Get ready to boot up, board up and drink up, because it’s time to stow the surfboard, pack up the paraglider and head to the snow! While we know you love your summer fun, there’s just something so epic about tackling the might of a snow-covered mountain with a group of your mates…
The French ski resort of La Plagne in the Paradiski area of the Alps will be unlike any other ski resort you’ve encountered before. This is because while it is referred to as a single resort, it is actually made up of 11 separate ‘villages’ each in different locations with direct access to different skiing.
The resort of Les Deux Alpes may be one of France’s oldest ski resorts but it has long been a popular destination with young British skiers. One of the reasons for that is its excellent, lively après ski scene.
Parents always have fears that their older kids will become bored or not have a good time on holiday. This is an understandable concern, as there is nothing worse than putting up with a moody teenager whilst abroad! It is for this reason that I think it is crucial to pick somewhere that has many activities to keep them happy and entertained at all times.
Sitting at an elevation of 1869m, Alpe d’Huez is part of the monumental Grande Rousses Massif ski area in the French Alps. The resort encompasses parts of the 250km of linked pistes throughout this popular region and is renowned for its magnificent views across the Alps.
For those who like to burn the candle at both ends, it is crucial that there is an electric après scene at your ski resort so that you can let your hair down after a day on the slopes. If this sounds like your idea of a great holiday, then Morzine could be the resort for you.
Val Thorens, situated in the famed Le Trois Vallees in the French Alps, is a complete paradise for expert skiers. It is the highest ski resort in all of Europe at a staggering 2300m altitude; it boasts superb conditions which enable you to get the most out of your stay, not to mention the breathtaking views. In addition to the terrific doorstep skiing, you can also get access to the gigantic Le Trois Vallees ski area which features over 600km of runs. Many of these will challenge even the most seasoned expert skier.
Picking the perfect resort can be a tricky decision for intermediate skiers, as you will want somewhere that you can improve your technique but also not be overwhelmed. In addition to the right mix of runs, you will also want to factor in off-piste activities, ambience, après ski and everything else that is so important on a ski vacation.
Hitting the slopes is only a small part of what makes a skiing holiday a wonderful and memorable vacation. In addition to the skiing, you will also want to experience great accommodation, a lively atmosphere, fun off-piste activities and, of course, luxury food.
With pistes at a top altitude of 3,500 metres, the world’s longest on-piste vertical drop, and Europe’s largest skiable glacier, Les Deux Alpes an obvious contender for an energetic winter sports holiday. But while the resort has plenty of diversity over its 225km of pistes, it’s what it offers off-piste and in its outstanding snowpark that is so appealing to freestyle skiers. And, what makes it unusual is that many of the easier runs sit at the higher altitudes, while the tougher, adrenaline producing off-piste action takes you right back into the resort. So, freestylers – if you feel the
With fantastic skiing for all levels and a lively village centre, Courmayeur, in the Italian Aosta Valley, is a popular choice for the youthful demographic looking to ski hard and play even harder. Nestled under the imposing shadow of Mont Blanc, the resort’s warm, inclusive Italian ambience and jaw-dropping scenery are offset by some of the most exciting intermediate skiing in Europe. But this vibrant resort’s on-piste attributes are almost eclipsed by its full-throttle, unashamedly party-til-you-drop après ski scene. So, if you’re looking for a party on the piste, you’ve found it! Convenient and Social One of the first pre-requisites
Living up to its nickname as the “St Tropez of winter sports”, Courchevel, in the magnificent Les Trois Vallées region of France (the largest ski network in the world) has all the glitz and glamour befitting a favourite celebrity hangout. Although it’s officially been rebranded, most people still know the four satellite villages that comprise the resort by their elevations: Courchevel 1330, 1550, 1650, and 1850. Nothing’s done in halves here, from the luxury shopping to the six-star hotels (yes, it’s a thing) and Michelin-starred restaurants – even the pistes seem to have that little bit more of a shine.
Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, the picture-perfect village of Châtel sits on the French/Swiss border and enjoys a reputation as one of the most authentic resorts in the Alps. With its panoramic mountain scenery, chocolate-box Alpine chalets and charming traditional Haute-Savoie ambience, Châtel maintains a very different feel to the more touristy resorts of the Portes du Soleil. For those looking for a very “French” French Alps experience, this delightfully unpretentious village is just the ticket. A Charming Village Because it’s a genuine working village and not a purpose-built ski resort, Châtel doesn’t have the manufactured feel
