Information for all Chalet Bookings
Our approach to current and future bookings
For those with existing bookings, we're proposing a flexible and fair solution, should COVID travel restrictions prevent your holiday from taking place.
If government-imposed travel restrictions remain in place (either in France or your country of departure), we will offer the possibility of postponing your balance payment until four weeks before the start date of your booking (instead of the usual eight weeks). This will allow you (and us) some extra time to assess the situation as it evolves;
if, on the newly agreed balance payment date (four weeks before the start of your booking), you are unable to travel due to circumstances connected to the COVID pandemic, we will provide you with credit for the amount paid, which can be used towards a new set of dates at the same property, within a period of 12 months. Guests are welcome to reserve a higher value week, by paying the difference in price.
if, for any reason, you are unable to use this credit assigned to you, you may pass the value onto friends or family members and we will alter the name of the principal tenant accordingly. However, we will also provide a full refund to guests upon request, should the reason for cancelling line up with the terms and conditions below*.
Terms, conditions and exemptions
*Permitted cancellations only where Covid-19 prevents travel due to official and documented measures (i.e. local or national Government prohibitions on travel or visiting Samoens, foreign office mandatory advice, lockdown/s, border & international travel restrictions from country of departure).
Under all other circumstances, our normal cancellation conditions come into play. Therefore, covid permitted cancellations do not apply if airlines or other methods of transport cancel or a guest chooses to cancel for any other reason including illness, personal choice, or testing positive for covid prior to travel.
Furthermore, if there are requirements to self-isolate upon returning to your home country, or to present a privately funded negative Covid-19 test or vaccination certificate upon entering the country where you have rented your chalet - but where there are no official travel restrictions in place - we do consider that your booking can go ahead as planned.
Transiting through Switzerland (Geneva Airport):
Adding an additional country of travel (and its respective restrictions) may create issues for travellers. For convenience, we recommend that guests travel by road if possible. For UK guests, the Eurotunnel shuttle from Dover to Calais has been the most reliable form of transport throughout the pandemic. For those arriving by plane, it’s recommended to land in one of the nearby French Airports such as Lyon or Grenoble.
Please note that this cancellation policy does not cover guests for travel restrictions in transiting countries, only the guest’s home country and the country / department where the holiday accommodation is located. There are generally several travel options that avoid transiting countries
We’ve considered the fact that we have lived alongside covid restrictions for over a year and may do for many more years to come, therefore we are striking a balance to ensure that bookings do take place if they can - and if bookings absolutely cannot take place, we will recompense our guests accordingly (in line with industry best practise).
Travel Insurance
Additionally, guests should always organise a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any costs related to travel and accommodation in case of flight cancellation, travel restrictions in transiting countries, illness, or a positive covid test result prior to travel. Where cancellations are non-refundable, a comprehensive travel policy should provide guests with adequate security.
Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a booking eligible for cancellation?
Guests are eligible for a postponement or a refund for the following Covid-related reasons:
1. 1. the introduction of travel restrictions by regional or national governments, either in the lead guest’s country of residence or in the region where your ski or summer chalet is located. Applicable if there is official and documented advice against non-essential travel and if there are quarantine measures in the country or region where your chalet is located (not applicable to transit countries e.g. Switzerland via Geneva Airport);
2. if it is reported from credible and trustworthy sources that travel restrictions or quarantine measures will be introduced imminently to the county or region where your chalet is located.
I would like to cancel my booking, rather than reschedule it.
If you are unable to travel for any reason other than those stated above (1. introduction of official and documented travel restrictions, in either the lead guest’s country or where the chalet is located; 2. a quarantine upon arrival in the country where the chalet is located), our standard booking terms (as outlined on your rental contract) will apply.
For those who are eligible, a date alteration will be provided (for reasons stated in the terms & conditions only). We are very grateful to all our guests who choose to postpone their holidays with us.
What if I am required to self-isolate upon return to my home country?
If, at time of travel, there are requirements to self-isolate upon the guest returning home - but there are no official travel restrictions in place - we consider that your booking can take place as planned.
My flights have been cancelled. What should I do?
We recommend you attempt to re-schedule your flights or apply for a refund from your airline. You may be entitled to a full refund, otherwise it would be wise to contact your travel insurance company to check whether you may submit a claim. If you need to urgently re-book a flight, try Skyscanner to compare availability & prices.
For those travelling from the UK, it may be worth considering driving instead of flying. The Eurotunnel is a fast and convenient way to cross the channel - it takes a full day to make the journey from London but may be a more predictable method of travel in the short to medium term.
Can I visit the French Alps at the moment?
We’re delighted to be welcoming domestic and international guests again. However please note that travel restrictions are subject to change at very short notice and may still apply for those travelling from countries outside of the EU, or where a quarantine is imposed, or where localised restrictions on movement and lockdowns are in place. As these restrictions can vary and change suddenly, we always recommend you consult your government guidelines before travelling.
What rules & restrictions in France do I need to be aware of?
Domestic Travel
Travel to France is currently permitted. Local rules, lockdowns and curfews may need to be respected.
Travel from Switzerland
At present, you may enter France from Switzerland if you can show a negative PCR test result and a signed declaration that you have no COVID symptoms. You must not enter any ‘high-risk’ countries or regions, in order to bypass having to quarantine on your return to Switzerland.
We do not currently recommend that UK guests fly to Geneva airport. Instead it is preferable to fly to a French Airport such as Lyon or Grenoble. Better still, it might be easiest for some to drive using the Eurotunnel shuttle service from Dover to Calais. UK travellers transiting via Geneva are currently subject to a 10 day self-isolation period due to concerns around a new coronavirus variant (information correct on 27 Nov 2021).
Please note that our cancellation policy does not cover you for travel restrictions in transiting countries, only your home country and the country / department where your holiday accommodation is located.
Travel from the UK & Europe
Please visit www.gov.uk for amber list rules and information.
At the time of writing, there is no requirement to self-isolate on arrival in France if you are double-vaccinated. However you must sign a sworn declaration and carry this with you while travelling to France.
Returning to the UK
Passengers arriving in the UK from non-red list countries will be required to take a PCR test on or before their second day in the country and must isolate until they receive a negative result.
Please keep yourself informed using the following links and please do not forget to take out an adequate insurance policy before you book your travel and accommodation.
Pass Sanitaire - Green Pass
Vaccine passports will now be required to access ski lifts in France this winter. Anyone over the age of 12 will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or have had one jab & recovered from Covid-19 within the past 180 days.
The pass sanitaire is mandatory for bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and long-distance trains. This will be extended to ski lifts from December 4.
From 18th January 2022, a booster (3rd vaccine shot) within seven months of the second dose will be compulsory in order to get a valid adult health pass. People will still have the alternative of showing a recent negative Covid-19 test or proving immunity, but tests will need to be no older than 24 hours, down from 72 hours at present.
Face Coverings
In France, from 20th July 2020, the wearing of face masks is compulsory in all enclosed spaces.
Latest Rules & Restrictions
As rules and restrictions are subject to frequent changes, we always recommend you consult the French government website for the latest Coronavirus information: English Version
Can I use my rental deposit towards another chalet?
You may only re-schedule new dates for your originally booked chalet.
Do I need to purchase Travel Insurance?
Absolutely and without fail. We ask all our guests to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy which best covers their trip, location and activities - this is especially important at the moment. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure adequate cover for their trip. We recommend reading the terms and conditions in detail so that you know exactly what is covered and any restrictions to your policy that may apply during a claim.