Chalets, better known as a Swiss Chalet for obvious reasons, are kind of like a cabin in the woods. Only, instead of the woods, put in a lonesome log cabin high up in the Alpine foothills with cows roaming around and ice-capped mountains in the backdrop. It’s a beautiful concept, and perfect for extended getaway vacations and finding some peace and solitude.

A chalet was originally meant to be used by farmers who would bring their cows to these high altitude cabins to chow on the green grass. The cabins would be locked up in the winter and the farmers and cows would go back down to the valleys. The modern version of the chalet is one which is rented out to travelers, all year round.

In fact, there are now entire towns and ski resorts in Switzerland where the economy depends largely on chalet rentals. Visitors who rent a chalet enjoy all the outdoorsy pleasures of the Alpine region. This includes skiing and nature exploration. The chalet has traditionally been the preserve of the rich, but it is now a fairly common winter vacation choice.

It may have originated in Switzerland, but the chalet is now a worldwide phenomenon. The term can be loosely applied to most any mountain cabin, snow or no snow. Europe (especially Western Europe), has many ski chalet resorts and luxury chalet rental companies. Vacationers get to choose a chalet from among rows of neatly spaced chalets, all managed by the same company.

The choices include luxury or self-catered accommodations. For those who choose the luxury option, the company provides everything from breakfast to afternoon tea, drinks and a full home cooked evening meal. For those who prefer self-catering, the kitchens have everything from a wood-burning stove to more modern appliances such as refrigerators and dish washers.

All this commercialization may have taken out some of the charm and romance out of the chalet. On the other hand, the competition means that chalets these days are fully equipped with all kinds of facilities for travelers. This includes log fireplaces, a sauna and outdoor hot tubs. The typical chalet can sleep around 8-10 people and offers four to five rooms, along with a fully furnished kitchen and living area.

It is usually located close to a village, so there’s no shortage of stores for buying supplies and gear. The village will also have pubs or bars and additional dining options, should the need arise. The resort will also have a staffed office located in one of the chalets or in a building nearby, in case guests need any assistance.

Obviously, the Swiss still own the chalet vacation market, and it is still the first choice for those who have the budget to make it all the way to the Alps. But that doesn’t mean one can’t enjoy a chalet at home, or somewhere nearby. All that it really needs is a lonely log cabin up in the foothills of a mountain range. A bit of snow and some cows with bells around their necks would be a nice touch, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Author Bio: With breathtaking scenery and boundless recreational facilities, our waterfront Blue Mountain accommodations provide the ideal vacation experience. Enjoy the vibrant culture, Blue Mountain chalets, cottage rentals, spa packages, and more!

Category: Travel
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