Ski Weekends

Thanks to accessible gateway airports and the availability of private transfers directly to your lodging, you can arrive at your destination in style, with safety and security ensured. Opting for self-drive remains a viable choice if incorporating driving time into your schedule is feasible.

Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, seeking accommodations in chalets, apartments, or hotels, or prioritising après-ski activities alongside slope suitability, we tailor ski vacations to meet your preferences. By organizing accommodations with doorstep skiing and prearranging ski equipment rentals and passes, we minimize wait times, allowing you to maximize your time on the slopes.

Weekends in the Alps are always memorable, and planning a brief yet enjoyable ski getaway has never been simpler.

Why you’ll love wonderful French ski weekends

For various reasons, many of our clients highly value short ski getaways in France. Here are a few factors that make them appealing:

• Utilizing our extensive network across ski resorts from Alpe d’Huez to Val Thorens, we excel at identifying ideal ski villages, lodging options, and passes tailored to your group. Additionally, we offer guidance on optimal travel routes, ensuring you make the most of your brief visit.
  
  
• Opting for a concise, yet enriching, three- or four-night retreat has become a popular choice for experiencing the charm of the mountains without the need for a full week off work. This option suits those with limited annual leave or those seeking a spontaneous escape to rejuvenate. Furthermore, our ski resort partners are accommodating to flexible booking arrangements beyond the traditional Saturday-to-Saturday schedule.
  
  
• Choosing a midweek ski getaway can often save you money. Beginning your journey on a Sunday can lead to lower costs for both flights and accommodations. Additionally, scheduling your vacation during the early or late months of the ski season, such as January or April, offers advantages like uncrowded slopes, shorter lift queues, and quieter resorts, allowing for more enjoyable and efficient skiing experiences.
  
  
• Choosing to ski later in the season provides opportunities for longer daylight hours, enabling more time on the slopes. Warmer weather during this period is particularly beneficial for families with young children, who may find extreme cold during peak season uncomfortable. Selecting the right resort can also result in experiencing heavy snowfall in spring, and access to interconnected ski areas offers options for exploring diverse terrain.
  
  Clearly, embarking on a small-scale ski retreat in the French Alps offers numerous advantages. If intrigued, feel free to contact us at 0203 011 1222 for further details

Top tips for a fab French ski weekend

Throughout the years, we've organized numerous brief skiing getaways in the French Alps for our clients and accumulated valuable insider insights. Here are some clever strategies to enhance your vacation experience:

• For stays of four or five nights, driving presents itself as an alternative to air travel, offering the convenience of travelling to and from your destination within your social circle. Additionally, opting for car rental can be more cost-effective, allowing you to allocate your savings towards more enjoyable activities upon arrival.
  
  
• Opting for lesser-known ski resorts enables you to bypass crowds and secure more adaptable deals. Furthermore, many quieter destinations boast exceptional skiing opportunities, delightful lodging choices, and an authentic Alpine atmosphere.
  
  
• It’s best to avoid booking for dates around the school holidays if you can because the slopes are busy, and accommodation can be pricier. Time is of the essence during a brief break, therefore it’s better to travel when everything is quieter.
  
  
• Opting for early departure and late return flights when flying means gaining extra skiing time, a valuable asset for a brief holiday. Additionally, selecting resorts with short airport transfers ensures minimal time spent in transit before hitting the slopes.
  
  
• Maximize savings and efficiency by traveling light; many airlines offer budget-friendly fares for passengers traveling with only carry-on luggage. For those driving to the airport, pre-booking parking can secure early-bird discounts.
  
  
• To streamline your skiing experience, consider bundling ski equipment hire and passes into your package with Erna Low. This eliminates waiting in queues, particularly beneficial when travelling with young children.
  
  By adhering to these suggestions, you're guaranteed a fantastic skiing vacation in the French Alps from beginning to end. You can express your gratitude later!

Luxury French ski weekends

Treat yourself or a loved one to a deluxe ski retreat in the French Alps, whether it's for a milestone celebration or a delightful surprise for someone special.

Rest assured, we specialize in curating top-notch experiences where every aspect of your lavish getaway is meticulously planned to exceed expectations. From luxurious accommodations adorned with plush furnishings and elegant interiors to rejuvenating spa treatments and gourmet dining experiences, indulge in a journey that leaves you radiating with joy. Explore our selection of elite ski resorts where opulence awaits you at every corner:

• Courchevel stands out as France’s epitome of luxury ski destinations, drawing in celebrities, royalty, and affluent visitors with its breathtaking slopes and top-notch amenities. For those with discerning palates, the resort offers an array of dining options, including seven Michelin-starred restaurants and numerous other high-quality eateries. Accommodations, whether chalets, hotels, or apartments, exude opulence, while upscale boutiques feature renowned brands like Chanel and Gucci. After indulging in retail therapy, rejuvenate at one of the exquisite spas such as Cheval Blanc Spa and Clarins Spa. And of course, skiing enthusiasts can revel in the extensive Three Valleys ski area, boasting 300km of diverse slopes catering to all skill levels.
  
  
• Méribel is often likened to the Rolls-Royce compared to nearby Courchevel’s Ferrari, boasting an equally glamorous appeal but with a touch more subtlety. Esteemed members of the elite flock to this resort for its refined blend of luxury and convenience. From state-of-the-art lift systems and challenging slopes to chalets and apartments offering panoramic mountain vistas, Méribel epitomizes efficiency and sophistication. Lavish spas with heated pools and holistic treatments abound, complemented by an array of exclusive boutiques and world-class dining options. Additionally, the resort features a well-equipped sports center and themed ski areas for children, along with meticulously maintained pistes catering to all skill levels. In essence, Méribel embodies the essence of a luxurious weekend getaway in the French Alps, where one can indulge in opulence and feel like a VIP amidst its enchanting ambiance.

