Thinking of planning a self-catered ski holiday in the French Alps? You’re in for a treat! These trips offer the freedom and flexibility to craft your perfect getaway, whether you’re a seasoned skier or just starting out.
I’m Giorgio, an avid skier with over five years at Skiworld and countless trips to the Alps under my belt. My wife, our two kids, and I love the independence that self-catered ski holidays provide, and I’m here to share some of my top tips to ensure your ski holiday goes off without a hitch.
Find the Ideal Self-Catering Apartment
The right accommodation sets the tone for self-catered ski holidays. At Skiworld, we offer a variety of ski apartments for every budget and preference, from cosy retreats to luxurious lodgings. Whether you want to be close to the action with ski-in/ski-out access or tucked away in a peaceful corner of the resort, we’ve got you covered.
When choosing, think about proximity to ski lifts, ski schools, and shops. If you’re unsure, our expert sales team can help you find a property that suits your needs. Trust me, a convenient location makes all the difference!
Know what is included in self-catered ski holidays
Self-catered ski holidays often come with perks you might not expect. For instance, Skiworld packages typically include essentials like 20-23kg of luggage on flights, bed linens, and towels—things that many booking platforms charge extra for. Plus, our packages come with full travel regulation protection, so you can book with peace of mind. Always double-check what’s included when comparing deals.
Pick your travel option
Getting to your resort should be as easy as your stay. We offer several travel options, including:
- Charter flights and shared transfers: A hassle-free and cost-effective choice.
- Scheduled flights and private transfers: Ideal for ultimate convenience.
- Self-driving: The most flexible option, giving you the freedom to bring more gear and even stop at a hypermarket en route.

Airport transfers are part-and-parcel of a ski holiday, but there are options to help make the journey suit your preferences…
Arrival in Resort
Arriving early? Great idea! Use the extra time to get organised so you can hit the slopes first thing the next day. Check-in times usually range from 4 to 5 pm, but you can often store your bags at reception beforehand. This gives you time to:
- Check-In (verifying your identity, collecting paperwork and information and paying the Tourist Tax, and you will be requested to leave a credit card deposit)
- Collect lift passes
- Arrange ski hire
- Visit the ski school and find the meeting point
- Do your food shopping
If you’re driving, plan your stops wisely and stock up at a large supermarket before heading to the resort—it’s a smarter and more affordable option. Arriving late? Notify the residence in advance to arrange a late check-in, and don’t schedule any early ski lessons the next morning. If you are travelling on one of our shared transfers or to one of our staffed resorts and you know that you are running late, you can ask our team to contact the residence and help you with the late check-in.
Get to Know Your Facilities
Once you’re in your apartment, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the space and check you know how to use the equipment. Kitchens in self-catered ski apartments are typically well-equipped but can vary by supplier. Check for essentials like:
- A hob, oven, or microwave
- Fridge-freezer
- Utensils and cooking tools
I always pack a wine opener, a quality knife (in checked luggage, of course), and a couple of tea towels. These small items can make a big difference. For premium apartments, you might find extras like pod coffee machines or eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
You should have the first roll of toilet paper available, but you’ll need to buy more as needed. Top apartments might provide toilet paper for the whole week, and the best suppliers in their top residences are now starting to offer kitchen basics like salt, pepper, oil, and even ketchup and mustard, like CGH for their “5* CGH Boutique Residences Collection”.
Many of our self-catering properties offer extra amenities such as wellness and spa areas, outdoor/indoor heated pools (always a hit with the children), and cosy reception areas. In these cases, you might often find slippers and extra towels/bathrobes for the spa area/pool (sometimes available directly at the pool).
High-end accommodations are usually spacious and offer ample storage space, while lower-rated apartments might be more compact with fewer storage options.
Upon arrival (or within the first 24 hours), you may be asked to do a quick inventory of the apartment’s contents.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
One of the joys of self-catered ski holidays is cooking your own meals. Keep it simple and delicious. Even in the best apartments, kitchens are often small, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the facilities, space, and available tools. French supermarkets are stocked with amazing local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh bread – and you can always pack some of your favourites from home, like biscuits, coffee, seasonings, even your preferred tea bags! Easy pasta dishes, raclette, or fondue are fantastic options—just ask reception for the necessary kits in advance.
For lunches, pack sandwiches and snacks to enjoy on the slopes – a great option, especially on sunny days. And for a special treat, consider dining out on your last evening or trying a meal delivery service. Skiworld’s team can help you arrange add-ons like these when you book.

Can’t go wrong with a sandwich. Pop to the local supermarket and grab some sandwich filling essentials and prepare the night before so you are ready to head out bright and early. Indulge in the local fresh bread, cheese and meats.
Take Advantage of Residence Facilities and Services
Many self-catered ski accommodations offer fantastic extras, such as:
- Heated pools or spa facilities
- Bakery delivery services for fresh morning pastries
- End-of-stay cleaning options
Take advantage of these to make your holiday even more relaxing. And don’t forget to settle any additional bills, like for spa treatments or bakery orders, at check-out.
Don’t forget that Skiworld provides comprehensive resort information ahead of your trip, helping you locate supermarkets, ski rentals, and local restaurants near your accommodation.
Self-Catered Ski Holidays: On Departure
Check your travel documents to see if end-of-stay cleaning is included. If not, you’ll need to tidy up the kitchen, empty bins, and strip the beds. Most residences inspect the apartment before returning your deposit, so leaving it in good condition is essential.
Self-catered ski holidays combine independence and comfort, making them a top choice for families and groups alike. Explore our carefully selected properties in the French Alps and start planning your next adventure today. With a bit of preparation, your trip will be nothing short of amazing!
Now’s the perfect time to try self-catered ski holidays. Explore our range of properties in top resorts and start planning your next holiday!
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