Plummeting temperatures and up to 120cm of white fluff put an end to weeks of warm, dry weather, as it snowed on the mountains across France over the weekend. The splendid news is that today (Wednesday 25th November) the weatherman will be playing an encore and sending another whopping consignment of joy.
Clearly this is excellent news for skiers, snowboarders and other miscellaneous mountain enthusiasts, and bodes well for the start of the ski season, which is already upon us in France.
Last December wasn’t the best in recent memory, which means fantastic early-season deals are available this time around. And with sterling early snow conditions that means great skiing at hugely appealing prices. All of which adds up to a another great excuse to put your mind (and money) toward more exciting pursuits than slaloming down your local high street in search of stocking-fillers.
Clockwise from top-left: Val Thorens, Peyragudes (The Pyrenees came to the party too), La Plagne, Les Gets
13 of the best December ski deals
Les Gets: Ski Famille. Ski Premiere Neige week for as little as £1,199 for a family of four chalet board. Stay in Traditional Chalet Negritelles for just £1,199 for a family of 4. Price inclusive of Gatwick to Geneva flights and transfers. In Chalet à La Carte Childcare is also available. Departing December 12th
Tignes: Dragon Lodge, now entering its 18th season, has been open since mid-October. The Lodge always does great deals at this time of year, and to celebrate the full resort opening this weekend 28th November they’ve cut a further 10% to 20% off half-board prices for all remaining weeks in December. W/c 5th December now just £250 pp (Christmas £395 & New Year £495). Accommodation-only, the Lodge has great deals on ski hire with Tignes Spiriit (40% off).
Val d’Isère: Iglu Ski are offering one of their top selling ski accommodations Chalet Hotel Champs Avalins in Val d’Isère for Christmas week from £454 pp from December 19th – fantastic value for Val d’Isère. Includes flights, transfers and chalet catering.
Sainte Foy Tarentaise: Peak Retreats are offering Etoile des Cimes 3* Superior self-catering apartment with indoor pool & spa facilities, in the heart heart of the village by the foot of the slopes. Book by 30/11 and receive 20% off accommodation price for a 2 bedroom apartment for Christmas week (19/12). From £172pp (with Eurotunnel FlexiPlus for 1 car).
Les Arcs: Inghams is offering 7 nights chalet catering at the 4 diamond Chalet de L’Arc from £369 pp (saving £211) departing 12th December 2015. Price includes flights from London Gatwick to Geneva and transfers.
Meribel: Fish&Pips Chalets. Chalet du Guide from £695 pp (down from £995 saving £300 per person) includes 7 night’s accommodation, 6 days full catered chalet service including a bespoke Christmas day, complimentary wine list, pre-holiday and in-resort concierge service. Arriving Saturday 19th December. Flights and transfers not included.
Les Menuires: Pierre & Vacances’s Premium Residence Les Alpages de Reberty is available for a whopping 31% reduction over Christmas week. The spacious and comfortable ski-in-ski-out apartments also feature a pool and Deep Nature Spa, and are an excellent base to explore the 3 Valleys. £1,308 for an apartment for 6 people (down from £1,987). Travel not included.
Val Thorens: Ski Solutions are offering the 4-star Chalet Le Sommet for £655 pp (was £965) w/c 20th December. Includes 7 nights, chalet board, flights from Gatwick and transfer.
Valloire: Crystal Ski Holidays offers seven nights at the four-star Les Chalets du Galibier from £469 pp (four sharing), self-catering. Price includes lift pass for each traveller, return flights from Gatwick on Thomson Airways to Chambery and transfers departing on 9 January 2016
Alpe d’Huez: VIP Ski Chalet La Chapelle is the ultimate ski-in-ski-out chalet and features all the mod cons and toys you could possibly want, including hot tub, hi-tec entertainment and huge bedrooms. Departing w/c 19th December £899 pp (down from £989), including flights from Gatwick and transfers.
VIP SKI are also offering FREE childcare for guests who book out entire chalets or half-price childcare for individual room-bookings. Available in all resorts over the Christmas week and the week beginning 17th January 2016.
Montgenèvre: Zenith Holidays are offering Chalet La Clautre for £360 pp (Save 30%) w/c 12th December. Price based on 2 people sharing and includes flights, transfers and chalet catering. Ski in/ski out and all rooms are en-suite. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, home-made afternoon tea and a delicious 3 course evening meal with wine and coffee as well as the extensive Milky Way on your doorstep.
La Mongie: Erna Low has 7 nights staying at Residence Pic du Midi on a self-catered basis for £169.25 pp. The residence boasts an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna. Departs 19th December 2015, price based on 4 sharing.
Ski hire (all resorts): Intersport Black Friday deal: 2 adults booking between midnight Thursday 26th to midnight Sunday 29th November the 2nd gets 50% off (red package & above). Take advantage of the great snow conditions with Intersport’s industry-leading range of powder skis, which includes the Rossignol Soul 7 and Dynastar Cham range plus all girls’ models. See also regular 2-weekly discount codes at facebook.com/IntersportSkiFrance
