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Peak times in ski resorts can be exhilarating, with pristine slopes and cosy chalets awaiting. But they can also be a bit of a logistical challenge. Fear not, fellow snow enthusiast! We are here with some valuable tips to make travelling at peak times smoother and more cost-effective. Our fantastic airport transfers to over 200 ski resorts in 15 countries ensure your journey is hassle-free.
Travel Smart, Save Big
Skiing on a budget? Planning your trip around peak times can still be wallet-friendly if you follow these tips.
Timing Is Everything
The majority of travellers start their journey to the slopes on Saturdays, which drives up prices for flights and airport transfers. To avoid this, consider shifting your travel dates by just one day—either depart on Friday or wait until Sunday. Not travelling at peak times is a small adjustment that can save you a bundle.
⇒ Beat the Crowds
Travelling on non-peak days means quieter airports, shorter queues, and smoother check-ins. Imagine breezing through security, sipping on a latte while others rush. Plus, the roads to your resort will be less congested, ensuring you reach your snowy haven faster.
⇒ Enjoy Serene Slopes
Skiing on a Saturday while others travel has its perks too! Fewer skiers on the slopes mean shorter lift lines and more pristine runs. So, why not trade a travel day for a skiing day?
Saturday Survival Guide
If your heart is set on a Saturday departure during peak times, fear not. We have strategies to help you make the most of it.
⇒ Rise and Shine
Opt for an early morning flight to beat the travel rush. Early flights tend to be less affected by delays, ensuring a smoother start to your day.
⇒ Seek Hidden Gems
Consider smaller airports as alternatives to major hubs like Geneva. While they might have fewer flights, they often offer a more relaxed travel experience and can save you both time and money.
⇒ Explore Off the Beaten Track
Don’t overlook lesser-known ski resorts. Venturing off the beaten path can lead you to hidden gem resorts that are less crowded and more budget friendly. We love Sainte Foy in the Alps which is becoming popular with families who enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and Valloire famous as a point on the classic Tour de France route or for something completely different we highly recommend visiting the ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Resorts like Soldeu with long wide blues and reds and no lift queues make for happy days on the slopes!
Ski-Lifts: Your Travel Companion
At Ski-Lifts, we’re dedicated to making your ski holiday seamless. We offer a wide range of transfers to suit all budgets across European resorts, North America and Japan. Remember, the early bird catches the worm, so book your transfer well in advance for the best deals and availability especially when you are travelling at peak times during the ski season.
⇒ Flexibility Is Key
With Ski-Lifts, you can amend your bookings at no extra cost, and we offer full refunds up to 7 days before your travel date. Your plans may change, but your savings won’t.
⇒ Loyalty Pays Off
Our Loyalty Scheme rewards you with discounts on every transfer booking. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing Ski Lifts for your mountain adventures.
Travelling at peak times to your skiing holiday can be a dream come true with a little planning and the right travel partner.
So, gear up, hit the slopes, and let Ski Lifts take care of the rest. Your snowy adventure awaits! 🎿❄️
Breathtaking views, perfect snowfall, and first-class hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or you’re new to the sport, Colorado is a must-visit destination for skiing.
What’s more, it’s perfectly situated, with Denver Airport easily accessible to all nearby ski resorts (which we’ll get to shortly – there’s a lot to choose from!). However, the question is: when is the best time to go skiing in Colorado? January, when it’s cold and frosty, or the warmer months of late summer-early fall?
Our article answers this question and more, so let’s get down to it. We’re going to give you the benefits of each month of the ski season (traditionally late-November to April), so you can decide for yourself.
How to choose the right time to ski in Colorado
1. Take advantage of early season discounts – If you’re willing to take a gamble on potentially poor snowfall, then you can enjoy some early season discounts across the resorts. Before you jump at the chance of any enticing discount offers, make sure you ask questions about conditions and trail openings.
