Mid-March snowstorms mean that, right now, some resorts in the Alps are enjoying their best skiing conditions of the season. But they’re competing against destinations such as Norway, Bosnia and Canada. And if you’re thinking of heading to the slopes this Easter, there’s still time to grab a last-minute offer, writes Bristol Business News travel editor Anne Gorringe
New resorts in Norway:
It’s unusual for a tour operator to introduce new destinations late in the season. But if you’re looking for somewhere new to inspire you there’s now a chance to try out two resorts in western Norway where you can ski right through until May. Tour operator Ski Elements, which operates Flexiski and SkiWeekends, is offering trips to Voss and Myrkdalen, pictured – both suitable for beginners. Myrkdalen has been called the snowiest resort in Europe. For more details, visit www.skiweekends.com/ski-resorts/norway or www.flexiski.com/destinations/norway
Snowy La Plagne, France:
Recent snowfalls in the French resort of La Plagne have made for excellent ski conditions. Crystal Ski Holidays are currently offering a week’s holiday at the four-star Residence Front De Neige, pictured, from £951 per person (based on two sharing) when booked online. This includes direct flights from Bristol to Geneva, plus a transfer direct to the resort. (Price given is for departure on 8 April). Tel: 020 8610 3123 for more information. Or visit Residence Front De Neige, Plagne Village
Top Marks for Méribel, France:
The location of the three-star Chalet Hotel Les Grangettes makes a ski holiday in Méribel absolutely straightforward. Tumble out of bed, drop into the ski room for your kit, and a short distance away is a choice of lifts taking you up the mountain for a glorious day skiing. Iglu Ski is offering seven nights half board at the hotel from £749 per person (was £1,318), based on two sharing, flying from London Gatwick or Bristol on Easter Saturday April 8, including transfers. Visit Les Grangettes for details.
Or head to Les Menuires, France:
Crystal Ski Holidays is offering a week at the three-star Sowell Residences, pictured above, from £1,220 per person (based on two sharing) when booked online, including flights from Bristol to Geneva and transfers (price given is for departure on 1 April). Tel:020 8610 3123 or visit www.crystalski.co.uk
Ski in Bosnia:
Looking for a relaxed and easy ski trip? Four-star Hotel Termag in the resort of Jahorina, pictured above, is a ‘ski-in, ski-out’ location that’s great for all ages. With a free kids’ club for children aged from two to 10 open from 8am to 9pm, to a pool and hot tub, sauna and steam (extra charge). Babysitting is on offer at an extra charge, and older kids will love the bowling alley, pool table, table football, board games and darts. Iglu Ski is offering seven nights half board from £935 per person (based on two sharing), flying from London Gatwick on April 2 and including transfers. Family rooms are available as is a ‘2-4-1’ lift pass deal. Visit Termag
Head High for Easter in France:
Enjoy glamorous Courchevel for a week of comfort and fine food. There are plenty of pistes over 2,300m for varied skiing in this vast area, even late in the season. The two-star Hotel Olympic is in an ideal location, close to the Croisette ski lifts and the resort centre. Book this on a B&B basis and explore the resort’s restaurants in the evening. Iglu Ski is offering seven nights from £1,266 per person, based on two sharing, flying from Bristol on April 1, including transfers. The same holiday is available on April 8 from £1,246. Visit Courchevel
Family Fun in Bjelašnica:
The three-star Hotel Bjelašnica, just 1km outside the centre of the Bosnian resort of the same name, pictured above, has a free shuttle bus to whisk you to the lifts in a few minutes. Off-slope hours are all about relaxing and unwinding, either in the spa or the Pub Grizzly. There’s also a kids’ play area decked out with toys and games. Iglu Ski has seven nights from £565 per person (based on two sharing) on half board, flying from London Gatwick on April 2 and including transfers. Family rooms are available as are ‘2-4-1’ lift pass deals. Go to High Bosnia for more information.
Easter in Canada:
An aspirational ski destination, Canada is renowned for good service, relatively quiet slopes, frequent dumps of snow, great grooming and spectacular scenery. And it’s not too late to go. Guests at the three-star Bow View Lodge in Banff enjoy the facilities of sister hotel Banff Park Lodge such as the pool, jacuzzi and steam room. You’ll ski in Sunshine Village and Norquay. Lake Louise is 45 minutes away, and there’s the chance to reach the resorts of Kicking Horse and Panorama for ski away days. Iglu Ski is offering seven nights from £1,399 per person (based on two sharing), at the Bow View Lodge on a room-only basis, flying from London Heathrow on April 12 and including transfers. Head to Canada for details.