Ski Resort Recommendations for Winter in the Alps


(2019-01-04 13:07:10)

 

With the start of the new winter ski season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to gather the troops and book your ideal Alpine escape. Choose from the widest range of chalets, apartments and hotels in your top ski resorts of choice, with the broadest ski school and childcare availability to match.

If you’re thinking about booking a ski holiday to the Alps and you’re looking for a little resort inspiration, we’re on hand to help. Here are a few of our top resort recommendations for winter in the Alps, with options for all the powder-hounds, families and après-skiers out there looking to try somewhere new this winter ski season.

Families with young children

There are lots of suggestions you could make for the top family-friendly ski resorts in Europe, and destinations like Avoriaz, Obergurgl, Alpe d’Huez and La Rosière all make the grade. But with gentle slopes ideal for learners, outstanding ski schools, plenty of non-skiing entertainment and superb childcare programs, we’re going with the Three Valleys resort of Méribel.

What our customers say: “What we love about Méribel and the Three Valleys is the ability to ski a different route each day based on the conditions, and enjoy the many and varied mountain stops.” Ron Godfrey

Where to stay: Chalet-hotel Alba sits close to the pistes, with the ski lifts and nursery slopes within wonderfully easy reach. Comprehensive in-house childcare services mean parents can explore the slopes knowing the kids are well cared for and safe.

In-house childcare at the chalet-hotel Alba in Méribel

Spectacular scenery

The Alps are famous for their beautiful mountain views, but even among these soaring peaks and plunging valleys, some resorts stand heads and shoulders above the competition. Chamonix, Wengen and Saas Fee all deserve honourary mentions, but for the most impressive scenery, for us it’s Zermatt – home to the mighty Matterhorn peak.

What our customers say: “We decided to celebrate my 50th Birthday in Zermatt with our best friends, and what a place! The mountains just amaze you, wrapping around the resort in a cloak of snow and rocks. I defy anyone to not be amazed at the mountain ranges!” Karl Northall

Where to stay: For a true taste of luxury, the 6* chalet Zermatt Lodge is tough to beat. Inside, vaulted timber ceilings and sleek design set the property apart, while outside, the large balcony faces the Matterhorn.

Off-piste and backcountry terrain

Carving fresh turns through the steep and deep is the biggest buzz the mountains can offer, and from open faces and rocky chutes to sweeping forest glades, the Alps boast an amazing range of off-piste possibilities when conditions are right.

Engelberg, Val d’Isère, Chamonix and Lech are all popular among freeride skiers and snowboarders in search of powder, but topping our list is the Swiss resort of Verbier. ‘Itinerary’ runs point skiers toward the off-piste terrain, with amazing scenery and sweeping descents to enjoy.

Where to stay: the chalet-hotel de Verbier sits right in the heart of the action, with hassle-free ski and town access. The crackling log fire in the lounge/bar offers the perfect spot to sit and relax among friends.

Late-season skiing and snowboarding

If you’re saving your ski trip till the end of the season – when longer days and warmer weather make the Alps an absolute joy to explore – then you’ll need to focus on high-altitude resorts like Tignes, Avoriaz, Cervinia or Obergurgl. Our favourite though, when the snow turns to slush elsewhere, is Val Thorens – standing at an eye-watering 2,300m.

What our customers say: “I'd recommend heading up the Peclet lift as the views were fantastic, with some very good runs back to the resort. I only used a Val Thorens pass the whole holiday and didn't get bored, as the runs were all worth doing more than once!” Penny Ullman

Where to stay: With hassle-free ski access, stylish design, plus flights, transfers, unlimited dining, lift passes and lessons included, the all-inclusive Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is the place to ski late-season.

For all-inclusive simplicity, the Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is perfect

Après ski and nightlife

If you’re the sort of person who returns from a ski holiday needing another trip to catch up on sleep, then read on. Resorts including Ischgl, Val d’Isère and Mayrhofen all offer a diverse and exciting après ski scene – with piste-side partying on the slopes and lively bars in the town centres. Our favourite, though, is the Austrian resort of St Anton. Can you really say you’ve experienced alpine après ski till you’ve been here?!

What our customers say: “St Anton is a fantastic resort – the skiing is superb with enough ski area to keep both beginners and advanced skiers happy for a week.” Victoria McCann

Where to stay: Chalet-hotel Rosanna is bursting with Tyrolean charm, and takes pride of place just off the pedestrianised main street – a stone's throw from the bars, restaurants and clubs of central St Anton.

If you’d like more details on the diverse ski holidays we offer to your favourite alpine destinations, you can call one of our friendly experts on 020 3080 0202 or reach us through our online chat service. As always, wherever you’re looking to ski this winter, we’re on hand to help.