Snow is piling up forheaps of fun...
THE snow is already falling in ski resorts, so when travel becomes easier there will be plenty of places to aim for to lift the gloom, whether you fancy a rustic retreat or prefer to blend downhill skiing with a cocktail of activities.
WALKING IN A WONDERLAND
See Austria’s Arlberg region from a different perspective on the 13-mile Stanzertal cross-country track along the Rosanna river, or snowshoe the eight-mile circumnavigation of Verwall
Lake. Download guides at stantonamarlberg.com. Hotel Banyan is part of Ski Solutions’ sustainable accommodation collection. Seven nights’ B&B, based on two sharing a twin room, from £980pp, departing January 30, including Flexiplus Eurotunnel return for standard-size car and hotel parking (skisolutions.com).
ALONE IN THE MOUNTAINS
Swap resort hustle for a remote experience in a Swiss hamlet 2,600ft above Crans-Montana. Catch the sunrise dazzle before breakfast, then ski down from your door on piste to the Violettes cable car. Another option is to snow-shoe (hire costs £8.40 per day) on marked trails from Colombire hamlet, or learn ski touring – a two-hour lesson for four people is £126. Equipment hire is £58pp (sms04.ch). Power yourself uphill and get fit while exploring nature, before tackling invigorating descents on or off piste. Plan Mayen is a cosy mazot – a converted outbuilding – for two (£143 per night B&B in January or March), or Chalet Aminona (B&B for up to eight) is £46pp per night (colombire.ch). Fly from London to Geneva from £50 return (easyjet.com), with train transfer to and from Cranssur-Sierre from £54 (sbb.ch).
GIVE YOURSELF WINGS
Hidden gem Val Cenis in the French Alps boasts 70 miles of pistes rising to 9,200ft. Locals in this cluster of villages embrace the spirit of adventure, so why not join them? Contemplate life gazing at the jagged skyline while floating on a partly frozen lake. It’s all the rage here, and dry suits keep hypothermia at bay for £32 an hour. Or become a caped crusader with a ‘wingjump suit’ (£16 a day). Outstretched arm movements turn your skis instead of your legs, and the lift generated by wings means less leg strain and swooping descents. If hurtling down slopes face-first on a lilo is your thing – airboards cost £23 for two hours with sensationsvanoise.com. A week’s self-catered apartment at Les Chalets de Flambeau, departing February 13, is £698pp based on five sharing and including Eurotunnel crossing for standard car with Flexiplus upgrade (peakretreats.co.uk).