You can start by exploring my collection of catered chalets and self-catered chalets across the French Alps, or simply get in touch and tell me what you’re looking for. Let me know your preferred dates, group size, budget and anything that’s particularly important to you and I’ll help narrow down the options. Once you’ve found a chalet you’d like to book, I’ll confirm the latest availability and price with the accommodation provider and guide you through the next steps. Your accommodation booking is made directly with the accommodation provider and you will pay them directly in accordance with their booking terms and conditions.

I’ll remain on hand throughout the process and once your accommodation is confirmed, I can also help you organise the other elements of your holiday, including airport transfers, lift passes, equipment hire, ski school, childcare, activities and restaurants. Sometimes the easiest way to find the right ski holiday really is simply to have a conversation, so if you’re not sure where to start, get in touch.

My role is to help you find the right chalet for your requirements, budget and travel plans while saving you countless hours of searching online. You benefit from my time, first-hand knowledge of the French Alps, industry relationships and personal recommendations without having to compare hundreds of properties and work out which one really suits your group.

Rather than presenting you with endless options and leaving you to work out the differences, I’ll listen to what matters to your group and recommend the chalets and resorts I believe genuinely suit you. That might be a catered chalet where everything is taken care of, a self-catered property that gives you complete independence, somewhere within metres of the lifts or a characterful chalet in a quieter Alpine village. Sometimes the right choice isn’t the most expensive chalet or the most famous resort; it’s the one that works for the way you want to spend your week.

Your accommodation booking and payments are still made directly with the accommodation provider, while I’ll remain your point of contact throughout, helping with the details before you travel and the other elements of your ski holiday if you need me. There is no additional fee to you for this service; when you book one of the chalets I introduce, I receive commission from the accommodation provider.

And when geography allows, I may even meet you in resort for that Aperol!

The ‘Prices From’ figure shown on the website is an indication of the lowest price you might expect to pay for that accommodation during the ski season. Depending on the property, this may be a price for exclusive use of the whole chalet or a per person price for an individual room. Chalet prices vary considerably throughout the season, with Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter generally commanding higher prices than off-peak weeks. Prices may also vary according to group size, room occupancy and any special offers available at the time.

I’ll always confirm the current price and availability with the accommodation provider for your particular dates and group before you decide whether to proceed.

I use four LDC Ski classifications to give you an at-a-glance indication of the overall standard, facilities and experience you can expect from each property. These are my own classifications based on the accommodation and information available to me and are separate from any official French tourist accommodation classification.

Ultimate Luxury: Exceptional in every respect. Among the finest chalets in my portfolio, with outstanding architecture, furnishings, facilities, location and overall experience.

Luxury: Premium specification throughout, with high-quality finishes, excellent facilities and a genuine luxury feel.

Premium: High-quality accommodation with standout features. Stylish, comfortable and well-equipped, but not competing with the very best luxury chalets.

Classic: Comfortable, well-equipped and good value. Chosen for practicality, location or reliability rather than luxury.

Tourist tax (taxe de séjour) is a local charge payable by adult visitors aged 18 and over staying in tourist accommodation in France. It is collected on behalf of the local authority and contributes towards tourism and local services. The amount varies by resort and accommodation and may depend on the property’s official classification and the rate set by the local authority.

Some accommodation providers include tourist tax within the holiday price, while others charge it separately. Where it is payable in addition, I’ll let you know when providing your chalet quotation wherever the amount is available and it will be confirmed by the accommodation provider as part of your booking.

