Frequently asked questions

Arrival and departure

From what time can I arrive at the chalet on arrival day?

Our catered chalets are available from 4:00 pm on arrival day. Earlier arrival is not always possible, as the chalet is still being cleaned and prepared for your stay.

What time do I need to leave the chalet on departure day?

On departure day, we ask you to leave the chalet by 10:00 am at the latest. After that, the chalet will be cleaned and prepared for the next guests.

Can I drop off my luggage earlier?

This varies by chalet and by situation. In some cases, it may be possible to drop off your luggage earlier, but we cannot always guarantee this. Please check the information in your travel documents or contact us in advance.

What if I arrive later than planned on arrival day?

Do you expect to arrive later than planned? Please inform the contact person stated in your travel documents in good time. This way, the chalet host(s) on site will know approximately what time to expect you and can take this into account where possible.

How should I leave the chalet?

You do not need to clean the chalet completely, but we do ask you to leave it tidy. Please take your personal belongings with you, dispose of waste according to the local instructions, and report any damage or other issues to the chalet host or contact person.

Is final cleaning included with a catered chalet?

Yes, final cleaning is included with your stay in a catered chalet with Wens Chalets. We do ask you to leave the chalet tidy and to follow the instructions of the chalet host.

Booking and confirmation

Can I request a chalet without obligation?

Yes, you can request a chalet without obligation. We will be happy to check availability and suitable options for your group. Your request only becomes a booking once you confirm the quotation.

How do I book a chalet with Wens Chalets?

You can book a chalet directly through our website, make a chalet enquiry or contact us via info@wens.nl or +31 35 543 66 77. On the chalet pages, you will find the current availability and can calculate the price for your stay. When you send an enquiry, we check availability and send you a suitable proposal or booking confirmation.

When is my booking confirmed?

Your booking is confirmed once you have received the written booking confirmation from us, including the invoice. From that moment, our cancellation terms also apply. The booking confirmation includes details such as the chalet, travel period, number of guests, price and payment information. The deposit must then be paid according to the stated payment terms.

Who is the lead booker and who is responsible for the booking?

The lead booker is the person who makes the booking on behalf of the group. For a group booking, the lead booker is responsible for the booking, payment and the fellow travellers they have registered.

Can I share preferences or special requests in advance?

Yes, please do. This could include dietary requirements, arrival times, the composition of your group, cots or other practical details. Please let us know well before departure where possible, so that we and the chalet hosts can take this into account.

When will I receive my travel documents?

You will receive your travel documents seven weeks before departure, including practical information about your chalet and stay. These include the address, arrival information, local contact details, parking options and any specific details for your chalet.

Chalet, facilities and house rules

Are the sauna, hot tub or solarium included with a catered chalet?

Yes, wellness facilities such as a sauna, hot tub or solarium are included with your stay if they are available in the chalet. You can use them as standard between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. Would you like to use the wellness facilities outside these times? This may be possible in consultation with the chalet host(s). This allows the facilities to be properly prepared and used with care. The available wellness facilities vary by chalet.

Are pets allowed in a catered chalet?

Pets are only allowed on request in selected chalets. Please always contact us in advance if you would like to bring a pet. Bringing pets is not possible without prior permission.

Is smoking allowed in the chalet?

No, a strict no-smoking policy applies in our catered chalets. Smoking is not allowed inside. If this rule is violated, a fine of €500 will be charged. If the fire brigade has to be called out, an additional fine of €550 will be added.

Is Wi-Fi included in the chalet?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all chalets. Please note that the quality and speed of the connection may vary by destination and chalet.

What should I do in case of damage or a technical issue?

Please report any damage, technical issue, or other problem to the chalet host or local contact person as soon as possible. This allows them to look for a suitable solution straight away.

Changing or cancelling your booking

Can I change my booking?

Would you like to change something in your booking, such as the number of guests, the group composition or any extras you have booked? Please contact us as soon as possible. We will be happy to look at the options with you. Whether a change can be made depends, among other things, on the chalet, the travel period, availability and the conditions of your booking.

Are there any costs associated with changing a booking?

For a change to the travel or rental amount, an administration fee of €35 may be charged. We do not charge an administration fee for adding extra guests to the booking. Any additional costs or price differences will always be discussed with you in advance.

