February is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year in the Alps. Schools all across the continent have their holidays so families arrive from all over, filling accommodation and driving up prices.
But this is also often when snow conditions and weather are at their best and for many families, if they’re going to ski at all, it has to be February.
To ensure the travel and accommodation they want and lock in price, many families book a year or more ahead, and a growing number of operators already have February 2025 holidays on sale. But some also say it is possible to get away THIS February, if you move fast.
“Whilst it’s late to commit to a ski trip for this half term, the current amazing snow conditions are too good to miss. We are receiving lots of enquiries from hopeful families, who have just decided to get away for half term. What’s more, Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of the week, so it’s a wonderful week to get away and celebrate with our loved ones,” said Simon McIntyre Managing Director of specialist ski holiday company Iglu Ski.
Hannah Bolger of French ski holiday specialists Peak Retreats agrees:
“As can be imagined, February Half Term has limited availability, but there still is some across a few resorts. The good snow coverage over the last couple of weeks has definitely encouraged clients to book a last-minute trip, so we’re seeing this limited availability disappear quickly.”
(Family skiing in the Tirol)
Ski holiday specialists Heidi.com warn not to hold out for last minute price cuts:
“A huge number of people are already sorted for their February half term holidays (we salute you organised people). Many others haven’t though and will panic buy in the week leading up to half term. Our big piece of advice here is don’t think the prices will go down, they generally go up as you get closer to half term, as resorts and hotel/ self-catering spaces fill up too. So, get booking as soon as you can,” a spokesperson said.
Chalet rental specialist OVO Network are offering savings of up to €2300 off seven-nights self-catering in high-end this February, including the main half term weeks..
Chris Thompson, director of OVO Network, says: “While there’s always high demand during the half term holidays, some of our owners are giving some great last minute discounts for the weeks of 10 or 17 February. With many of the chalets sleeping 10 or 12 guests, it’s a chance to grab a week’s skiing with family or friends, enjoy the mountains and spread the cost.”
Best Hope for Last Minute Availability?
Iglu say that it’s important to be flexible on the resorts you are open to. As long as the resort shortlist includes a few choices, they can help. Apart from the big well-known ski resorts, there are plenty lesser-known resorts which will offer an incredible family trip. Be prepared to book a resort you don’t necessarily see on Ski Sunday, and explore somewhere new.
Peak Retreats say deals are likely to be found some in lower resorts like Samoëns and Le Grand Bornand. Resorts like Val Cenis and La Rosière (below) also have limited available accommodation – but again it’s booking up quickly due to it being a peak date.
French chalet specialists Ski Beat recommends Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, for half term. , where they still have a money off deal available (see deals below).
“With its great network of interlinked pistes, plenty of bars, shops and leisure facilities, snowmobiling, a 6km toboggan run, snowtubing, a double zip line, and from 13th February, it is Carnival time, with parades, bands, free ice skating, and numerous family activities,” a spokesperson said, adding,
“Ski chalets are cosy and warm, with spacious seating and relaxing areas and double, triple or family rooms located conveniently close to each other. It’s a home from home environment where families can eat, relax and sleep in close proximity, and where chalet hosts to take care of the cooking, cleaning and catering, so everyone gets a holiday.”
Be Flexible On Travel
Hannah also points out it’s not just accommodation you need to find, but also a space on a train, plane or through the tunnel.
“We’re also seeing the Eurotunnel standard crossings book up, but the premium FlexiPlus crossings still have availability for those looking to drive to the Alps.”
Iglu Ski say that you may need to think outside the box about where to fly from and be prepared to accept a second choice airport. The company has 18 UK airports to fly from all across the UK for half term. Whilst lots of flights will sell out or become more expensive closer to the departure date, there are other ways of getting to resorts. Skiing families can choose to self-drive, gaining maximum space and convenience for all the kit for the week; or take the train for an alternative and more environmentally-friendly way to get to the Alps.
Marmot Basin, Jasper
Other Ideas To Make It Happen
Other suggestions include considering a new country you might not have tried before where there are less half term pressures on flights and accommodation. They include Norway and Finland and North America (there sre still good flight-inclusive packages to Banff and Jasper, Canada on offer for half term Iglu Ski say).
Choosing to self-cater is also likely to provide many more opportunities.
Heidi suggest you might consider a shorter ski break with the kids rather than the full week.
