Whether we like it or not, winter has arrived in the United Kingdom! Although the autumn season was remarkably prolonged this year, rain and colder weather has finally reached the shores, just in time for us to begin planning a Christmas break!
And while many Britons will take the chance to catch up with friends and family during the holiday season, just as many are likely to head out on a slightly more exciting type of break – like a stay in a catered chalet in a ski resort in Europe.
The Unbeatable French Alps
For many, a preferred destination is sure to be the French Alps. After all, it is here that some of the best skiing and snowboarding pistes and slopes in the world are located, as well as some of the most famously luxurious resorts. Over the decades, this part of Europe – along with neighbouring Italy, Switzerland and even Austria – has deservedly carved a reputation for itself as the winter holiday destination par excellence, explaining its popularity among tourists both in Britain and further afield.
But for every person willing to pay top dollar for a catered chalet in Val D’Isére or Morzine, there will be another looking to scope out quieter or more affordable options elsewhere in the country. Inevitably, this type of traveller will discover that France holds more than meets the eye in terms of the scope of its ski resorts.
With plenty of scenic places to visit – and a few excellent ski resorts – the Savoy region is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a catered chalet holiday while staying relatively secluded from the winter-sport crowds yet within easy access of quaint villages and natural attractions.
Peisey-Vallandry
One of the best resorts from which to enjoy all that Savoy has to offer is Peisey-Vallandry. Part of the Alpine region known as Paradiski, this resort offers the perfect mix of challenging pistes, breath-taking scenery and extra activities and sports – making it perfect for families as well as for individual travellers or groups of friends.
Adrenaline junkies for whom the thrill of whisking down slopes is not enough, for example, will delight in the opportunity to engage in ice climbing – up frozen waterfalls, no less – or paragliding, while families might enjoy snowshoeing, pedestrian walks, or even cultural sessions held at the resort itself.
Peisey-Vallandry also offers special nursery days, so that parents with small children may have a personal day to enjoy the slopes on their own. A health club and regular entertainment events are also a fixture at this resort, ensuring that tourists who choose to book a catered chalet there get an extra something out of their skiing holiday!
For all these reasons and more, Peisey-Vallandry is an excellent under-the-radar option for a Christmas break in France.