How can I cancel my booking?

A cancellation must always be submitted to us in writing. This can be done by email or by post. A cancellation by phone does not count as an official cancellation. Would you like to cancel your booking? Please contact us as soon as possible. The amount of the cancellation costs depends on the date on which we receive your written cancellation.

What are the cancellation costs?

The cancellation costs depend on the date on which we receive your written cancellation:

Time of cancellation Cancellation costs
Up to 16 weeks before the start of the holiday 25% of the total holiday price
Between 16 weeks and 3 weeks before the start of the holiday 90% of the total holiday price
Within 3 weeks before departure, including the day of arrival 100% of the total holiday price
If the cancellation means that the minimum number of participants is no longer met 100% of the total holiday price

We recommend that you always check carefully whether your travel and/or cancellation insurance is suitable for your booking.

What happens if someone in the group cancels?

If one or more people in the group cancel, this may affect the price calculation. This may be the case, for example, if the minimum number of participants for the chalet is no longer met. In that case, the lead booker remains responsible for payment based on the minimum number of full-paying guests.

It is possible, however, to arrange a substitution. This means that someone else can take the place of the cancelling participant under the same conditions, provided this is communicated to us in good time.

If there are any changes to the composition of the group, please contact us as soon as possible. We can then explain what this means for your booking and the total holiday price.

Can someone else take over a traveller’s place?

In some cases, a traveller can be replaced by someone else. This is known as a substitution. The replacement traveller must meet the conditions of the booking. Please always contact us in good time, so we can assess whether the change is possible and what is required.

Food, drinks and dietary requirements

Can I submit dietary requirements?

Yes, you can let us know about any dietary requirements or other special requests in advance. Please inform us no later than two weeks before departure, so that we and the chalet hosts can take this into account when preparing your catered chalet stay. This may include vegetarian, vegan, or other specific dietary requirements.

Are diets and allergies taken into account?

We do our best to take dietary requirements and allergies into account, provided they have been clearly communicated to us in advance. In the case of severe allergies, please always contact us well before departure, so we can advise what is possible within the Wens Chalets formula.

Good to know: the range and availability of products may vary by destination and/or country. In the case of severe or life-threatening allergies, we unfortunately cannot give full guarantees. If you are unsure whether your dietary requirement or allergy fits within our formula, please feel free to contact us in advance.

What time are breakfast and dinner served?

The times for breakfast and dinner may vary slightly by chalet and by group. Breakfast is always served between 7:30 and 9:00 am. Dinner starts between 6:00 and 7:30 pm. The exact times are agreed in consultation with the chalet host(s) and the main booker. In a shared chalet, fixed times usually apply so that all guests can dine together.

What if I arrive later on arrival day?

Do you expect to arrive later than planned? That can of course happen. Please let the contact person stated in your travel documents know in good time. This way, the chalet hosts or the local team will know approximately what time to expect you.

If you arrive later, they can take this into account where possible, for example regarding the three-course dinner on arrival evening. This dinner is often served around 7:00 pm.

Which drinks are included?

Within the Wens Chalets formula, drinks such as beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included on a fair use basis. Spirits and other strong alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included as standard within our formula.

Can children eat earlier than the adults?

Yes, by arrangement, children can often eat earlier and separately from the adults. Please discuss your wishes with us or with the chalet host in advance, and we will be happy to see what is possible within the chalet planning.

Insurance

Is cancellation insurance required for a chalet booking?

Cancellation insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended. Especially with a chalet booking, cancellation costs can be high if you unexpectedly cannot travel. With suitable cancellation insurance, you can limit the financial risk in unforeseen circumstances.

Do I need travel insurance with winter sports cover?

We advise you to carefully check whether your travel insurance includes winter sports cover. Skiing, snowboarding, medical costs abroad, mountain rescue, repatriation, luggage, and ski or snowboard equipment are not always included as standard.

Are you going on a ski holiday? Always check that winter sports are explicitly included in your travel insurance.

What should I check in my travel insurance for a ski holiday?

Check, among other things, whether winter sports are covered, whether medical costs abroad are sufficiently insured, and whether assistance, mountain rescue and repatriation are included. Also carefully check the cover for luggage, ski or snowboard equipment, liability and any cancellation costs.

This helps prevent unexpected costs during your ski holiday.

