The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
We schuss you a merry Christmas
Fancy a festive getaway to the slopes this winter? Catherine Cooper helps you pick the perfect resort for your needs
Although usually less pricey than a New Year holiday, as a peak school holiday week Christmas can be one of the more expensive times to go skiing. However, it is also one of the most enchanting, with almostguaranteed snow on the ground and a naturally celebratory feel as resorts and tour operators alike put on their best festive faces. And there are options to help wily skiers lower the price too.
Those on a budget can keep costs within reason by considering a self-catering or self-drive holiday, or by visiting a lesser-known resort. It also helps to sign up to tour operator newsletters, or follow them on social media, in order to keep track of their latest deals, and to be wise to extra inclusions such as free lift passes or child care.
Smaller resorts, where the lift passes are typically cheaper, are a good choice for less-experienced skiers and snowboarders. There is no point paying for all the slopes within a huge area if you are not going to use most of them.
Whether your priorities run to taking the children to meet Father Christmas, spending the festive season with a large group of family or friends, or enjoying a romantic week away without breaking the bank, here are some of the best Christmas holidays available to book now. What’s more, many of them are offering discounts if you are quick off the mark. Unless otherwise stated, prices are per person for seven nights, based on two sharing a double or twin room, and include half board, flights and transfers.
ALPE D’HUEZ, FRANCE
As well as 250km of pistes, 50km of cross-country tracks and a snow-sure glacier, Alpe d’Huez offers slopes for all abilities. At Club Med’s brand new complex, everything bar ski hire is included – all meals, ski school, lift passes, kids’ clubs for ages four to 17, an open bar and entertainment.