 Poster: A snowHead
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We booked back in March 2021 for next Feb (half term 2022) and the company has just cancelled saying the chalet owners are not letting it next season. Think they've tried to sort it out to no avail - so we have no accommodation now and given its half term week, there seems to be no availability other than super-expensive options (£10k plus just for the accommodation).
We're a group of 13 (6 adults and 7 children) - prospect of getting a catered chalet looks bleak and a day spent contacting various companies has been fruitless. Does anyone know of any lesser known companies that might not be booked up / think of other options?
We were going to Les Gets but flexible in terms of resort. Wanted a catered chalet (or if not catered, easy access to restaurants etc), walking distance to slopes, all intermediate or above in terms of skiing. Any suggestions?!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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We were in same boat. Ended up finding a place via AirBnB. Just praying that doesn’t fall through!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Don't be fixed on one particular place, country or catering option. Look at lots of different things and choose the one you like best which fits your budget. Have you just done groups in catered chalets before? I suspect that this model will not be available going forward for the same money and in the same quantity as previous years due to the lack of UK chalet hosts. The Dutch are also keen on the catered chalet model, so it might be worth checking Dutch companies, otherwise it will be hotels or self catering.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Klamm Franzer We've actually never skied with friends before, as a couple we just did packages, since children we've done self catering / AirBnB / Bed & breakfast etc. This is the first time we'd planned to go with friends (2 other families) so thought a chalet would give us a communal space / kids could play together etc. If we can get tat in an apartment / SC option, that would be great, but even trying to find an apartment is looking a bit hopeless. I will search for dutch companies though, thank you.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sorry to hear your chalet got canceled. 
Sunweb have lots of availability for Feb 2022 half-term (12th-19th Feb). I have used them before on two occasions, and if you are careful and do your research, they can be great value.
Their website can be a bit tricky to understand and navigate, but they have lots of options. Most accommodation includes ski-passes, so do factor that it, as it drops the price of the accommodation quite significantly. But you really need to go though each and every offer with a fine-tooth-comb, to see exactly what and what not is included etc. eg: bed linen, food, ski area of pass, transfers, tourist tax, final cleaning etc.
They also have deals with flights included; and you can add ski-gear and lessons etc.
And please do research any accommodation you are interested in on www.tripadvisor.co.uk, as some of it is poor; but others are fine. But you do kinda pays yer money and takes yer choice. Folks who have not done their research, and booked some rock-bottom accommodation, have not been happy, eg: 4 people in a tiny and crummy studio flat in Val Thorens Thorens.
It the past I have sent them a cheeky email nicely asking for a discount promo code, and they have obliged, so do give that a go, especially as there is 13 of you.
Here is an example of a chalet in Les Deux Alpes which will accommodate all 13 of you, self-catering, at a cost of £293 per person, excluding ski pass. £489 with ski-pass. All depends on the age of the kids I think. And you can add half-board at £144 per person. It seems to be pretty much ski-in and ski-out, but again, do check. I can't seem to find any reviews, but you can always call them and ask for some inside info.
Hope that helps — let me know if you would like any further info. 
https://www.sunweb.co.uk/ski/france/les-deux-alpes/les-deux-alpes/chalet-lours-brun?Participants%5B0%5D%5B0%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B1%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B2%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B3%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B4%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B5%5D=1991-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B6%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B7%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B8%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B9%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B10%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B11%5D=2011-03-20&Participants%5B0%5D%5B12%5D=2011-03-20&Duration%5B0%5D=8&Mealplan=LG&Month=2022-02-01&TransportType=SelfDrive&Allocation=2#
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Mon 30-08-21 22:23; edited 1 time in total
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This is excellent advice, and applies to all resorts. I have found that in most resorts, there is a certain type of accommodation owner that prefers to rent directly, and does not like to pay commission to agencies, AirBnB, package holiday companies etc. Often they will be very friendly, and very reasonably priced. Give it a go!
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Thank you everyone, lots of useful advice.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Poogle,
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and applies to all resorts
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No. No it doesn't. It most certainly does not apply to Chamonix (I have 16 years experience as a proprietor with multiple properties here, all let as a business) And I can think of a few other examples where I'm pretty sure it does not apply. The Chamonix mairie runs the service, it's rubbish and they charge an irritating fee for it. Most of our friends with property ignore it, as we do.
Yes, some stations have well managed tourist office accommodation, many do not. AirBnB is our (and many of our friends) current window of choice, VRBO seem quite popular.
In France, estate agents take a massive cut, up to 40% (although that includes management services) and even with Airbnb etc. if you can find the owner and contact directly, you may well save money).
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@Newbie72, if you booked via a travel company, shouldn't they be sorting you out with an equivalent holiday - even if they have to rent an upmarket chalet and lose money on the deal? Or did you book accommodation and travel separately?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Try thetingeschaletcompany.com
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Thank you for all the advice on here. Thankfully we have found a couple of options.
Just one more question hopefully - one of the chalets we've found is via an estate agent (as suggested above). Having never used an estate agent to book accommodation before, it looks to be a reputable agency but still slightly nervous. Obviously we'll have insurance in place in case it all comes crashing down again, but any advice as to whether this is a reliable option? We don't want to get a week away from flying and it all come crashing down again!
Many thanks
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You know it makes sense.
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Probably more reliable than a tour operator. We always use estate agents. All the estate agents in Les Gets are reputable and generally locally owned.
Usual precautions though, pay by credit card and have insurance, sometimes a limited insurance is also included in the booking fees.
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FAQ
