Autumn is fast approaching and as winter looms in the background, we turn our thoughts to a different season, the ski season. Whilst some love the summer months, others look forward to cool crisp snow and the adrenalin rush of skiing in the Alps. If you have a holiday home in one of the ski resorts that are open in the summer, maybe you have had a great holiday in the fresh mountain air and are now gearing up to welcome snow, aren’t we all! There is nothing like it and 120 million visitors to the Alps each year can’t be wrong, as skiers and snowboarders flock there.
Last year, the early winter of 2018 saw a decent amount of snow fall and many skiers and snowboarders managed to get good weather conditions before Christmas. If you are looking to book in November, follow three golden rules, look for high altitude resorts, how many snow cannons they have and keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you book a high altitude or glacier resort you are on to a winner. Snow making machines are a must, so when you are researching a resort check out how many snow canons they have. You can grab yourself a great bargain at this time of year, as many skiers and snowboarders are busy with the run up to Christmas. You could always combine the two and enjoy skiing and snowboarding over the festive period. You will pay more at this time of year though, incorporating Christmas and New Year, but it’s a treat and one to be remembered for always.
Let’s take a look at our top picks in France – Tignes, Val d’Isère, Les Arcs and Val Thorens.
Tignes and Val d’ Isère, France
This is where you will find guaranteed snow in the Alps and its why these neighbouring ski resorts are so popular. Both resorts have their own glaciers which means summer skiing is possible too.
Glaciers: 1 in each resort
Resort Altitude: 1785m
Piste Altitude: 1550m-3656m
Total Ski Area: 300km
Runs:
Blue (easy) 87
Red (intermediate) 41
Black (advanced) 26
Snow Canons: 352 snowguns
Les Arcs, France
This snow sure resort provides skiing at 3225m and at 1200m, the terrain is varied and provides good skiing for all levels. Its sister resort is La Plagne and you can have an extra 225km of ski runs.
Glaciers: 1
Resort Altitude: 1800m/1950m/2000m
Piste Altitude: 3225m
Total Ski Area: 210km
Runs:
Blue (easy) 140
Red (intermediate) 79
Black (advanced) 37
Snow Canons covers: 25% of ski areas.
Val Thorens, France
This ski resort is the highest in Europe at 2300m, with excellent snow until May. The pistes are as high as 3230m and the snow lasts for several days. If you want to ski early, opt for this resort.
Resort Altitude: 2300m
Piste Altitude: 1300m-3230m
Total Ski Area: 170km
Runs:
Blue (easy) 177
Red (intermediate) 111
Black (advanced) 30
Snow Canon covers: 43% of ski areas.
These resorts are great to book in November and snow sure slopes will delight the whole family. Of course skiing at Christmas and New Year is a bonus.
There are several deals now you can book, then pack up the car and drive to anyone of these amazing resorts. For those of you who ski often and enjoy summers in the Alps, why not take a look at ski property for sale in the Alps? There are a range of ski apartments and ski chalets for sale, which will be ideal for anyone who enjoys outdoor life. Ski property isn’t just for Christmas!