2. Beat the crowd after the Christmas rush – Usually, by the end of the Christmas period, people have spent most of their cash and they’re ready for a couple of months of relaxing and spending as little as possible. This means that the crowds in the ski resorts during January and February aren’t as high as you’d expect. There are bargains to be had!
3. Peak time is March – All things considered; March really is the best time to hit the slopes in Colorado. The snow is still on the slopes and it’s not freezing cold!
Don’t just take our word for it. Christ Anthony, a Colorado native as well as a seasoned professional skier, had this to say about choosing when to ski in Colorado:
“The best time to go skiing in Colorado depends on what type of snow you would like to have. The light fluffy stuff is in January. But this really depends on the base we receive in November and December. The fact of the matter is that the seasons have been shifting to the spring. The snow seems to become later and later. On this note, the best bet for skiing in Colorado is to shoot for March. By then we usually have a wonderful base and warmer temperatures.”
Chris Antony now runs his own youth outreach project which has impacted over 70,000 students to date. You can learn more about his work here.
Skiing in Colorado in November
This early into the ski season, snowfall is sporadic and despite a resort’s snow-making capabilities, your ski opportunities are fairly limited in November. It’s a great month for a pre-Christmas getaway and you’ll get some of the best prices for hotels and resorts because it’s so early. Basically, if you’re ok with the possibility of limited snowfall then November would be a lovely month for a trip.
Skiing in Colorado in December
There might not be a huge amount of snowfall, but generally speaking, December is a beautiful time of year to go skiing in Colorado. It’s festive, and many of the resorts really go to town with their Christmas decorations! If you’re looking for a lovely family trip, then December is the time to go. If you’re going purely for skiing, then we’d recommend waiting for a month or two (there is snowfall, but there will be so much more given time).
Skiing in Colorado in January
January is one of the most reliable months for snowfall in Colorado. The resorts aren’t as busy midweek because the kids are in school and the conditions are generally a little cold for the big crowds (January is often the coldest month in Colorado). So, as long as you don’t mind the cold and you’re layered up, January is a great month for a Colorado skiing trip. Minimal crowds especially in midweek and reliable snowfall.
Skiing in Colorado in February
After consistent snowfall through the late parts of the year, February is a great time to ski in Colorado. The snow will have long settled and, at the peaks, it will be deeper than ever. Thick, well-rooted snow! It’s also not quite as cold as January (but still: quite cold!). In terms of crowds, President’s Day (February 17th) brings big crowds but that’s just one day of the month. The rest of the month is pretty quiet!
Skiing in Colorado in March
March is quite popular for skiers and snowboarders given the increase in temperature. With Spring comes the crowds, so if you prefer something a little more low-key then March may not be the best month for you to go. Colorado is a popular ski spot for Spring breakers, too. Remember that if you don’t mind the crowds, March is actually one of the best months for skiing. Warmer temperatures and bright sunny days!
Skiing in Colorado in April
Some resorts actually close in April, due to wet conditions and generally less snowy climes. It really depends on how long snowfall lasts – if it lasts as long as May, then the resorts will stay open and you may even grab yourself a bargain. In any case, if you’re set on skiing in April (where you’ll likely have moderate temperatures with bright sunshine) then we recommend you go early-April.
Some resorts actually close in April, due to wet conditions and generally less snowy climes. It really depends on how long snowfall lasts – if it lasts as long as May, then the resorts will stay open and you may even grab yourself a bargain. In any case, if you’re set on skiing in April (where you’ll likely have moderate temperatures with bright sunshine) then we recommend you go early-Apr
Where to ski in Colorado?
Now you know which month you want to go, all you have to do now is choose your resort. Colorado is full of incredible ski resorts, so you’re spoilt for choice. Here are our favourites.
This Colorado ski resort gives you access to 337 individual pistes, which are accessed by 43 ski lifts – you’ll have a vast selection of courses to choose from, not forgetting the world-class service. Aspen is regarded the world over as a prime ski hotspot. It takes approximately 3hrs 30mins to get from Denver Airport to Aspen.
