How you can book the best ski resorts and accommodation for less
Ready to hit the slopes? Our guide to the best resorts and accommodation and how you can book it for less!
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Hot chocolate by the fireside, unforgettable après-ski and epic mountain views – ski season is finally upon us.
A ski holiday may seem like an expensive endeavour, but a luxurious getaway on the slopes doesn’t have to break the bank. For affordable – and top-quality – ski breaks, look no further than Sunweb.
Having whisked travellers away to the mountains for more than two decades, the trusted travel brand offers value rates on the best destinations around Europe, from charming Tyrolean chalets to glamorous ski hotels and cosy holiday apartments.
For a luxurious, yet affordable, ski break this winter, look no further than Sunweb
What’s more, if you book with Sunweb, your ski pass is included – regardless of where you choose to stay.
To put it simply, you can expect utter luxury for less.
Dreaming of an exclusive break that’s as deluxe as could be? Choose one of the boutique hotels or chalets from the Sunweb Excellent collection and you’ll enjoy fine dining and sleek spas in hotels that are perched right on the slopes, so the minute you leave the door your ski day begins.
If you book with Sunweb, your ski pass is included – regardless of where you choose to stay
You can expect utter luxury for less on a winter getaway with Sunweb
Or opt for a hidden gem with the Sunweb Secrets collection, which brings together some of the Alps’ and the Pyrenees’ most special – and authentic – hotels, private chalets and apartments. The minute you arrive you’ll be enchanted by the gorgeous interiors, fastidious personal service and homemade treats, making for a serene, stress-free ski break.
Whether you’re planning an extraordinary ski holiday with friends or a fun-filled family getaway, this is the ultimate guide to the best resorts and accommodation to choose this winter…
Luxury in Les Arcs
Nestled in Savoie, France, the ski resort of Les Arcs is made up of a handful of unique, car-free villages that offer something for everyone.
Families love quiet and easygoing Arc 1600, the oldest village of all, whereas those who prefer to dance into the night will be in their element in buzzy, bustling Arc 1800. Arc 1950, meanwhile, is home to the biggest Igloo Village in the French Alps – check out the sculptures in its ice cave or grab a drink at the igloo bar.
Children will get a thrill from the lively Mille8 snow park in Arc 1600, which features an obstacle course and a special ski area dedicated to little ones and beginners. Love to speed ski? Head to Arc 2000, which is the highest village in the region and lies next to a series of thrilling black runs.
Les Arcs is made up of a handful of unique, car-free villages that offer something for everyone. Above is charming Arc 1950
Across the resort, there are miles of pistes to discover for skiers and snowboarders, from gentle blue runs to trails through the trees. Climb aboard the Aiguille Rouge cable car – which takes you up to a dizzying altitude of 3226m – to drink in postcard-perfect views of the peaks.
Where to stay: You’re just moments away from the slopes when you choose to stay in a spacious five-star apartment at Résidence P&V Premium Arc 1950 Le Village.
You’ll be charmed by the buildings that make up this Alpine retreat – they’re designed in an authentic Savoyard style both inside and out. Once you’ve unpacked, make your way to the wellness centre, where you can take in sensational views of the snowcapped mountains from the heated outdoor pools. There’s also a fully-equipped gym if you want to brush up on your fitness ahead of a day on the slopes.
More luxury awaits at Hotel Taj I Mah, a refined five-star hotel that lies just 20m from a ski lift, meaning your ski day will be as seamless as could be.
There are miles of pistes to discover for skiers and snowboarders in Les Arcs
Crafted from sculpted metal and glass, the hotel is flooded with golden natural light. Relax in the hotel’s hammam or feel the sun on your skin as you stretch out on a deckchair on the hotel’s terrace.
It’s a haven for gourmands too, with two excellent restaurants run by the Michelin-starred head chef Eric Samson. Guests staying on a half-board basis can enjoy the wonderful à la carte menu at Restaurant Le Diamant, or instead, you can spend the evening at Noir Restaurant La Rotisserie, where dishes revolve around fresh local produce. Prepare to sample some excellent wines during your stay – the hotel’s cellar is overflowing with more than 2,000 carefully chosen bottles of wine.
Value in Val Thorens
You’re guaranteed an epic ski break in Val Thorens, a one-of-a-kind French ski resort that looks out over six glittering glaciers.
