The February school holidays are fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing: skiing!
Here are Europe’s top five resorts and what you can expect to enjoy these holidays with your family.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
Courchevel 1850, France
Arguably the world’s most exclusive ski resort, Courchevel is also very kid friendly. This year, they will be offering a unique ‘Frozen II’ themed events programme, giving visitors the chance to take part in a real-life skiing treasure hunt following in Elsa and Anna’s tracks on a one-of-a-kind route. Highlights include specially decorated ‘Frozen II’ gondolas, a magical cabin surprise, Olaf lost in a maze, and a Frozen-themed igloo village. Another fun addition is a competition to win a Howling Wolf sculpture by French contemporary artist Richard Orlinksi, simply by taking a selfie on the slopes!
February also sees the International Pyrotechnic Festival in Courchevel, which this year is themed ‘Game of Thrones’. Firework display teams from around the world will pull out all the stops in a bid to win over the jury. The fireworks will follow a torchlight descent by ESF Courchevel on 13th, 20th and 27th February, and 3rd, 4th and 5th March.
Gastronomy is a highlight of any trip to Courchevel and this year the resort boasts the first ever pastry chef to ever win a Michelin star: Sébastien Vauxion. You can find the world’s first dessert-only restaurant Le SarKara at Hotel K2 Palace.
St Moritz, Switzerland
There is never a dull moment in St. Moritz. This February, expect to see the annual White Turf International Horse Races on frozen Lake St. Moritz, Cricket on Ice, the Swiss Bobsled Championship, and the Cresta Run Grand National. But there is something new this year to thrill car lovers: ICE – the International Concours of Elegance. The event combines the beauty of the Engadin winter landscape with all the glamour of the automobile elite; 50 immaculately preserved vintage, classic and sports cars take centre stage on frozen lake St. Moritz, so their elegant design can enjoy all the attention and admiration of visitors.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the ultimate playground for the rich, royal and famous. With nearly 100 lifts and more than 400 kilometres of ski runs, Verbier is great for all levels. So, send the kids off on their ski lessons and settle in for the après-ski that Verbier has become famous for.
The Farinet is undoubtedly the place to be come 6pm. “In our bars and nightclub, we’ve got a great line-up of live bands, DJs and artists for this season,” Stephen Wilson, General Manager of Farinet, told Monaco Life. “Après-ski crowds will rock out with the likes of Four Kicks (18th-24th February), Men On The Hill, Waste and The Sons Of Guns, some of the French Riviera’s most talented artists, and favourites amongst the Verbier locals.”
If you want to mix it up this year, check out the Brewery Tour, join in the midnight snowshoe treks, get the kids in on the Ice Silent Disco, there’s a magic show on 22nd February, and the SkiColour Carnival where participants in white suits are sprayed from head to toe with different colours as they pass through various zones.
Zermatt, Switzerland
This car-free luxurious town is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps, including the famous Matterhorn. Since 2013, Zermatt – Matterhorn has been given a seal of quality for its family-friendliness. Enjoy Gondola Fondue – yes, it is a thing and it does include schnapps – lunch in an Igloo, and a backstage dining tour. Kids will love Wolli, the young, adventurous black nose sheep mascot of Zermott, and his treasure hunt.
As a side note, did you know that Zermatt is now the second location in Switzerland where taxpayers are officially allowed to pay their taxes in Bitcoin?
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere is a gorgeous old village and packs a lot of charm as well as high-quality skiing. Michelin-starred restaurants and cool bars provide plenty of entertainment for mum and dad, Some of the most exciting things to do here are ice driving on the frozen lake, heli-skiing or the Bun J Ride – there are plenty of activities to get the adrenaline flowing. If that’s all a bit too much, there’s also a simulator. Après ski is also as important as the skiing here, and the Underground Bar and Melting Pot are guaranteed hot spots.
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