Discover how Alpine residences (Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Zermatt) outperform hotels: up to 40% savings, maximum space, child safety, and a flexible schedule. Featuring a review of 5 top properties.
The Choice Between Regime and Freedom
A ski holiday is an investment in family memories. Yet, the traditional choice of a hotel room often imposes restrictions: rigid dining hours, the necessity of splitting a large family into interconnected rooms, and the constant feeling that you are living by someone else’s timetable.
Alpine residences and apartments are the answer to the demand for a quality, autonomous, and—contrary to popular belief—more cost-effective vacation. We will demonstrate that this format is a strategic choice for space, privacy, and financial transparency.
1. Residence vs. Hotel: What is the Fundamental Difference?
Most tourists choose a hotel out of habit. But for families and large groups, this means accepting a compromise.
Key differences in the Residence format:
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Space: Unlike a hotel, where standard room categories usually feature only one room, a residence provides guests with a full living space. Areas range from 46 sq. m. to 200 sq. m.
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Privacy: Minimal visits to the apartment without your consent. Only you and your guests determine the schedule for housekeeping, visits, and service.
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Dining: You are free from restaurant schedules. You have your own kitchen, giving you the freedom to cook or hire a private chef, ensuring savings and full control over the menu.
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Holiday Duration: Clients stay in residences for an average of 12 nights (a deep, relaxed holiday), while standard hotel stays average only 7 nights.
2. Maximum Space: An Investment in Family Harmony
Space is not a luxury; it is a critical factor for family comfort. 36% of families name space as the main reason for choosing residences, and 92% of positive reviews cite it as the decisive factor for rebooking.
In a residence, there is no formal "hotel/guest" division—you arrive home. The large living room becomes the ideal setting for shared dinners, children’s games, and creating those crucial family memories.
3. Financial Transparency and Value: The Economics of ’Hidden Fees’
By choosing a residence, you switch from the "costs + hidden fees" system to a "single transparent price" system. Avoiding markups on every breakfast, every drink, and the need to pay for two or three separate rooms leads to significant savings.
An estimated calculation shows that the average weekly cost for 6 people in a residence/apartment is around €3600, compared to about €4800 in a standard hotel.
This results in a saving of €1200, or approximately 25% savings.
Interpretation: Actual savings for a group trip can reach 40%. Your money starts working to create a "home" atmosphere, rather than covering the overheads of the hotel business.
4. Privacy and Security: Control Over the Vacation Environment
Privacy and Child Safety are among the top four reasons for choosing residences. 81% of parents report that the "second home" format provides them with complete control over the environment, which is unattainable in a hotel.
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For Toddlers: The ability to let children sleep without interrupting your evening. Family-oriented apartments (such as AlpinLodges) often provide extra amenities: cots, high chairs, and baby baths.
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For Teenagers: Separate bedrooms provide the necessary solitude for teenagers, eliminating conflicts related to a lack of personal space.
5. Review of Top Residences: Freedom in the Details
The advantages of residences become clear when considering specific properties that offer not just square footage but also guaranteed luxury service and absolute privacy. These three residences in Courchevel 1850 are the standard for autonomous VIP holidays:
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Apartment Chalet Hotel de La Loze, Courchevel 1850: An example of maximum space and exclusivity. This private residence, measuring 200 sq. m. with a premium interior, guarantees an unparalleled level of privacy in the heart of the resort. Masterclasses and special rates for extended stays are offered during the New Year’s week.
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MGM Le Cristal de Jade, Chamonix: A combination of French classic design and premium SPA. The residence offers luxurious apartments and full access to the pool, hammam, and SPA treatments, perfect for those seeking not only skiing but also deep relaxation.
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Pierre&Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village 5*, Les Arcs: An ideal choice for family holidays and large groups. The apartment-hotel complex features traditional Alpine style and a wide range of services, located in the famous ski-in/ski-out area of Arc 1950.