Can Wens Chalets check my insurance?

No, Wens Chalets cannot assess your policy and does not provide personal insurance advice. If in doubt, always contact your insurer or insurance adviser. They can assess whether your travel insurance is suitable for your trip, your group and your winter sports activities.

Our catered chalet formula

What does the Wens Chalets formula include?

With Wens Chalets, you stay in a catered chalet in Austria, France or Italy. This means you enjoy a well-cared-for ski holiday with breakfast, dinner, drinks and the service of our Dutch-speaking and/or English-speaking chalet hosts. You stay with your own group in an atmospheric chalet, while many practical details are already taken care of for you.

What do our chalet hosts do in the chalets?

During your stay in a catered chalet, our chalet hosts take care of breakfast, the three-course dinner and light housekeeping in the chalet. They also provide a warm welcome and are happy to help with practical information about the chalet and the local area. This may include general tips about the destination, lift passes, ski hire or ski school. At the end of your stay, they take care of the final cleaning of the chalet. This way, you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of your own chalet, combined with personal service throughout your stay.

Do the chalet hosts also stay in the chalet?

In many chalets, the chalet hosts stay in the same chalet, usually in their own separate area. This means they are easily available and can take care of the practical aspects of your stay. The exact situation may differ per chalet. On the chalet page and in your booking information, you will find the details that apply to your stay.

What is included in a week-long stay in a catered chalet?

A standard week-long stay in a Wens Chalets catered chalet includes, among other things:

  • Seven nights;
  • Seven breakfasts;
  • Six three-course dinners;
  • Drinks, with the exception of spirits;
  • Bed linen;
  • Towels;
  • Dutch-speaking and/or English-speaking chalet hosts;
  • Use of available facilities such as a sauna, hot tub or solarium, if present in the chalet.

The exact facilities may differ per chalet. Please always check the chalet page on our website and your booking information.

What is included in a short ski break in a catered chalet?

During a short ski break, you also benefit from the trusted Wens Chalets catered chalet formula: a well-cared-for short stay with breakfast, three-course dinners, drinks and the service of chalet hosts.

For a 4-night stay, 4 breakfasts and 3 three-course dinners are included. For a 3-night stay, 3 breakfasts and 3 three-course dinners are included.

Bed linen, towels and the service of our Dutch-speaking and/or English-speaking chalet hosts are also included. Drinks are included, with the exception of spirits. This makes a short ski break an accessible way to enjoy a few days in the snow with your group, while staying in a well-cared-for catered chalet.

Why is dinner not served every evening?

During a week-long stay, our chalet hosts prepare a three-course dinner on six evenings. On one evening during the week, usually Wednesday, the chalet host has a day off. On that evening, you can go out for dinner, order takeaway or choose another option with your group. This also gives you the chance to discover the local area and nearby restaurants within the catered chalet formula.

What is not included in a stay with Wens Chalets?

The following are not included as standard:

  • Spirits;
  • Lunch;
  • Tourist tax;
  • Travel and cancellation insurance;
  • Lift pass;
  • Transport to and from the chalet;
  • Administration costs;
  • Any additional packages.
What is the difference between a catered chalet and a hotel?

A catered chalet offers the privacy, space and sociable atmosphere of your own chalet, combined with services such as breakfast, dinner and chalet host service. You stay with your own group in an atmospheric accommodation, while many practical details are taken care of for you. In a hotel, you usually stay by the room and typically share more general facilities with other guests.

Will I stay in a private chalet or a shared chalet?

With Wens Chalets, you usually stay with your own group in a private chalet, provided you meet the minimum number of fully paying guests required for that chalet. In some chalets or periods, it is possible to book one or more rooms in a shared chalet. This can be an attractive option if your group is too small to rent an entire chalet privately.

Whether you stay in a private chalet or a shared chalet is always clearly discussed in advance with the lead booker. It is also stated in the chalet information, in the proposal or in the booking confirmation.

Payment

How much deposit do I need to pay?

After confirming your booking, you will pay a deposit of 25% of the total travel price. In addition, a one-off administration fee of €35 applies. The exact deposit amount, administration fee, and payment deadline can be found in your booking confirmation or invoice.

When is the remaining balance due?