This ski resort is fantastic for those looking for a family break to remember. Natural snow isn’t hard to come by in Beaver Creek, with this resort being one of the highest ski areas around. Not only that, if for some reason natural snow is in short supply, the resort has invested in cloud-seeding technology to make more snow! It takes approximately 2hrs30mins to get from Denver Airport to Beaver Creek.
If you’re looking for a ski resort to really challenge your skiing abilities, then Breckenridge is the place for you. Skiers have access to 187 individual pistes, which are accessible via 35 ski lifts. Although there are plenty of black runs here, it is a ski resort suited for all abilities. It takes approximately 2hrs to get from Denver Airport to Breckenridge.
Fancy skiing in a resort where the US Ski Team trains for its speed events? Well, Copper Mountain is the place for you. Even if you’re not up to the US Ski Team’s level (is anyone?) you’ll still love this resort, with plenty of runs to suit all abilities. It takes approximately 2hrs to get from Denver Airport to Copper Mountain.
Another family-focussed resort based in Colorado is Keystone. It has breathtaking views and perfect snowfall (as well as some pretty nice hospitality for when you want to put your feet up in the evenings). It’s perfect for families but is also suitable for higher-skilled skiers who may want a change of pace. It takes approximately 2hrs20mins to get from Denver Airport to Keystone.
Snowmass is literally covered in masses of fresh Colorado powder regularly during the season. One of the locals (who happens to be the World Extreme Skiing Champion) says, “Snowmass has some of the best steeps, cliffs, couloirs, backcountry, terrain parks, and powder anywhere in North America.” It has challenging courses as well as courses for beginners and intermediates. It takes approximately 4hrs to get from Denver Airport to Snowmass.
Vail is the biggest ski resort in the United States of America, boasting 5,289 ski-able acres and 7 miles of legendary back bowls. Along with free buses and heated walkways, Vail is the mecca for professional skiers everywhere (as well as families wanting to taste a little ski luxury). It’s a real tour de force when it comes to ski destinations. It takes approximately 2 hrs to get from Denver Airport to Vail.
Wherever you’re going skiing in Colorado, and whichever time of the year, you can get a quote for transfers within one minute. We provide reliable and safe transfers from both Denver and Eagle airports to a vast range of surrounding ski resorts.
All you have to do is choose a ski resort and go from there. It’s easy! Of course, if you have any problems then please get in touch. Our FAQs section should help, too.
We are all very excited to return to our favourite European ski resorts for another season in 2023/2024! Our aim at Ski-Lifts is to make your ski experience as seamless as possible, so we have compiled a list of opening dates for European resorts that are open for Ski, Snowboard (and Transfer!) bookings.
Did you know that Europe is home to many unknown ski resorts? You may have heard of Tignes and you may have heard of Chamonix – but the line doesn’t stop there! From Bulgaria to France to Italy – there are many hidden ski resorts that are nestled away in the snowy mountains. Here are our top 5 –
The small village is popular with families and those after a little luxury. Everything’s lined up along one central road and it’s only around 10 minutes’ walk to get from one end of the village to the other, meaning it’s really easy to get around. Soldeu is in the the biggest ski area in Andorra. The gondola takes you up to the slopes where you’ll get good snow and views from day one. The slopes are slopes that are especially suited to beginners and intermediates however, more experienced skiers can set out to explore the rest of the area, then ski back down to Soldeu on tree-lined blue or black runs.
Toulouse Airport to Soldeu transfer time is approx. 2hrs 15mins
Pamporovo’s a great resort for your first ski holiday. There’s an award winning ski school with some excellent beginner-friendly runs. With 36km of trails, getting your bearings is easy, so you can just enjoy the skiing. Pamporovo’s hotels are surrounded by thick pine forests, with a handful of restaurants and bars in the resort. Skiing in Bulgaria is much cheaper than Western Europe, Pamporovo is no exception, so you can ensure that you won’t be spending a fortune on your ski holiday here.
