaxation, having all your meals prepared for you and served by your chalet hosts in a catered chalet is the way to go. It’s an indulgent, hassle-free experience that allows you to truly unwind.
If you enjoy the freedom to cook your meals, explore local restaurants at your leisure and perhaps save a bit on upfront costs, a self-catered chalet might be more your style. It offers flexibility and independence, perfect for those who love to be in control of their own holiday schedule.
At Ski Cuisine, whether you choose one of our beautiful catered chalets or the cosy self-catered Chalet Veronica, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday experience.
With stunning views, easy access to the slopes, and the beauty of Méribel all around, it’s impossible to go wrong. The only question is: how do you prefer to spend your evenings after a long day in the mountains – dining on an expertly prepared 4-course meal, preceded by drinks and canapes in front of the fire or cooking up your own alpine feast?