Holiday Type / Ski for beginners

Known fondly as The Pearl of the Alps, Saas-Fee is a true gem for ski-lovers. A picturesque village with a fairy-tale feel, this miniature Swiss town provides the perfect base for a snow-sure ski getaway. Here, narrow traffic-free streets give way to chocolate-box shops, restaurants and bars – while the occasional electric taxi skates by. Likened to the much-loved resort of Zermatt, Saas-Fee’s charm lies in its ability to cater for everyone; with a remote feel, upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere, and array of activities for both ski-lovers and non-...

Renowned as one of the best ski resorts in Europe, The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is an incomparable skiing experience; the allure and exhilaration of the world’s largest interlinked ski network awaits with access to over 600 kilometres of the snow-laden slopes of Courchevel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. The epitome of ski chic, Courchevel exudes style and sophistication; its streets peppered with designer boutiques and top-class restaurants. The jet set crowd return each year for the ultimate luxury ski holiday with an unrivalled combi...

Perched on a sunny shelf looking across the Rhône Valley to the Portes du Soleil, fairytale vistas abound from the gentle nursery slopes and wide uncrowded pistes. Villars is a well-established village resort with numerous attractions for skiers and non-skiers alike including a two kilometre sledge run, indoor ice rink and a main street lined with welcoming tea rooms, pizzerias and bistros. Beautiful views across the valley are appreciated by skiers and non-skiers alike with enchanting winter walking trails leading to secluded mountain restaura...

Endless pistes ideal for cruising beneath crisp blue skies, dramatically back dropped by snow-dusted forests and the spellbinding pink-hued granite peaks of the Dolomiti Superski Area. The lure of Dolomite traditions enhances the tranquillity of well-heeled San Cassiano; gourmets will love the choice of Michelin-starred restaurants both on and off the piste. Forty kilometres of scenic cross-country trails, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and a relaxed après-ski scene complete the offering.Uncrowded, hassle free and much filmed ‘Queen of the Dolomites...

Linked to Zermatt for extensive skiing opportunities, high-altitude Cervinia boasts impressive scenery with fine views from the miles of wide, well groomed slopes. Relax into endless snow-sure pistes, ideal for cruising beneath crisp blue skies late into the season. Beginners will enjoy the excellent village nursery slope which graduates to fine blue runs around Plan Maison, while sweeping intermediate runs extend towards Valtournenche culminating in a spectacular 13 kilometre run. Amongst some of Italy’s highest ski slopes, experts will find s...

For convenient North America skiing Tremblant is hard to beat offering ski-in accommodation, short international flights and a candy-coloured charm that appeals to skiers and non-skiers alike. The ski-through village has a traffic free centre where attractive cobblestone streets and lively squares brim with bars, boutiques and bistros, with a casino for high-end nightlife. While ski enthusiasts are cruising the well-groomed slopes, those seeking alternative pursuits can experience the excitement of dog sledding, ice climbing and ziplining or ge...

Long a fashionable choice of the beau monde, the authentic bonhomie of Megève is complimented by winter white vistas of the Haute-Savoie and the spectacular Mont-Blanc. Megève’s partly pedestrianised centre exudes old town charm, horse drawn sleighs touring cobbled streets lined with designer boutiques, tea rooms and galleries attracting skiers and non-skiers alike. An open-air ice rink and medieval church complete the picture-perfect scene. On the mountain, a high-energy slope-side party awaits skiers at 2000m courtesy of La Folie Douce while ...

Set in a chocolate box landscape of forests and frozen lakes, Arosa offers doorstep access to 225km of intermediate-friendly skiing alongside a laid back traditional Swiss ambience and a friendly welcome. Amidst pine-clad slopes and saw-toothed peaks, Arosa comprises Ausser-Arosa and Inner-Arosa, the latter offering an attractive mix of ski-in, ski-out hotels and traditional Alpine chalets. Aside from scores of winter sports and laid-back après-ski, the village’s gastronomic scene is top class, from inviting stuben to steakhouses. Set at a loft...

Carve between the boarder of La Thuile and Courmayeur, two neighbouring resorts bubbling with Italian ambiance. With 194km of runs between them, these two close-knit resorts are a haven for beginner to intermediate skiers. Linked to the La Rosière ski area in France, alpine aficionados have been keeping the former mining village of La Thuile in the Aosta Valley under their helmets for some time now. Here, unhurried days of leisurely family-friendly skiing, reliable snow conditions and uncrowded slopes define the resort’s ski area. Away from th...

A traditional mountain village deep in the Haute-Savoie with a warm welcome, lively outlook and five interlinked and pleasantly varied ski areas comprising 125 kilometres of slopes. Tasteful chalets and congenial hotels rub shoulders with laid-back bars, buzzing après-ski venues and enticing restaurants in the pretty village of La Clusaz. On the north west flank of the Aravis massif, the resort has a good snowfall record and is host to a qualification round in the Freeride World Tour. Show off your moves on the 1000m2 covered ice rink or try yo...