TRAVEL NEWS
Calling all skiers and non-skiers – Leslie Woit lists the spots for gorgeous snowy getaways that cater to the whole family
Can’t ski, won’t ski? Here’s where to go on snowy holidays (minus all the falling).
Innsbruck, Austria Stay here Set on the riverside among 15th-century coloured houses, the quietly comfortable Hotel Mondschein is a short walk from Innsbruck’s vibrant Old Town. What’s good for non-skiers
This is an architectural joy of a city, with cafes, boutiques and cultural highlights such as the Golden Roof and Hofburg imperial palace.
What’s good for skiers The Ski plus City pass is valid at 13 nearby ski areas, including Nordkette just above the city. Narvik, Norway Stay here The four-star Scandic Narvik is home to the best restaurants in town, and has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Ofotfjord. What’s good for non-skiers
Discovering Narvik’s Second World War history at the museum, the Northern Lights and wildlife tours – expect wolves, reindeer and huskies.
What’s good for skiers A new gondola lift at the edge of town zips to the small but steep Narvikfjellet ski area (norwayhomeofskiing.com) and there is off-piste guiding for the more adventurous. Madonna di Campiglio, Italy Stay here The new, eco-friendly Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti (dolomiti.lefayresorts.com) in Madonna’s satellite of Pinzolo. What’s good for non-skiers
Spa heaven, with 20-plus treatment rooms, a swim-in/ swim-out pool and a rainbow of saunas and steam rooms, a salt lake, plus plenty of glamour in nearby Madonna. What’s good for skiers
Lift passes, lessons and guides are arranged on site and there’s a complimentary shuttle to Madonna’s scenic Dolomiti slopes. Aspen, Colorado, US Stay here The Limelight offers free fat bikes, live bands in the Lounge, an ideal downtown position and – rare for America – breakfast included. What’s good for non-skiers
Shameless celebrity spotting near the Aspen Art Museum, designer shopping (Chanel, Prada, Little Bird for secondhand) and fine dining.
What’s good for skiers Fast lifts, top-quality snow and service at four varied ski areas, including Aspen Mountain. Zermatt, Switzerland Stay here Centrally located Hotel Schweizerhof is a cocoon stocked with vintage books, a wellness centre with a 56ft pool, plus yoga and fitness classes. What’s good for non-skiers
Stunning Matterhorn views in a chocolate-box village whose main street is a trove of chocolate, watches and souvenirs.
What’s good for skiers Long, scenic runs served by state-ofthe art lifts and lots of off-piste challenges, including heli-skiing. St Moritz, Switzerland Stay here The glamorous Kulm (kulm.com), with a massive spa, a private skating rink and a gourmet half-board package (choose from 17 restaurants, including on the mountain).
What’s good for non-skiers St Moritz is not only packed with designer shops and upscale restaurants, but also has 60 art galleries and museums.
What’s good for skiers A ski area ideal for intermediates. It boasts a rare combination of snow and sun reliability. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia Stay here Hotel Spik boasts a wellness centre with three pools, saunas, hot tub, massage and gym, ideal for budget-conscious families with children. What’s good for non-skiers
Ice climbing, skating, sledging and snowshoeing, and charming Lake Bled is a one-hour bus journey away. In high season, the apres-ski is lively.
What’s good for skiers With an ambience reminiscent of Austria, the gentle slopes are good for learners and intermediates, except Podkoren, a World Cup black run.