“Some kids will be tearing down the mountain, showing you up within the first five minutes of getting on the snow. Others will be less confident and, dare we say it, hate skiing for a bit! So, our advice is don’t push it if it’s your first time and you’re unsure if your little ones will love it. Book four or five days instead of seven and introduce them to your passion gradually – you’ll still have plenty of skiing. The benefits will pay off in later years!” a company spokesperson suggests.
Last-Minute Feb Half Term Offers
These were available at time of writing.
“These are first come first served, meaning once they’re gone, they’re gone!” one tour operator said.
15% off in Sainte Foy, France
Right in the heart of Sainte Foy, Etoile des Cîmes is located at the foot of the slopes. Decorated to a high standard in modern mountain style, this residence is ideal for families and groups of friends, due to its proximity to amenities. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, on-site covered parking and ski lockers.
15% off apartments at Etoile des Cîmes, Sainte Foy for week commencing 10/02/2024. 7 nights self-catered in a three-bedroom apartment now £510pp based on 7 sharing (was £590pp) for the week commencing 10/02/2024. Price includes a return Eurotunnel crossing for one standard car, with Peak Retreats. Offer expires 31/01/2024.
San Martino Di Castrozza, Italy
Iglu Ski suggests this gem in the Dolomites – 7 nights from £2,043 per person half board based on three sharing at the 3* Hotel Fratazza, San Martino Di Castrozza, Italy, departing Glasgow (+£188 Manchester; +£198 Bristol; +£188 Birmingham) on February 10, 2024 and including transfers. San Martino Di Castrozza
Les 2 Alpes For Half Term
Iglu Ski offers 7 nights from £1,932 (was £2,107) per person half board based on two sharing at the 3.5* Hotel Ibiza, Les Deux Alpes, France, departing either Birmingham (-£31 Exeter or Manchester; +£294 London Gatwick; +£168 Glasgow; +£221 Stansted; +£294 Edinburgh; +£168 Bristol; +£32 East Midlands) on February 10th, 2024 and including transfers. Regional Flying
Ski Beat Val Thorens Chalet Savings
A half-term week’s stay in Ski Beat’s Chalet Caribou in Val Thorens now costs £1999pp, with a £187pp saving (was £2186pp), with chalet hosts to prepare breakfast, afternoon tea, 3 course evening meals with wine, and including return UK flights and transfers. tel 01273 855100
Save more than £400 pp in Avoriaz with VIP SKI
“Avoriaz is an ideal destination for a half-term trip, offering a perfect blend of stunning Alpine scenery, diverse skiing terrain, and family-friendly activities. Chalet Kobuk sits near the centre of Avoriaz, a short lift ride away from the vibrant village, but perfectly placed on the piste side for breath-taking mountain views and easy access to ski school meeting points, bars, and restaurants. The chalet offers the perfect space for eight to 10 guests, spread over three floors with a cosy mezzanine above. Built into the side of the mountain, the open plan living-and-dining area provides the ultimate place to relax at sunset. The four en-suite bedrooms occupy the lower floors, one with additional bunk beds,” say VIP SKI.
A seven-night stay at Chalet Kobuk, arriving 11 February 2024, is priced from £2,400 pp (was £2,824 pp saving £424 pp), based on two people sharing a room. Price includes chalet board catering and transfers to and from Geneva airport. Flights extra.
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Iglu Ski suggests 7 nights from £890 per person self-catering based on four sharing at the 2* Manzano Apartments, Pas de la Casa, Andorra, departing from Edinburgh (+£156 London Gatwick; +£156 Manchester; +£188 Bristol; +£198 Birmingham) and including transfers.
Save 40% on atrip to Meribel-Mottaret in France, with SNO
“Located just across the street from the main Chaudanne ski lifts and ski school meeting point, this perfectly situated hotel in Méribel-Mottaret provides an ideal base for winter enthusiasts. Hotel Les Grangettes features a welcoming ground floor with a reception, comfortable lounge, and a separate Savoyard-style dining room. Managed by European Pubs, a seasoned player in the ski hospitality industry, the hotel’s bar and restaurant have been rebranded as Jacks Après Ski Bar, ensuring a lively and entertaining atmosphere with live music, followed by delicious evening meals at Evo Kitchen. Guests can unwind on the brand new terrace, soaking in the village atmosphere while enjoying food served throughout the day. For guests at Hotel Les Grangettes, evening meals take place in the hotel dining room, with a continental breakfast provided on the midweek staff day off. Alternatively, guests have the option to exchange their evening meal for a 20 Euro credit at the Evo Kitchen restaurant, redeemable on the same day as the swap. With its strategic location and a blend of amenities, Hotel Les Grangettes offers a delightful retreat for a memorable stay in Méribel,” says SNO.
