There are few wholly new destinations being offered this winter by Britain’s ski tour operators. Where new destinations are announced by one, they’re largely already offered by another.
However, one exception appears to be Praz de Lys, which is new to the programme for French ski specialists Peak Retreats.
Described by the company as, “…a hidden jewel in the Giffre Valley”, Praz de Lys is a quiet, cosy, traditional mountain village surrounded by trees with stunning views of Mont Blanc.
Among its many selling points are the fact that it’s one of the closest French ski areas to both Geneva (just 40 minutes from the airport) and Calais, a 7.5-hour drive.
There are 56 slopes including what Peak Retreats says is “…a great beginners’ areas and one of the best cross-country sites in the Alps with an impressive 60km of tracks nestled amongst its amazing scenery and nature”.
The resort and neighbour Sommand also have lots of other activities on offer including snowmobiling, fat biking, paragliding, wing-jumping and husky sledging.
For those looking for culture, there are the close-by historical towns of Taninges and Mieussy, which have several options for guided tours.
Or for those looking to experience mountain food, there are 11 restaurants at Praz de Lys, but also the Croq’Alp cheese farm, the wine market, the farmers’ markets, the Savoyard markets and La Ferme aux Escargots Arno snail farm.
Peak Retreats offers seven nights for £208pp (approx. €240) in the peak New Year week from 31st December 2016 staying at the 3★ self-catered apartments Les Soldanelles. The price is based on five sharing a two-bedroom apartment and includes return Eurotunnel crossings with a free FlexiPlus upgrade. Guests have free access to the games room, reading room with free wi-fi, sauna, Jacuzzi, indoor heated pool and a large sun terrace.