Perched at an altitude of 2,300m, it’s one of Europe’s highest ski resorts. Skiers have plenty of opportunity to explore a huge variety of slopes, from wide open pistes to mogul-filled trails, as it’s part of the Les Trois Valées region, which also includes popular ski areas like La Courchevel and Méribel.
After an action-packed day in the mountains, return to Val Thorens for some vibrant après-ski, taking your pick from bustling venues like the Veronica Snow café and the Danish bar Snesko.
You’re guaranteed an epic ski break in Val Thorens, a one-of-a-kind French ski resort that looks out over six glittering glaciers
Take a day off from skiing or snowboarding and you’ll find that Val Thorens is brimming with amenities. Little ones will love the swimming pools at the Val Thorens Sports Center, while teens can while away an afternoon in the cinema or the bowling alley. For a pinch of adventure, set off on an evening tour on a snow scooter, drinking in the lights of the village from the peaks above.
Where to stay: Skiers will adore Hotel Bel Horizon, a three-star sanctuary that’s perched right on the Plein Sud ski slope.
The Les Pionniers ski lift is just 100m from the hotel, so you can make it up the mountain first thing in the morning. Come evening time, drink in the atmosphere on the hotel’s sun terrace, watching other skiers descend the mountain as you nurse a hot coffee and a mouthwatering portion of Flammkuchen, a doughy French speciality that’s coated in cheese and bacon.
When night falls, curl up by the hotel’s fireplace with a glass of whiskey in hand. As you unwind, your little ones will be happily entertained for hours in the hotel’s games room.
You can expect expansive marble bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens and uber-comfy beds when you stay at Résidence Le Hameau du Kashmir
The following morning, awaken in time to watch the sunrise from the balcony in your room, before making your way downstairs for a delicious buffet breakfast.
If you prefer to self-cater, plump for Résidence Le Hameau du Kashmir, a series of luxurious four-star apartments on the Plein Sud slope.
Unlock the door to your apartment and you’ll be instantly smitten – you can expect expansive marble bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens and uber-comfy beds. The complex is filled to the brim with amenities, from the lounge bar to the fitness room. Spend a decadent afternoon at the Nohèm Spa, where you can float in the indoor pool or ease aching muscles with a heavenly massage.
Don’t fancy cooking? Escape to the complex’s Le Karmin or Le Yack restaurants, where you can choose from gourmet meals paired with sumptuous wines. Later, make your way to the terrace to watch the sun setting over the Les Trois Vallées slopes.
Adults-only oasis in Obergurgl
Locals in Obergurgl call the village the ‘Diamond of the Alps’ – and it’s not hard to see why. The centuries-old Austrian village is peppered with gorgeous wooden chalets and a church that dates back to the 1700s – long before Obergurgl became a hotspot for skiers.
And what a hotspot. One of the highest mountain villages in the Alps at an altitude of almost 2,000m, Obergurgl offers ideal snow conditions from November right through to April.
Combined with the neighbouring village of Hochgurgl, there are 112 kilometres’ worth of pistes to discover for skiers of all levels. Kids will love the local ski school, trying out mini jumps in the snow park and mastering their snowplough on the safe nursery slopes.
Get the ski lifts up to the ‘Top Mountain Star’ viewing platform on the peak of Wurmkogel, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the sun-glistened Ötztal Alps and the Italian Dolomites.
In Obergurgl, stay at Mühle Resort 1900 – Bergresidenz , an adult’s-only haven that offers the utmost tranquillity in the mountains
Where to stay: To see Obergurgl at its most beautiful, stay at Mühle Resort 1900 – Bergresidenz, an adult’s-only haven that offers the utmost tranquillity in the mountains.
It’s a stylish three-star enclave that’s part of the four-star Mühle Resort 1900 hotel, a picture-perfect idyll that first started as a small mountain farm in 1627.
With wooden furnishings and soft bedding, the retreat’s cosy rooms are decorated in a traditional Austrian style. Wake up and stroll over to the Mühle Resort 1900, where you can take advantage of the high-end facilities; swim laps in the glamorous indoor pool or book a massage with one of the hotel’s expert masseurs.