Sofia Airport to Pamporovo transfer time is approx. 3hrs
When it comes to finding the best hidden resorts in France, look no further than this place. Serre Chevalier is one of the most underrated ski resorts near Grenoble. Despite its hidden status, skiers at this resort also have the option of using their lift pass at the nearby resorts of Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes. Long blues and reds make up most of the mountain, though there’s also a nursery area in each village for beginners, and advanced skiers won’t want to miss the black run called Olympic. As well as this, the laid-back style of this resort, friendly locals and cheaper prices than will leave you coming back for more.
Turin Airport to Serre Chevalier transfer time is approx. 2hrs
Arabba is one of Italy’s quiet ski resorts that is located in the heart of Dolomites. You will be assured to have an unforgettable ski break at this hidden resort. Arabba, is surrounded by 62km of the best intermediate and advanced slopes in the whole of Dolomiti Superski. The view of Portavescovo Mountain will leave you in awe. However, the skiing at Arraba is always the number one priority. As the resort is home to some amazing technical pistes, you will not be disappointed here. Also, those wanting to learn to ski will be pleased to know that there are some perfect nursery slopes lower down the mountain.
Innsbruck Airport to Arabba transfer time is approx. 2hrs30mins
The lifts are fast and modern, and there’s a gentle area to get you started, as well as a separate mountain with steeper runs when you’re more confident. Seefeld boasts a spacious ski arena covering a total area of over 600,000 square metres equipped with state-of-the-art lift facilities for beginners and experienced skiers. 26 kilometres of slopes and no fewer than 34 cable-cars, chairlifts and tows ensure non-stop skiing fun for sports fans and sun worshippers alike.
Salzburg Airport to Seefeld transfer time is approx. 50mins
We cover over 200+ ski resort destinations! Book your transfers today to secure the best rates and availability!
After North America and Japan getting all the fresh snow in the last couple of weeks, it now looks to be the Alps turn, with cold weather and snow heading in from Sunday. One stand out on the forecast currently is Alpe D’Huez and Les Deux Alpes suggesting upwards of 50cm of fresh snow on Sunday and Monday alone. Val Thorens over 40cm and Avoriaz over 30cm.
“The weather in the Alps will remain mostly fine for the rest of this week before it turns much more unsettled from the west on Sunday,” said the alpine weather expert, Fraser Wilkin from weathertoski.co.uk “This much anticipated change in the weather is likely to bring significant snow to the north-western Alps (exactly where it is most needed) late on Sunday and on Monday.”
We’ll be watching carefully as the forecast evolves for later into next week and will keep the updates coming across our social media as to where is expecting the most snow.
What we know for definite is that demand for transfers throughout December and into January is still at the highest we have ever seen and we know they’ll be an increase in demand after the dump on Sunday! Click below to receive an instant quote for your ski transfers.
We cover over 200+ ski resort destinations! Book your transfers today to secure the best rates and availability!
Your time is valuable when you’re on holiday and there’s skiing to be done. No one wants to be wasting time on a transfer from the airport to the ski resort, especially when time isn’t on your side.
Here at Ski-Lifts, we ensure that your transfer is seamless, get an instant quote today and book a hassle-free transfer with Ski-Lifts, to one of these ski resorts with short transfer times.
Morzine, France
Morzine is one of the resorts across the Portes du Soleil ski area in France, which stretches up the France–Switzerland border. With 52 hotels and 41 bars and restaurants, there is no shortage of facilities. With that being said, Morzine still manages to pull off that genuine mountain village vibe. When it comes to the slopes, Morzine is a perfect ski resort for beginners and intermediate skiers, with plenty of gentle pistes.