A seven night stay at Hotel Les Grangettes, arriving 10 February 2024 is priced from £1,529 pp (was £2,528 pp saving 40%), based on two sharing a double room on a half board basis, this includes return flights from London Gatwick and transfers.
15% off half-term skiing in Les 2 Alpes
Situated in an ideal location in the heart of the Clarines district, Les Clarines is close to bars and restaurants, with the nearest shops just 5 minutes away. Great for families and groups of friends, with facilities that include a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, covered parking and ski lockers with heated boot dryers.
15% off apartments at Les Clarines, Les Deux Alpes for week commencing 10/02/2024. 7 nights self-catered in a two-bedroom confort apartment now £650pp based on 5 sharing (was £750pp) for the week commencing 10/02/2024. Price includes a return Eurotunnel crossing for one standard car, with Peak Retreats. Offer expires 31/01/2024. www.peakretreats.co.uk, 023 9283 9310.
Save 10% in Arc 1950 in France with Pierre & Vacances
“Les Arcs, with its versatile range of activities catering to all ages, stands out as a fantastic destination for families seeking a winter escape in the French Alps. The resort has dedicated children’s areas, such as the Mille8 recreation centre, where kids can enjoy a winter wonderland of activities, including a toboggan run, a covered ice rink, and a thrilling luge track. The ESF ski school ensures that young ones can learn to conquer the slopes in a safe and engaging environment. Beyond skiing, families can embark on exciting husky sledding adventures, explore snowshoe trails, or take a scenic ride on the Vanoise Express, the world’s largest cable car. Stay at Pierre & Vacances’ spectacular five-star Premium Residence Arc 1950. Based in the heart of the Paradiski area, it comprises eight residences offering spacious, tastefully decorated apartments with wooden features and warm colours, creating an intimate and cosy Alpine retreat. Enjoying direct access to the ski slopes, guests benefit from a wide range of activities including snow sports, apres-ski facilities, a fitness centre, and a magnificent Deep Nature ® Spa offering views of Mont Blanc. The residence has both a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool, ideal for an evening of relaxation after a long day on the slopes,” say Pierre & Vacances.
A seven-night self-catered stay at the Premium residence Arc 1950 Le Village, in a standard apartment sleeping up to four people, arriving 10 February 2024, is priced from £3,106 total or £776.50 pp. Flights and transfers extra. A six day lift pass can be added for £320 pp.
OVO Network Half-term Deals
Week of 10 February 2024
SAVE €2300 at Chalet Ladroit – seven-nights rental now €5990. Sleeps up to 12 guests. Facilities include a private indoor swimming pool, sauna and hammam.
SAVE €1583 at Chalet Ourson du Passieu – seven-nights rental now €4507 – arrive 11 February. Sleeps up to 10 guests (nine adults). A stylish chalet with a sauna, surrounded by nature.
SAVE €1209 at Chalet Minnetonka – seven-nights rental now €10881. Sleeps up to 10 guests. A luxury chalet in La Clusaz with a Nordic bath and great views.
SAVE €1000 at Chalet Paralpin – seven-nights rental now €5690. Sleeps up to 12 guests. A stylish chalet set between the village and pistes in Manigod, with hot tub
SAVE €599 at Chalet Bendo – seven-nights rental now €5391. Sleeps up to 10 guests. Ski Le Corbier from this chalet with hot tub and sauna.
Week of 17 February 2024
SAVE €2247 at Chalet Cashmere Spirit – seven-nights rental now €6743. Sleeps up to 12 guests (10 adults). A restored farmhouse with an indoor pool, sauna and wine cellar.
SAVE €2158 at Chalet Behansa– seven-nights rental now €8632. Sleeps up to 10 guests. A luxury Les Gets chalet with a hot tub, sauna and games room.
SAVE €600 at Chalet Ysopi – seven-nights rental now €3490. Sleeps up to nine guests (six adults). Ski Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz from this modern, four-star chalet.
SAVE €600 at Chalet Choquette – seven-nights rental now €4390. Sleeps up to seven guests. Ski Chamonix from this peaceful chalet with a hot tub.
SAVE €599 at Chalet Bendo – seven-nights rental now €5391. Sleeps up to 10 guests. Ski Le Corbier from this chalet with hot tub and sauna.
InTheSnow Resort Guide
For the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well as ski news, gear reviews and resort spotlights, you can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
