Three must-visit ski-resorts for a white xmas family ski holiday
We’ve all seen those Xmas postcards which make us simply yearn for a ski-holiday – and since it’s Christmas has just passed – we look at a selection of exceptional ski resorts which really shine during the festive period – and which you should definitely consider for your own ski or snowboarding holiday in December or over the New-year.
France : Meribel’s Christmas Market
Nothing gets people in the mood for Christmas more than a Christmas market.
Charming French ski holiday resort Méribel runs a bi-weekly Christmas market every Tuesday and Thursday running down down the main street between the La Chaudanne lift station and the centre of the resort. The resort is exceptionally popular with families, due to the resort boasting everything you need to avoid anyone in the group getting bored; swimming pool – check. cinema – check. Nanny service – check.
If you want to escape from the kids for a while- no problem! there are numerous English speaking ski schools who will gladly whisk your youngsters up the mountain to give them some ski training while the parents chill out and relax!
Enjoy the Christmas vibe with traditional carol singing, Christmas lights and a range of everything from delicious french food and drink to decorations and candles.
Lapland: The Northern Lights & Santa
From the unforgettable and mesmerizing spectacle of seeing the Northern lights to taking a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride to see Santa in his very own grotto – a visit to Lapland for a ski or snowboarding holiday at Xmas is sure to be a truly unforgettable experience for both adults and children alike.
Airports which you can fly into include Ivalo, Enontekiö, Kittilä, Rovaniemi, KuusamoKemi and Tornio, and as you might expect, football in these airports peaks around Christmas – since the region is known as the home of Father Christmas himself!
Other activities can include visits to husky farm and taster rides, experience the fun of Ice fishing, take a trip to a real reindeer farm, or perhaps a safari on snowshoes! The variety of activities seems endless!
Norway – Husky sledding & The Northern Lights in Tromso
The Norwegian Tromso ski resorts are an excellent destination to get away from the often crowded ski pistes of more mainstream European ski-resorts, and to indulge in some more unusual non-ski activities. Tromsø is the largest and most culturally diverse city in North Norway, with a population of 68,000. and 10,000 students attending university there.
Winter in Tromoso is magical. The polar nights from 21 November to 21 January offer stunning light conditions during the short dawn. For the ultimate Christmas feeling – why not try husky sledding in a true wilderness with amazing scenery. Other fun activities in the Tromso region include snowmobile tours and whale-watching!
Getting there
The Tromsø from London Gatwick (LGW) route ceased operation in March 2011, however there are other indirect options from Gatwick via Oslo.
IF you’re interested in a late getaway – ski companies are offering up to 60% off peak season prices, with a week in many of Europe’s top ski resorts costing as little as £299 including flights, transfers and accommodation. (source : InteractiveResorts.co.uk)