Even if you’re not a dedicated skier, Morzine is one of those ski resorts where there is an abundance of other activities to fill up your holiday while everyone else is whizzing down the slopes. These adventurous activities include ice-diving in a lake, nature discovery tours, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing and of course, shopping.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Geneva Airport to Morzine (75 minutes, 76km)
Chamonix, France
Chamonix town in Chamonix Valley is bustling with life, thanks to the 9,000 permanent residents and plenty of tourists. While Chamonix could hardly be classed as a tranquil alpine retreat, the surrounding cliffs and tumbling glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif makes a stunning setting. The town’s old buildings have kept their authentic look and also now that Chamonix centre is traffic-free, it offers pleasant walkways, with cafés looking over the river Arve’s torrent and no shortage of quirky shops – galleries, bookshops and speciality food, along with classic souvenirs and the latest ski and snowboarding gadgets.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Geneva Airport to Chamonix (65 minutes, 99km)
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the main resort in the 4 Valleys, the largest Swiss ski area. Verbier’s success is due to a combination of a sunny, scenic location, brilliant terrain and a lively bar scene. Verbier has been a long-time favourite of the young and sporty clientele. The fact that Verbier is so easy to access from Geneva Airport has also helped with the popularity.
Thanks to the altitude of the ski area and the snowmaking, Verbier is a safe bet when you’re booking for early or late season. The resort itself sits at 1,500m, however, heights of more than 2,700m can be reached by a couple of gondola rides, which only take around 11 minutes altogether. At 2700m you can guarantee there will be abundant snowfall.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Geneva Airport to Verbier (120 minutes, 160km)
Courmayeur, Italy
Much like Chamonix, located on the French side of Mont Blanc in Chamonix Valley, upmarket Courmayeur is one of the great ski and climbing towns in the Alps. The Italian side of Mont Blanc has a totally different weather pattern to that of the French side. In the winter Courmayeur gets much more sunshine than shady and chilly Chamonix. The centre of Courmayeur village is pedestrianised and lined with high-end boutiques, lively bars, quality restaurants and even antique and homeware shops. The main ski area is reached by cable car from the centre of the village. The top lift reaches a maximum height of 2,755m and the bottom of the slopes lay at 1,224m.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Turin Airport to Courmayeur (90 minutes, 150km)
St Anton, Austria
St Anton is, Arlberg is situated in the western part of the Austrian Tyrol region, the town has always been well known for its natural beauty, reliable snowfall and the excellent condition of the slopes. The large, networked lift system in St Anton includes the neighbouring resorts of St Christoph and Stuben and a St Anton ski pass also covers the resorts of Lech and Zurs. Although the town does lay low, luckily there’s a good range of skiing from 1200m to almost 3000m. The ground is grassy and below 2000m, so there’s no real need for a large snow base to make the runs skiable. However, well over a metre of snow is needed to cover the rocks above the treeline. Early on in the season, lower resorts are likely to have more runs open.
Skiers and snowboarders have been hitting the slopes by Mayrhofen for more than a century and for the locals, providing hospitality, is a way of life. The Zillertal, where Mayrhofen lies, is also famous for being one of Austria’s most musical valleys – almost every member of local families can boast of being a member of a band. The musical theme extends to all the way to the mountain, where music can be heard across the slopes from every mountain hut. Mayrhofen boasts 136km of runs and 57 lifts, a reputation for consistent snowfall throughout the season and runs which sit between 1,650m and 2,500m. Mayrhofen is packed full of red runs and suits versed intermediates perfectly. For those experts, Mayrhofen is home to Austria’s steepest slope, the Harakiri.
La Clusaz is an authentic mountain village that boasts a rustic and Gallic charm. Due to the proximity to Geneva airport, La Clusaz attracts a tonne of weekend visitors. The local slopes are all below 2500m, so snow conditions can be unpredictable, however, there is a lot of snowmaking to make up for that. There are steep black runs and bumps, as well as decent off-piste when conditions allow. There are also challenging but wide blues, as well as gentle nursery slopes up to the mountain. La Clusaz is home to rustic huts throughout, and a few lively bars to keep you occupied.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Geneva Airport to La Clusaz (90 minutes, 70km)
Solden, Austria
Solden is home to some challenging red pistes and exceptionally long top-to-bottom runs. For those who love the lively bar scene, Solden is the place for you. The ski area in Solden is not enormous. However, the runs go high and all sectors offer serious vertical and also some long runs. Snowmaking spans across 67% of the area, including all slopes on Giggijoch. Even in a generally poor season, you can usually count on coverage, even down to resort level.