Every catered chalet is slightly different, but a typical chalet holiday will include some or all of the following:

• Breakfast, usually including a continental selection with cooked options on catered mornings
• Afternoon tea with homemade cake or biscuits
• Dinner, typically three, four or five courses
• Wine with dinner
• Children’s high tea, where offered
• Tea, coffee and other refreshments
• Housekeeping during your stay
• Bed linen and towels
• Wi-Fi
• Use of the chalet’s facilities, such as a hot tub, sauna or steam room where available
• Cots, high chairs and other infant equipment where available

Some chalets offer a more extensive service which might also include:

• Morning tea or coffee delivered to your room
• Champagne or Prosecco on arrival
• Apéritifs and canapés before dinner
• Cheese and port
• Upgraded wines, beer, spirits or cocktails
• Toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
• Daily or mid-week towel changes
• Evening turndown service
• A driver or chauffeur service to and from the slopes and, in some cases, around the resort

The precise inclusions vary considerably between catered chalets, so I’ll always make clear what’s included when presenting your options and the accommodation provider will confirm the inclusions as part of your booking.

One of the great pleasures of a catered chalet holiday is coming back from the slopes knowing that the shopping, cooking and washing up are being taken care of for you. Your day will typically start with breakfast in the chalet before you head out skiing. When you return in the afternoon, tea and homemade cake or biscuits will usually be waiting for you. In the evening, your chalet hosts or chef will prepare dinner, often accompanied by wine, while younger children may have the option of an earlier high tea. The style and level of catering varies from chalet to chalet. Some offer relaxed, hearty home cooking while others provide a much more sophisticated dining experience with professional chefs, canapés, carefully selected wines and multi-course menus.

I’ll make the catering arrangements clear when recommending a chalet so you can choose a style that suits your group as well as your budget.

Not sure which style would suit you? Read my guide to choosing between a catered and self-catered ski chalet.

Most catered chalet holidays include evening meals on five or six nights of a seven-night stay, giving you one or two evenings to sample the local restaurants. Breakfast and afternoon tea are often provided on all seven days, although the service on the chalet team’s day off will usually be different. On days off, breakfast is normally self-service, with everything laid out the night before and fresh items left in the fridge for you to help yourselves. Fresh bread or pastries may also be delivered in the morning. Afternoon tea may similarly be left ready for you. You’re usually expected to clear away and do the washing up on these days and it’s a nice gesture to leave everything tidy so the chalet team can get straight on with looking after you again the following morning!

Exact catering arrangements vary, so I’ll confirm the schedule for your chosen chalet before you book.

In most cases, yes. Accommodation providers are accustomed to catering for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets and, provided they know in advance, can usually adapt their menus accordingly. Some may apply a supplement for certain dietary requirements where specialist ingredients are more expensive or difficult to source locally. Genuine food dislikes can often be accommodated too, but most catered chalets work to a predetermined menu rather than cooking individual meals to order. If several members of your group have different preferences, it may not always be possible to adapt every dish for everyone, so please let me know about these in advance too. Halal and kosher ingredients can be considerably harder to source in the Alps, so options may be more limited. Where this applies, I’ll discuss your requirements with the accommodation provider and find out what they can offer.

All food allergies must be disclosed in advance, particularly severe allergies. The accommodation provider will confirm whether and to what extent they can safely accommodate them.

Many catered chalets offer an earlier children’s high tea, typically with homemade, child-friendly meals served before the adults’ dinner. The age at which this is offered varies between accommodation providers and older children can often join high tea too if preferred. If you’d rather your children eat with the adults, this can usually be arranged, although they will generally be served the same menu as the adults. Some accommodation providers may offer smaller portions or adaptations for younger children.

Infants are not usually catered for separately, although chalet hosts may sometimes be able to blend suitable vegetables or other ingredients being used for the children’s or adults’ meals. If you’re travelling with a baby, let me know what you’ll need and I’ll check what your chosen chalet can provide. Baby food is also readily available in most larger resort supermarkets.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the chalet price will not normally include:

• Travel to and from resort
• Airport transfers
• Lunches
• Lift passes
• Ski or snowboard equipment hire
• Ski or snowboard lessons
• Childcare
• Additional activities
• Travel insurance
• Tourist tax, where charged separately

There are exceptions. Some accommodation providers include extras such as airport transfers or lift passes and tourist tax may either be included in the price or charged separately.

