The Ultimate Week of Ski
For plenty of Members, ski season is the star holiday opportunity of the year and understandably so. The rush of adrenalin as one whizzes down sparkling white slopes makes skiing a delightful sport which can be enjoyed by holiday goers of all ages - it's the perfect opportunity to bond with friends and family over a mutual passion.
The Hideaways Club's luxurious chalets in Chamonix, Nendaz, Morzine and Niseko stand out thanks to their prime locations, chosen so that the pistes are a mere stone's throw away for those looking to make the most out of their break. However, for those who prefer to stay away from the slopes there are still plenty of exceptional options ranging from fine dining to spas to alternative sports. Regardless of if you're a seasoned skier or an eager newcomer, our ski destinations offer a wealth of brilliant holiday experiences.
Chamonix
For many experienced skiers, Chamonix is one of the key destinations which springs to mind thanks to its challenging routes down the dramatic slopes which frame the valley. From twisting runs to off-piste opportunities where you'll be pushed to your athletic limit, Chamonix is a great place for veterans to really test their skills. The famous Valee Blanche off-piste ski route is a 20km long descent down a 2700m high slope which will let confident skiers go at their own pace whilst admiring marvellous views of the iconic mountain range.
The World Cup descent route La Verte in the Les Houches area is characterised by the emerald fir trees which surround the route and is a great technical challenge. For all its expert-oriented routes however, Chamonix is also known for offering less experienced visitors a wide range of options including beginners' slopes and scenic guided tours. The valley itself is strikingly beautiful when coated in a glimmering blanket of snow and the rugged mountains which frame the town of Chamonix grant a rural charm to what is otherwise a popular, luxury destination packed with modern comforts and smoothly run activities.
If you're looking for a break from skiing, here are just a few of the most engaging experiences that could interest you:
Sunrise Hot-Air Ballooning: Soar above the mountains and admire the shimmering snow as it's illuminated by the sunrise from the comfort of a hot air balloon.
Dog Sledding: Guide a team of experienced husky dogs, and experience the traditional dynamic between humans and working canines. A wonderful experience for any animal lover.
Montenvers Day Trip: Take a rack and pinion railway to see the amazing Montenvers' 7km long Mer de Glace glacier. Explore the carved ice cave, watch re-enactment plays and visit museums to make the most of this wonderful day trip site.
Chamonix Amusement Park: Children and adults alike can run off some steam at this wonderful winter theme park- hurtle around on the alpine coaster, race toboggans and relax whilst the children tackle the child-exclusive ski slopes.
Nendaz
Nendaz is a small ski resort tailored to the needs of avid skiers and packed with a diverse variety of on and off piste routes. It's a popular choice among those in the know and is characteristically quieter than many of the nearby Swiss ski resorts, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a bit more peace and quiet.
Nendaz is a great option for families with plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes which will grant confidence to children and teenagers- the pistes at Tracouet are a notable example. There are also exceptional ski schools for newcomers, making it a great place for anyone to take their first tentative steps into the world of this compelling winter sport. To top it all off, Nendaz has an excellent array of restaurants and shops so that you can purchase some new ski equipment or enjoy an evening of drinks and fondue with ease after a tiring day.
If you're looking for a break from skiing, here are just a few of the most engaging experiences that could interest you:
Valais Wine Tour: The Valais area features a plethora of wineries where you can learn about the canton's finest wines through tours, tastings and museums.
Ice Skating: Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing glide, practice ice hockey or teach your loved ones to skate, the resort's man-made rink is bound to please.
Tourbillon Castle Visit: Explore the ruins of the ancient Tourbillon Castle and admire views of the neighbouring towns from its military vantage point atop an imposing hill.
Snow Tubing: Enjoy this wonderfully accessible activity which lets one admire beautiful mountain views as they glide downhill in inflatable tubes.
Morzine
Beloved by many, Morzine has been a popular holiday destination since the 1930s, is one of the largest ski destinations in the world and maintains an unspoilt natural beauty. Whist many of the main resorts are remarkably vibrant and bustling, the charming hamlets balance them out granting guests respite after a busy day on the slopes- our traditional chalet is situated in Montriond a peaceful but well-connected example.
For skiers, there is a wonderful range pistes and off-piste runs which will provide ample interest for weeks, making it ideal for those who prefer longer holidays. There are plenty of ski-dedicated areas to choose from, but a few of the best include Le Pleney (which offers a range of courses for groups with mixed ability), Chamossiere (where off-piste lovers flock to enjoy challenging slopes and dramatic mountainous scenery) and Avoriaz (where the more confident can tackle the resort's tricky category red pistes).
If you're looking for a break from skiing, here are just a few of the most engaging experiences that could interest you:
Lake Geneva Boat Excursion: Glide across Geneva's iconic mirror-esque lake, learn about the region's history and admire the rugged mountains which surround it.
Night Sledging: Equipped with a sledge and headlamp, set off down steep, tree-lined slopes with the lights of Morzine twinkling below to welcome you back.
Caving Tours: Venture into caves of Megevette or Balme, and learn about the history and geological significance of the caves by lamp-light.
Favarger Chocolate Factory: Learn about the secrets of Switzerland's beloved confections in an extensive tour of the Favarger chocolate factory, or book a workshop and create your own bespoke chocolates with the help of a master chocolatier.
Niseko
A departure from the typical European ski getaway, Niseko is a breath of fresh air which will pique the interest of seasoned skiers and families alike. It's consistently popular thanks to its characteristic natural jet streams, snow-sure slopes in the winter months and views of Mt Yotei. The snow itself is known for being effervescently fluffy- for those after an idyllic ski experience, this is definitely the place to go. Niseko is ideal for those who would like a touch of culture in their ski holiday as it shines through in the area's food, art and traditional spas.
For skiers, Niseko is also one of the few Japanese resorts which permits visitors to enjoy off-piste experiences (seasoned skiers dip through the silver birches of the Hanazono area whenever possible) and there is no shortage of runs on offer: An'nupuri offers gentle slopes for beginners, Niseko Village has the black ominously-named Superstition run and Grand Hirafu lets visitors try night-skiing. However you choose to spend your time in Niseko, it's bound to be memorable.
If you're looking for a break from skiing, here are just a few of the most engaging experiences that could interest you:
Mt Yotei Hike: A guide is essential in the winter, but well worth it to scale this stunning snow-topped natural wonder.
Snow Mobile Riding: Ride through Niseko's lush evergreen forests in a top-of-the-line snow mobile.
Niseko Higashiyama Onsen: Sink into the enveloping steam, water and warmth of the Niseko Higashiyama Onsen and relax as you take in idyllic mountain views.
Snow Shoe Trekking: Trek around the fields of frozen Hangetsu Lake, and keep an eye out for Niseko's unique fauna including Ezo squirrels, red crowned cranes, Hokkaido owls and white tailed sea eagles.
