With dozens of snow-tastic destinations just a short flight away from Glasgow, there’s no excuse to leave your ski boots languishing in the cupboard this winter. These easy-to-reach cities all make excellent hopping-off points for Europe’s top winter resorts.
Ski holidays in Barcelona and Andorra with Jet2.com
Perched high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, the pint-sized principality of Andorra is one of Europe’s top winter destinations. It has two major ski regions, Grandvalira and Vallnord, which between them boast over 250km of pristine pistes. Grandvalira draws seasoned skiers and snowboarders with its heady black runs and thriving off-piste scene, while Vallnord is a family favourite thanks to a mammoth selection of long blue and red runs. Much of the action centres on El Tarter – a charming mountain village with forested slopes and top-notch facilities. Expect glorious scenery, minimal crowds and an après-ski scene to rival any in the world.
Ski holidays in Chambery with TUI
The mountains of Savoie are scattered with a constellation of big-name resorts, all within a two-hour drive of romantic Chambery. 17 ski areas, over 110 resorts and 4,800km of slopes add up to a truly fantastic winter destination – and you can be certain that there’s something here for every taste and budget. Head to the Three Valleys for luxe accommodation and a jet-set après-ski scene at resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens. Experts can hone their skills on the thrilling black runs of Espace Killy in the Tarentaise Valley, while the quieter Maurienne Valley is perfect for escaping the hordes.
Ski holidays in Geneva with easyJet
With the legendary Mont Blanc and Grand Massif ski areas right on the doorstep, Geneva is a magnet for mountain sports fanatics. Within just over an hour’s drive you’ll find the high-end resorts of the Chamonix Valley in the shadow of the mighty Mont Blanc. The extensive slopes here attract skiers and boarders of all levels, while many experts consider the challenging backcountry terrain best for freeriding. For families, the peaceful ski villages of Samoëns and Morillon offer awesome blue runs. Alternatively, you can travel a little further to reach the charming Alpine town of Morzine, capital of the 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, and its higher neighbour Avoriaz. Both Morzine and Avoriaz have huge areas suitable for beginners, intermediates and accomplished skiers.
Ski holidays in Grenoble with Jet2.com
Perfectly positioned at the foot of the French Alps, Grenoble is within striking distance of several world-class ski areas. Just an hour away from the city is Les Grandes Rousses – 250km of linked pistes peppered with legendary mountain resorts. The jewel in the crown of Les Grandes Rousses is Alpe D’Huez. Tucked below a glacier which gives reliable snow cover all season long, Alpe D’Huez offers epic skiing across the broad including the world’s longest black run from the top of the glacier. Apart from great skiing, Alpe D’Huez boasts a lively après-ski scene and it is also easy to get to, making it the ultimate spot for a winter holiday in Grenoble.
Ski holidays in Munich with Lufthansa
Looking for a ski holiday with a difference? Book a flight to Munich, Germany’s unofficial southern capital, to discover the uncrowded appeal of Bavaria’s winter resorts. There are dozens of enchanting destinations within easy transfer distance of the city, from the cross-country ski resorts that dot the Bavarian Forest to the villages clustered around the Schneeferner glacier. Located less than an hour’s drive from Munich, Bad Kohlgrub is a small but excellent ski resort for families where you can hit the slopes or enjoy a thrilling toboggan run in the morning and be back in time for a lunchtime schnitzel, washed down by refreshing German beer.
Take your skis for free with Lufthansa!
Ski holidays in Salzburg with TUI
Snow junkies will be spoiled for choice in Salzburg – there are over 350 ski resorts within a three-hour journey of the city and an amazing choice of diverse winter terrain right on the doorstep. You’ll find a few snowy slopes just half-an-hour away, including the 7-km run that descends the Untersberg mountain near Grödig and Berchtesgadener Land’s 40km of piste. Most winter sports fanatics opt to make the short drive to the Ski Amadé Region, a world-class snowy playground with a network of 28 ski areas and towns, featuring 860km of downhill pistes and 278 ski lifts, as well as over 700km of cross-country tracks. For a relaxing family-centric experience, Saalbach Hinterglemm awaits. With over 90% of its 270km of groomed slopes rated intermediate or easy, skiers come here for delightful runs through blissful tree-lined scenery.
Ski holidays in Turin with TUI
Turin is the undisputed gateway to the Milky Way (Via Lattea). Not to be confused with the galaxy of the same name, this high mountain region is one of Europe’s largest ski areas. With 400km of varied runs, nearly 100 lifts and half a dozen top-notch resorts, it’s a mecca for skiers and boarders of all levels. Make a beeline for Pragelato to experience gentle nursery slopes and easy cross-country tracks winding through the beautiful Val Troncea National Park. Advanced skiers and snowboarders have excellent options in Turin too – both Sansicario and Sestriere have a wide selection of challenging pistes, while heli-skiing hub Monterosa offers exceptional off-piste for intermediates and experts.
Ski holidays in Venice with easyJet
If combining a foodie escape with skiing is high on your agenda, hop on a Venice-bound flight and head to Alta Badia’s Gourmet Ski Safari this winter. There, you can ski between mountain huts in the soaring Dolomites and sample dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs with matching Tyrolean wines at each one. Alta Badia is part of the massive Sella Ronda circuit with sheer limestone cliffs towering above gentle slopes making for some spectacular scenery. The skiing here is relaxing – probably more so after some great food and wine. Cortina d’Ampezzo, about two-and-a-half hours away from Venice, is another gem. Set to host the FIS World Alpine Ski Championships in 2021, the slopes at Cortina promise beginners and intermediates plenty of fun time.