A ski holiday with Sunweb gives you more than 220 destinations to choose from! If you are new to skiing, or just want a good quality ski holiday with plenty of snow and hours on the slopes, then read on for our picks for an affordable ski holiday in lesser-known ski resorts.
As you sit with your head in your hands trying to devise the perfect family ski holiday, we recognise that it’s not always as easy as packing your flip-flops and hopping on a plane heading south. What’s more, the costs can easily start to add up once the costs of transport, accommodation, food, ski lift passes, and ski hire are considered. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Auris-en-Oisans, Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine – France
Get away from the crowds. It probably goes without saying that choosing a ski holiday in one of the smaller ski resorts will give you more space to romp around the slopes. What’s more, prices in the villages will often be more reasonable, and you can dine out or cook for yourself as you please. For example, if you choose Auris-en-Oisans or one of the surrounding villages, you will find affordable but high-quality accommodation, for example: Residence Odalys Les Balcons d’Aurea. From this hotel, it’s a maximum of 100 metres to the nearest ski lift, which will give you direct access to all the popular slopes throughout Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine. There you will be able to experience the true ski atmosphere, with only a little more crowding on the slopes.
Bonus info: ski lift passes for smaller areas are often much cheaper than for the popular ones, which is perfect for beginners. However, through Sunweb you can easily upgrade your lift pass to a bigger ski area if you’re up for the challenge.
Vaujany, Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine – France
One smaller ski resort that should not be missed is Vaujany. This charming little village is tucked away in a valley at 1250 metres altitude. The modern and efficient lift system there makes skiing easy and simple, and the gondola can take you as high as +3000 metres! Are you an experienced skier? Discover one of the world’s longest slopes, called “Sarenne”! The piste is 16 kilometres long and will give you about 1.5 hours of uninterrupted skiing. Unless of course you stop at one of the tempting French restaurants for food and drink on your way down.
Wondering where to stay? Bring the whole family to Chalet Le Crenier de Germaine, with its authentic and cosy apartments.
Bonus tip: if you choose a ski holiday in Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine, more than 80% of our accommodations there offer ski-in, ski-out access. Because who really wants to lug skis and boots around, unless it’s straight into an aprés-ski bar?
Les Carroz d’Araches, Le Grand Massif – France
Close to the popular Les Portes du Soleil, you will find Le Grand Massif to the south. The area offers a wide range of skiing for all abilities, where kids and youngsters can go bananas in Europe’s three biggest funparks. If you prefer a cosy and quiet atmosphere on your ski holiday, the former alpine village of Les Carroz d’Araches is the perfect choice. Swap the busy après-ski scene with cosy restaurants all around the town square, and old farm buildings that have been fitted with modern facilities, like at the 4* Résidence PV Premium Les Fermes du Soleil, which also offers a lovely spa and an ice rink!
Samoëns, Le Grand Massif – France
You’ll experience perhaps one of the country’s most beautiful ski areas in Le Grand Massif, where you won’t have to compromise on skiing. However, if you also appreciate authentic surroundings, you’ll love Samoëns’ cosy centre, with its well-preserved architecture. In addition to skiing, you’ll find a host of other fun activities like parasailing, as well as unique and well-maintained accommodations where you can rest your weary legs after a full day on the slopes. Discover, for example, our brand new accommodation Hotel MGM Les Suites d’Alexane. There, you are guaranteed a luxurious ski holiday in beautiful surroundings, with a 1000m2 spa. It’s heavenly!
Photo: The beautiful village of Samoëns
In a nutshell
If you book a ski holiday in one of the smaller ski resorts, there is much beauty to be experienced and much money to be saved. The vast majority of the villages are linked to larger ski resorts, so skiing won’t be compromised. At the same time, you’ll experience the authentic charm found only in the smaller villages, where restaurants and bars still buzz with genuine ski spirit.
Where are you planning your next ski holiday? Check out all our options and book your next ski holiday from our huge range of tailor-made packages.
Related posts
Leave a comment