Ski accommodation in France

Traditionally, French ski resorts operate on a Saturday-to-Saturday changeover, meaning most accommodation is let by the full week. However, short ski breaks of three to four nights are increasingly available - particularly midweek in January and early March when demand is lower. If a short break is what you're after, checking availability midweek rather than over a weekend will generally give you more options and better pricing. You can book a short-stay ski holiday with us at Erna Low and enjoy quality short-stay accommodation.

Not always, and yes, this is quite a common surprise for first-time bookers to French ski apartments. In many self-catered residences, bed linen and towels are either not included or available at an additional cost. Some properties charge a one-off linen hire fee per stay; others require you to bring your own or hire on arrival. Higher-rated residences and chalets are more likely to include linen as standard. If you need this service, make sure to check what's included before booking, and factor in any extras when comparing the true cost of different properties.

Prices remain standard for most of the season in France; however, during peak and low seasons, they may follow demand more closely. The Christmas and New Year period and the French school holiday weeks in February are consistently the most expensive times to book, with peak-week prices often significantly higher than the same property in early January or late March. Late March and April can also offer good value, though the snow reliability at lower altitudes becomes less predictable as spring approaches.

French ski apartments typically have a set check-in time — usually from 5 pm on the arrival day — and a check-out by 10 am on departure day. Many residences have a staffed reception, while others use a key-safe or code-entry system for out-of-hours arrivals. A security deposit (caution) is standard and is usually taken by credit card on arrival. You'll also typically need to pay a tourist tax (taxe de séjour) locally, which is a small nightly charge per person. Some residences also charge separately for a final cleaning fee — worth checking in advance so there are no surprises.