Inspiration and Advice
Bit unsure? Our ski experts are brimming with knowledge and advice, let us guide you.
Inspiration
Got a question? See if it's already been answered using the search tool below...
If you can't find what your looking for try entering keywords rather than questions. For example enter 'transfer' and the transfer related questions or answers will be shown.
Search results
- Which is the best choice between a hotel and a catered chalet? Click to reveal answer
-
This really depends on what kind of holiday you want. Chalets can be fantastic if you get a group of friends together to take the whole thing and equally if you want to meet some new people or generally just have a laugh. Hotels are a little more formal so if you are honeymooning or love your privacy maybe a hotel is for you, and they’re more likely to have a spa or pool for example. Which is best? That’s up to your preferences. We love both.
- What’s the difference between staying in a hotel and catered chalet? Click to reveal answer
-
Scale is the biggest difference with chalet tending to be up to around 30 people and hotels can accommodate hundreds of people. And with this enlargement of scale you often find you get a reduced connection with the staff. Chalet are much more informal and you have plenty of time to chat with your hosts and get advice on the town and slopes.
The communal areas are a big difference as well. With chalets it tends to be one or two lounge areas where guests can relax and be sociable. Whereas hotels tend to have a few more facilities to enjoy or a bar as an informal way of socialising. To get the most out of a chalet you should put a little effort in, it’s definitely a social experience. And everyone has at least one thing in common – they love to ski.
So chalets are great for the social and can be great for beginners too with tips and invaluable advice from the staff and more experienced guests a like.
Hotels can offer a little more privacy and can have some fabulous restaurants and pools etc.
Each has exceptions and many overlapping features, if you still can’t make up your mind have a chat with one of our ski sales specialists on 0208 939 0867.
Do any of these help?
- I’m a beginner where can I buy ski clothes? Click to reveal answer
-
As a beginner, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune especially if you’re not even sure you’ll like skiing yet. We’d suggest somewhere like TK Maxx to pick up some bargains or you can even rent for the first time and then pick up some deals in the spring (Two Seasons have some great discounts or any online retailer). Try renting from Ski Togs. We haven’t tried them yet but it looks easy enough to us. Failing that see if you can borrow a friend’s ski gear.
Take a look at our favourite ski resorts for beginners.
- Are there hairdryers in the rooms? Click to reveal answer
-
For our flexiski operated chalets (Chalet des Cascades, The Loft at 272, Chalet Ophelia, Chalet Amalien Haus and Chalet Little Haus) you can leave your hairdryer at home safe in the knowledge that every room has one, unless of course you love your all singing, all dancing, super powerful one, in which case, bring it. For hotels you will have to check the ‘in room amenities’ on the hotel pages on our website, most hotels will have hairdryers but it’s always worth double checking, give us a ring if you’re still unsure.
- What are the best resorts for beginners? Click to reveal answer
-
Megeve is always great for beginners, plenty of gentle slopes and a fantastic town so it’s not just about the skiing. Courchevel is also a safe bet. Trysil in Norway offers fantastic skiing for beginners and a great ski school, learn to ski in the home of skiing! Or if you like the look of Austria then Obergurgl is also a great choice.
Read our best ski resorts for beginners blog for some further suggestions.
- How does a ski trip in the USA, Canada or Japan differ from a European one? Click to reveal answer
-
We know and love Europe but sometimes you just fancy something different. I like to think of it as comparing a beach holiday in Spain to one in Barbados; essentially they're similar but there’s definitely big differences.
North America tends to be a little quieter on the après front than Europe but also quieter on the slopes with wide open bowls and incredible tree skiing along with more snow and lighter snow making for some incredible skiing. And they’re catching up on the après front – it’s just, well, a little different.
Japan is another kettle of fish. The most snow we’ve ever seen for sure. It dwarfs Europe with its snowfall even if the resorts are at sea level. Think the softest snow on the softest pistes and the deepest powder everywhere else. But if you’re going to travel all that way, it’s as much about the culture as the skiing. Super friendly people and some delicious foods to try out and in Niseko the nightlife is pretty good as well.
Newsletter signup
Keep up to date with all the latest flexiski news