Just picture yourself, admiring the snow-capped peaks from the warmth of a hot tub, a glass of champagne in hand… is this just a dream, or the plan for your next holiday?
For many holidaymakers in the Alps, it’s a dream come true. It is indeed possible to enjoy a luxurious stay in the mountains, even on a tight budget. By carefully choosing the dates of your stay and your accommodation, and by following our recommendations for reducing your expenses, you can plan a five-star trip to the Alps that will still be affordable for your whole group.
Our tips for an affordable luxury trip to the Alps
Choose the dates of your holiday carefully
During the school holidays, everything becomes more expensive in tourist destinations. The Alps are no exception – prices for accommodation, ski passes, equipment hire and even restaurants rise considerably during the high season.
To cut your costs, it’s important to choose a period when demand is lower. Opt for the last few weeks of January or the first few weeks of March, for example, to take advantage of good snow conditions while avoiding the high season. If you’re not interested in snow sports, stay in spring or autumn.
Finally, note that the rental week in ski resorts traditionally starts on a Saturday. We recommend that you book your accommodation from Saturday to Saturday to avoid paying over the odds, especially in high season.
Travel in a group to cut costs
The vast majority of seasonal accommodation in the Alps has a single rate for the whole property. So the larger your group, the lower the cost per person.
Sometimes it’s better to choose a large, fully-equipped property for 10 people, rather than a chalet for 2 for a romantic break.If you’re travelling with family or friends, you’ll be able to opt for luxury chalets with hot tubs and saunas at an affordable price. For example, you could stay for a whole week at Chalet Manoe, in Manigod, for just €200 per person, or at Chalet Alti, in Le Grand-Bornand, for just over €300 per person*.
*Prices valid at the time of publication of this article.
Consider less well-known destinations
The destination you choose for your holiday in the Alps can also have a big impact on your budget.
Accommodation in the less well-known resorts is usually more competitively priced than the usual headliners, and is often well-connected to the facilities you’ll need. What’s more, you’ll be away from the crowds and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere. Manigod, for example, is a charming Savoyard village that remains relatively untouched by tourism. Yet it is well connected to the slopes and shops of La Clusaz. Similarly, Samoëns has a “green resort” status, yet is ideally placed to take advantage of all the mountain activities.
Our chalets in the most authentic destinations of the Alps…
Book well ahead
Planning your trip as far in advance as possible offers two advantages: you’ll have access to a wider choice of properties, and you’ll get the best value for money in terms of accommodation.
As far as ski passes are concerned, many resorts and ski areas, such as La Clusaz and Les Portes du Mont-Blanc, offer discounts of up to 30% from September onwards if you book early.
If you are booking your stay well in advance, make sure you find out about the cancellation policy offered by your accommodation provider.
OVO Network’s “Koala Flex” cancellation policy allows you to cancel your accommodation reservation up to two days before your scheduled arrival date.
Take advantage of special offers
Every time you plan a trip, whatever the destination, it’s important to keep an eye open for the various special offers and promotions that can ease your budget. These include transport and accommodation, as well as ski passes, equipment and car hire, tours, activities and more.
OVO Network has created a page listing all the promotional rates offered by its partner chalets, so that you can easily find the best offers.
Ski hire company Skiset is offering savings of up to 55% to all OVO Network holidaymakers.
Did you know that OVO Network has a loyalty scheme for its holidaymakers? If you return to a property where you have already stayed, you will receive a 7.5% discount on the total rate.
Choose a property with a fully-equipped kitchen
By choosing self-catered accommodation rather than a hotel room, you’ll have the advantage of a fully-equipped kitchen, so you won’t need to go to a restaurant every day.
This means you can save on meals during your stay, while enjoying the privacy of luxury accommodation with your group.
Some chalets even offer cookware such as fondue sets and raclette machines, so that you can prepare the delicious Savoyard specialities we love so much!
Ask your property manager for advice
Staying in a private chalet doesn’t mean you’re on your own.
Don’t forget that the manager who looks after your property is available throughout your stay, and can answer any questions you may have about the area.
They will be able to give you invaluable advice on the best addresses, and recommend the most economical alternatives for your purchases and activities. They may even be able to offer you discounts on certain attractions.
Year after year, the Alps prove themselves as a destination of choice for top-of-the-range holidays, thanks to the quality of the infrastructure and an abundance of exclusive properties. With our advice and our catalogue of stunning chalets at affordable prices, you too can treat yourself to a luxury break in the Alps.
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