France
France
Skiing for All: UCPA and Action Outdoors in Val Thorens
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.
Italian-French ski region renews partnership with train operator
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.
Ski Beat launches 2025-26 ski 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.
European ski escapes for a luxury weekend getaway
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.
Five reasons to go to Avoriaz
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!
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards to host ski breaks in Les Gets
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.
Christmas Chalets in the Alps
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%.
Val d’Isère’s Slopes Set To Open After Fresh Snowfall
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.
Travel to the French Alps by train this February half-term
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.
Beginner-friendly ski destinations guide
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.
SkiWeekends launch new winter holidays
SkiWeekends, the short and flexible break specialist skiing operator, has launched a number of new programmes for the 2024-25 winter season following its new website launch with a built in booking system. Holidays will also include a return airport transfer built into the price this season.
New Toe in the Snow beginners’ ski holidays
As part of its initiative to Get Brits Skiing, Ski Beat has introduced two new Toe in the Snow beginners’ weeks for rusty or first-time skiers. Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell explains: “Skiing is often shrouded in mystery for those who didn’t take family ski holidays as children. Around 1.5 million Brits ski annually, but the number could be much higher.
Exciting Les 2 Alpes upgrades – get to the glacier in half the time…
With the largest skiable glacier in Europe, Les 2 Alpes is world-renowned and a much-loved destination for British skiers, with many returning season after season.
Situated in Isère, France’s third largest mountain destination, Les 2 Alpes is a friendly ski resort with a fantastic range of bars and restaurants for all ages.
Where to spend a White Christmas in the Alps
Ski Beat rounds up its pick of places to head to for some great skiing as well as festive cheer…
La Rosiere 1850, an Alpine wonderland with Santa’s `Magic of Christmas’
Join in the Magic of Christmas in La Rosiere 1850, high in the French Alps, where Santa will arrive in the days before Christmas in a festive parade, before leading families to the heart of the festively lit Chemin de la Forêt.
Team celebrates completing charity bike ride to Val d’Isère
Ski Solutions successfully completed its London to Val d’Isère charity bike ride on 30 August, raising £6,433 (including gift aid) for the Snow Sports Foundation (SSF). Over eight days, four team members cycled more than 1,000km across varied landscapes, facing steep mountain climbs to support the Snow Sports Foundation’s mission of providing inclusive snow sports opportunities for individuals with additional needs.
Tomorrowland Winter returning for 2025
The world’s most iconic winter dance festival, Tomorrowland Winter, is returning to the French Alps in March 2025. For the fifth year running, ski tour operator Sunweb, festival organiser Tomorrowland and French ski resort Alpe d’Huez are coming together to organise the renowned event, which will take place from the 15-22 March 2025 in the mountains of the resort.
Comedy and cheese in the Portes Du Soleil
Petra Shepherd gets her funny bones tickled on a trip to Les Gets with apres-ski laughs at the Montreux Comedy Festival.
As apres-ski activities go, the Alpine version of the Montreux Comedy Festival makes a change from the usual one-too-many drinks with friends.
Sociable ski trips for the solo traveller
Skiing is often seen as being a group trip or family activity but Friendship Travel is providing sociable solo-ski trips for avid skiers who don’t have a travel buddy or partner to shred the slopes with.