From budget breaks to frosty festivals, get your skis on for these piste-perfect winter getaways. See you on the slopes!
The one for… Music Lovers
Snowbombing festival, Mayrhofen, Austria (April 1-6, 2013)
Snowbombing gives cool a whole new meaning
- What? Snowbombing is Europe’s largest snow and music festival. By day, you’ll be boarding down the slopes and listening to music on mountain stages. By night, you’ll be dancing to world- class DJs, such as Example, in secret forest clearings and igloo raves. Yep, there’s a club made entirely out of ice. No doubt there’s a “chill-out” room.
Get slippy on the slopes of Austria
- Why? If your favourite thing about skiing is the partying afterwards, Snowbombing takes it to the next level. Top tunes, cocktails and hot tubs make this six days of pure hedonism.
- Where to stay? Nurse your hangover in four-star luxury at Sporthotel Manni, which has a heated rooftop pool and two different saunas. Check out Sporthotel-manni.com.
- How much? A five-night stay at a range of hotels costs from £319, including entry to the festival. To book, visit Snowbombing.com.
- FYI Bring your fancy dress for the 5,000-strong street party that takes place every year.
The one for… Budget Watchers
Borovets, Bulgaria
We’re pining for this snowy escape!
- What? The Bulgarian ski resort of Borovets might not draw the huge crowds of the more famous European slopes, but that only means there are fewer people to laugh at you when you face plant. As well as dazzling white snow and crystal-clear skies, its wide-open pistes are ideal for beginners, while lift passes are just £20 a day.
Borovets is great for beginners
- Why? For après ski that won’t leave you bankrupt, bargainous Bulgaria is your best option. You can get a pint for around £1 and eating out for four people will set you back less than £30. Kerching!
- Where to stay? Yagoda Village is a group of wood-clad chalets in a pine forest around 2km from the centre of Borovets. With self-catering facilities (so you can save even more pennies by cooking your own meals) and a free minibus to the slopes, skiing really doesn’t have to break the bank.
- How much? Packages with Balkan Holidays start from £277 per person for seven nights’ accommodation at Yagoda Village, including flights. Visit Balkanholidays.co.uk to book.
- FYI Don’t forget Bulgaria’s not in the Euro zone, so you’ll need Bulgarian levs.
The one for… Single Ladies
Powder White Potentially Week, Courchevel, France (March 16-23, 2013)
Snow can be a real ice-breaker
- What? Jaw-dropping scenery, heart-pumping ski runs – and a big singles crowd.
- Why? Fresh alpine air, log fires plus great food and wine mean it could be love at first Jägerbomb!
- Where to stay? Cosy up at the beautiful Chalet Amelie, complete with open fire, stunning views and Jacuzzi.
- How much? A week full board, based on two sharing a twin room, (so bring a single friend!) costs from £599 per person. Visit Powderwhite.com to book.
- FYI Unlimited house wine is included in the price. Hopefully skiing cures hangovers.
The one for… Babies on Board
Ardent, France
Ice, ice babies
- What? The Family Ski Company offers ski trips throughout the French Alps specially designed with families in mind. They take the stress out of travelling with children, so you can just focus on how cute they look in snowsuits.
- Why? Ardent has fab nursery slopes, but with easy access to higher pistes for Mum and Dad. And with qualified nannies, purpose-built crèches and children’s ski clubs, every mini-me from baby to teenager will be ski sorted.
- Where to stay? Family Ski Company chalets have cots, high chairs, sterilisers and baby baths, plus a menu of freshly prepared food just for toddlers.
- How much? One week half board in a chalet costs from £449 for adults, £349 for children aged two to 12, and £100 for babies under two. One-to-one care in the Powder Pups club for babies from three months costs £275 for six days. Visit Familyski.co.uk to book.
- FYI A buggy is a snow no-go, so be sure to take a baby backpack instead.
WIN!
A two-night trip for two to caprices festival, Switzerland!
From March 8-16, 2013, join the likes of The Killers and Fatboy Slim on the pistes of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, for Caprices Festival (Capricesfestival.ch). High above the Rhône Valley, Crans-Montana offers space for play and relaxation like nowhere else – and you could win a two-night break for two in a four-star hotel, worth £2,500. The prize includes return flights from London to Geneva*, return rail transfers from Geneva to Crans-Montana, a two-day lift pass and VIP Caprices passes for two days, including dinner, access to the VIP bar and seats at the festival’s Moon Stage. Enter by 11.59pm, February 9, 2013.
THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.