I’ll make clear what’s included and what’s additional when presenting your chalet options, so you can compare the overall holiday cost rather than simply the headline accommodation price.

Depending on the chalet, you may be looked after by a chalet host, a host and chef team or a larger in-resort team. They’ll typically prepare and serve your meals, look after the chalet during your stay and be your day-to-day contact in resort. The staffing arrangements vary according to the size and style of chalet. Some luxury properties have dedicated professional chefs, hosts, housekeepers and drivers, while smaller chalets may be looked after by one or two hosts. In some catered chalets, the hosts or other members of the chalet team live in separate staff accommodation within the chalet itself, while in others they live elsewhere in resort and come in each day. If having staff living in the chalet or alternatively having the property entirely to yourselves outside service hours is important to you, let me know and I’ll check the arrangements before you book.

I’ll always let you know what level of service you can expect from the chalet you’re considering.

A self-catered chalet or apartment gives you the freedom to organise your week exactly as you wish. You’ll have your accommodation for your group’s exclusive use and can cook when you want, eat out as often as you like or add anything from delivered meals to a private chef. Self-catered accommodation ranges from comfortable apartments and traditional mountain chalets to exceptional luxury properties, so choosing self-catered doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on facilities or service; it simply gives you more flexibility over how you spend your week.

Once your booking is confirmed, I’ll make sure you have the practical information you need before you travel, including arrival and access arrangements, bed configurations where applicable and details of anything the accommodation provider requires from you in advance. Self-catered doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself either. I can recommend catering and wine delivery options and help with restaurants as well as the usual ski holiday extras.

Every property is different and depending on the accommodation, your stay may include:

• Bed linen and towels
• Beds made for your arrival
• A welcome pack of basic essentials
• Wi-Fi
• Logs and kindling where there is a log fire
• Cots, high chairs or other infant equipment where available
• An in-resort contact or meet-and-greet service
• Hot tub maintenance where applicable
• End-of-stay cleaning

Higher-service properties may also include toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, mid-week cleaning or towel changes and, in some cases, an in-resort driver service. I’ll make the exact inclusions clear when presenting your accommodation options, as these can vary considerably between properties and accommodation providers.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the accommodation price will not normally include:

• Travel to and from resort
• Airport transfers
• Food and meals
• Daily housekeeping
• Lift passes
• Ski or snowboard equipment hire
• Ski or snowboard lessons
• Childcare
• Additional activities
• Travel insurance
• Tourist tax, where charged separately

There are plenty of exceptions, particularly with higher-end self-catered properties where services such as housekeeping, drivers or even airport transfers may be included. I’ll make clear what’s included and what’s additional when presenting your options.

Absolutely. One of the advantages of booking self-catered accommodation is that you can add as much or as little catering as you like. Depending on the resort and property, options can range from freshly prepared meals delivered to your chalet to a private chef for selected evenings, a special occasion or your entire stay. Full chalet catering may also be available, giving you many of the benefits of a catered chalet while retaining the privacy and flexibility of your chosen accommodation.

If you tell me what you’re looking for, I’ll recommend suitable catering options and put you in touch with the provider to discuss menus, dietary requirements and prices. Wine can also be pre-ordered for delivery to your chalet, whether you’re arranging catering or simply want a selection waiting for you during your stay.

End-of-stay cleaning is included with many of the self-catered properties I feature, although this varies and I’ll confirm it when presenting your accommodation. Even where an end-of-stay clean is included, you’ll normally be expected to leave the property in a reasonable condition, with washing-up completed and rubbish disposed of in the appropriate bins. End-of-stay cleaning doesn’t generally mean leaving the kitchen full of dirty dishes or the property excessively untidy! A security or damage deposit may also be required by the accommodation provider and is normally refunded after departure once the property has been checked. Additional cleaning charges may be deducted where permitted under the accommodation provider’s booking terms.

