Trying to decide where in Europe to go this winter? Whether you are looking to do some skiing, shopping or sight-seeing, these are our top picks.
25 March 2016
1. Val D’Isere France – For superb pistes
It's easy to see why Val d’Isere is one of the best loved skiing destinations in Europe, with its rural charm and modest roots. This destination is developing into a modern resort with a lovely atmosphere. Indulge in the crazy nightlife, flaunt some fashion but more importantly go for the skiing! There are superb pistes, offering a wide variety of levels to suit everyone’s aptitude.
Beginners can discover easy runs in the middle of the resort, whilst soaking up the breath-taking scenery above the tree line. More advanced skiers have the vast Espace Killy to explore, from the challenge of the Solaise mountains to the wide open pistes of the glacier at Fornet. While off-piste enthusiasts are certainly spoiled for choice.
2. Vienna, Austria – Rich in culture
Vienna is a romantic’s dream with its ornamental palaces and glittering shops. There is something almost timeless about this old historic city. This famous city now includes a rich electronic music scene and vibrant dance clubs. Between multitudes of street performers, and glamorous balls, this is a city full of soul. Not to be missed is the ‘Ball Season’, a thrilling carnival season hosted in January and February, presenting more than 450 balls, and over 2000 hours of dancing over the two-month period. Experience true beauty this winter.
3.Kitzbühel, Austria: Best place to watch a ski race
In early January, over 80,000 ski-racing fans flock to Kitzbühel to watch the world’s best skiers face the hairiest and most prestigious downhill race on the World Cup circuit. For advanced skiing, test your skills on the Streif, a puckering downhill, two-mile-long track filled with huge airs, steep pitches, and hairpin turns. After surviving the Streif, head to the English-style pub appropriately named The Londoner for a pint of local beer. In a tradition dating back to the 80s, the famous skiers get behind the bar and serve beers to hordes of fans after the World Cup races. Booking far in advance is a must, as this cosy town is always in demand.
4. Sorrento, Italy - Truly chic
With Sorrento as your handy springboard you can jet around this part of Italy and never be bored.
This southern city of Italy is a treat whatever the weather, with Capri and Naples easily accessible. This town is the birth place of gelato and is the ideal spot to taste authentic Italian cuisine. The amazing scenery combined with authentic old-world delicacies delivers something for everyone.
Many tourists also flock to the Amalfi Coast, a stunning coastal paradise. The impressiveness continues with Naples just around the corner. This is the birthplace of Sophia Loren, modern pizza and also the Camorra, ‘family of organized crime’.
5. Courchevel, France – best for a lavish winter
Its north-facing slopes are among the best in France, with an efficient network of ski lifts, and its ultra-luxe Cheval Blanc Hotel. Bernault Anault, the CEO of LVMH launched this fantasy lodge in the most glamorous zip code, Le Jardin Alpin.
Just up the mountain, L’Apogée Courchevel bears the stamp of Parisian designers India Mahdavi and Joseph Dirand. These timbered rooms and suites are surprisingly casual, decorated in a burgundy, green, and gingham palette, while the two chalets have cosy log fires, perfect for curling up beside after a long day on the mountain.
Courchevel’s equally polished town center is lined with high-end boutiques, including Ski Dior, Lacroix Luxe Sport and Isabel Marant. Bakery Maison Braissand is an essential stop for its buttery pain au chocolat.
6. La Grave, France - Best for big mountain purists
This is a mecca for big-mountain fanatics looking for no-frills steep skiing in the form of 7,000-vertical-feet of glaciers, cliffs and no-fall zones. A 12th century village tucked into the French Alps about an hour from Grenoble. La Grave town itself is a modest 500-person town with an intimate family feel. With one lift, no ski patrol and no marked runs. If you’d like to survive La Grave, you must hire a guide! For accommodation you can rest your head at the Skiers Lodge, which offers guided groups, live music, and is only a three-minute walk to the lift.
