FAQs

We are contactable throughout the year, however please have a read through the questions  below. These are the ones that get asked the most.

 Can I choose who I live with?

We rent the accommodation in our apartments by the 'bed'. However, we always try and keep people happy and will do our best to meet requests where possible. In our experience some people prefer mixed sex apartments, and others prefer single sex. There are benefits (and the odd down side) of both. Be aware that privacy during a ski season is a premium for everyone, but that is part of the overall enjoyment and the best advice is be open-minded, ready to try something new and meet as many different people as you can.

Of course you can also live with any friends you are doing the season with, just let us know upfront.

What type of person rents with Season Beds?

People who typically rent with us tend to be like-minded 18-30 year olds, looking for the time of their life! However, there is no one 'type' of person. Girls and guys from various nations get together to ski, board, party and socialise for their ski season. Some work in bars, some in restaurants and some not at all! Doing a season is a great 'leveller', where people of all ages, from all walks of life, with different experiences and skills come together to share an amazing 6 months. Once you arrive, you will quickly realise that the most important thing to bring is an open-mind, a sack full of enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. 

What if I am doing a season on my own?

Fantastic! You will immediately join the list of thousands that have chosen a similar path before you. We try to mix people to get the best fit (we have become quite good at that!). You will be living with like-minded people all intent on skiing, snowboarding and socialising. Pre-season we will create a FaceBook group to introduce you to each other and provide an opportunity to ask more questions and ease any early nerves. When you arrive you will of course meet your flatmates, but we will also arrange an informal get-together for all of those renting beds through us.

How much are the beds?

2800-3200€ for the season depending. This does not include water and electricity. The typical combined (shared between all guests) bill for the seasonal apartment is usually 800-1400€, which will be taken from your damage deposit before it is returned at the end of the season. So budget 200-300 €pp for electricity and water, paid at the end of the season.

So roughly 3500€ (circa £3000) 'All-In' for the season. Remember, we are in town to help! We dont charge silly breakage fees, only what it costs to repair (see below)!

Bills (water and eletricty) are extr and charged at a metre consumption, shared betwene the flat. Up until 2022-23 seaosn these were usually 2-300€pp. However we can expect these to rise wiht the global energy crisis. 

What about BREXIT?

EU passport holders can live and work in France without restrictions. If you are from the UK with a British passport only, but have the oppertunity through parents or Grandparents to obtain an EU (Including Ireland) passport, this will make things a lot easier for you.            UK Passport holders, who were 'resident' in France before Januray 1st 2021 can obtain a french resident permit.  This gives you resident status in France. More info Here

UK Passport holders. By default you can visit the Schngen zone for up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days and/oror work in France (or anywhere in the eu) YOU MAY NEED A VISA, See here

This has become much a much more simple process in 2022 and you can quite easily get a visa once you have a specific job. However, most employers will want proof you have secured a bed before they offer you a job and push throughthe visa process for you. Most emplyers know the visa system and can help. But to summarise:

1) Secure bed and pay a deposit

2) Apply for jobs

3) Get a job and once the visa is cleared, you have to go to a location in the UK and do some biometrics (Finger prints etc). 

How much is the breakage deposit?

500€ per person. This is held until you sign back the apartment (and water / electricity bills have been calculated and paid). This is to cover for any unreasonable damage (broken windows through negligence, major damage to equipment or furniture etc.). We do not keep any money that has not been charged by the landlords or agencies, so assuming you treat your apartment well, you can expect most of your deposit back. Your utility bills (water and electricity) will be deducted from your deposit, on a shared basis. So remember to turn the taps and lights off and nag your flatmates! We will try and settle this with you as soon as possible at the end of the season.

How can I pay?

BACS transfer to our French account is our preferred method of payment. You will receive a receipt.

We can accept further payments by cash in resort, but please speak to us about this beforehand.

I can't afford 3000€ (bed and deposit) right now – can you help?

We can accomdate a payment plan until the seaosn. 

How much money do I need for a season?

