How to plan the perfect ski holiday?

Planning a ski holiday can be daunting. There are so many factors to consider and as such, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This article will help you plan your ski holiday by providing you with information on ski resorts, what time of year is best for skiing and what type of accommodation to choose.

What is the Best Ski Resort in France?

There are many factors that can make or break your ski vacation experience. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a ski resort and what kind of experience you want to have.

Val d’Isère

One of the best ski resorts in France is the high snow-sure resort of Val d’Isère. It is a French mountain resort with a large variety of ski slopes and pistes, which attract many tourists from all over the world. Val d’Isère is one of the top destinations for skiers and has been called Europe’s best skiing spot. It offers great slopes for beginners as well as challenging slopes for more advanced skiers. However, Val d’Isère’s tour de force is its off-piste opportunities. If you want to push your skiing and maybe even discover incredible off-piste runs, Val d’Isère is for you. Val d’Isère also has a huge amount of activities for non-skiers and children, so if you want to travel with children or those who won’t be skiing, Val d’Isère is also the perfect resort for you.

Courchevel is another popular ski resort in France that attracts many tourists because of its beautiful landscape, snow-covered mountains, and picturesque villages. It is one of the largest ski resorts in Europe with more than 100 km of skiing trails. Courchevel is popular amongst the rich and famous and is famed for its wide selection of designer shops. When you’re looking for that perfect getaway, Courchevel has few rivals for comfort, cuisine or luxury. Holidays in Courchevel often come with a higher price tag, but if you enjoy travelling with an exclusive fashionable crowd, and staying in complete luxury, Courchevel is the perfect resort for you.

Méribel

Méribel, located in France’s Savoie region, lies at the heart of Les Trois Vallees making it an excellent base from which to explore over 600km of piste with limitless powder opportunities. The area is vast and with the best ski lift system in the world, skiers of all abilities can explore each of the three valleys in one single day without ever having to remove their skis. Most chalets in Méribel are made of natural Alpine wood with slate roofs; perfect for one stunning view after another. The village offers a variety of shops, bars, and phenomenal restaurants that complement the quiet beauty of the place. If you’re looking for an all-rounder resort, Méribel is the perfect resort for you.

What is the Best Time of Year for a Luxury Ski Holiday?

Early-season skiing has many benefits. The quality of snow is usually better in the early season, which means that there’s less chance of encountering slushy snow or ice on the slopes. However, often the snow is only on the mid-peak of the mountains, meaning you may have to take a chairlift or two to the mountaintops for skiing or snowboarding – this usually means harsher and colder temperatures.

The prices are lower than they would be during peak times, so you’ll have more money in your pocket for other things like accommodation and food. There are plenty of ski chalets and alpine apartments available in ski resorts at this time of year as well as plenty of empty seats on flights and buses too. If you want to ski on great snow for less money, an early-season ski holiday is for you.

New Year’s Eve fireworks from the balcony of  Chalet Namaste in Courchevel

Mid-season skiing and ‘peak date’ skiing holidays bring many perks. Among them are guaranteed great snow, and as such most ski lifts in your resort will be up and running. Additionally, if some of your group work in or attend schools, travelling in the school holiday is a must. Ski resorts make a huge effort during the Christmas/New Year, Half Term and Easter breaks putting on extra entertainment for families.

Val d’Isère, in particular, is renowned for its family entertainment. They put on Christmas parades and street parties, torchlight descents and firework displays, festivals with street performers, film festivals and more. the downside to peak season skiing holidays is the cost. Due to the popularity of this period, costs are increased for travel, accommodation in particular. If you have children or want to guarantee great snow – a mid-season ski trip is for you.

Spring ski holidays are perfect for families

Late-season skiing brings longer warmer days. Some people tend to overlook spring when planning their ski breaks, but spring in the French Alps is one of the most wonderful times. Compared to the cold weather in February, spring is more welcoming as it’s not as chilly as earlier in the winter. This makes spring skiing holidays particularly suited to families with younger children.

The quality of snow in high altitude domains, such as Les Trois Vallèes and Val d’Isère, is often at its most perfect and sunny and bluebird skies are a great excuse for long lunches that extend long into après-ski. With the exception of the 1-2 weeks of schools’ Easter break, which bring higher holiday costs, generally, late-season ski holidays cost considerably less than a January to mid-March ski trip. If you want a warmer ski trip for less, a spring skiing holiday is for you.

What is the Best Accommodation for a Luxury Ski Holiday?

Ultimate Catered Chalet Marco Polo in Val d’Isère

There are many benefits of staying in a catered ski chalet. For example, you will have access to the ski resort facilities such as a gym, pool and spa. You can also enjoy the convenience of having your meals cooked for you. A ski chalet is also a great choice for families with children and people who want to be in the heart of the action. Consensio’s Ultimate Catered Chalets are the best you can find in France. They provide elite level amenities to offer you the ultimate skiing experience. Each chalet is designed specially to suit the client’s needs and includes a team of experienced staff hired to make sure you’re well taken care of, including a private chef, chalet manager, hosts, in-resort private chauffeur and, in Chalet Marco Polo, a spa manager.

Relaxed Chalet Chopine in Méribel

Alongside Consensio’s Ultimate Catered Chalet collection, they also offer a small portfolio of Relaxed Catered Chalets in the French Alps. This collection offers a more relaxed, family-focused range of chalets at affordable prices. If you want a more laid back catered chalet experience for cheaper than a full-blown luxury catered chalet experience, try a relaxed catered chalet for your next holiday.

Self-Catered Alpine Apartment Petit Chamois in Méribel

On the other hand, if you are looking for more independence and flexibility, then staying in a self-catered ski apartment is a good option. You can cook your own meals and enjoy privacy. However, it is important to note that many self-catering apartments do not have access to onsite facilities like pools or spas. A self-catered ski apartment is a good choice for singles, couples, or friends who want to have more privacy and independence. You can view Consensio’s self-catered Alpine apartments here.

Happy skiing!