Plan an A-list ski holiday and live the life by visiting a celebrity ski hotspot, such as Val d’Isère in the French Alps. Jamie Oliver learnt to ski there, it’s a favourite of actor Hugh Grant and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (William & Kate) also took their children for their first ski holiday in the French Alps. Val d’Isère retains its village feel and has the largest snowmaking machine in Europe. It can fill an Olympic sized pool in 30 minutes and cover a whole mountain in 50cm of snow in under a week. Seek a celebrity selfie, enjoy 300km of skiing, or après ski like there’s no tomorrow at the world famous Folie Douce bar, from where the la Daille telecabine will deliver partying skiers back to the village.
We can’t all be at Balmoral for Christmas but right Royal service and A list skiing can be found at the Chalet Cristal in the high altitude resort of Val d’Isère. The chalet’s friendly hosts will prepare a veritable feast for Christmas, with turkey, crackers, twinkling Christmas tree, carols and free flowing wine with dinner. After a day on the slopes enjoy the homely atmosphere of the traditional, homely chalet, relax on the comfy sofas in front of the roaring log fire and let the friendly hosts cook, clean and clear up. Ski Beat (01273 855100) has trimmed the price of a week’s skiing at Christmas (departs 22nd December) by £170pp, was £1069pp, now £899pp. Price includes return Gatwick flights (Manchester + £20pp), transfers, daily breakfast, home prepared cakes with afternoon tea, 3 course dinner with free flowing wine and transfers.