January
16–17 – Lauberhorn, Wengen, Switzerland
The latter half of January traditionally sees the biggest races in the Alpine World Cup with the longest and fastest on the circuit, the Lauberhorn, up first for its 86th staging. lauberhorn.ch/en
19–22 – Festival Of Gastronomy, Châtel, France
Châtel in the Portes du Soleil is known for its commitment to traditional food production, so it’s the natural venue for the Neiges Etoilées International, a gastronomical event staged every two years. On the programme are the chef’s challenge, a shop window display competition, workshops, demonstrations and mountain-top breakfast.
23 – Night Trail, Les 2 Alpes, France
The fourth edition of Night Trail, a night-time trail-running event in the snow, invites competitors to run above Les 2 Alpes at night. Instead of descending snow-covered runs, you have to climb them by moonlight. In 2015, 350 people took part.
23 – Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel, Austria
The second of the big races in the Alpine World Cup calendar, and none is bigger than the Hahnenkamm, Austria’s largest annual sporting event. It is the race every downhiller wants to win, perhaps even more than Olympic Gold.
23–24 – Women’s Ski World Cup, Cortina, Italy
Whilst the men are in Kitzbühel, Cortina’s spectacular Olympia delle Tofane slope will be hosting the Women’s Ski World Cup Downhill and Super-G races, attracting top female athletes from all over the world to compete at the highest level. cortinaclassic.com
February
6 – Adults Pay Child Rates, Tignes, France
Tignes are running a special promotion on bookings from 6 February through to 5 March: adults pay child lift ticket prices – nice! The deal is offered on accommodation packages which are from €199pp in an apartment for four. Tignesreservation.net
12 – Art On Ice, Davos, Switzerland
This magnificent show in the Vaillant Arena at Davos is back for its 20th season and will present superstars Jessie J and The Jacksons with Olympic, World and European Champions including Evgeni Plushenko and Stéphane Lambiel on the rink. artonice.com
13 – Early Bird Skiing, Engelberg, Switzerland
Some resorts offer you “the slopes to yourself” for early starts one or twice a week or more, but for Engelberg it’s very special, happening only twice a season (the other date is 12 March 2016). At 7am you’ll be first on the freshly groomed slopes from Stand to Trübsee, then get breakfast at the Alpine Hotel Trübsee. titlis.ch/en/earlybird
17 – Snow Rugby Tournament, Valmorel, France
The increasingly popular snow rugby tournament (essentially rugby on a small, snowy pitch) is back in France with six resorts taking part this winter. Valmorel hosts its stage today.
20 – Full Moon Party, La Clusaz France
Skiing under the full moon – when you can cast your shadow on the white snow in the middle of the night – is increasingly popular in ski areas around the world, but few have offered it for so long or do such a good job as La Clusaz. The 2016 event will be the resort’s 13th and will include the usual DJ set.
