With summer a distant memory, now is the time to turn your attention to planning a great ski break

Ski getaways can be enjoyed by all, so whether you’re going away with friends, family or just the two of you, there’s a holiday for everyone. Feel invigorated by the fresh mountain air as you sail down the side of beautiful mountains. Relax, let your hair down and get your body moving, it’s what skiing is all about.

FOR FAMILIES

You can’t beat a family skiing holiday over the festive period, enjoying hearty meals and hot chocolate around the fire in a cosy chalet. Even if the kids aren’t yet into skiing, family friendly resorts have a range of childcare options available, so you don’t have to miss out on your time on the mountain. There are also ski classes available, divided by ability and age, and delivered by English speaking instructors. You’ll be going on family runs down the slopes before you know it. Meribel in France is the perfect resort for your first family ski holiday, located in the world’s biggest interlinked ski area, Three Valleys and the resort has a friendly, village atmosphere.

FOR FRIENDS

The best times are often spent with friends, so why not arrange a group ski holiday this year? Enjoy the crisp mountain air and make memories that last a lifetime. Dine on the side of the mountain between runs, sharing cheese fondue and bottles of wine – and let your hair down in the evenings at the best après-ski parties. The resorts of Mayrhofen and Saalbach in Austria are renowned for not only their nightlife but also their incredible off-piste through the trees, so perfect for intermediate skiers.

FOR COUPLES

If your other half is looking for more of an active holiday rather than a bit of winter sun, book into a boutique, chalet-style hotel and spend your evenings snuggled around an open fire. Pick one with spa and wellness facilities so you can book in for a couple’s massage after a long day out on the slopes. The Swiss ski resort of Zermatt is widely regarded as one of the most romantic and picturesque destinations.

HOT SPOTS

We’re very lucky in the Midlands to have access to so many amazing choices on our geographical doorstep.  Here are some of our favourites…

Austria

Austria is well known for charming alpine villages and vast, well-maintained slopes that are suited to skiers of all abilities. Home to famous resorts such as St Anton, Mayrhofen, Kitzbühel and Lech, there are also a good number of high-altitude resorts like Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl that ensure good snow conditions right through to April. The Austrian hospitality is second to none so you can also look forward to some truly awesome après-ski.

Italy

Italy’s northern borders are beautifully defined by an arc of enormous mountain peaks, including some of the tallest in the Alps and the unforgettable Dolomites in the East. Blessed with several beautiful ski regions with resorts that are rich and diverse, from traditional scenic alpine villages to giant ski areas, there is something to suit everyone. The slopes of Passo Tonale are perfect for beginners and intermediates will enjoy the resorts of South Tyrol. Experts can experience the challenging and enormous slopes across Arabba, Cervinia and Courmayeur.

Switzerland

Ever since winter tourism was born in St Moritz in 1864, the Swiss have harnessed the magic of the mountains as ski perfectionists. Create memories with the breath-taking slopes of Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland – presided over by the ‘Big Three’ which rise to around 4,000 metres, offering a mesmerising view to the gigantic Aletsch Glacier. The slopes of Zermatt, Villars, Verbier and Crans Montana are some of the ski resorts that need to be explored once you are surrounded by the mighty beauty of slopes in Switzerland.

France

Most British skiers and snowboarders choose to make their way to France. The Three Valleys is one of the most popular ski destinations that merges eight ski resorts, including Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. In the middle of the mountains, the Paradiski area offers skiing between La Plagne and Les Arcs. The French have a diverse après-ski scene. From the amazing Le Folie Douce, known for its huge afternoon parties, to top bars such as Cocorico, and more…