Elevator-Free Mountain Living: Practical Tips for Enjoying Chalet Du Crey
Planning a mountain stay where charm comes with a few extra steps? This guide to elevator-free mountain living at Chalet Du Crey helps you prepare smartly so you can focus on the views—not the stair count. You’ll find clear answers about the hotel’s stairs-only access, actionable packing tips, room and building guidance, and on-site services that make moving around easier in both winter and summer.
What “elevator-free” means at Chalet Du Crey
Chalet Du Crey operates in an authentic, stairs-only configuration. Knowing the essentials up front lets you plan your stay with confidence.
Quick answers (optimized for featured snippets)
- Does Chalet Du Crey have an elevator? No. All guest rooms are accessible only by stairs.
- Is the hotel suitable for reduced mobility or wheelchairs? No. The building and its mountain location are not suitable for guests with reduced mobility and cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
- Where are the rooms located? Rooms are in the main building and in an annex about 30 m away. The annex houses spacious Standard rooms on two floors; breakfast and dinner are served in the main building.
- Are rooms ensuite? Yes. Every room has a private bathroom with shower and toilet, plus a television (about twenty channels), a personal safe, and complimentary in-room tea and coffee.
Choosing the right room and building for your needs
A few informed choices can reduce how often you take the stairs and help you organize your day.
Room categories and capacities
- Standard rooms: Located in both the main building and the annex (two floors).
- Comfort rooms: Located in the main building only.
- Capacities: Options range from single rooms up to accommodations for six guests.
How to align your preferences
- Minimize outdoor transfers: Since meals are served in the main building, guests who prefer fewer outdoor walks between buildings may favor a room in the main building.
- State your preference at booking: When reserving, share practical preferences (e.g., lower-floor location, main-building proximity). While allocation depends on availability, stating needs early helps the team advise you.
For travel planning—by car or train—consult the step-by-step guide: Your Practical Guide.
Packing and arrival strategies for stairs-first stays
A few small choices can make carrying items up and down stairs much easier.
Pack to distribute weight
- Opt for two smaller bags instead of one heavy suitcase.
- Use a backpack/daypack for essentials to keep one hand free for the railing.
- Keep waterproof layers and warm accessories accessible if you’ll be moving between buildings in winter.
Footwear and grip
- Wear sturdy shoes with tread for safer traction on stairs.
- Keep a hand free and use railings; stow phones or valuables before climbing.
Arrivals and communications
- If you expect to arrive late in the evening, inform reception by phone at +33 (0) 4 57 55 11 34 on the day of arrival, or email info@chaletducrey.com in advance.
- For questions or to secure a booking, you can also reach the team on WhatsApp: +32 470 84 41 32. The team speaks Dutch, English, French, and German.
Electric vehicles
- The hotel does not have an on-site EV charging point. A paid 24-hour station is available at the entrance to Valmorel resort, a short drive from the hotel. Plan a brief charging stop on arrival or departure days.
Navigating the stairs safely and comfortably
Elevator-free mountain living rewards mindful movement. These habits help you stay comfortable and safe:
- One trip, one purpose: Consolidate what you need before heading upstairs to reduce multiple trips.
- Keep hands free: Sling bags and backpacks are stair-friendly; avoid carrying loose items.
- Use rest landings: Take brief pauses on landings if you’re carrying heavier items.
- Family tip: For infants, a baby carrier is often easier on stairs than a stroller.
- Seasonal awareness: In winter, knock off snow from boots before entering to improve stair grip.
Gear-heavy adventures: minimize what you carry upstairs
Whether you’re skiing or cycling, use on-site facilities to lighten your loads.
Winter: skiing and snow fun
- With good snow, you can ski via the Rocher piste to within 50 m of the hotel, and the Rocher drag-lift is only 100 m away—handy for minimizing long walks in ski boots.
- The Téléski du Blanchot (nearby) is free of charge for children and beginners.
- Ski passes can be booked through the hotel and will be waiting at reception when you arrive.
- Equipment rental: Reserve ski/snowboard equipment online at reduced rates and receive an additional 5% discount.
- Pedestrian–snowshoe pass on-site: Buy the Pass Piétons–Raquettes at reception to access resort lifts without visiting a ticket office. Lifts accessible with this pass include the Planchamp and Pierrafort gondolas, Lanchettes and Combelouvière chairlifts, the Celliers gondola, and the Mottet chairlift (10:00–16:00), plus the Télébourg covered lift (08:30–23:30).
