Now that the cold weather is setting in (just where has the summer disappeared to?) many of us will no doubt be turning our attention to making the most of autumn/winter and the months in the run up to December 25.
If you’re staying put here in good old Blighty, there’ll be all sorts of treats to look forward to: Christmas markets, brass bands and open air ice rinks. But if you’re lucky enough to have a bit of spare cash towards the back end of the year, you can do far worse than escaping the UK and really embracing the cold elsewhere, via an exciting European ski break.
And to help you on your quest to enjoy a fun-packed mini break somewhere other than England, we’re bringing you our favourite European destinations just perfect for that favourite winter activity – skiing. Read on…
Tignes, France
Oooh la la – this is a simply stunning ski resort! One of the highest ski resorts in the alps, in fact! Tignes offers guaranteed skiing opportunities pretty much all year round. With over 300kms of varied terrain, Tignes forms part of the vast Espace Killy ski area, and is linked to the neighbouring resort of Val D’Isere. Ideal for all abilities, this resort offers something for everyone, with lively nightlife, gorgeous restaurants and a sports centre with sauna, squash and aerobics on offer. There’s also a cinema fairly close by – ideal for resting your weary feet following a tiring day on the slopes.
Courmayeur, Italy
The perfect spot for intermediates, Italy’s Courmayeur shares Mont Blanc with France’s Chamonix. Apparently, this is a resort that has more mountain restaurants than lifts, so only the most daring beginners should head here. There’s so much more than just skiing on offer here, though; enjoy some of the resort’s breathtaking scenery and explore the pretty town of Courmayeur itself. It’s also really easy to get to and from the resort, with the nearest airports either Geneva or Turin – check it out!
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Looking for a ski weekend with a difference? Take a look at Spain’s Sierra Nevada. While Spain might not be the obvious choice for a ski break, it really shouldn’t be overlooked; this resort is a mere 45-minute drive from Granada and about 30 minutes from some of the beaches of the Spanish southern coast. This, of course, means you can ski in the morning and sun bathe in the afternoon, before slipping into your glad rags and taking in some of the resort’s nightlife by night. Night skiing is available every Saturday – give it a go if you’re keen to try something a little different. It’s also just a 45-minute drive to the resort from Granada.
Engelberg, Switzerland
Featuring rugged terrain and long runs from the 3,000 Titlis peak, this Swiss ski resort is just an hour and a half from Zurich and offers a host of accommodation perfect for any traveller. The nearest international airport – in Zurich – is a major hub, and it’s just an hour and a half by road or two hours by train to the resort. Look into it today and get this year’s big ski break booked!
Planning a ski break? Hopefully we’ve given you all the inspiration you’re looking for to ensure this is your best autumn/winter mini holiday yet.
Author Bio
Anne is a total ski fanatic and adventurer based in Oxfordshire. Although she has many interests, she enjoys nothing more than sharing her wealth of ski experience. Her content normally includes top tips, favourite places and practical information for newbies and experienced skiers, to make sure everyone can get the best out of their experience.