When your knots have been thoroughly kneaded, slip off to the sophisticated Mühle Resort 1900 restaurant for dinner. Guests of Bergresidenz enjoy each meal here – by evening, feast on a gorgeous three-course à la carte dinner, and the following morning, pull up a seat for a breakfast buffet that will prepare you for a day on the slopes.
Amazing après-ski in St Anton
Guaranteed snow, stellar après-ski and brilliant off-piste fun combine to make St. Anton am Arlberg a winter sports destination like no other.
The Austrian village, which lies in the Tyrolean Alps at an altitude of around 1,300m, is steeped in ski history – known as the ‘cradle of alpine skiing’, it’s here that downhill skiing was invented. You can learn about its history at The Museum St. Anton am Arlberg, where fascinating displays are housed in a quaint chalet setting.
The village is car-free, meaning you and your family can wander between gorgeous Tyrolean shops, cafes and restaurants with complete peace of mind.
St Anton’s reputation for amazing après-ski isn’t unfounded with bars like Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh abuzz with happy skiers, and in the village, you can take your pick of vibrant bars and nightclubs that stay open well into the night.
Where to stay: If you want to stay close to the action, check into the luxurious Hotel Alte Post, a 17th-century building nestled right in the heart of the village.
Vaya Resort is the epitome of contemporary Alpine chic, with tasteful guest rooms furnished in natural materials
It offers a first-rate spa with a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms, leaving you feeling rejuvenated after a day spent schussing down the mountains. Impeccable food is part and parcel of a stay here – the restaurant, which has earned a coveted Gault-Milau award, serves mouthwatering contemporary Alpine cuisine. Choose a beautiful bottle of wine from the cellar to go with your meal and settle in for an evening of fine dining.
After dinner, head to the hotel’s chic bar for a nightcap, before retiring to your cosy, Tyrolean-style guest room for the night.
If you’d prefer to stay a little further from the liveliness of the village, the serene and stylish Vaya Resort is the place for you. Both a luxury hotel and apartment complex, the resort is the epitome of contemporary Alpine chic, with natural materials and tasteful decor throughout.
Set foot inside your light-filled apartment and you’ll be instantly won over by the beds dressed with soft quilted duvets and the vista from the balcony. Drop the little ones at the kids club while you retreat to the hotel’s Finnish sauna, before sipping on a hot chocolate or a gin and tonic in the mountain-hut-style lounge.
If you opt for the bread delivery service, heavenly fresh bakes will be delivered to your doorstep in the morning. Not only that, but the Nassereinbahn ski lift is just 400m away, so you can get up the mountain with the first skiers of the day.
Adventure in Andorra
La Massana, a picturesque resort that’s just a short hop from the Andorran capital, Andorra de la Vella, is perfectly located for skiers.
Look up and you’ll see the majestic Coma Pedrosa, Andorra’s highest mountain, which looms over the resort. La Massana’s gondola lift whisks you away to the popular Pal-Arinsal ski resort, meaning there’s an endless number of runs to try out.
Spend your days racing downhill on pistes framed by lush evergreen trees, and spend your nights at the resort’s restaurants and bars.
Après-ski not your scene? You’re in luck – the resort has wonderful energy, but it’s still peaceful enough for young families and those seeking rest and relaxation.
Set in the picturesque Andorran resort of La Massana, Hotel Magic Ski is perfectly located for skiers and snowboarders
If you like the idea of picking up souvenirs, wander around the charming shops and museums dotted around La Massana, or head to Andorra La Vella for a spot of window shopping. The city is rich in culture – stop by the 12th-century Sant Esteve church to admire its spectacular baroque altarpieces or go on a guided tour of Casa de la Vall, a fascinating heritage building that dates back to the 16th century.
Where to stay: After a perfect day on the slopes, head back to your hotel, the four-star Hotel Magic Ski – it’s set right next to the La Massana gondola.
The guest rooms are rustic and chic, decorated in chocolate-coloured wood and filled with all the facilities you need for a cosy stay.
To get an extra dose of exercise, hit the hotel’s gym or swim a few laps in the pool. With your workout over, you can take a well-deserved break in the sophisticated wellness centre, soaking in the hot tub or enjoying a detox in the sauna.
Hungry? Spend a delicious evening at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, where you can watch chefs whip up an array of delectable dishes. With dinner over, enjoy a night out in the bars of La Massana, or simply retire to your room for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Book the ski holiday of your dreams at Sunweb.co.uk.
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