In most European ski resorts the snow may have now retreated to the glaciers, but you can still have loads of fun and fitness in the Alps or Pyrenees – cycling, hiking or just chilling on the shore of a beautiful lake. We have gathered together a handful of deals for you that are too good to miss.
South Tyrol from £462pp with Freedom Treks
Take in the heritage of Italy’s South Tyrol on this cycling tour, making the medieval city of Bolzano your base for the week. There is gentle riding along bike paths and farm tracks, giving you time to appreciate the surroundings – from vineyards, orchards and mountain peaks, to medieval cities and cathedrals.
This six-night, self-guided 249km tour starts at £462pp, staying B&B in a four-star hotel and including train journeys, one lunch, and maps. (Flights are not included.) Departure is daily from now until October 24. Bike hire £59, with e-bikes also available. Visit Freedom Treks for more information.
Salzburg from £340pp with Thomson Lakes
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, the most successful film musical in history. It was thanks to the Hollywood movie that Salzburg became world-famous. On a visit to the lovely city, you can visit the film locations – including the convent, the gardens and palace that were the backdrop for Do-Re-Mi, St Peter’s Cemetery from the dramatic flight scenes, and the pavillon at Hellbrunn Palace where the song Sixteen Going On Seventeen was filmed.
It costs from £340pp (save £240pp) for a week’s half board at three-star Hotel Leifer in St Wolfgang, including Gatwick flights and resort transfers departing June 25. Direct flights are available from all major UK airports. Price includes £50 off per booking and a free Salzburg day trip per adult. To take advantage of the offer, book by June 1 with Thomson Lakes.
Alpe d’Huez for £354pp with Esprit Sun
The family specialist operator is offering a deal for £354pp (saving £260 per family) with free childcare for little ones aged three to ten years of age. Stay at Chalet Hotel Mariandre, which is close to Alpe d’Huez centre and a short walk from the Palais du Sport with its indoor and outdoor swimming-pools.
The price is £1,416 per family (two adults and two children aged 2-11 years). The price is for seven nights departing July 7 and includes return flights from Gatwick to Geneva, resort transfers, catered board, free packed lunches, free soft drinks for children, free family excursion to Grenoble and free children’s clubs. Further details from Esprit Sun.
Les Gets from £166pp with Peak Retreats
The France specialist tour operator is launching mountain bike holidays to the French Alps this summer. The new MTB School is a major centre for mountain biking in Les Gets. Stay in a chalet overlooking the resort and mountains with free access to the indoor heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. The price is from £166pp including midweek Dover to Calais crossings with P&O Ferries.
Combine this with a stay in Saint Sorlin d’Arves and see the 19th stage of this year’s Tour de France on July 24 as it climbs through the mountains around La Toussuire and Les Sybelles. Book accommodation in Saint-Sorlin d’Arves for the week starting July 18 – from £113pp. More information from Peak Retreats.
Argentiere from £486pp with Erna Low
Stay for 14 nights for the price of 12 at the Cristal d’Argentiere. The price for two weeks self-catered accommodation, including flights from London to Geneva, with baggage included, and car hire for the duration of your stay, starts at £486pp (based on four people sharing). Situated 50m from the centre of the village, the residence has an indoor swimming-pool and offers easy access to the many activities on offer in the Chamonix Valley. The holiday departs on August 8. Details from Erna Low.
Alpe d’Huez from £303 with VIP
For something a bit different from the usual sun, sea and sand holidays, why not stay in a chalet in Les Gets, Morzine or Alpe d’Huez during the summer? There is 10% off seven-night holidays booked before the end of May. The five chalets in Alpe d’Huez have been built around a cobbled courtyard and sleep two to 15 people comfortably.
Self-catered prices start at £105 per room per night, or £303pp based on eight sharing (total is £2,420) for a week’s sole use of the chalet. With the early booking bonus, the price for a week’s sole use of the chalet is £2,178. For more information visit VIP Chalets.
Saint-Lary from £62pp with Pyrenees Collection
Book before June 12 and save 20% at the Cami Real residence in Saint Lary in the French Pyrenees. The apartment is located in the centre of the village, 300m from both the lifts and the Sensoria thermal spa centre. Prices for seven nights start at £62pp based on five people sharing for the week beginning June 13, and include ferry crossings. Details from Pyrenees Collection.
And For Next Winter…
Grandparents save up to £200 in La Plagne, Les Gets and Reberty with Ski Famille
Celebrate a family Christmas or New Year’s holiday in La Plagne, Les Gets or Reberty-les-Menuires – including a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for the children, or a special New Year’s Eve meal with free-flowing champagne. In-chalet childcare is available six days a week. Grandparents can join you to create a memorable family experience, whilst saving up to £200pp on those Christmas and New Year weeks. Visit Ski Famille for more information.
BA savings on a Ski Safari trip
Winter 2015-16 is off to a flying start with the BA world sale, which is on until May 19. Save up to £319pp on direct flights to San Francisco in economy, £100pp each way in premium economy, and up to £250pp to Denver. Combined with an early booking offer, this could help make skiing in the USA more affordable for you. Further details from Ski Safari.
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