Tip: Keep skis, boards, and poles in the designated lockers instead of your room to reduce stair carrying.
- Explore rentals and savings: Ski Rental Valmorel
Summer: cycling made easier
- The annex building houses a secure bike room equipped with SpaceRail storage for more than 12 bikes, tools for minor repairs, a tyre-pressure station, and charging points for e-bikes.
- Printed itineraries for local road and mountain-bike routes—starting directly from the hotel—are available at reception, with advice on difficulty and terrain.
- Laundry service for cycling clothing is available on request; ask at check-in or at reception.
- Bike rental: As a hotel guest, enjoy discounts at partner shop SKI BIKE & Co in Valmorel; choose from downhill, enduro, all-mountain, e-MTB, junior, and road bikes.
- Mechanical support: Most fixes can be handled by the on-site technician; for complex repairs, the hotel collaborates with a partner workshop in Valmorel.
For cyclist-focused amenities (including early departures with breakfast from 6:30 a.m.), see the Accueil Vélo information:
- Cyclist services overview: Accueil Vélo—Hotel Point
- Our certification and commitments: Label Accueil Vélo
Make the most of on-site comforts between climbs
When the stairs are done for the day, settle in with comforts that help you recharge.
- In-room essentials: Complimentary tea and coffee, a television with about twenty channels, and a personal safe in every room.
- Ensuite bathrooms: Private shower and toilet in every room.
- Dinner: A freshly prepared three-course menu every evening, blending Savoyard specialties with international dishes; the traditional Savoyard raclette features during the week. Learn more: Raclette—A melted-cheese myth
- All Inclusive options: Outside the ski season, the All Inclusive formula covers full board from dinner on arrival to a packed lunch on departure, table wine and water, an open bar with selected drinks from 17:00–22:00 (except departure day), plus daily snacks. In winter, All Inclusive also includes a daily soup or sweet snack around 17:00.
If you love mementos, the online boutique offers branded souvenirs and textiles: Boutique—Textiles
Seasonal operations and planning
- Opening periods: Winter season runs mid-December to mid-April; summer season runs 15 June to 1 October. The restaurant and bar follow the same dates.
- Best-rate direct booking: Book directly with Chalet Du Crey for the best available prices and flexible conditions.
For added peace of mind, explore cancellation coverage:
- Winter: Cancellation Insurance Pack
- Summer: Cancellation Insurance—Summer
Frequently asked questions about elevator-free stays
Is Chalet Du Crey accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
No. The building is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility, and it cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
How far is the annex from the main building, and where are meals served?
The annex is about 30 m from the main building and houses Standard rooms on two floors. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main building.
Can I request a room on a lower floor?
You can share a lower-floor preference during booking. Allocation depends on availability, but the team will advise you.
Are rooms equipped for a comfortable stay?
Yes. All rooms include a private bathroom with shower and toilet, a television (about twenty channels), a personal safe, and complimentary tea and coffee.
What languages does the team speak?
The team speaks Dutch, English, French, and German.
When is the hotel open?
Winter: mid-December to mid-April. Summer: 15 June to 1 October.
Practical takeaways (checklist)
- Pack two smaller bags rather than one heavy case; keep a daypack for essentials.
- Wear grippy shoes and keep one hand free for stair railings.
- For families, consider a baby carrier instead of a stroller for stairs.
- If arriving late, call +33 (0) 4 57 55 11 34 or email info@chaletducrey.com.
- Use on-site gear spaces: ski locker in winter and secure SpaceRail bike room in summer.
- For EVs, plan to charge at the paid 24-hour station at Valmorel’s entrance.
- Share room-location preferences during booking to reduce stair or outdoor transfers.
- Buy Pass Piétons–Raquettes at reception to move around the resort without queueing at ticket offices.
Conclusion: Embrace the steps—and the setting
Elevator-free mountain living at Chalet Du Crey is about moving mindfully and traveling light. With stairs-only access, clear room choices, and smart use of on-site services, you can turn every step into part of the alpine experience.
Ready to plan a smooth arrival? Book directly for the best available prices and flexible conditions. Have questions or special requests?
- Email: info@chaletducrey.com or accueil@chaletducrey.com
- Phone: +33 (0) 4 57 55 11 34
- WhatsApp (reservations): +32 470 84 41 32
For practical travel directions, see: Your Practical Guide. For cyclists, start here: Accueil Vélo—Hotel Point. Then, come enjoy the mountains—one satisfying flight of stairs at a time.