Bed linen and towels are included with many of the self-catered properties I feature and the beds may also be made up ready for your arrival. With some accommodation, particularly more simply serviced apartments, linen and towels may instead be available to hire or you may be asked to bring your own.

I’ll always let you know what is provided before you book so there are no surprises when you arrive. Where beds can be configured as doubles or twins, I may also ask for your preferred bed configuration before you travel so that they can be prepared accordingly.

This varies between properties and will be confirmed before you travel, although check-in is typically from around 15:00 or 16:00 to allow sufficient time for cleaning and preparation after the previous guests have departed.

If you’re arriving early to make the most of an extra day’s skiing, it may be possible to leave your luggage at the accommodation or somewhere nearby before check-in. Let me know in advance and I’ll check what arrangements are available with your accommodation provider.

Check-out is typically around 09:00 or 10:00 to give the accommodation team enough time to prepare the property for the next guests.

If you’re departing later and would like to ski on your final day, luggage storage may sometimes be available at the accommodation or elsewhere in resort. Let me know in advance and I’ll check what arrangements are available.

Arrival arrangements vary depending on the property. At a catered chalet, you’ll often be welcomed by your chalet hosts, manager or another member of the resort team, who will show you around and explain everything you need to know about your stay. Self-catered properties may offer a meet-and-greet service or self check-in, with access details such as a door code or key-safe instructions sent shortly before your arrival. If you’re arriving late, whether planned or because of a travel delay, alternative access arrangements can usually be made where necessary.

I’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect before you travel and, if there are any problems on arrival, I can help liaise with the accommodation provider.

Parking arrangements vary considerably between properties and resorts. Some chalets and apartments have private parking, while others use public car parks nearby, which may be free or chargeable. In some resort centres, parking is limited and advance reservations may be required.

Where parking is available, this will normally be shown within the property features and I’ll confirm the arrangements if you’re planning to drive to resort.

Where bedrooms can be configured as doubles or twins, many accommodation providers will ask for your preferred bed configuration before arrival so that the rooms can be prepared accordingly. Some properties have limited double or king-size bedding, however, so twin beds may occasionally be made separately and pushed together where a double is requested.

For catered chalets, you may also be asked to provide a room allocation showing which guests will be staying in each bedroom. For larger groups, I strongly recommend agreeing this before you travel so that everyone knows where they’re sleeping and the chalet team can prepare the rooms correctly before you arrive.

For self-catered accommodation, the accommodation provider will usually only need your preferred bed configuration rather than the names of the guests occupying each room. The exact arrangements vary by property and I’ll let you know what information is required.

Some of the properties I feature welcome well-behaved dogs by prior arrangement. Policies vary between accommodation providers and some may restrict the number or size of dogs accepted or charge an additional cleaning fee. In catered chalets, dogs will generally only be considered where your group has exclusive use of the property and there may be restrictions on where they are allowed during meal preparation and service. Dogs should not normally be left unattended for long periods, so it’s worth considering what arrangements you’ll make while you’re skiing.

If you’d like to bring your dog, let me know when you enquire and I’ll check which properties are suitable and what conditions apply.

If you need to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible and I’ll help liaise with the accommodation provider on your behalf. Your accommodation booking is made directly with the accommodation provider, so their cancellation terms and charges will apply. These vary between providers and according to how close to departure you cancel, so it’s important to read their booking terms and conditions before confirming your holiday. Depending on the circumstances, LDC Ski may charge an administration fee of £25 per person for the time involved in assisting with an amendment or cancellation, as set out in the LDC Ski Terms & Conditions.

If something isn’t right during your stay, please raise it with the accommodation provider or relevant service provider as soon as possible so they have the opportunity to put it right while you’re there. Most issues are much easier to resolve at the time than after you’ve returned home.

