Roll on Easter for the best family offers to holiday in the slopes
EASTER is late this year (April 21) and while Irish ski operators generally finish up for the season in late March, there are other ways of grabbing a last-minute family or romantic couple’s Easter break.
For families, the benefits of skiing at Easter are many; longer days mean longer lift opening times and more runs on the mountain; warmer weather makes it easier for little ones to enjoy their time on the slopes and in higher resorts, snow is usually still plentiful.
For couples, April skiing can mean an end-of-season party atmosphere in resorts and of course, that covetable ski tan to let friends know you’ve been on holiday.
Overall, there’s just a lovely atmosphere in resorts in April.
For powder fans, late season snowfalls are also possible and April is of course peak ski-touring time for expert skiers.
I’m particularly taken with a 20% discounted Spring Break offer from Pierre & Vacance.
In Avoriaz – a great late season option due to the resort’s enviable snow record – the three-star Residence Saskia Falaise is a good bet for families.
Chalet-style apartments with stunning mountain views cost from €551 per apartment for seven nights.
Prices are based on four sharing a studio apartment.
Pierre & Vacance also have a brand new property in Baqueira Beret in Spain which I’ll be reporting on at a later date.
Just imagine an Easter break combining a few days in Barcelona with skiing in Spain’s top ski area. Si, por favor!
Back in Avoriaz and at the other end of the accommodation scale, couples will love VIP Chalets’ new Chalet Beluga which is situated
just a few metres from the ski school meeting point and Prodains lift.
The chalet boasts an underground swimming pool and hammam, flat screen TVs, an open fire and music system.
Prices for seven nights chalet board (breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meal on six evenings) are from €1,429 per person excluding flights and transfers.
VIP Chalets also cater especially well for families with a dedicated nanny service.
Avoriaz is situated in the Portes Du Soleil ski area between France and Switzerland with 650km of slopes, ten snow parks and new this winter, a Folie Douce apres ski bar.
Alpe d’Huez is a great resort for families learning to ski as all beginner runs are situated at the base of the mountain.
At VIP’s brand new Eden East, guests are greeted with champagne on arrival and can luxuriate in the ski-in, ski-out location.
Situated in the Fontbelle area, prices from April 14 for seven nights are €1,419 per person including flights and transfers.
You could go even further afield to Norway where Ski Safari offers cabin accommodation in the woods at Geilo.
I can’t really think of anything nicer than the Scandi-style peace and tranquility of staying in a wood cabin complete with wood-burning stove, under-floor heating and private sauna.
What a way to spend Easter, finish the winter season and look ahead to summer in the mountains!
For further information on these offers then go to vip-chalets.com pierreetvacance.co.uk and skisafari.com