Skiing in Europe offers a diverse and thrilling experience for winter sports enthusiasts. With a range of world-class ski resorts scattered across the continent, Europe is a popular destination for both beginners and seasoned skiers alike.
The Alps, stretching across multiple countries including France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, are renowned for their stunning landscapes and excellent skiing conditions. The Pyrenees, located between France and Spain, also offer fantastic ski opportunities.
European ski resorts provide well-groomed slopes, modern ski infrastructure, and a variety of trails catering to different skill levels. From gentle slopes for beginners to challenging runs for experts, there's something for everyone.
The après-ski culture in Europe is an integral part of the experience, where skiers can unwind and socialise in cozy alpine lodges, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant après-ski scene.
Luxurious skiing experience in France
VIP SKI is a boutique chalet brand, that was founded on the principle that luxury should be affordable, It has grown steadily over 30 years to feature more than 40 luxury chalets, CLUB Chalets and luxury ski hotels spread over five ski resorts in France.
Two of the upgraded chalets, Kakisa (featuring a new indoor pool and sauna/hammam) and Kobuk (with a new sauna/hammam) are located on the piste, offering stunning views across Les Portes du Soleil; and the other three, Ipaka (new indoor pool, and sauna/hammam), Kipnuk (new indoor hot tub), and Sakami (new outdoor hot tub) are situated in the village centre, where there are many sunny terraces to sit back and enjoy the lively atmosphere and watch the horse-drawn sleighs go past.
The best month to travel for the best price is in January or to take a short break versus one week. Until the 31 October, VIP SKI offers £100 off for early bookings.
It has 18 chalets to choose from in Val d'Isere and the prices for seven nights start from £2,767 per person based on 2 sharing, from the 20 - 27 December 2023. Included are return flights from London Gatwick, coach transfers, accommodation, catered chalet board of breakfast, afternoon tea, three-course evening meal on six nights followed by cheese board and coffee and mints, wine, wake-up drinks and canapés on the first and last evening.
The chalet brand told us: “VIP SKI is perfect for couples and families as well as groups of friends. The holidays can be personalised to individual tastes by the addition of services such as childcare and private transfers.”
For further information please visit www.vip-chalets.com
Enjoy unique experiences throughout Interlaken and Grindelwald
The Interlaken and Grindelwald region holds significant popularity among Asian travellers, particularly those from India and other Asian nations. Notably, Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe," stands as Europe's highest railway station, providing a secure passage to ice caves and glaciers. This unique experience operates seamlessly throughout the year, spanning both summer and winter seasons.
Tourists can ski at one of the most historic skiing areas in the world, where some of the first alpine ski races were held over 100 years ago. Today, the longest downhill race in the men’s World Cup, the famous Lauberhorn, takes place every winter in January. There is skiing here for all levels, from beginner to expert.
Rob Stewart, UK representative for the Jungfrau Railway Company highlights that, “the region has one of the most famous mountains in the Alps, the Eiger and Europe’s highest railway station at Jungfraujoch Top of Europe. This railway was built over 100 years ago and is totally unique. It cuts through the Eiger Mountain and at the top, the views are incredible.
“It’s possible to see across Switzerland into Germany and over to Italy in the other direction. Also, there’s ice caves and Europe’s largest glacier, the Aletsch Glacier, to visit. All of this sits at 3,454 altitude –an Indian restaurant also being there. This attraction makes the area totally unique.”
The area is a well-equipped and is a popular skiing destination for families. There is also plenty to do off the slopes that is attractive to non-skiing family members. These include the train to Jungfraujoch, the historic train station on Kleine Scheidegg, winter hiking trails with spectacular views, adventure activities such as the First Glider (zip line, summer and winter), the world’s longest toboggan run, the great city of Interlaken and the views from Harder Kulm. It is also possible to visit the Swiss capital of Bern by train.
For solo travellers there are numerous accommodation options with a wide choice of hotels in Interlaken, Grindelwald and Wengen.
Christmas and New Year are peak times for winter sports and bookings are often made one year in advance. From the UK, it’s possible to book holidays through tour operators such as Inghams, but hotels do get booked up months before. For families and groups, it is important to book early for the peak season weeks. These also include the February holiday weeks.
While there is no discount for early birds, pre-bookings are especially important for accommodation at Jungfrau in order to secure the best possible mountain experience. Also, trains fill up pretty quickly and so it’s important to reserve seats in advance. One-day adult ski pass cost CHF 75 and six-day adult ski pass costs CHF 385.