Please let me know too. Where appropriate, I’ll be happy to help facilitate communication with the provider and try to help get things back on track. If an issue cannot be resolved during your stay, any formal complaint should be made directly to the accommodation provider or relevant service provider in accordance with their complaints procedure and booking terms. As LDC Ski is the introducing intermediary rather than the provider of the accommodation or ancillary service, responsibility for investigating and resolving the complaint remains with the provider concerned.

LDC Ski does not take or hold your accommodation payments and does not provide ATOL, ABTA or other financial protection. I act as an independent introducing intermediary: your accommodation booking is made directly with the accommodation provider and you pay them directly. Where financial protection is available for your accommodation or another service, it is provided by the relevant provider and is subject to their own terms and conditions. For this reason, I also strongly recommend arranging appropriate travel insurance, including winter sports cover, as soon as you book your holiday.

The four main airports used for ski holidays in the French Alps are Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry. The best airport for your holiday will depend on your chosen resort, flight availability and transfer options. Geneva is the most commonly used airport for many French Alpine resorts and generally offers the widest choice of flights from the UK. Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry can also be convenient alternatives, particularly for resorts in the Tarentaise and Three Valleys.

If you’re not sure which airport to choose, I can advise on the most practical options for your resort before you book your flights.

Transfer times vary according to your arrival airport, resort, traffic and weather conditions, but the following gives an approximate guide:

Journey times can be considerably longer on peak changeover days, particularly during the Christmas, New Year and school holiday periods, when traffic through the Alpine valleys can be very heavy. Snowfall and adverse weather can also cause delays. These times are therefore a guide rather than a guarantee and it’s always sensible to allow plenty of time when planning your return journey to the airport.

Once your accommodation is confirmed, I can help you find a suitable airport transfer. Send me your flight details and I’ll recommend options from my trusted transfer partners based on your group size, arrival airport and resort.

Depending on the route and your requirements, options may include private transfers, shared transfers or, with some accommodation providers, a dedicated transfer service linked to your chalet booking. You’ll book and pay the transfer provider directly and their own booking terms and conditions will apply.

If you haven’t booked your flights yet, I’m also happy to advise on the most practical arrival airports and flight timings for your chosen resort before you do.

You can book your flights independently, but if you have a choice of flight times it’s worth checking the transfer arrangements first. Some shared or accommodation-provider transfers operate within particular arrival and departure windows and choosing a flight outside those times could mean a longer wait or needing a private transfer instead.

If you send me the flight options you’re considering, I can check the likely transfer arrangements before you book.

If you’re driving to the Alps, I’ll send you directions and useful arrival information for your chosen accommodation before you travel. I recommend following these rather than relying solely on your sat nav, particularly for the final part of your journey into resort. Alpine navigation can sometimes be misleading in winter. Mountain passes and minor roads that appear on navigation systems may be closed because of snow and there are places with identical or very similar names elsewhere in France, so entering only the resort name can occasionally send you considerably off course.

I’ll also confirm the parking arrangements for your accommodation so you know what to expect when you arrive.

Once your accommodation is confirmed, I’ll send you information about the lift pass options available for your resort and help you work out which pass is most suitable for your group. Depending on the resort and accommodation provider, you may be able to order your passes online in advance, recharge existing compatible lift pass cards or arrange for passes to be delivered to or collected from your accommodation. Some accommodation providers can also organise lift passes for their guests so that they’re ready when you arrive.

I’ll explain the options for your particular resort, including any relevant family, group, child or senior rates, so you can decide which pass best suits your plans.

Yes. I work with and recommend ski schools across the resorts I feature and can help you find suitable group or private lessons for adults and children, from complete beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to improve their technique. I’ll send you details of the schools I recommend for your resort and, where available, a dedicated booking link or referral link. You’ll make your booking and payment directly with the ski school and their own booking terms and conditions will apply. Ski school availability can become limited during peak weeks, particularly for children’s group lessons and popular private lesson times, so this is something I recommend organising early.

