We’re often quizzed on which facilities are the ‘must haves’, the extras required to make a perfect alpine rental property, from a guest point of view.
Chalet design styles and trends, guest requirements, and interior decoration have all evolved enormously since OVO Network launched in 2010. We kick off this new series of blogs on which facilities to add in, and which to leave out, with the ski room.
From practical and often humble beginnings, ski rooms these days are well designed, benefit managers, cleaners and guests, and are to be found in 75% of our properties!
Should I add a ski room?
If you have the space, our answer would be a resounding yes! As of early November 2020, 75% of our ‘OVO Network Complete’ properties offer ski rooms.
Why add a ski room?
Here are ten reasons why it is a good idea to provide a ski room, plus some photos and links to a selection of our chalets with this additional feature, just in case you need more inspiration…
- Improve guest comfort
Guests love ski rooms. They can strip off when they arrive back at the chalet, hang wet or dirty outerwear up, knowing that it will be dry and toasty warm in the morning. 
- Keep clutter to a minimum
Many contemporary chalet interiors are open plan. Adding a ski room leaves the main living spaces clutter-free, thereby maintaining the relaxing vibe in the chalet.
- Guest safety
Non-slip matting may not be glamorous, but it is eminently practical. From a safety point of view, guests are less likely to slip on rubber matting than on tile or wooden floors.
- Guest comfort
Add benches to take the pain out of putting on and taking off ski boots for younger (and older) guests! If you have space, plumbing and the budget, why not add a wc too? There’s nothing worse than getting all kitted up only to realise you – and the kids – need to nip to the loo before heading off into the cold…
- Reduce fire risks!
Outerwear draped over heaters or in front of a fire to dry can pose a fire risk – a ski room offers a safer option.
- Reduce wear and tear on sports equipment
Leaving snow encrusted skis on a roof rack, and wet sweaty boots in the boot of the car overnight, is never a good idea. Frozen stiff boots are horrible to wear the following day, and there is nothing worse for ski edges than a damp cold atmosphere or, heaven forbid, rain!
- Reduce wear and tear on the rest of your property
Have you stayed in chalets with ski boot scratches on wooden floors, and gouges across walls where skis and boards have been propped up? Or seen stains from gloves and jackets draped over radiators to dry? Install a ski room with access direct from the parking, or put it close to the front door, to avoid these potential problems.
- Keep maintenance and cleaning bills down
Managers (and owners) appreciate that keeping wet, dirty kit out of the main property helps keep cleaning time down on busy change-over days. A drain in the ski store floor will also enable easier more time-efficient cleaning.
- Security
While guests who hire their ski gear may have access to lockers at the ski hire shop, others prefer to bring their own gear, or treat themselves while in resort. Ski gear and other sports equipment can be very expensive – giving guests a secure area in the property in which to store these purchases can only be a good idea.
- Kit storage space for year-round happy guests
Some ski rooms can also be used to store bikes, golf clubs, paddle boards etc. If possible add an outdoor tap and drain close by, or a sink, so that guests can wash down muddy sports gear. How about a workshop area too?
What should the ideal ski room include, apart from features mentioned above?
- Benches. Take the pain out of putting on and taking off boots!
- Ski/snowboard racks
- Boot warmers
- Glove warmers
- Shelving for ski helmets and goggles
- Hanging rail /plenty of coat hooks and hangers for drying outerwear
- Hooks/space for bulkier gear such as backpacks, camelbaks, avalanche kits etc
What is the financial return of adding extra facilities?
If you want to find out more about the potential return on investment related to adding extra facilities and features, take a look at our rental calculator. Simply enter the details of your property to get an idea of what similar OVO Network properties already earn.
Take a leisurely look through our listing site www.ovonetwork.com and use the search filters to find other properties with similar facilities and features in our destinations. You will be able to get an idea of how much your property could earn. Happy browsing!
Watch new trends evolve – sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter
Don’t just take our word for what’s going on! Study new properties as they launch and keep up to date with what’s happening in our destinations by signing up to our newsletter here.
