For 60 years, UCPA has provided all-inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused ski holidays. Katy Dartford takes a look at how they are continuing to thrive.
As I arrived in Val Thorens in early December it felt like I was stepping into another world.
Vialattea, the leading Italian-French international ski region and one of Europe’s largest ski resorts, is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Trenitalia – the primary train operator in Italy – following its successful launch last season.
The current season’s first guests may have only arrived at Ski Beat’s high altitude French ski chalets a couple of weeks ago, but the company has already launched its 2025-26 programme. Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell says: “Around 30% of our guests book their next ski holiday with us within a couple of weeks of their return home.
Le Massif PHOTO: © Aosta Panoramica
Perfect for those seeking a quick escape without sacrificing comfort, Ski Solutions has curated a specialised list of luxury ski weekends that offer a refreshing dose of winter magic in Europe’s finest Alpine landscapes.
PHOTO: © Dominique Granger
100% Snow-Covered Pedestrian Resort
Perched at an altitude of 1800 metres, Avoriaz is the only resort in Europe that is entirely pedestrian and skiable. Its snow-covered streets are transformed into veritable slopes, reserved for pedestrians, skiers and sleighs. In this unique setting, Avoriaz has preserved its character and authenticity. Try sledding to do your shopping, ski to the bakery for a fresh baguette or take a horse sleigh ride to the restaurant!
A wildfire tore through a portion of the park and town of Jasper, Canada in July 2024.
As the town and nearby ski resort is in the early days of the winter ski season, Iglu Ski is calling on skiers to visit to support the 4,600 locals, who are rebuilding their livelihoods in the area.
Myrkdalen PHOTO: Sverre Hjornevik
As resorts across Norway start opening for the 2024/25 ski season, Ski Safari is preparing to send more customers there than ever before.
This growth is led by huge increases for Norway’s West Coast and multi-centre ski safaris.
Deer Valley have introduced their new ski trail map, including new artwork and an updated aerial projection to reflect the significant terrain expansion for the 2024/25 season. The unveiling of the trail map coincides with the completion of the first phase of the resort’s Expanded Excellence initiative.
At Trentino’s two large ski areas, Dolomiti Superski and Skirama Dolomiti–Adamello Brenta, the season is guaranteed from December to April due to the programmed snow networks covering over 90% of the slopes.
Mark Nicholls enjoys a sparkling weekend of early season skiing and World Cup slalom racing in Gurgl, Austria.
There’s already a buzz in Gurgl – the ski season is barely days old and the slopes are deep with snow.
SkiWeekends has launched a new holiday this winter in the ski resort of Les Gets, staying with Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, giving guests the unique opportunity to ski, stay, and dine with one of Britain’s most iconic Olympians. Guests will stay at Chalet Marjorie in the heart of Les Gets over a week during January with options for both short and longer stays.
Temperatures are dropping, the first snowflakes have hit the ground, and the forecast is looking promising with more snow anticipated ready for the season opening on 14 December.
Unsure of which resort to visit? Here skiScandinavia MD Ben Nyberg gives his take on the various ski areas.
Mark Nicholls takes a ski break to Austria’s picturesque destination that offers a priceless combination of water, snow and ice.
The story of Zell am See-Kaprun centres on water: from the chilly winter depths of the lake and the snowy slopes of the mountainside up to the deep-frozen iciness of a glacier.
PHOTO: © J Mugniery/laclusaz.com
There are many reasons to enjoy a magical festive season in the Alps, from a visit to Le Château du Père Noël to a Trapper’s Teepee. But a major development for this winter is the new Le Valléen gondola lift in St Gervais, which is forecast to reduce CO2 emissions in the area by up to 15%.
After a fresh dump of snow, with 50cm at altitude and 26cm in the village, Val d’Isère has announced that its slopes will open for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy from Saturday 30 November 2024.
Last week, snow fell across all regions of Vail Resorts’ Northern Hemisphere resort operations, bringing with it the start to winter and the 2024/25 ski season.
Nowhere was this more exciting than at Whistler Blackcomb, where nearly 90 inches of snow (228cm) has fallen since 1 November, leading to an early opening on 21 November.
Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) have been honoured with the prestigious Every Body Moves powered by Toyota ‘Club of the Month Award’ from ParalympicsGB.
The award celebrates DSUK’s outstanding and ongoing work to make participation in the exhilarating world of snowsports more accessible and inclusive to the disabled community throughout the UK.
Award-winning French Alps ski specialist, Peak Retreats, has launched a selection of February half-term ski holidays by train via Paris. The holidays, for the week commencing 15/02/2025, are on sale now and include travel by train to a choice of resorts and accommodation that are all easily reachable by rail.
PHOTO: Invictus Games © Jeremy Allen
Taking place from 8-16 February 2025, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, in British Columbia, Canada, will feature more than 500 competitors from up to 25 nations.
Winter sports will be featured for the first time ever and include Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.
Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, but choosing the right destination as a beginner can make all the difference. For first-timers and those looking to build their confidence on the slopes, finding the right mix of gentle terrain, quality instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere is key.