Yes. I work with trusted equipment hire partners across the resorts I feature and will send you details of the most convenient options for your accommodation. Depending on the resort, you may be able to collect your equipment from a shop close to the slopes or have it delivered and fitted at your chalet. I’ll also let you know about any preferential rates or LDC Ski discount codes available through my partners. You’ll book and pay the equipment provider directly.

Yes. I work with established childcare providers in a number of the resorts I feature and can recommend options according to the ages of your children and the type of childcare you’re looking for. Private nannies can be particularly flexible, looking after children in your chalet and tailoring the day around your family’s plans. Depending on the provider, full-day, half-day, evening and part-week childcare may be available. Resort crèches and other childcare services may also be an option in some resorts.

Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll send you details of suitable providers and help check availability and prices. You’ll book and pay the childcare provider directly. Childcare can become very limited during school holiday weeks, so I strongly recommend organising it as early as possible.

Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for somewhere special for lunch on the mountain, a family-friendly restaurant, an evening out or somewhere to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, I’m happy to recommend restaurants in and around your resort and help with reservations where needed.

There’s also plenty to do away from the pistes. Depending on the resort, activities might include snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, paragliding, fat biking, zip lines, bowling, tobogganing and spa treatments or massages. In La Plagne, you can even experience the Olympic bobsleigh track.

Tell me what interests your group and I’ll suggest options available in your resort and, where appropriate, introduce you to the relevant provider.

You don’t need to organise everything at once, but some services are worth booking as soon as your accommodation and travel plans are confirmed. Ski school and childcare should be high on the list, particularly during Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter, as the most popular lesson times and childcare options can fill quickly. Airport transfers are also worth arranging once you’ve booked your flights, especially if you’re travelling during a peak week or have particular arrival or departure times. Equipment hire and lift passes can usually be organised a little later, although arranging them in advance means there’s less to think about when you arrive in resort.

Restaurants and activities can often wait until closer to your holiday, but popular mountain restaurants, special occasion restaurants and sought-after activities may need to be reserved well in advance during busy weeks. Once your accommodation is confirmed, I’ll help you work through everything in a sensible order so you don’t need to organise the whole holiday in one go.

Not at all. My recommendations are there to make planning your holiday easier and you’re completely free to use them or make your own arrangements. I’ve selected partners and providers that I know, have worked with or am happy to recommend, but the choice is always yours. Where you choose one of my recommended providers, you’ll normally book and pay them directly and their own terms and conditions will apply. I may receive commission or a referral fee from some of the providers I recommend, at no additional cost to you.

Before you travel, I’ll ask you for the information needed by your accommodation provider and to help make sure everything is ready for your arrival. Depending on your booking, this may include the names and ages of everyone in your group, dietary requirements and allergies, room allocations or preferred bed configurations and your travel and expected arrival details.

If you’ve asked me to help with other elements of your holiday, I may also need additional information for services such as airport transfers, equipment hire, ski school or childcare.

Don’t worry about providing everything when you first book. I’ll let you know what information is needed and when, and make sure the relevant details are passed to the appropriate provider.

I strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, making sure it includes appropriate winter sports cover for the activities you intend to take part in. If you already have an annual policy, check that winter sports are included and that the cover is suitable for your trip.

If you’re eligible, you should also travel with a valid GHIC or EHIC. These can provide access to necessary state healthcare in France but are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.

You may also have the option of purchasing Carré Neige with your lift pass, which provides specific insurance and assistance cover for skiing and mountain activities. Again, this should not be regarded as a substitute for appropriate travel insurance and you should check the cover provided before purchasing.

Before you leave home, make sure you have your passport and any other travel documents you require, travel and accommodation details, appropriate travel insurance information and your GHIC or EHIC if applicable, together with any confirmations or booking details you may need for transfers, equipment hire, ski school or other services.

I’ll send you the relevant accommodation and arrival information before you travel, so it’s a good idea to have this easily accessible on your phone rather than relying on being able to find it online when you arrive in resort.