Go off piste with a winter experience holiday to destinations offering snow as deep as it gets and scenery that will take your breath away.
Have you been watching the Winter Olympics and felt the urge to explore a holiday in the snow or sample some winter sports? Crunching through crisp snow surrounded by beautiful landscapes, there is something otherworldly and special about winter holidays.
With holidays back on the table, let’s take a look at some tremendous icy adventures to book now for the remainder of this season or to plan for next. Remember, the perfect snow holiday doesn’t have to involve a pair of skis or a snowboard.
Whether you prefer a European ski holiday or venture further afield to the USA or Canada, we have an eclectic collection of ski resorts, luxury hotels and gorgeous chalets for you to choose from.
Novice skiers and snowboarders can have options for tuition, with private or group lessons held at resort ski schools, while little ones can attend kindergartens that teach skiing or have play areas for those who aren’t so keen to learn (yet). Of course, each area’s variable terrain and facilities will determine which resort would be best for you and your party. Our Ski Specialist Lowri knows them well and can guide you towards the right one for you.
You don’t need to worry if you don’t want to ski very much, if at all, as most resorts can offer a huge variety of alternative snow sports and activities, including sleigh rides, snowshoeing, ice-skating, ice-climbing, sledging and tobogganing. There’s always shopping opportunities to tempt you. Several of the European resorts, in particular, boast designer boutiques – such as Gucci, Chanel and Prada – that are perfect for a little retail therapy.
People-watching is a fine pastime, and mountain restaurants, stylish village bars and cafes provide great venues from which to watch the world go by. By the evening, whether you’re skiing or not, you’ll be off the slopes and looking for relaxation. This is where hotel spas are a most attractive option, particularly if you’ve tired yourself out throughout the day.
With your remaining energy, après-ski bars and clubs will no doubt draw you in.
Wherever you decide to travel to, you can be assured of glamour, Alpine chic, a cosmopolitan ambience, spectacular scenery, stylish accommodation and an array of exciting activities.
The Relais & Chateaux Hotel au Coeur du Village is a contemporary five-star luxury hotel situated in La Clusaz, southwestern France. Surrounded by mountain views, you can ski to the door, directly accessing the ski lifts and ski school meeting points.
Relax after a long day’s skiing in the hotel’s lounge area with fireplace, the cocktail bar or enjoy the spa facilities on offer, including an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Stay in stylish rooms, decorated with lavish fur rugs. Suites include a living room and balcony with picturesque views of the village and slopes.
Equestrianism may not feature in the Winter Olympics, but that doesn’t mean there’s no horse sport to be seen in the snow. Enjoy St Moritz at it’s finest and mingle with the polo pack as the chukkas head to the Alps. St. Moritz has played host to the world’s pre-eminent snow polo tournament since 1985.
Besides being the first-ever snow polo tournament, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is the only high-goal polo tournament played on snow. Cradled in a spectacular natural setting, the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz exudes a unique atmosphere on and alongside the playing field.
An exquisite gourmet food selection as well as a number of social events in St. Moritz’s first-class hotels await tournament visitors and VIPS.
The Northern Lights are a fascinating natural phenomenon that has created excitement and mysticism since the dawn of time. Experience Aurora Borealis at Apukka Resort in Lapland. Here they have made hunting for the Northern lights fun for everybody!
Meet their beautiful huskies and play in the snow in the daytime then hunt for the Northern Lights each night. Why not choose to stay in a glass igloo or a glass roof cabin for the best Aurora viewing directly from your bed.
Located in a remote corner of Chilean Patagonia surrounded by the awe-inspiring Andes mountains, Rio Palena Lodge is the ultimate ski retreat. This newly-remodelled property features an array of heli-skiing and adventure offerings to ensure you experience the best of Patagonia. With over a million acres of terrain, Heli-Skiing provides access to otherwise inaccessible ski areas.
The alpine ski terrain surrounding Rio Palena Lodge offers an exciting assortment of open bowls, steep couloirs, and mellow glacier runs. Your typical ski day in this remote setting consists of 6-10 runs.
Rio Palena Lodge’s location allows for easy access to waterfall hikes, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, stand up paddleboarding, and world-class fly fishing during appropriate seasons. If you are looking for a bit of downtime, their fully renovated lodge offers the ultimate in comfortable accommodations and is fully equipped with two wood-fired hot tubs and a wood-fired sauna.
It’s hard to beat the location of the Beaver Run, Beckenbridge – an authentic Wild West town with sunny slopes and a great snow record. The old mining town has kept its Gold Rush charms – from the clapboard shopfronts to the swing-door saloons.
Five areas to ski, numbered from six to 10, each hold plenty of great pistes for all abilities to enjoy. The Imperial Express lift is the highest in North America, taking you up to 3961m. And if you have the energy, you can even hike to the peak.
With slopeside accommodation and a lift outside the door, ski convenience couldn’t be better. This hotel has two swimming pools, nine hot tubs, a sauna and a steam room. There is plenty of choice of rooms, from well-sized hotel rooms to larger condos with full kitchens and living rooms.
Couples and families love the slope-side luxury of the Beaver Run Resort, and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy also …
Mush a team of beautiful Siberian Huskies through forest glades and mountain meadows.
Experience an unforgettable time ice fishing for Arctic Char on Lake Dillon at over 9,000 feet.
Ice skating and hockey are offered at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena in Breckenridge for all ages and skill levels.
Enjoy a scenic or dinner sleigh ride with beautiful Belgian Draft horses under the stars through quiet and unspoiled forest trails, then savour some delightful cuisine at the resort.
Experience an unforgettable Rocky Mountain adventure driving a snowmobile over miles of Colorado’s backcountry on groomed trails through the trees and open meadows.
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