Why Not Choose a Small Village for Your Next Ski Holiday?
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With Sunweb you can choose from over 220 destinations. If you’re after great value and plenty of slope time, read on for our picks of affordable, lesser-known resorts. These tips focus on small villages for your next ski holiday.
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Auris-en-Oisans, Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine, France
When you pick a lesser-known resort, the pistes are generally quieter and the queues shorter. Prices in the villages are often more reasonable, and you can dine out or self-cater as you please. In Auris-en-Oisans you’ll find affordable, high-quality places to stay, such as Residence Odalys Les Balcons d’Aurea. From this accommodation it’s about 100 metres to the nearest lift. Auris-en-Oisans is linked to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine, so if you want more mileage you can easily explore the wider area.
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, a lot of our accommodation offers ski-in, ski-out access. After all, who really wants to lug skis and boots around unless it’s straight into an après-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
Samoëns is a brilliant choice for your next ski holiday. It offers the best of both worlds: an authentic, traditional village with a cosy, well-preserved centre, and a higher-altitude sector with modern, ski-convenient accommodation. After a day on the pistes, take a leisurely walk through the old streets and settle in for the night.
There’s plenty beyond skiing too, from paragliding to ice skating and dog sledding. For a touch of luxury, take a look at Hotel MGM Les Suites d’Alexane, where you can unwind in a beautiful setting with a 1,000 m² spa. Heavenly.
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.
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