Global self-catering ski accommodation this autumn

This winter's ski season is fast approaching, with resorts around the world gearing up for the annual influx of enthusiasts.

Now is the time to book winter ski adventures to avoid any last minute disappointment, with many this year opting for the freedom and flexibility of self-catering trips.

Perhaps a touch easier on the wallet than some resort deals, self-catering accommodation is available around the world, from the Alps to the Andes, with travelbite.co.uk here taking a look at the very best on offer.

The Big White slopes of Canada

Blacksmith Lodge is a new three-story town house in the heart of Big White ski resort, located in British Columbia, Canada.

Ratad one of the nicest properties and locations in Big White – recently featured in a Big White infomercial – it has 24 foot of annual snow fall, the finest dry champagne powder snow and lots of sunshine.

Located in what is fast becoming the most popular resort in Canada, especially for family ski vacations, the lodge has access to 2,800 acres of terrain, making it the second biggest mountain in Canada.

The mountain is geared to all levels of skiing and snow boarding with well-groomed runs and 16 fast modern lifts (no waiting in queues). There are runs perfect for beginners and intermediates as well as above tree-line skiing challenges for the more advanced.

The property sleeps up to nine, for around £910-£1,750 per week. More details to be found here.



Big White ski resort

Beauty of Bulgaria

With a history pre-dating Christ, the Pirin Mountain villages are steeped in history and culture. Dobrinishte, where Pirin Chalet is located, nestles in the foot hills of the Pirin Mountains and holds World Heritage status.

The area is home to its own ski domain, mountain biking trails, thermal mineral springs, mountain lakes for fishing and one of the best Mehanas (restaurants) in the region. It is also ideally placed to take advantage of the Bansko Ski area, which offers an exciting mixture of well prepared ski tracks, modern lift infrastructure beautiful nature and warm hospitality.

Take a look here for information on booking, with prices around £500 - £1,100 for a week, sleeping eight.





Majesty of the Alps

Chalet Le Rosay is a new, five bedroom chalet located less than ten minutes walk from the Saint Gervais ski lift and close to the shops, bars and restaurants of St Gervais, in the French Alps.

With beautiful architectural features, stunning views, large balconies, and tasteful interior design, this is the perfect chalet for a dream ski holiday - in a beautiful Savoyard village with a friendly atmosphere.

It is home to Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc, and has been a popular holiday destination for over a hundred years. The area is also steeped in history with an exquisite baroque church at the central point of the village.

Take a look here for more information on booking. Prices start at £700 a week, sleeping ten.





Over in the Swiss Alps, Chalet Teolai is a delightful, spacious and yet cosy chalet in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Spread over 220 square metres, it is perfect for keen skiers who prioritise peace and tranquility alongside easy access to one of the most extensive ski areas in the world.

Ski lifts are close, magnificent mountain walks are on the doorstep, and the village is either a pleasant ten minute walk along a raquet track or along a winding side road among the chalets.

Skating, horse riding, mountain biking and rock climbing are all available in a totally peaceful, traditionally Swiss rural environment. Linked resorts include Chatel, Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets. More information here, with prices between £500 and £3,200 per week, sleeping 12.

Back in the French Alps, the Penthouse, located in the La Rosière region, is an enormous chalet extending over two floors and including a massive top floor dining room/lounge with stunning views down the valley.

There are six completely en-suite bedrooms, all having baths and overhead showers, together with toilets/sinks and hairdryers.





The Penthouse (which sleeps up to 14) is in the area known as Les Eusherts in La Rosière which is a ten minute walk away from the main La Rosière village (or a ride on the free bus service between the two) and is a self contained area with direct lift access (only 200m away from our chalet), there is a bowling alley and ice skating rink complex together with a range of shops.

More information here.

Situated in Les Houches, Chamonix is less than 50 metres from the Bellevue cable car and looks over the river of the Ravine du Grand Bois. Stylishly decorated in a warm contemporary chocolate and beige theme the apartment is spacious and welcoming - ideal for a family or two couples with its double en-suite and twin bedrooms.

Les Grands Mulets is situated on the first floor of this two storey modern building and features an open plan living / kitchen / dining area with all modern comforts such as a flat screen TV, iPod docking station, Wi-fi, satellite TV and DVD player.

Take a look here for more information.

Finally, the Austrian Alps is real Sound of Music country!

With picture postcard alpine scenery - lakes, mountains and rivers - it is a truly beautiful part of the world, home to the cultural highlight of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and a haven for classical music enthusiasts.

Skiblickhaus is a new split level chalet with emphasis on light and space, located in Russbach, which is known as the 'valley of the fossils'. Facilities in the chalet include luxury bathrooms on each floor, a six person sauna on the ground floor, a 46" Samsung flatscreen TV and a fully functioning log fire.

Check out the site for more information on the chalet, which Sleeps up to ten, at a cost of £748-£2,222 per week.

Chris O'Toole