If you’re running short on holiday, a ski weekend is the ideal way to treat yourself to a well-deserved break and fit in some extra skiing before the season ends. Here’s what to look out for when booking a short skiing holiday to the slopes.
Short transfer times
Maximise your skiing time by flying into an airport located near your chosen resort. For example, from Geneva airport you have the option to head to the French resort of Chamonix, an hour’s drive away; Courmayeur in Italy, which takes 90 minutes on the motorway; or world-renowned Swiss resort, Verbier, just over 90 minutes by car. Transfers are included in all of our weekend breaks, taking you from airport to slope with minimum hassle.
Guaranteed snowfall
Pick a resort higher than 1,500 metres for the best chance of good snow cover. Isola 2000, set amid the magnificent French Southern Alps, enjoys reliable coverage thanks to its 2,000-metre altitude and wintery microclimate. It also has 240 snow cannons on standby in case of a dry spell. Nestled in the Italian Dolomites, the resort of Cortina has invested in snow-making equipment that covers 95% of the ski area, including all runs below 2,300 metres, guaranteeing a ski season from November to April. While smaller than some of its European rivals, Cortina’s broad pistes, cross-country trails, and red and blue runs mean there’s ample to enjoy over a weekend ski break.
Well-located accommodation
Whether you opt for a self-catering apartment or a luxury hotel, choose a property that’s located close to the slopes and the shops, restaurants and bars to make the most of your stay. The cosy family-run Hotel Pilier d’Angle in Courmayeur is an atmospheric former mountain chalet located just 300 metres from the Val Veny cable car. In Chamonix, the Hotel Pointe Isabelle is perfectly situated a few minutes’ walk from the ski lifts, while still being in the very heart of the town. The quirky W Hotel Verbier’s position at the foot of the Swiss resort’s main gondola gives guests the best of both worlds; it’s perfect for maximising your time on the slopes yet still only minutes from the resort’s centre and its buzzing après ski.
Dynamic après ski
Make the most of your time by picking a resort with an animated après ski scene. Verbier benefits from a wide range of bars and restaurants. The family-run Relais des Neiges is a particular local favourite for its hearty cuisine. Chamonix also has great après ski options. Try Michelin-starred Albert 1er, which serves up exquisite modern takes on French cuisine. Courmayeur’s famous main street, the Via Roma, is lined with chic restaurants and bars. We recommend the lively Bar Roma and Bar Americano, famous among locals for its excellent cocktails.