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Antares Meribel 5*, Meribel: A standard for elite privacy. Located high above the Méribel valley, this residence offers magnificent views, exceptional service, and guaranteed tranquility, making it ideal for true connoisseurs of peace.
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Apartment La Loze, Chalet Hotel de La Loze, Courchevel 1850: Perfectly demonstrates time management and gastronomic freedom. This 170 sq. m. apartment with an open-space kitchen and 3 bedrooms allows for self-catering or hiring a private chef. Residents can attend the hotel’s festive dinner on December 31st, getting the best of both worlds.
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Jardin Alpin Apartment, Courchevel 1850: Emphasizes space, direct slope access, and family comfort. With an area of 136 sq. m., panoramic views, and Alpine-style decor, this apartment offers genuine ski-in/ski-out service directly to the Jardin Alpin slopes. Festive family breakfasts are provided during the New Year’s week.
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We specialize in sourcing exclusive apartments and chalets that are not listed on the open market (off-market). If you are looking for something unique and private, simply contact us by e-mail welcome@enjoy-ski.com to receive a personalized selection of off-market offers.
6. The Growing Trend: Families Vote for Quality
Choosing residences is not just a whim but a rapidly growing trend confirmed by statistics. Families who opt for residences book them for an average of 12 nights, while standard hotel stays last 7 nights.
There is a steady growth in the share of family residence bookings: from 45% in 2021 to 52% in 2023, with growth forecast to 60% by 2025.
Interpretation: Forecasts indicate that by 2025, 60% of families will choose residences, making this format the new standard.
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7. The Investment Aspect: Your Residence as an Asset
An Alpine residence is not just a holiday destination; it is a financial asset. While hotels often only incur expenses, luxury apartments in prestigious areas show stable growth. Prices increased by 7–12% over the last two years. This ensures that your holiday is also a smart, protected investment.
Freedom, Confidence, and New Possibilities
The main factors influencing the choice of residence are:
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Space: 36%
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Privacy: 25%
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Child Safety: 20%
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Flexible Schedule: 19%
Interpretation: The key drivers are emotional and physical needs related to freedom and comfort.
By choosing a residence, you are choosing high-level effectiveness:
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Personal comfort, space, and privacy (36% is the main reason).
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Flexible schedule without being tied to a hotel timetable.
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Savings and complete financial transparency.
Your next Alpine vacation should be on your terms.
As your trusted tour operator, we have direct access to the finest residences in Courchevel, Val d’Isère, and Zermatt. Our experience guarantees not only the booking but also full support—from transfers and ski instructor selection to private chef services. Don’t waste time on lengthy searches and risks. Trust us to create your ideal, free, and secure holiday, which will become your family tradition.
Book your ultimate alpine stay
References:
Knight Frank Research. (2024). Taking the Pulse of the Alpine Property Market: Key Insights Shaping 2024. Retrieved from https://www.knightfrank.com/research/taking-the-pulse-of-the-alpine-property-market
UBS. (2025). European Alpine Property Focus 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ubs.com/global/en/investment-bank/institutions/research/alpine-property-focus.html
ALPS RESORTS. (2023). Family vacations with kids in a holiday home. Retrieved from https://www.alps-resorts.com/en/family-vacations-with-kids-in-a-holiday-home
ALPS RESORTS. (2024). Guest Survey 2024. Retrieved from https://www.alps-resorts.com/en/family-vacations-with-kids-in-a-holiday-home#survey
Snow Industry News. (2025). Record Breaking Summer Tourism Numbers Sparks A New Era For The Alps. Retrieved from https://www.snowindustrynews.com/articles/2025/
august/record-breaking-summer-tourism-numbers-sparks-a-new-era-for-the-alps/
Peak Retreats. (n.d.). The benefits of self-catering in the Alps. Retrieved from https://www.peakretreats.co.uk/blog/archive/benefits-of-self-catering-in-the-alps
Latelierdutemps.it. (2025). Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel in the Mountains: Pros and Cons. Retrieved from https://www.latelierdutemps.it/en/blog/hotel-vs-apartment-mountain-stays