The remaining balance must be received by Wens Chalets no later than 8 weeks before the start of your trip. The exact payment date and outstanding amount are stated in your booking confirmation or invoice.

What if I book within 8 weeks of departure?

If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you pay the full travel price in one payment. In that case, there is no separate deposit and remaining balance.

Can each guest pay separately?

For a group booking, the invoice and payment are handled through the main booker. The main booker is responsible for the booking and for making the payments as stated in the booking confirmation.

If you would like to split the costs within your group, you can arrange this directly with your travel companions. Wens Chalets receives the payment according to the arrangements stated on the invoice and in the booking confirmation.

What happens if payment is not made on time?

If payments are not made on time, this may affect your booking. In some cases, the booking may be cancelled in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions. If you have any questions or payment issues, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help find a suitable solution with you.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, it is possible to pay by credit card at Wens Chalets. A 3% surcharge applies. This surcharge is calculated on the amount you pay by credit card.

Prices and discounts

Where can I find the price of a catered chalet?

On the page of your preferred catered chalet, you can easily calculate the price for your stay. You will also find the latest availability and weekly rates there. This allows you to see straight away which price applies to your preferred travel dates and group size.

What is the price of a chalet based on?

The price of your stay depends on several factors, such as the chalet you choose, your travel dates, the number of adults, the number of children and their ages, the minimum number of fully paying guests, any discounts, and any extras or supplements.

How does the minimum number of guests work?

If you would like to book an entire chalet privately for your group, each chalet has a minimum number of fully paying guests. This minimum varies per chalet and is shown on the page of the chalet you are interested in.

The minimum chalet price is calculated based on this minimum number of guests multiplied by the adult price per person. If you are travelling with fewer guests than the minimum, the price may still be based on the minimum number of fully paying guests.

Can I book a chalet privately if we do not meet the minimum number of guests?

In some cases, this is possible. A supplement for private use may apply, as the minimum chalet price is based on the minimum number of fully paying guests. For some chalets, it may also be possible to share the chalet with other guests, for example in a shared chalet.

Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure which option best suits your group.

How does the group discount work?

For each additional guest above the adult high-season minimum, you receive a 30% discount on the adult price per person. This group discount only applies to week-long stays and does not apply to short stays or short ski breaks.

What child discounts apply to a ski holiday with Wens Chalets?

At Wens Chalets, special child rates apply for children up to and including 10 years old. These child discounts apply to weekly stays only and are not valid for short stays.

The standard child rates are:

  • Children up to and including 1 year old stay free of charge;
  • Children aged 2 to 3 years pay a standard rate of €250.00;
  • Children aged 4 to 10 years receive a standard discount of 30%.

To make use of the child discount, the chalet’s minimum price must still be reached. This means that the chalet’s minimum price is calculated based on the minimum number of full-paying guests multiplied by the adult price per person.

Do group discounts or child discounts also apply to short ski breaks?

No, group discounts and child discounts only apply to week-long stays. These discounts do not apply to short ski breaks or other short stays.

Are there any additional costs besides the chalet price?

Yes, additional costs may apply besides the chalet price. These may include, for example, tourist tax, administration fees, a security deposit, and any additional packages you have booked. Any costs that apply to your booking will always be stated in your quotation or booking confirmation.

In addition, you should of course also expect costs for your own transport, ski passes, insurance, and other personal expenses.

Why does the price vary by chalet and period?

The price varies by chalet and period due to factors such as location, size, comfort level, facilities, and the travel week. Popular weeks, such as Christmas, New Year, and school holidays, are often more expensive than quieter periods.

Terms and conditions

Where can I find the terms and conditions?

You can find the terms and conditions on our website. You will also always receive the terms and conditions with your quotation request. They contain full information about payment, cancellation, changes, liability and other arrangements relating to your stay.

Do the terms and conditions apply to every booking?

Yes, the Wens Chalets terms and conditions apply to every booking. We recommend that you read them carefully when making your booking.

Where can I go with questions about my booking?

Do you have questions about your booking, payment, arrival, stay or travel documents? Please feel free to contact us at info@wens.nl. We will be happy to help.

Transport and transfers

Is transport to the chalet included?

No, transport to and from the chalet is not included with your stay. You travel to your ski holiday destination independently, for example by car, train, or plane. Your travel documents contain practical information about how to reach your chalet.