That partly depends on how you plan to live. If you want to eat out every night, drink champagne and run bar tabs for all of your friends, you might want to buy a few lottery tickets before you arrive. If however, your expectations aren't quite so grand, we would recommend budgeting 850€ for a season ski pass (can be paid in instalments), 500-700€ a month to eat, drink and have fun, with a further 1000€ or so for new clothing and gear etc.

If you plan to work, even part time (we really recommend this as it brings you closer to people, is great for being social and generally keeps you occupied when not skiing, sleeping or partying), do remember to have some money to cover you until your first pay cheque (for your bed, ski pass and enough to eat and drink)!

Do the beds have bedding?

The apartments come with blankets and pillows for all. You should bring your sheets/duvets from home, or buy cheap ones in resort. We have a selection of nearly new and new duvets that we can lend or sell to you – first come first served! We can also sell linen to you - subject to availability. 

What dates can I have my bed from/until?

November 20th - April 20th for a full seaosn. 

Do the apartments have WIFI?

Some do, some don’t. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure until closer to the season. This is because we do not own all of the apartments and so cannot guarantee that the relevant infrastructure and equipment is installed in every one. However, 4G dongles are available in France and are quite fast. They are now available, very affordable, with massive or unlimited data packages. The 4G in VT is  much faster than the landline! Have a look at www.free.fr it isnt very expenisve and if you share with your housemates it is a no brainer. 

Also you will perhaps want a local sim card with data for your phone, that usually becomes a hotspot if needed!

What if i can afford a little more?

We have for the 2023-24 seaosn we have amix of standard and premium beds. The premium is with a built in 'pod' style of bed,and often include net, oven, washing machine. They are 3000-3200€ a bed for a full season.

How do I get there?

Simple. Fly to Geneva or Lyon and take a bus or train.

From the UK, getting the train all the way to Moutiers (at the bottom of the mountain) is a great option as there is no baggage restriction! Just remember it is the French (not Swiss) Moutiers (you would not be the first person to end up in the wrong country!).

Recommended reading? (see our 'links' section - top right of this page)

www.natives.co.uk

www.seasonworkers.co.uk

www.valthorens.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/742031555909982/

What should I bring?

Remember that space is always at a premium in the Alps. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, warm pair of boots or water proof trainers, 1 nice shirt or going out top etc. is probably the basic requirements, but there are plenty of threads on this topic that can help on some of the websites listed above. Some good additional items are: pharmaceuticals and toiletries as these are very expensive in France (especially in ski resorts), plenty of power adapters (for all you Brits and non-Europeans), a hard drive full of movies and box sets, printed CV (multiple copies), credit card (just in case), laptop/phone chargers, camera, money, drivers licence

There are two of us, can we have our own apartment?

Yes, but only if you rent all 4-6 beds!

Do I need insurance?

YES, YES, YES and ABSOLUTELY YES. Insurance for injury, sickness and repatriation (getting you home) is a MUST. Every year we say the same and every year there are those who don't get it and end up with astronomical medical bills. DO NOT be one of those people. Insurance for your gear is also advisable. There are many options out there, just remember to read the conditions and small print (especially if you have any intention of venturing off-piste whilst skiing or snowboarding – you have been warned).

What if I get injured and have to go home?

The bed is yours for the season. However, we would help you to re-sell it to hopefully recoup some of your money back (we have a long waiting list for beds every year and throughout the season). We can also issure documents for your insurance. 

Can I rent my bed out?

Generally we would say no. However, if there is a particular circumstance that necessitates this it may be an option, but only with agreement of the in resort staff from Season Beds and your flatmates.

Can we have friends to stay?

Of course, this is very normal. You do need to plan and agree this with your flatmates. Do remember though that space is already tight and of course more people equates to more electricity and water = higher bills at the end!

What happens if there is a problem?

We live close by and can be on hand to help.

Can I get post/mail form home?

Of course. We will advise of the address closer to the season!  Most people get their packages delivered to a local pub which is open all day, however you have an address and the post person will usually find you or the post box.

Is there a cash machine / ATM nearby?

Loads!

Mobile phones / sim cards?

The best deals change every year, however they are now all quite cheap and include data packages. If you want to use your current phone, just remember to ensure it is unlocked and can accept French sim cards.