Feeling the urge to wrap up warm, drink hot chocolate, trundle through snow and have an all-round epic time hitting the slopes?!
A holiday packed with activity and round-the-clock winter sports is one of the very best group getaways many will ever get the chance to indulge in. So, get saving, grab the passport and hop on board. Here are some incredible options for you to look at.
1. Val Thorens, France
At a peak of 2300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Les Trois Vallées ski region which includes, Courchevel, Méribel and Les Menuires. Due to its height, the resort already saw snowfall just last week and this can be guaranteed throughout the entire season which technically starts in November and ends in May. It has long been the perfect spot for both the experienced and the amateur, and with 600km of slopes to choose from we’re pretty sure no one will be lost for choice.
No need to worry about lazy holiday members either as you’ll never be far from a chair lift with many right outside the hotel doors.
Adults can expect to pay around €300 euro for a 6-day ski pass during the high season, but prices do vary depending on when you arrive and if it’s a group purchase.
What about après ski we hear you say? Well the famous Folie Deuce will be at your request plus you won’t be short of any nightlife partying either.
Nearest airports: Chambéry and Geneva
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
Much of the time heading to Europe for ski season can be tricky if you’d rather hold on to those much-needed funds. Buying out and getting lunch on the slopes can be incredibly expensive. The good news is, there are areas like Bulgaria that provide plush snow and a good deal.
Bansko boasts some of the most extraordinary, up to date facilities thanks to a previous multi-million-euro investment. The ski areas altitude sits between 2000-2600 meters, providing excellent snow from December to May. Intermediates and beginners will find themselves well catered to and snowboarders will be in their absolute element making use of the Balkans first ever snow park. Be sure to take in the beautiful buildings of this richly cultured town. There’s also a great range of accommodation for every budget, whether that be for groups of friends or a family holiday.
Nearest airports: Sofia and Plovdiv.
3. Morzine, France
If you’re thinking of taking the family, Morzine on the French-Swiss border is a delightful, picturesque and friendly spot to visit for all ages. In the summer time, Morzine is incredibly popular with mountain biking enthusiasts while winter brings yet more outdoor adventure for boarders and skiiers alike. You can also enjoy some ice-skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides among the lush alpine trees and a stunning town.
Ski passes are €199 for adults and €149 for the kids. Families can grab themselves a 10 percent discount too.
Nearest airport: Geneva
4. Pas de la Casa, Andorra
But enough about family. Why not go wild and party to your hearts content in Pas de la Casa – it does after all hold quite the reputation for its partying antics. Beware it is not in the least contemporary but rather the town features a sort of sixties allure. On the plus side, it’s not hard to find cheap accommodation and it’s the highest resort in the Pyrenees so you can be sure snow quality will be tops.
Nearest airports: Barcelone and Toulouse.
5. Mayrhofen, Austria
Better yet, why not savour the beautiful features of Mayrhofen while you head to the Snowbombing festival in April. Okay it’s a long way off yet but… it’s always epic and there’s even an enchanted forest and igloo cave. All season however, Mayrhofen has oodles to offer, not least it’s magnificent beauty but also, it’s slopes that are perfect for all abilities.
Adults can expect to pay around €259 for a six-day ski pass.
Nearest airports: Innsbruck ann Salzburg.
6. Alpes d’huez
Alpes d’huez is one of the most ideal areas for spectacular views of the Southern French Alps but also for groups of mates whose abilities differ immensely.
With a wide range of blue, green, red and black slopes, as well as plenty of fun in the form of two freestyle parks for both skiers and snowboarders, everyone will be kept in blissful spirits for the entire trip. It’s also one of the most lively resorts in the alps, but it’s always possible to escape nightlife too in one of its quieter quarters.
Ski pass from €205
Nearest airport: Grenoble
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