Can Wens Chalets help with transport or transfers?

Wens Chalets does not provide transfers as standard, but we will be happy to think along with you about possible options. Depending on the destination, taxis, shuttles, transfer companies, or local transport services are often available.

Would you like to arrange a transfer from an airport or train station? We recommend planning this in good time, especially during busy ski holiday weeks.

Which airports are convenient for the chalets?

The most suitable airport depends on your destination, flight times, transfer options and the exact location of the chalet. As a general guide:

  • Salzburg is convenient for Fieberbrunn, Saalbach, Hinterglemm and Wagrain/Flachau.
  • Innsbruck is convenient for many destinations in Tyrol and western Austria, such as Finkenberg, Gerlos, Fiss, Serfaus, Sölden, Sankt Anton and Sankt Christoph.
  • Geneva is convenient for many French destinations, such as Châtel, Les Gets, Morzine, La Plagne and Les Menuires.
  • For Selva di Val Gardena/Wolkenstein, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Verona, Venice, Bergamo or Milan may be interesting options.

Always check carefully which airport, journey time and transfer option best suit your chalet and travel party.

Is it possible to travel to my ski holiday destination by train?

Yes, travelling by train is a good option for many ski holiday destinations. In fact, we actively encourage it. The train is often a comfortable and more sustainable way to travel to the Alps, and it fits well with a more conscious choice for your ski holiday.

From the nearest station, you usually continue to the chalet by bus, taxi, shuttle or transfer. The best train connection varies by destination, so please check the route, any changes and the options for the final part of your journey to the chalet in advance.

Where can I find information about parking options at the chalet?

You will find the parking information in the travel documents for your chalet. You will receive these seven weeks before departure. Parking options vary by destination and chalet. At some chalets, you can park free of charge at or near the chalet, while other accommodations use public or paid parking facilities. Would you like to receive the parking information earlier? Please feel free to contact us.

Do I need winter tyres or snow chains?

If you are travelling by car to Austria, France or Italy in winter, or driving through Germany to reach the Alps, make sure you have good winter tyres and bring suitable snow chains. In Germany, winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions, such as snow, ice, black ice or slush. Please note: since 1 October 2024, only tyres with the Alpine symbol / 3PMSF are accepted as winter tyres. M+S markings alone are no longer sufficient.

In Austria, winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions between 1 November and 15 April. In French mountain areas, winter tyres or snow chains/snow socks are required from 1 November to 31 March. In Italy, many mountain roads and motorways usually require winter tyres or snow chains on board from 15 November to 15 April. Always check the current rules for each country and region before departure. Local signs and traffic information always take precedence.

Can I charge my electric car at the chalet?

No, it is not permitted to charge your electric car using sockets or other facilities in or around the chalet. Please use official charging points in the ski resort village or nearby.

Would you like to travel to your ski holiday destination by electric car? Please check in advance where the nearest charging points are and plan your route and charging stops in good time. Our chalet hosts or the local team can, where possible, point you towards charging options in the area.

Travel documents and preparation

What information is included in the travel documents?

You will receive your travel documents seven weeks before departure. These contain all practical information about your specific chalet and stay, such as:

  • The address of the chalet;
  • Local contact details;
  • Information about arrival and welcome;
  • Parking options;
  • Any route or arrival instructions;
  • Information about the first evening;
  • Practical arrangements for departure.

This means you know what to expect in advance and can prepare your journey properly.

When should I inform you about dietary requirements or special requests?

Please inform us of any dietary requirements, allergies, arrival times, or other special requests no later than two weeks before departure. This allows us and the chalet hosts to prepare your stay properly and take these into account where possible.

In the case of severe allergies, we advise you to contact us well in advance.

Can I book extras?

Yes, when staying in a catered chalet, you can book additional packages, such as an Aperol package, Piste Power package, or Bites package. Please let us know no later than two weeks before departure, so we can include this in the preparation of your stay.

Are cots or high chairs available?

A cot and high chair can often be booked free of charge. Please let us know in advance where possible, so we can prepare this and have it ready for you upon arrival. The cot is usually a foldable travel cot measuring 60 x 120 cm.

Are bed linen and towels included?

Yes, bed linen and towels are included free of charge with your stay. The beds are made upon arrival, so your holiday can start in a relaxed way straight away.