In many European resorts Christmas skiing is a challenge, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have lots of snow by New Year. Eight years ago – in 2006 – conditions were almost as bad in the Christmas week, but it developed into a bumper season. Having said that, the high resorts are in surprisingly good shape at the moment. Two of our editors are in Val d’Isere this week, where the skiing is mostly good – and even excellent on the glacier. Other high resorts like Obergurgl and Zermatt are also good at the moment.
Here are some of the latest ski deals available. For more offers, check out the websites of operators such as Crystal Ski, Inghams, Mark Warner, Neilson, and Ski World. Consult specialist travel agencies, too – such as Sno, Snowfinders, Momentum Ski and Snow-Wise.
January Breaks
Val d’Isere from £379pp with Erna Low
Stay seven nights at the Residence Alpina Lodge in Val d’Isere on a self-catered basis, with return flights from London to Geneva, including baggage, and shared transfers from the airport to resort from £379pp based on four people sharing (that’s a saving of 30%). The residence is in a prime location in the heart of the resort and the holiday departs on January 17. More information from Erna Low.
Obergurgl from £579pp with Inghams
The high-altitude resort of Obergurgl offers skiing for all abilities and queue-free lifts. Stay seven nights half board at four-star Haus Gurgl from from £579pp, which is a saving of £440pp, departing January 10. The price includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck and resort transfers. For more information visit Inghams.
La Plagne from £517pp with Alpine Elements
See in the New Year in La Plagne 1800. Chalet Hannah sleeps 12 on a half-board basis. The holiday departs December 28 and costs from £517pp, including flights and transfers. For more details on this and other offers visit Alpine Elements.
Passo Tonale for £459pp with Crystal Ski
Stay a week half board at four-star Grand Hotel Paradiso in the snow-sure and good-value resort of Passo Tonale in Italy. The price is £459pp (save £250pp) departing January 10 from Gatwick to Verona, with transfers included. More information is available from Crystal Ski.
Val Thorens 10% discount with Powder N Shine
Lovers of gourmet food have a 10% discount on all remaining January holidays in Val Thorens. Chalet Flocon des Neiges has doorstep skiing and seven nights half board in January costs £650pp before the discount. Live availability for the chalets can be seen at Powder N Shine.
Obergurgl for £324pp with Esprit Ski
Visit one of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts, Obergurgl, where Chalet Verwall is now available for £324pp (was £618pp). It’s a real home from home for families and provides easy access to the slopes. The price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children under 12) at £1,296, travelling out on January 11 and includes return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck, resort transfers, free wifi, use of the sauna, free ski hosting and seven nights catered chalet accommodation. Esprit Classic Child Care is available from £215 for a week of exclusive ski lessons. More details from Esprit Ski.
Brides-les-Baines from £299pp with Skiweekends
Save £50pp on a week in the 3 Valleys with seven ski days starting on January 2. Stay in Brides-les-Baines at the popular three-star Hotel Verseau and ski for seven days in Meribel. Accommodation is half board, with travel by coach. Book online and use discount code 7D50. Visit Skiweekends for further details.
Montgenevre from £475pp with Zenith Holidays
Stay for a week at Chalet Clautre in the traditional resort of Montgenevre in the Milky Way ski area, which borders France and Italy. A week starting January 17, including flights and transfers, now costs £475pp (was £550pp). For more information contact Zenith Holidays.
Val d’Isere short break from £750pp with Le Chardon
Take a short break at luxury Chalet Le Chardon in Val d’Isere from January 11 to 15, which now costs £750pp chalet board. Further details are available from Le Chardon.
Les Arcs for £399pp with Ski Total
Chalet Koala in Les Arcs is now £399pp (was £679pp) for a week, travelling out on January 4. Set in a convenient location three minutes’ walk to the nearest lift, the chalet has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The price includes return flights from Gatwick to Geneva, resort transfers, free wifi, use of an indoor pool and catered accommodation. More details from Ski Total.
Val Thorens apartment from £602 with Pierre & Vacances
Newly-refurbished residence Le Machu Pichu is on the slopes of the high resort of Val Thorens. Cosy and inviting inside, the accommodation is ideal for a family getaway. The apartments have a sports-shop, mini mart and an on-site bar. Prices for January 3 start from £602 (saving 30%, down from £860) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four people for seven nights. Flights from Luton to Geneva start from £101 with easyJet. More details from Pierre et Vacances.
St Martin de Belleville free lift pass with The Alpine Club
Stay in St Martin de Belleville for a week and you’ll receive a free 3 Valleys lift pass worth 283€ for holidays starting January 4, 11, 18 or 25. Chalet Abode sleeps eight to ten people and can be booked by the room during these adult-only shared holiday weeks. As an alternative, Chamois Lodge sleeps six people. The offer expires on December 31 and further details are available from The Alpine Club
Verbier’s free guiding with CK Verbier
CK Verbier has teamed up with Performance Verbier to offer one full day’s complimentary tuition/guiding in Verbier during January, saving 540chf. Combine this with the complimentary transfers offer for a great saving. The deal is valid for full-week bookings on January 4, 11, 18 and 25. More information is available from CK Verbier.
February Skiing
Val d’Isere wine tasting week from £1,269pp with VIP Ski
Spend a week in Val d’Isere this February with Xavier Rousset who, in 2002, became the world’s youngest Master Sommelier. You can enjoy wine tastings accompanied by dinner and you’ll also be invited to an exclusive wine tasting evening in Xavier’s 28-50 bar and restaurant in the heart of London’s Mayfair. Stay seven nights in the Aspen Lodge Suites from £1,269pp including chalet board accommodation, flights and transfers. Further information from VIP Ski.
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