Ski-Lifts Airport to Ski Resort Transfer Time – Innsbruck Airport to Solden (70 minutes, 83km)
Kitzbuhel, Austria
This medieval silver-mining centre deserves its reputation as one of the most picturesque ski towns in the Alps. Old coaching inns which have now inevitably been converted into four- and five-star hotels compete for space in the medieval streets alongside expensive fashion boutiques and fancy cafés. The town stands at 800m and the top lift at 2,000m. For guaranteed snow, head to Kitzbuhel between the end of January and the majority of February. Although Kitzbuhel may look like one of the most expensive resorts in Europe, surprisingly prices fail to reach anywhere near the heights of Courchevel or Zermatt.
Innsbruck is a city, not a ski resort, right? Our answer to that is, take a look at the map. Innsbruck is a place surrounded by mountains. To the north lies the Nordkette. South-east of Innsbruck city centre is the Patscherkofl, while to the south you will find the east-west ridge of the Alps and the slopes of the Stubai Glacier. To be precise, there are nine ski areas surrounding the city, covered by the same lift pass. These ski areas offer a brilliant variety of terrain.
If you’re heading to one of these ski destinations with a short transfer time, don’t forget to book your airport to resort transfer with us here at Ski-Lifts! We offer transfers to over 200 resorts across Europe and America, whether you’re an individual, couple or a group – and booking online is hassle-free. Once your transfer has been organised, you’ll be able to start planning for your ski trip. It’s that simple! Get an instant quote today.
After the success of the 2021/2022 season, we are all very excited to return to our favourite European ski resorts! Our aim at Ski-Lifts is to make your ski experience as seamless as possible, so we have compiled a list of opening dates for European resorts that are open for Ski, Snowboard (and Transfer!) bookings.
Are you dreaming of heading to snowier climates this festive season? It’s time to turn those dreams into reality. Christmas Ski transfers to popular resorts during the busy season are already getting booked up, so, to make the decision easier, we’ve put together a list of our favourite resorts to spend this Christmas.
Courchevel, France
Just a 2 hour, 30-minute transfer from Geneva Airport, Courchevel is located at one end of the world’s largest lift-linked ski area, the Three Valleys. You’ll have access to 600km of pistes and over 70 lifts! The snow in Courchevel is usually some of the best in the whole of the Three Valleys, thanks to the local slopes facing north. There’s terrain to suit everyone from beginner to expert, making Courchevel a perfect family getaway for Christmas.
Wengen, Switzerland
If you’re looking for a truly festive Swiss break, then Wengen will delight you. The streets are decorated for Christmas and Christmas Eve. If you want to take in some local culture, join the local Swiss families and attend Midnight Mass, then get together afterwards to share homemade doughnuts and hot chocolate. Sharing a ski area with Grindelwald, Wengen sits on a sunny shelf and most of its slopes sit above its neighbour, under the north face of the Eiger. If you purchase a Jungfrau lift pass then you can ski in both resorts, as well as next-door Mürren.
Wengen is perfect for families, just a 2 hour, 30-minute transfer from Geneva Airport. The resort is virtually car-free and in the centre, there’s a snow-covered field that serves brilliantly as a nursery slope and a playground. The main way up the mountain is the cog railway, which gives any progressing children the chance to access the village from Lauterbrunnen down in the valley.
Megeve, France
Megève was originally created to give France its very own St Moritz. As the story goes, in 1914 the French set about transforming the original farming village into what it is today, a resort with expensive boutiques, fancy restaurants and hotels all lining the town square and the cobbled streets. The Swarovski Christmas tree in Megève is a must see!
