France
Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, but choosing the right destination as a beginner can make all the difference. For first-timers and those looking to build their confidence on the slopes, finding the right mix of gentle terrain, quality instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere is key.
SkiWeekends, the short and flexible break specialist skiing operator, has launched a number of new programmes for the 2024-25 winter season following its new website launch with a built in booking system. Holidays will also include a return airport transfer built into the price this season.
As part of its initiative to Get Brits Skiing, Ski Beat has introduced two new Toe in the Snow beginners’ weeks for rusty or first-time skiers. Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell explains: “Skiing is often shrouded in mystery for those who didn’t take family ski holidays as children. Around 1.5 million Brits ski annually, but the number could be much higher.
Vialattea, one of Europe’s largest and most renowned Italian-French ski resorts, has announced its plans for the 2024/25 ski season – which is set to be the destination’s longest one to date. Set to open on Friday 6 December, the season at will run through to Sunday 13 April 2025.
With the largest skiable glacier in Europe, Les 2 Alpes is world-renowned and a much-loved destination for British skiers, with many returning season after season.
Situated in Isère, France’s third largest mountain destination, Les 2 Alpes is a friendly ski resort with a fantastic range of bars and restaurants for all ages.
Ski Beat rounds up its pick of places to head to for some great skiing as well as festive cheer…
La Rosiere 1850, an Alpine wonderland with Santa’s `Magic of Christmas’
Join in the Magic of Christmas in La Rosiere 1850, high in the French Alps, where Santa will arrive in the days before Christmas in a festive parade, before leading families to the heart of the festively lit Chemin de la Forêt.
Ski Solutions successfully completed its London to Val d’Isère charity bike ride on 30 August, raising £6,433 (including gift aid) for the Snow Sports Foundation (SSF). Over eight days, four team members cycled more than 1,000km across varied landscapes, facing steep mountain climbs to support the Snow Sports Foundation’s mission of providing inclusive snow sports opportunities for individuals with additional needs.
The world’s most iconic winter dance festival, Tomorrowland Winter, is returning to the French Alps in March 2025. For the fifth year running, ski tour operator Sunweb, festival organiser Tomorrowland and French ski resort Alpe d’Huez are coming together to organise the renowned event, which will take place from the 15-22 March 2025 in the mountains of the resort.
PHOTO: © L. Meyer
Petra Shepherd gets her funny bones tickled on a trip to Les Gets with apres-ski laughs at the Montreux Comedy Festival.
As apres-ski activities go, the Alpine version of the Montreux Comedy Festival makes a change from the usual one-too-many drinks with friends.
Skiing is often seen as being a group trip or family activity but Friendship Travel is providing sociable solo-ski trips for avid skiers who don’t have a travel buddy or partner to shred the slopes with.
Action Outdoors, the UK arm of not for profit UCPA, has launched an expanded programme of ski and snowboard holidays for young people for the 2024-25 winter season.
Like all of its holidays, the emphasis is on all-inclusive value for money in UCPA centres in some of the top French ski resorts including Val d’Isère, Val Thorens and Les Arcs.
PHOTO: © Archives municipales de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Fonds Gay-Couttet
Iain Martin celebrates 100 years since Chamonix hosted the Olympics.
In the century since Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics, the depth of the Mer de Glace has shrunk by more than 100 metres. The change is so great that in February 2024, a new gondola was opened from the glacier back to Montenvers to save skiers who have taken on the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste run from having to tackle the 580 steps that now exist back to the top.
PHOTO: © Vincent Colin
Action Outdoors, the UK arm of the not for profit UCPA holiday organisation, has launched its new 2024-25 winter season family holidays in six French ski resorts.
The holidays have gone on sale to the general public after being offered first to previous UK customers of the UCPA – some holidays have already sold out but there’s still availability across Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter dates.
PHOTO: Sylvain Aymoz
Hils Everitt takes to the skies for a unique experience – paragliding on skis in the French Alps
Suddenly out of the almost silence, interrupted by the gentle whistling of the wind, came my pilot’s voice: “Are you OK; don’t feel sick?! Most people do. Just tell me when to stop if you need,” followed by a cheeky giggle.
In Avoriaz, revellers can celebrate the culmination of the winter season in style. With skiing at the forefront, the closing week promises a thrilling line-up including iconic après-ski sessions, lively concerts, festive parties, and the exhilarating soapbox race on snow known as the Fine-Cup.
This winter season, ski and snowboard holiday provider Inghams Ski continued their partnership with young person’s charity Snow Camp. For the second year running, young people from Manchester, London, Birmingham and Glasgow completed a UK-based apprentice scheme with Snow Camp, before travelling to Val d’Isère ski resort in France with Inghams.
Spring may see winter drawing to a close, but there’s still time to make Easter memories in La Rosière with Esprit Ski one last time. As Esprit celebrates its final season, the company have announced some excellent last-minute deals for families looking to swap the egg hunts at home for mountains of family fun.
Ski course company Snoworks, that specialises in all mountain skiing, has launched a new programme for kids that are already proficient skiers and want something that goes beyond the traditional ski school class.
Bear Lodge
In the ever-growing trend of multi-generational travel, VIP SKI has noted a surge in bookings for extended family ski holidays. VIP SKI provides an exceptional experience that caters to families of all sizes. Children aged between two and 12 represented 17% of VIP SKI’s guests last winter, and 120 babies experienced the mountains for the first time. One of the key highlights is the flexibility in childcare options, ensuring that parents can enjoy their time on the slopes worry-free.
The Spring Issue of Skier & Snowboarder is out now – offering a great combination of first person experiences from resorts throughout the world, holiday news, the latest equipment, UK slope and club news and more!