With the ski season just around the corner, it’s definitely time to book your ski trip for 2016/17. We have picked out 10 reasons why we think that this winter is the best time to head to the mountains.
1/ easyJet have released their spring flights
Book now for exceptional savings to some of the most renowned ski destinations in Europe; reserve your flight soon and take advantage of their incredible offers and best availability.
2/ Courchevel celebrates its 70th anniversary
To mark the occasion, a number of events and parties will take place and Courchevel will stage a very special and nostalgic exhibition on the Place du Tremplin. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the 25 iconic photographs of resort history which will be displayed throughout the season.
3/ New lift openings
Enjoy larger ski areas and faster connections thanks to a number of new lifts opening for the 16/17 season, the most exciting of which is the new cable car linking the St Anton ski area with Lech/Zürs to create 340km of linked skiing. Other openings include the new state-of-the-art gondola with heated seats and WiFi in the heart of Val d'Isère which replaces the old Solaise lifts and improves access to the slopes for all level of skiers plus reduces bottlenecks; over in Switzerland Villars now has a faster connection to Les Diablerets thanks to two new fast chairlifts and Andermatt's link to Sedrun is vastly improved by a new 6-seater chairlift designed by Bartholet which replaces the old t-bar at Oberalppass.
4/ The new Tschuggen Igloo Village opens at Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa
Indulge in the coolest fondue in Arosa, served in a world of snow and ice within the hotel's igloo village.
5/ The exclusive alpine retreat, Blumen Haus Lech opens in Austria
The chalet-style hotel offers nine spectacular suites and an exquisite private apartment which is spread across two floors. Guests can enjoy unlimited use of premium ski equipment by Deutsch brand, Indigo and transfers to and from ski lifts. The hotel's restaurant is overseen by Executive Chef Barbara Mairhofer, who was trained by Gordon Ramsay and his sous-chef Steven Ellis.
6/ The Icehotel is born again on 16th December
This year, the unique hotel will have a total of 55 rooms, including 26 art suites and 9 deluxe suites. Momentary art will exude from the suites; guests will also find an ice chapel, ice gallery and ice bar - all created out of ice and snow by hand-picked artists from around the world.
7/ The best ski resorts in North America have been announced
Whistler Blackcomb has been voted the best overall ski resort, whilst Aspen, Vail and Jackson Hole are all in the top 5. For adrenaline junkies, Jackson Hole has been voted the most challenging resort whilst Whistler remains top for the resort with the best variety of terrain.
8/ The first luxury ski chalet has been added to our North America ski portfolio
Located in southwest Colorado within the Gunnison National Forest and the Elk Mountain Range, Scarp Ridge Lodge is a unique Victorian building which was once an old saloon. Unlimited adventure itineraries such as snow cat skiing, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are offered to guests, along with all of the ski gear they'll need.
9/ The Little Nell, the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Aspen has undergone a refurbishment of the residences
Interior designer Barbara Mullen has introduced a new sophisticated colour palette of camels, blues and greys and has added contemporary furniture to create a more open plan feel to the Residences. Guests who stay in the newly refurbished accommodation have access to an impressive rooftop pool and water garden, gym and yoga studio.
10/ Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler's magical Christmas
Expedition North Pole, family portraits with Santa and s'mores by the fire pit are just a few of the activities guests can enjoy across the holidays. Whilst the little ones are enjoying sleigh rides and skating under the stars, adults can indulge in charcuterie plates and fine wine in Whistler's newest après-ski pop-up dining concept - The Cabin.