With the Alps’ currently enjoying some of the season’s best snow cover and the ski-tastic conditions expected to continue over the coming weeks, the chance to sneak in one last blast could still be on the cards.
Whether you’re considering an action-packed three-night escape or hoping to stretch it to five, French ski accommodation specialists Madame Vacances share their top tips for getting the most out of your short break:
- WATCH THE TRANSFERS: When it comes to long weekends away, short transfer times win every time. Choosing a resort that’s close to one of the main regional airports, such as Flaine which is just an hour from Geneva yet the highest resort in the Grand Massif, will maximise precious time on the slopes. Book ahead with Madame Vacances’ new MV Transport. 3 nights B&B in April at Flaine’s 3-star Résidence Les Terrasses de Veret from £219pp
- PACK LIGHT: Clever packing can ensure you spend more time at your chosen destination than hanging around the airport. Trim clothes back to just the essentials so you can carry them, plus ski boots, in your hand luggage. And, whilst most Madame Vacances properties are centrally located, some – like the Hotel Ibiza in Les Deux Alpes (easily accessible via Lyon) – go one step further with their own on-site ski-hire shop, so it’s extra easy to rent equipment locally. 3 nights B&B in April at the Hotel Ibiza from £169pp
- GO HIGH: Whilst height isn’t always everything early in the season, it’s certainly crucial to keeping snow in good condition as you move into sunny April. At 1,850m and with its highest ski lift at 2,700m, Courchevel is a great option – not least because of the access to the Three Valleys’ extensive 600km of interconnected slopes. 3 nights B&B in April at the Hotel Courchevel Olympic from £109pp
- STAY PISTE-SIDE: Why waste time queuing for the lift or waiting for a bus home when you can start and finish straight from your front door? For the ultimate ski-in, ski-out experience, Méribel-Mottaret’s recently renovated Hotel Le Mottaret is hard to beat. After a sublime day enjoying the slopes in the spring sunshine, the hotel’s terrace hot tub and lively Café del Mott are the perfect places to soak up the incredible valley views. 3 nights B&B in April at the Hotel Le Mottaret from £219pp
For more ideas and inspiration visit www.madamevacances.co.uk or call 01273 358 071.
Special offer for InTheSnow readers
Madame Vacances is offering 15% off their online prices for holidays this winter season (2015/16) as well as next (2016/17). The offer applies to bookings for the operator’s own managed properties, found using the property filter ‘Madame Vacances’. To take advantage of the promotion, use the promo code INTHESNOW2016 when booking online or on the phone. Note that the discount does not apply to ski extras (lift passes, transfers etc) and cannot be combined with any other discount. madamevacances.co.uk