When it comes to choosing a ski resort for your holiday, one size doesn’t always fit all. While the majority of resorts will offer slopes to suit most types of skier or boarder, choosing carefully can mean you don’t end up somewhere more geared to après-ski when you have young children, or in a ski resort more suited to experts when you’re still finding your ski legs. Here are some suggestions from Sunweb’s collection, chosen from more than 1,500 accommodation options across 220 resorts in seven countries.
Best for families: Val Cenis, France
Set between the Vanoise national park in France and the Avigliana national park in Italy, Val Cenis is large enough to cater to all levels of skier with plenty of facilities for beginners and families. It offers 77 miles (125 km) of mainly wide slopes, including L’Escargot, the longest green (easy) slope in Europe. Travelling as a family, it’s usually best to book an apartment so that the children can have their own room and everyone has more space. This also allows the option of preparing meals at “home” at least some of the time, which in turn helps cater for any fussy eaters or early dinner times. Résidence Les Terrasses de Termignon is a stylish yet budget-friendly option just 200 metres from the historic town centre. Apartments range from studios for two to three-room apartments sleeping up to eight people to suit families of all sizes.
Best for beginners: Pal-Arinsal La Massana, Andorra
Pal-Arinsal La Massana is a budget-friendly resort made up of three ski areas in a wooded region with good connections between them. There are plenty of nice, easy wide slopes that are readily accessible by gondola, so those new to skiing can get up the mountain without having to navigate a chairlift first. There are 57 miles (92km) of pistes, so more than enough to allow some progression over your stay without anyone feeling overwhelmed by the size of the area. Hotel Magic Ski is an excellent option for beginners, being right next to the La Massana gondola. Learning to ski can be tiring, so you’ll appreciate the half board option, which means no worrying about shopping or cooking, plus there’s a wellness centre with sauna, whirlpool bath and swimming pool where you can enjoy some well-earned relaxation. The hotel offers Sunday arrivals, which can mean much cheaper flights, especially in high season.
Find out more about Pal-Arinsal La Massana
Best for couples: Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Known as the “pearl of the Alps”, this romantic car-free village isn’t the place for wild après-ski but features beautiful wooden hotels and chalets, and access to 85 miles (137km) of runs for skiers of all levels across the Saas Tal valley. Fun fact – it’s also where the video for Wham’s Last Christmas was filmed. Cross-country skiing and hiking are also on offer should you fancy a change from the slopes, and there’s the world’s highest revolving restaurant, the Allalin, at 3,500 metres. Treat yourself to a stay at the five-star Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa, close to the slopes, with a large wellness area that includes an indoor heated swimming pool, several saunas at different temperatures and even a hay bath. Your half-board stay includes a generous buffet breakfast, gourmet four-course meals at the hotel’s restaurant and cakes in the afternoon when you arrive back from the slopes. Alternatively, for a cosy wallet-friendly option, Hotel Les Amis is in the centre of town, just a short walk from the lifts, offers breakfast, and is close to many excellent restaurants.
Best for expert skiers: St Anton am Arlberg, Austria
One of the oldest ski resorts in the Austrian Tyrol, St Anton has a glitzy reputation and is beloved of many high-rollers who like to ski and party hard, thanks to its vast ski area and vibrant après-ski scene. With more than 185 miles (300km) of pistes, many of which are at the more challenging end, plus a 124 mile (200km) off-piste area, St Anton is an excellent choice for expert skiers looking for an adrenaline hit. For a luxurious stay, the stylish Vaya Resort is in a quiet location a short walk from the many bars and restaurants of the town centre, and 400 metres from the pistes and Nassereinbahn lift. There’s a ski bus close by if you’d like to explore one of the other resorts of the Arlberg region. Apartments sleep up to 14 people so it’s ideal for a group, and breakfast is available on-site. Alternatively, those on a tighter budget could opt for the Apartments Aar for up to six people, similarly well-located and with the option to order bread direct to your apartment for the morning, giving you an easy start to the day.
