Christmas week is coming up fast and this year it seems it will be one of the best this century for snow in the Alps. It has been mostly cold and frequently snowing over the past six-weeks and resorts have not only been reporting snow up to 3 metres (10 feet) deep up high, but importantly down to valley level …the lack of snow cover at which made mainstream media news year ago. By contrast December 23 is looking a whole lot better.
Of course we must give a caveat, …it’s still very early season, bases on lower slopes re thin, things can change either way quickly, etc etc …but so far at least, it’s looking good. If you need any evidence this pink elephant picture by staff at SkiBeat on the slopes above La Rosiere in November is conclusive proof.
Despite all this good news, and the fact that Christmas Day is on Monday this year so you can be well-settled in your resort before the big day comes, ski travel agencies and tour operators report that there are still some great late deals to be had, perhaps because of the bad press ski areas have had for Xmas snow.
“After last year’s late-start to the snowfall, many skiers this year have waited to book, which has led to discounts and great last minute hotel deals for Christmas,” confirms Richard Sinclair of SNO, “but skiing conditions are amazing now, and booking is brisk, so it’s the right time to bag a bargain before prices rebound.”
Iglu Ski Managing Director, Simon McIntyre agrees, saying, “The news of heavy snowfall in November and early December and of resorts opening early has triggered a spike in searches for ski trips for Christmas. It seems that families will now turn down the turkey and instead head out for a festive, snowy week in the mountains. We still have some deals left for that week, but time is running out.”
McIntyre notes, “In particular the demand for high resorts in Austria is better than we predicted, given the fine balance of better value, pretty resorts and recent snowfalls. For example St. Anton, Kitzbühel (pictured above this week) and Obertauern are doing well.”
Iglu’s Christmas Chalet Deal of the Week is for 7 nights from £618 per person, catered board, based on two sharing in the 3* Chalet Chanterelles, La Plagne, France, arriving on December 23, 2023 although that price excludes flights/transfers.
Le Ski they’ve decided to drop prices to £799 for some of their remaining chalets at Christmas.
Specifically we have had cancellations in our on piste Chalet Rikiki – it’s now only £949 with flights, proper catering, Champagne and canapés. It’s cheaper than staying at home!” said boss Nick Morgan.
Leading chalet company Ski Beat say they have Christmas availability and remind people of the added benefits of Christmas in the Alps, besides just a lot of snow…
“So far this season Christmas departures on both 16th and 23rd December have been less well booked than other dates, while 2024 departures are still selling strongly. The recently heavy snow in the Alps and the keener pricing over Christmas, is now encouraging more people head for the slopes in December, and they should do. Conditions are excellent, resorts are white, pistes are open, resorts will be festive and brightly lit, and Ski Beat’s catered chalet service means there is no getting up at 6am to start cooking the turkey, and no arguments over the washing up,” said Ski Beat’s Sales & Marketing Director Laura Hazell
SkiBeat have a number of deals on offer, including depart from Gatwick or Manchester on 23rd December and spend a snowy white Christmas in the charming, cosy Chalet Chamois in Plan Peisey, in the heart of France’s Paradiski, now £995pp, was £1342pp, saving £347pp.
The price based on two sharing a double/twin ensuite room and include chalet hosts to prepare cooked or continental breakfast, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with wine, a festive four course Christmas dinner, return flights and transfers. www.skibeat.co.uk/deals 01273 855100
Credit Matt Palmer
For skiers lucky enough to live in Scotland, Iglu have also got a Scottish Deal of the Week – 7 nights from £943 per person, self-catering, based on two sharing at the 3* L’Ours Blanc Apartments, Alpe d’Huez, France, departing from Glasgow (+£134 London Heathrow; +£2 Manchester) on December 23, 2023 and including transfers.
Other Christmas deals to come into the office here at InTheSnow this week include:
Save 20% on a last-minute Christmas trip to the Méribel, with Pierre & Vacances, who say:
“Experience intimacy amidst the vast mountains at the four-star Les Crêts residence, perched at 1,750m in Méribel-Mottaret. Surrounded by the tranquility of the Vanoise national park and Tueda nature reserve, this retreat blends traditional Savoyard style with modern comfort. The ski-in, ski-out location gives guests convenient access to the Three Valleys ski area. Beyond skiing, Méribel offers activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.”
A seven-night stay at Premium Residence Les Crêts, arriving 23 December 2023, is priced from €2,450 / £2,098 per apartment (was €3,062 / £2,622 per apartment, saving 20%) for up to four people sharing. A lift pass for the Three Valleys area can be added for £321.46pp. easyJet offers return flights on those dates from London Gatwick to Geneva from £148 pp.
CREDIT JM Gouedard Meribel Tourisme
Save more than £200 pp on a Christmas trip to Val d’Isère, France, with VIP SKI
VIP Ski say, “Spending Christmas in Val d’Isère offers a magical blend of snowy landscapes, festive charm, and exhilarating ski adventures, creating an enchanting holiday experience amidst the breath-taking beauty of the French Alps. Nestled on the edge of the Santons piste in Val d’Isère, No. 5 Bellevarde stands as a quintessential stone-and-timber chalet, capturing the essence of a traditional Alpine retreat. Its allure lies not only in its charming aesthetics but also in its strategic location, offering the coveted ski-in, ski-out convenience. The chalet’s prime position facilitates effortless access to the slopes. A green/blue piste meanders a few hundred yards down to the Olympique lift area and the ski school meeting point, ensuring that skiing enthusiasts can easily access the snowy wonderland. However, the luxury doesn’t end on the slopes – No. 5 Bellevarde offers a driver service to pick up guests from anywhere in Val d’Isère until 6 pm, ensuring a seamless transition from the exhilaration of skiing to the comfort of the chalet.”
A seven night stay at No. 5 Bellevarde, arriving 20 December 2023, is priced from £2,175 pp (was £2,419 pp saving £244 pp), based on two sharing a double room on a catered chalet basis, this includes return flights from London Gatwick and transfers.
