Planning a successful mountain holiday with friends: the key points
Organising a mountain holiday with friends means thinking ahead about the chalet’s capacity, choosing a resort suited to groups, preparing ski passes and equipment rental, while sharing out the bedrooms and thinking about logistics. Here are the key points for getting organised and making the most of every moment in the mountains.
Working out the capacity and sleeping arrangements for your group
The real capacity of a chalet or apartment for a group depends on the number of beds, bedrooms and the configuration of the sleeping arrangements (single, double, bunk). It is essential to check that the shared living space (dining room, living room) can comfortably hold the whole group, especially for meals and social moments.
- Reading the detailed property listings lets you confirm the exact number of beds and the split of the bedrooms.
- Take into account whether bathrooms are shared or private, according to everyone’s needs.
- For large groups, favouring accommodation with several communal rooms or a large living room makes it easier to organise group activities.
- Plan for flexible solutions (sofa beds, extra beds) if the group varies in size or wants more flexibility.
For any question about a property, contact our booking centre.
Chalet or apartment: which accommodation for a group of friends?
The choice between chalet and apartment depends on the atmosphere you want, the number of people and the facilities you are after. The chalet offers spacious living areas and a warm atmosphere, ideal for sociable stays, but it may be some way from the resort centre, with stairs to plan for to reach the upstairs bedrooms. The apartment, a practical solution for staying in a resort, generally offers less space and privacy than a chalet: its capacity should be checked apartment by apartment.
Choosing the ideal resort for a stay with friends: Arc 1800, Méribel, Val d’Isère
The choice of resort shapes the atmosphere and activities of your stay, and depends on the size of the group, its wishes and the season. Among our destinations, three suit group stays well.
- Arc 1800: a lively site in the heart of Les Arcs, with its pedestrian villages, shops and terraces, for groups who want to ski and go out. With our rentals in Arc 1800, you enjoy this atmosphere and ski the Paradiski ski area.
- Méribel: in the heart of the Three Valleys, a resort in the Savoyard chalet style, for groups who want to combine authenticity and comfort. Our rentals in Méribel set you up in a resort rich in mountain activities.
- Val d’Isère: renowned for the size of its ski area and the richness of its après-ski, it suits groups looking for a dynamic, festive stay.
Organising the logistics: ski passes, equipment rental and transfers
Planning the logistics before you leave makes arrival simpler and maximises your time on site. Here are the steps to plan for a successful group stay:
- Ski passes: booking them in advance, according to the ski area you are aiming for and everyone’s level, limits the wait at the ticket offices once you are there. We offer you the chance to buy them online and collect them at the agency on the day of your arrival: ask our advisers whether the offer covers your resort.
- Ski equipment rental: remember to book your skis, snowboards or snowshoes in advance from a rental shop in the resort.
- Organising transfers: coordinate arrivals (carpooling, shuttle buses, transfers from the nearest station) for a stress-free start to your stay.
Sharing out the living spaces and tips for a sociable stay
A successful group stay depends on a harmonious organisation of the living spaces and shared activities.
- Choose a property with a spacious dining room, a flexible living room and, if possible, a garden or terrace to enjoy the surrounding nature.
- Organise meals around big shared tables, and create fun moments with board games, table tennis or themed evenings.
- Setting up a quiet sleeping area separate from the games area or living room helps everyone rest.
On our listings, the description of each property helps you spot those that suit group living.
FAQ — Planning a mountain holiday with friends
Which are the best resorts for renting a chalet with a group of friends?
Among our destinations, Arc 1800, Méribel and Val d’Isère suit groups of friends well, each with its own accommodation, activities and atmosphere. The right choice depends on the wishes and profile of the group.
How do you choose a chalet suited to the size of your group?
Read the listing for each property: it states the number of bedrooms, beds and the split of the living spaces. If in doubt, our booking centre can advise you.
What services should you plan in addition to the rental for a successful stay?
Think about ski passes, which we offer to book with your stay depending on the resort, equipment rental from a shop on site and your journey to the resort.
Do you need to book ski passes and equipment in advance?
Yes, it is advisable. We offer you the chance to book your ski passes at the same time as your accommodation and collect them at the agency on the day of your arrival: ask our advisers whether the offer covers your resort. For equipment, booking before you leave avoids queues in the resort.