5 Ski Holidays To Book This Season

Méribel, France

Closest Airport: Chambéry Airport is just over an hour’s drive.

One of France’s top ski resorts, Méribel is a family favourite for good reason. In the beautiful Alpine valley of Les Allues, guests can stay in traditional wooden chalets, hotels and private apartments. Ultra-modern ski lifts will transport you right to the slopes, which cover 150km of pistes ranging in height all the way up to 1700m. For a five-star experience, stay at the luxury Le Coucou Hotel which has ski-in ski-out facilities and excellent views of the surrounding mountains. A colourful take on a classic alpine chalet, rooms are spacious and modern, and can be adapted for children – the hotel has babysitting services and an excellent kids club too. Plus, there’s a lovely French restaurant on site, as well as an impressive spa with a heated indoor pool that looks out over the landscape. For something more traditional, L'Ours Rouge is a great option for groups of up to ten. Located in Méribel Village, you’ll have access to all the perks of a catered chalet, without the actual catering – think champagne on arrival and a chauffeur service provided by host company Fish & Pips.  

Insider’s Tip: If you’re travelling with children, be sure to book a hotel close to Méribel’s ski schools – Supreme Ski is a top choice.

Verbier, Switzerland

Closest Airport: Verbier takes around two hours to reach from Geneva airport or 45 minutes from Sion Airport. 

Loved by those in the know, Verbier is known for its unparalleled nightlife, which draws in a glamorous crowd every winter. One of the most luxurious resorts on this list, a weekend or special-occasion trip is best spent hitting the bars and restaurants during aprés ski after a day on the slopes – La Rouge is an SL favourite. Accommodation gets booked up quickly, but Chalet Swiss still has some availability for the upcoming season. Sleeping 12 people across five bedrooms, guests can cosy up in front of the indoor wood burner in the spacious living area, and relax in the hot tub after a day’s skiing. Meanwhile, couples should book a room at The Experimental Chalet Verbier, an ultra-stylish retreat where the rooms look like something out of a swanky NYC hotel. It also runs regular transfers to the slopes and has a great on-site restaurant, which is known for its charcuterie boards and elaborate cocktails. 

Insider’s Tip: Verbier isn’t the most beginner-friendly choice, so if you’ve never skied before, consider Morzine or Val d'Isère in France instead.

Saint Anton, Austria

Closest Airport: Innsbruck Airport is temporarily closed. The next closest airport to the resort is Memmingen in Germany, which takes around two hours to reach by car.

Saint Anton is a beautiful Austrian village in the Tyrolean Alps, and home to some world-class ski slopes. A great choice for seasoned skiers, there are 305km of seamlessly connected runs, including the ‘Run of Fame’ – a 65km route that starts in St Anton and ends in the resort of Warth-Schröcken. Beginners should head out just above the village towards Nasserein – ideal for building up your confidence. For a luxury getaway, Mooser hotel has everything you need for a long weekend or week-long trip, from a fine dining restaurant with breath-taking mountain views to an impressive spa with a heated outdoor infinity pool. The hotel is just above the village, so guests can ski-in and ski-out. Meanwhile, families or small groups of four should make a beeline for Riffelalp Lodge, a cosy cabin just a short walk from Nasserein. Rooms have modern en-suite bathrooms, while the living room has a cosy fireplace to curl up in front of.

Insider’s Tip: Book in for lunch at mountain-side spot Arlberg Hospiz - don't miss the famous slide down to the loo and be sure to save room for the kaiserschmarrn, a delicious local, pancake-inspired delicacy.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Closest Airport: It takes around three hours by car or train to reach Zermatt from Geneva Airport. 

One of Europe’s highest ski resorts lies at the foot of one of the most famous mountains in the Swiss Alps, Matterhorn. The ski region has 54 mountain railways and lifts, as well as 360km of pistes to suit all abilities, but seasoned skiers should take advantage of the more challenging slopes that offer magnificent alpine views. There are three main skiing areas – Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn and Schwarzsee – as well as Snowpark Zermatt where Olympic skiers can be found showing off their skills. Having recently opened, Cervo has already established itself as a top hotel in Zermatt. With direct access to the Sunnegga Express lift, there are 54 rooms and suites split over seven lodges, as well as a fantastic restaurant and spa. Afternoons are best spent on the terrace, which overlooks the Matterhorn, with a drink and live music – Cervo’s après ski entertainment is not to be missed. If you really want to go all out, Petit Village Retreat is a luxury chalet spread over three floors. With space for up to 12, there are six double en-suite bedrooms, five of which have private balconies, plus a sauna, massage room, and outdoor terrace.

Insider’s Tip: The Klein Matterhorn section usually has the best snow during the winter months. Lunch at Chez Vrony is also a must. 

Morzine, France

Closest Airport: Geneva. Transfers to the resort take around 90 minutes.

As the capital of the sprawling 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is a popular destination for families. There are plenty of winter-themed activities, including ice diving, tobogganing, ice skating and snow shoeing to keep everyone entertained. Thanks to a lively après scene, it’s equally popular with the younger crowd, with parties lasting until the early hours. Its varied terrain, and proximity to Geneva airport, makes it a great location for skiers and boarders of all abilities, while the large town centre teems with alpine charm, as well as a great selection of bars and restaurants. Many chalets are privately owned, so your best bet to secure accommodation this season is to book an Airbnb – with space for up to ten, new apartment Le Malamute is only a short walk from the centre of Morzine and the ski lifts. 

Insider’s Tip: Restaurants get booked up weeks in advance, so make your reservations with plenty of time – dinner at L'Étale is a must.

 
*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice and entry requirements before you book anything. Visit Gov.uk for more information