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

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

15 Apr 2025
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From choosing the ski resort that best suits your family, to the complete organization of your trip in advance (booking activities, renting equipment, etc.) along with all our tips to take advantage of the best deals throughout the winter: follow the guide, your vacation awaits!
@LaRosiereTourisme

Choosing the right ski resort

 
Is there a ski resort that beats all the others? It doesn't exist! For the simple reason that the definition of the perfect vacation depends on who is giving it, and when For exemple, an expert skier might dream of a vast ski area with challenging slopes (like Tignes, for instance) for a vacation with friends who are all passionate about skiing. Bu they would prefer a small family-friendly resort (like La Rosière), with plenty of green runs, when traveling with their little ones, aged 5 and 8, a few weeks later.
 
So the first question to ask when choosing your ski resort is:
 
Who will be with you during this vacation week?  
Only skiers? If so, what level? Beginners and families with young children will love the ski area in La Rosière, which is south-facing and features fun slopes amid the pine trees. Those who enjoy relaxed skiing will have a great time in La Plagne, where the ski area connected to Paradiski can be fully explored on blue slopes. Advanced skiers will probably prefer Tignes (linked to its neighbor Val d'Isère), for both its slopes and its famous off-piste runs.
 
Is the group's skiing ability varied? Don't worry! Green, blue, red, and black runs, freestyle areas (snowparks, boardercross...), freeride, ski touring, ect.: the three ski areas mentioned above are large and varied enough to ensure that everyone will find something suitable. All at an altitude that guarantees snow coverage throughout the winter.
 
The group is mainly non-skiers? How old are they? What are their interests? Snowshoeing enthusiasts can 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 stroller-friendly walk (like in La Rosière). Others will choose their vacation destination based on an exciting activity they've been dreaming of trying, such as Bun J Ride and ice diving in Tignes, or bobsleigh in La Plagne.
 
Also, take a look at the winter highlights calendar of the resorts you're considering. It might help you decide if you're torn between two destinations or two vacation periods. 
@LaRosiereTourisme

When to Go on a Ski Vacation?

 
Three main factors come into play when choosing your vacation week.
 
The first, of course, is your avaibility! Families with school-aged children will be limited by the school vacation calendar and the famous Zones A, B, and C. Yes, it's true: these are the busiest periods. Should this discourage you? Absolutely not! With a bit of planning (see the next paragraph), you'll easily be able to enjoy the activities you want. And even take advantage of great deals by jumping on early booking offers as soon as they are available (be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive them exclusively).
 
Are you traveling without children, or with little ones who haven't yet started school? In that case, you'll probably prefer quieter times, like January, March, or even April (which is great for spring skiing and enjoying some sun on the terrace!). 
freeride pro photo : Germ'photograpie
The second factor to consider is your preferences when it comes to skiing. Beyond snow conditions (guaranteed in thee three resorts where Altitude Résidences operates: La Plagne, La Rosière, and Tignes), It's primarily the type of snow that should be taken into account.
 
In January, for exemple, the snow is often quite cold, creating a very characteristic crunch under the skis on groomed slopes (or a lovely powder cloud for off-piste enthusiasts: a real treat!). In March/April, thanks to the sunshine, the snow becomes softer (ah, the little spring crust!). Trust your instructor to choose the best exposures depending 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 don't ski at all)? Do you have little to no calendar constraints? Let yourself be guided from one destination to another, and from one residence to another, based on the offers and good deals available throughout the year!

How to organize your winter vacation?

 
Anticipation is the key to a successful ski vacation (but we'll see later that last-minute planning can also bring some pleasant surprises).
 
Once your accomodations is booked, make a list of all the activities you want to dry during your stay... and contact the relevant service provider to check avaibility! For exemple, the dog sledding activity, which you can experience in La Plagne and Tignes, is very popular. It's almost impossible to find an available slot on-site. Imagine the disappointment if you promised your little one a ride, and she has to watch other children having fun from a distance... Nothing beasts making a call in advance to secure your spot.
For ski and snowboard lessons, the easiest (and most cost-effective) option is to use our network of local partners.
 
Also, make sure to check the requirements for each activity (age, height, weight, opening dates and times, ect.). For exemple, in Tignes, the "Cobra Expedition" toboggan run, which is quite sporty, is accessible from 1.40m in height. However, you can share an X-treme tobogganing session on a monorail with your kids starting at age 8 in La Rosière. On the other hand, some activities that may seem reserved for adults are sometimes open to teens (like the bob raft on the Olympic bobsleigh track in La Plagne, from 1.30m).
@TristanShu
Another thing you can plan ahead: lightening your luggage (and saving space in the car boot for those of you choosing to drive to your vacation destination).
 
Is your ski gear a bit outdated, or are you simply not equipped? Consider renting your skis or snowboard (special rates with our partners). It's a great idea that, in addition to being eco-friendly, will allow you to enjoy the latest technical innovations from manufacturers and improve your skills with equipment that evolves alongside your level over the years.
 
You can also save space by opting for grocery delivery to your apartment (just make sure to place the order a good week in advance on our partner Off-Courses 'website).
 
Prefer last-minute planning? Stay on the lookout for great deals, especially outside of school vacation periods (for exemple, through our newsletter!). Last-minute vacation, a sudden snowfall tempting you, or a tight budget... As long as you're not tied to a specific week or destination, you could enjoy a dream stay at a great price with special "last minute" offers.  
Ski holidays? No need to make a mountain out of it! ;) See you soon in our residences!
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