If you’re looking for a lavish Christmas break, just an hour and twenty-minute transfer from Geneva, then Megève is the place for you. Altogether there are seven 5-star hotels, one 3-Michelin-star restaurant and four that have 1-Michelin-star. Megeve has its brilliant share of accommodation, including hotels, private rentals, residences, chalets, and guestrooms.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is Switzerland’s most famous resort. Approximately a 2hrs, 30 minute transfer from Geneva Airport – Think horse-drawn sleighs, glowing shop windows and chestnut and glühwein stalls, that’s exactly how Zermatt is at Christmas. The world’s most photogenic mountain, the Matterhorn ensures that Zermatt is loved by many and known all around the world, so it’s time to book your Christmas ski transfers ASAP!
If you’re worried about early-season snow at Christmas, well, you needn’t worry about Zermatt’s snow-sure slopes from late November. Its high-altitude top stations (all the way up to 3,820m), a modern and slick lift system and the fantastic mountain restaurants, ensure Zermatt is a cut above the rest. There are links to Cervinia over the Italian border from here, so you can even pop over for a pizza.
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is the highest resort in the huge Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens is actually the highest resort in Europe. The high-altitude of Val Thorens slopes means that this resort is snow-sure from November onwards, so there’s no need to worry about snow cover over the Christmas period.
The terrain around Val Thorens suits everyone from beginner to expert, however, intermediates are those who Val Thorens suits the most. If you’re up for some long, cruising runs over the Christmas period, then head over to Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.
he closest airport to Val Thorens is Chambery, but there are plenty of other nearby airports that the big airlines fly into. The journey from Geneva may take longer at 3hrs (than Chambery at 90 mins), but Geneva airport is preferred by some skiers for its relatively faster luggage processing and other facilities.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
This amazing alpine village is nestled in Tyrol, it’s a beautiful picture-perfect Austrian resort. From the 26th November, you’ll find a festive filled Christmas market with local handicraft stores, fir trees and plenty of konditorei (a cafe selling pastries). Spend your days skiing and enjoying pony rides and a petting zoo. Each evening from 6 pm, the central square is filled with singing from the local choirs. Transfers from Innsbuck to Kitzbuhel take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can also fly to Salzburg and Munich, which takes about 2 hours to Kitzbuhel.
As the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to fresh snow and blue bird days on the mountains…
I’m sure you are already thinking about where your next ski trip will be, but in which ski resorts is the snow forecast? We’ve put together a list of ski resorts across the world that are open or are opening very soon…
AUSTRIA – SNOW FORECAST Austria is one of the most famous and most popular skiing destinations in the world. The amount of ski resorts is vast and because of this, there is something to suit everyone. Obergurgl is due to open this weekend and Kitzbuhel has already opened some of its high altitude runs, with snow forecast looking positive. Consider recommending Glacier ski areas, both Hintertux and Solden ski resorts now have more than 30km of runs open, the most in Europe!
Transfers from Innsbruck Airport to Austrian resorts all take less than 2 hours!
SWITZERLAND – SNOW FORECAST Switzerland has an extensive history in Alpine sports, being one of the pioneer countries in the sport of skiing. Verbier announced it is opening its Lac Des Vaux slope and will continue to open more as due to good snow forecast, until the main season starts on December 3rd. Sass Fee, which has reported the best snow depth in the world and Zermatt, has over 15 miles of runs available.
Transfers from Geneva Airport to these Switzerland Resorts take between 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.
FRANCE – SNOW FORECAST France is one of the most popular destinations for a skiing holiday in the world, and rightly so. The range of destinations on offer caters for every standard, every type of skier there could possibly be, and every winter budget. Val Thorens delayed its opening date but with good snow cover on the tops, they have a revised opening date of November 26th which is the same as Tignes. Val d’Isere have announced its season start will be December 3rd with snowfall down to about 1500 metres.
