With half term happening it’s been a hard task to match up deals with where the good snow is right now. However, we’ve managed to come up with three options from all in beginners to a spot of luxury.
With the warm air now pretty much established over western and southern Europe there’s not a great many local options for UK travellers this week. However, over the pond the snow is coming thick and fast and if you are ok with a long haul flight then there’s plenty of big snow options in the Western Rockies of the US and some decent Canadian options.
If long haul is not an option then it looks like Austria is getting the best of the snow right now and for the next week or so.
Beginner Snow Pick Of The Week: Niederau
Our beginner choices generally contain everything you need to get started on the slopes. We tend to look for the options that include rental kit, lessons and lift passes. As a beginner there’s a lot to think and worry about so picking an all in package helps to keep the worries at bay knowing that everything is pre-arranged.
We’ve found a neat package in the Austrian resort of Niederau, which is rated highly for beginners.
There’s a 3star, half board week including lift pass, boots, board/skis and 3 days of instruction for £1409. Flying from London via British Airways with Crystal Ski on the 2nd March.
The accommodation is just a few minutes walk from the lifts and the transfer is just 1:20mins from Innsbruck.
It’s not a cheap option, although most of your food is included, but when the snow forecast for Europe is this poor the few places that are getting dumped on tend to be in high demand.
Intermediates Choice: Zell am See
If you are just looking for the slopes and a lift pass then we’ve found this option in Zell am See, Austria for a half board option, practically slope-side for £1070 including lift pass.
Zell am See is a great resort for intermediates and is located on the shores of a spectacular lake. And with recent snowfall in the last week and more forecast over the next week there’s a chance to make some fresh tracks.
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With a short flight and transfer of just 1.5 hours it’s a great option for a last minute decision to fly out on the 9th March.
Last Minute Luxury: Whistler
If it’s a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself then this week’s pick takes you west over the Atlantic to where the best snow on the planet is currently dumping.
Whistler has had an amazing winter so far in terms of snow fall, with over 4m in total on the mid to upper mountain areas. Perhaps the best positioned accommodation on the mountain is the Blackcomb Springs Suites, which sits off the edge of the lower slopes of Blackcomb mountain. So close to the piste in fact that you can simply walk out of the door, on to the slope and ride downhill all the way to the first lift of the day.
Breakfast is included in this pick, which is pretty rare for most Canadian hotels and with flights, transfers and lift passes the total for a 16th March departure from London Heathrow is £2138/person based on two people sharing.
It’s worth bearing in mind that these are direct flights on Air Canada and so ski/board carriage is free and the standard price for a lift pass in resort is over £500 for a week. Yes, really!
We are in peak season right now and so bargains are thin on the ground, which is reflected in prices. But once we get into March we should start to see some real bargains. So tune in next week for more Chasing the Snow picks.
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