When planning a short break, a skiing holiday is probably not the first thing that springs to mind. However, with many people now taking multiple mini breaks rather than one main holiday per year, the choice of short break destinations is widening. Here are five of the best short break ski resorts.
Before settling on the destination for your short ski break, there are a number of factors to consider in order to make the most of your limited time.
- Travelling time to the resort
- Current availability of accommodation in the area
- Ease with which you can get out on the slopes
Chamonix, France
This is arguably the most popular resort for short break ski holidays, due to the relatively short journey time from the UK and the large selection of chalets and hotels which openly welcome people who are staying for just a short duration. Although there are slopes suitable for beginners and intermediate level skiers, Chamonix is probably best suited to those with advanced skiing skills as some of the runs are extremely daunting. Sitting in the shadows of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is very easy on the eye.
Courmayeur, Italy
Another resort looked down upon by the mighty Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is a great choice for skiers who are still learning their craft as there are plenty of opportunities to ski off-piste here. Non-skiers are also sure to love it in Courmayeur as the scenery is quite stunning and the variety of mountain cafes wide.
Innsbruck, Austria
Although Innsbruck itself isn’t actually a ski resort, there are many resorts within close proximity and all are easily accessible. Convenience is definitely the name of the game here as Innsbruck has its own airport and each of the nine ski resorts in the surrounding area are served by a free shuttle bus which runs on a regular basis from the city centre.
Warth-Schroecken, Austria
For family-friendly skiing, the villages of Warth and Schroecken are hard to beat and the area receives more snow here than most of the major ski resorts in Austria. Accommodation is extremely good value, making it an excellent choice for a short break, particularly if you are in a larger group. Life away from the slopes is low-key in Warth-Schroecken, making for a truly relaxing weekend away.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
For those who can’t decide between a skiing holiday or a sunshine break, Sierra Nevada provides the perfect solution. Amazingly, the ski resort is only a thirty minute car drive away from the glorious beaches on Spain’s southern coast. The best of both worlds is available in Sierra Nevada, skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the afternoon.
By choosing your destination wisely and taking into account travel times and schedules, you can pack an amazing amount of activity into even the shortest of skiing trips. Short break ski holidays are rising fast in popularity and can be enjoyed by skiers and non-skiers alike.
AUTHOR BIO
Carl Palin is a seasoned traveller who has written many travel articles for a wide variety of websites and blogs, in addition to pieces for printed publications. He has experienced a number of short break ski holidays and is pleased that their popularity is on the increase.