Family French ski weekends

When planning a brief getaway in the Alps with your family, it's vital to ensure that your selected resort offers all the necessary facilities and activities to ensure the safety, security, and enjoyment of children.

To easily identify a family-friendly resort in the French Alps, seek out the Famille Plus certification provided by France Montagnes. This accreditation evaluates resorts catering to families with children aged 18 months and above based on a comprehensive set of criteria, encompassing six key commitments. These commitments include providing personalized welcomes, offering diverse entertainment suitable for all ages, presenting pricing options accommodating various age groups and budgets, organizing activities for different age cohorts to enjoy together or separately, ensuring accessibility to services and establishments, and maintaining top-tier professional childcare services.

Several of our resorts are proud holders of the Famille Plus seal of quality, but here are a just a handful of prime examples:

• Morzine stands as an authentic Alpine village nestled within the renowned Portes du Soleil ski region, offering an ideal destination for family ski getaways. Within its confines, the Lil Stash kids' snowboarding course awaits, nestled amidst the picturesque forest, boasting eco-friendly obstacles, a charming snow garden, and gentle nursery slopes tailored for young ones. Additionally, a myriad of alternative activities such as tobogganing, ice skating, and aquatic center adventures awaits. For childcare needs, the L’Outa nursery caters adeptly to children aged 3 months to six years, while Club Piou Piou, affiliated with the esteemed ESF ski school, delivers expert guidance for children aged three to 14. Beyond childcare, Morzine ensures parents' engagement with its vibrant après-ski scene, exemplified by popular venues like Dixie Bar and L’Opera, alongside exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities, catering primarily to intermediate and advanced winter sports enthusiasts.
  
  
• Nestled at an impressive altitude of 1850m within the San Bernardo ski region, La Rosière earns its moniker as ‘the balcony of the Tarentaise’ owing to its panoramic vistas overlooking Bourg St Maurice. The array of children's activities here ranges from serene snowshoeing and bowling to exhilarating ice skating and husky sledding adventures. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the x-treme luge toboggan offers thrilling rides along a 700m rail track at speeds reaching 45km/h, while snake gliss presents a fun-packed activity of linking sledges together for a winding descent down the slopes. Moreover, the childcare services in La Rosière meet high standards, providing half-day or full-day care at Les Galopins Kids Club for children aged 18 months to 13 years, featuring engaging pursuits like snowman building and nature treks, accompanied by nutritious meals. Alternatively, Snow Little Child Care boasts a dedicated team of CRB-checked British nannies stationed in Bourg St Maurice, catering to children on flexible hourly, daily, weekly, and overnight arrangements.
  
  
• Situated at an elevation of 1860m beneath the towering Pic Blanc, Alpe d’Huez boasts an extensive 250km of ski terrain, offering both on- and off-piste experiences, including some of the globe's lengthiest trails, spanning up to an astounding 16km. The resort provides an abundance of engaging activities suitable for children of all ages, ensuring endless entertainment options to prevent any chance of boredom. Older kids, aged over 8, can partake in a variety of indoor pursuits such as archery, swimming, and football at the luxurious Palais de Sport. For the more adventurous, opportunities like canoeing and kayaking amidst the scenic Ecrins National Park await. Additionally, there are two cinemas screening English-language movies, an ice skating rink offering skate rentals, and an exhilarating 400m zip wire at the XFly Centre, which also hosts climbing adventures and features a sizable airbag. Novices and youngsters can enjoy the ample nursery slopes and beginner-friendly green runs, with the largest snowpark, conveniently located near the DMC 1st station, offering gentle slopes and obstacles ideal for children and beginners alike. Furthermore, Alpe d’Huez boasts accredited childcare facilities catering to children as young as 6 months old, providing parents with the opportunity to enjoy a worry-free date night.
  
  If you're seeking a unique family getaway, consider arranging a French skiing weekend or short trip with your children. It's an exceptional experience they'll cherish forever. And if the featured resorts don't meet your expectations, rest assured, we offer a plethora of other family-oriented destinations in our selection.

French ski weekend accommodation

Selecting the ideal ski lodging for your brief getaway hinges on your individual needs and desires. For example, if you're accompanied by children, accommodations offering doorstep skiing are likely preferable. Conversely, solo skiers or couples might find accommodations with regular shuttlebus access to the slopes acceptable, especially if other features like a picturesque backdrop or exceptional onsite facilities like a spa and restaurant are enticing. Furthermore, chalet-style lodging seamlessly merges traditional Alpine architecture with comfortable interiors equipped with modern conveniences. Ski apartments provide a balance of independent living and luxurious amenities, while a ski hotel appeals to those who prefer having all necessary amenities conveniently located in one place.

Whatever your preference, Erna Low can help you secure the best deal for your budget.

When considering a different weekend getaway, opting for a French ski weekend provides a fantastic departure from the usual staycation. Our team is dedicated to leveraging our expertise to ensure your safe and enjoyable journey to your chosen resort, guaranteeing a memorable experience throughout your stay.

With a rich legacy in Alpine Hospitality, our goal is to instill in all our guests the same passion for the mountains that drives us, whether you're here for a brief three-day escape or an extended three-week retreat.