+33 (0)6 81 73 44 94
Book
Chalets Apartments Residences
Login
Forgot password?
Submit
Register
fr
promo offers iconour offers phone iconcall me back
Winter Vacations in the Mountains: Where? When? How? Our Complete Guide!

Winter Vacations in the Mountains: Where? When? How? Our Complete Guide!

Sept. 28, 2023
Next article
From choosing the ski resort that’s best for your family to planning your entire trip in advance (booking activities, renting equipment, and more)—not to mention all our tips for taking advantage of the best deals all winter long—follow our guide and get ready for your vacation!
@LaRosiereTourisme

Choosing the Right Ski Resort

 
A ski resort that outshines all the others? There’s no such thing! For the simple reason that the definition of the perfect vacation varies depending on who’s defining it—and when. For example: an excellent skier might dream of a massive ski area with challenging runs (like Tignes for example) for a vacation with friends who are all passionate about skiing. Yet they’ll prefer a small, family-friendly resort (like La Rosière), with plenty of green runs, when it’s time to head back with their 5- and 8-year-old kids a few weeks later.
 
So, the first question to ask yourself when choosing a ski resort is:
 
Who will be there during this week of vacation?
Only skiers? If so, what skill level? Beginners and families with young children will love the La Rosière ski area, which faces due south and features fun runs winding through the pine trees. Those who prefer a more leisurely skiing experience will enjoy La Plagne, whose ski area—connected to Paradiski—can be explored entirely on blue runs. Experienced skiers will undoubtedly prefer Tignes —which is connected to neighboring Val d’Isère—as much for its slopes as for its renowned off-piste terrain.
 
Are the skiers on your trip at different skill levels? Don’t worry! Green, blue, red, and black runs; freestyle areas (snowpark, boardercross, etc.); freeride; ski touring; and more: the three ski areas mentioned as examples are large and varied enough to ensure there’s something for everyone. All at an altitude that guarantees snow coverage throughout the winter.
 
Is the group mostly made up of non-skiers? How old are they? What are they looking for? Snowshoe enthusiasts should pick up the guide to the marked trails in La Rosière , or La Plagne. Parents of very young children will prefer a resort with a trail accessible by stroller (such as in La Rosière). Others will choose their vacation destination based on a thrilling activity they’ve been dreaming of trying, such as the Bun J Ride and ice diving in Tignes, or bobsledding in La Plagne.
 
Be sure to check out the winter highlights calendar for the resorts that catch your eye. It might help you make up your mind if you're torn between two destinations or two vacation periods.
@LaRosiereTourisme

When is the best time to go on a winter sports vacation?

 
There are three main factors to consider when choosing your vacation week.
 
The first, of course, is your availability! Families with school-age children will be limited by the school vacation schedule and the so-called “Zones A, B, and C.” Yes, it’s true: these are the busiest times. Should that discourage you? Certainly not! With a little planning (see the next paragraph), you’ll have no trouble enjoying the activities you want to do. You can even take advantage of great rates by snapping up early-booking deals as soon as they go live (be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive them exclusively).
 
Are you traveling without children, or with very young children who aren’t in school yet? If so, you’ll certainly prefer the quieter times of year, such as January, March, or even April (which is great for those who enjoy spring skiing and sunbathing on a terrace!). 
freeride pro photo: Germ'photograpie
The second factor to consider is your skiing preferences. Beyond snow conditions (which are guaranteed at the three resorts where Altitude Résidences operates: La Plagne, La Rosière and Tignes), it’s the type of snow that matters most.
 
In January, for example, the snow is often very cold, producing a very distinctive crunch under the tips of your skis on groomed runs (or a lovely cloud of powder for off-piste enthusiasts—a real treat!). In March and April, as the sun’s rays warm the snow, it becomes softer (ah, that little shiver!). Trust your instructor to choose the best slopes for you based on the time of day. 

 

Finally, the third factor to consider is simply your budget. Do you enjoy skiing on all types of snow (or do you not ski at all)? Do you have few, if any, scheduling constraints? Let yourself be carried from one destination to another and from one resort to another, depending on the deals and special offers available all year round! 

How to Plan Your Winter Vacation?

 
Planning ahead is the key to a successful ski vacation (but we'll see later that last-minute trips can also hold some pleasant surprises).
 
Once you’ve booked your lodging, make a list of all the activities you’d like to do during your stay… and contact the relevant provider to check availability! Dog-sledding, for example—which you can try in La Plagne and Tignes, is incredibly popular. It’s almost impossible to find a spot right there on the spot. Imagine the heartbreak if you’ve promised your youngest a ride and she has to settle for watching the other kids have a blast from afar… There’s nothing like a phone call well in advance to guarantee your spot.
For your ski and snowboard lessons, the easiest (and most economical) option is to use our network of partners in the resort.
 
Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements for the activities (age, height, weight, dates, and hours of operation, etc.). For Tignes For example, the “Expédition Cobra” toboggan run—which is quite challenging—is open to anyone 1.40 meters or taller. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a session of X-treme tobogganing on a monorail with your children as young as 8 years old at La Rosière. Conversely, some activities that may seem reserved for adults are sometimes open to teens (such as the bobsled raft on La Plagne’s Olympic bobsled track, for those 1.30 meters tall and up).
@TristanShu
Another thing you can look forward to: lighter luggage (and less clutter in the trunk for those of you who choose to drive to your vacation destination).
 
Is your winter sports gear a little outdated, or do you simply not have the right equipment? Consider renting your skis or snowboard (special rates available through our partners). It’s a smart choice that—in addition to being eco-friendly—will let you take advantage of the latest technical innovations from manufacturers and help you improve with gear that keeps pace with your skill level as you progress over the years.
 
You can also save space by having your groceries delivered directly to your apartment (orders must be placed at least a week in advance on our partner Off-Courses’ website).
 
Are you more of a last-minute traveler? Keep an eye out for great deals, especially outside of school breaks (through our newsletter, for example!). Spontaneous getaways, sudden snowfalls that tempt you, a tight budget… As long as you’re not tied to a specific week or set on a particular destination, you could treat yourself to a dream vacation at a great price thanks to “last-minute” special offers.
A ski vacation? No need to make a big deal out of it! ;) See you soon at our resorts!
Back to articles in the "Expert Advice" category