Transfers from Geneva Airport to these French Resorts take between 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
ITALY – SNOW FORECAST There are three large, linked ski areas in Italy, so it is easy to get some serious amounts of skiing packed into your ski holiday. First of those ski areas is the Dolomiti Superski, which covers 1200km of pistes. Next up is the Milky Way ski area, the 400km of pistes connect multiple resorts. Finally, the Monta Rosa ski area. This ski area is often touted as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. There are extensive off-piste runs to explore, as well as 180km of pistes. A few resorts have opened, Cervinia has had fresh snowfall and Val Senales is open with 4 miles of high-altitude terrain available.
Turin Airport to Cervinia transfer time is approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Geneva Airport to Cervinia transfer time is approx. 3 hours
USA/CANADA – SNOW FORECAST It’s great news for the North American ski slopes with a number of ski areas announcing early open dates due to good snowfall.
Vail calls itself ‘North America’s favourite ski resort’. That’s a grand, subjective statement we can’t confirm, but there is one thing we do know for sure: it’s America’s biggest ski resort. Vail’s got over 5,289 ski-able acres and 7 legendary back bowls spanning 7 miles. Free buses and heated walkways connect its four distinct base areas. Breckenridge is an American ski resort giving you access to 155 individual pistes and 32 ski lifts. Although the proportion of black runs available vs blue & green runs might appear intimidating to less experienced skiers, Breckenridge is actually an excellent resort for all levels of ability.
Denver Airport to Vail transfer time is approx. 2 hours 15 minutes Eagle Airport to Vail transfer time is approx. 1 hour
Denver Airport to Breckenridge transfer time is approx. 2 hours Eagle Airport to Breckenridge transfer time is approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
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A day on the mountain is hard to beat, but what do you do after a day of skiing or snowboarding can make your trip one of the best!
We have asked our team here in Morzine and have decided on our favourite top 5 French resorts for Après Ski!
Val d’Isere
The Val d’Isere’s après ski scene has something for everyone and is known for its Après Ski scene worldwide. We are sure you’ve heard of the Folie Douce, this bar has performers who dance, play instruments, perform circus tricks and generally form a massive mountainside party every afternoon. Top DJs play at Dick’s Tea Bar in the town centre where you are able to dance until 5am! Cocorico is also a must visit if you like live music on the piste-side. So, whether you are young or old, you are sure to enjoy the Après Ski in Val d’Isere.
Meribel’s Rond Point – also known as the Ronnie – is a world-class après ski institution and has been drawing in crowds for decades with its live bands and loud DJ sets. Its sister venue is the O’Sullivans Club, where you’ll find drinks deals and themed funk, soul and disco nights. This Three Valleys resort is huge with British skiers and snowboarders, so if you want a home-from-home party atmosphere with the bonus of mountains on your doorstep, this is the après ski destination for you!
Alpe d’Huez is no sleepy ski resort. It has its own branch of Folie Douce, the Freeride Café with its pool tables (and a slide to the toilet!) and Smithy’s Tavern with its Tex Mex menu, beer jugs and band nights. When everywhere else has shut up shop for the night, there’s a nightclub called L’Igloo which stays open until the early hours. Drinks and dancing aren’t the only après ski activities, there’s also a big outdoor ice rink, where you can sometimes watch ice hockey games and the Sports and Convention Centre offering swimming, squash, climbing and bouldering.
Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Alps, and many people say it’s also the liveliest. The resort usually puts on a big event each month, like the JBL Snow Party (with performers including Tinie Tempah) and Festi Val Tho (an electro event), making it very popular for student ski trips. All season long, bars like 360 and Folie Douce mark the end of the skiing day with loud music and dancing, while Le Malaysia (the biggest nightclub in the Alps) is the place to end your night.
Posh, but never too posh to party, Courchevel is world-renowned for its expensive and exclusive après ski scene. Follow the routine of the rich and famous and slip from the slopes (or the shops) into a chic bar like Le 8611 for an aperitif, move on for a Michelin starred meal in one of the celebrated eateries, then head to Les Caves nightclub to spend a small fortune on a jeroboam or two of champagne. While Courchevel 1850 is the place to see and be seen, the other villages also have some great bars, for example, Fire and Ice and Bubble Bar in 1650.
