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Resorts for your radar - 10 hidden gems for Winter '24/25

17 Feb, 2023

6mins, 28s read

Sarah Cramer

Fancy heading somewhere different for your ski holiday in 2024/25? It’s easy to get dazzled by big, well-known resorts for 2024/25, but if you delve a little deeper, there are heaps of fantastic undercover slopes to discover. Not only are they uncrowded and full of authentic charm, but their superb pistes can give even the most famous classic resorts a run for their money. Here are a few of Heidi's favourite up-and-coming ski locations to add to your shortlist for the 2024/25 season.

Leysin, Switzerland

- great for families, weekend breaks and train transfer options

A snowball’s throw from Lausanne and Geneva, the Swiss resort of Leysin is home to easy-going beginner and intermediate pistes overlooking the spectacular Rhone Valley. Honestly, the views are out of this world! Wide family-friendly slopes can be found at Les Mosses, just a short ski bus ride away. And freestyle junkies can get some air on the Vaud Alps’ only halfpipe. Short on time? Quick transfers via car or train make Leysin perfect for weekend ski trips.

Woman skiing down slope next to lake in French Alps

Val Cenis, France

- a high altitude resort, great for families and all abilities

If you’re looking for a ski resort where you can escape the crowds and unwind, Val Cenis is a quieter alternative to its party-town neighbour, Val Thorens. Made up of five classical French villages, the sun-drenched green and blue runs are ideal for newbies and those mastering their carving turns. While intermediates will love the high-altitude red runs. Bringing the family? There’s plenty to do off the pistes, too; husky sledging and tobogganing are among the highlights.

Valmeinier, France

- high altitude and great value, ideal for families and all abilities

With plenty of ski-in and ski-out accommodation, a wide variety of runs, and a chilled apres ski vibe, Valmeinier in France is a haven for families. Let the groms loose on mellow green and blue runs while you take on some challenging reds. Just don’t get too distracted by the jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Magnifique! The sky-high altitude means the snow is pretty peachy all season, and if you’re on a budget, its stealthy guise makes it a steal compared to larger ski resorts.

Fugen, Austria

- great value, ideal for weekend breaks, families and all abilities

Take it easy with a relaxing skiing holiday in Fugen in 2024/25. Hidden amongst the giant peaks of Austria’s Zillertal Valley, this charming resort not only boast fun runs for all abilities but its apres-ski activities are as zen as they come; soak in the spa, chill in the hotel bar and savour delicious Austrian food. Utter bliss! With access to the wider Hochzillertal area, Fugen offers excellent bang for your buck. And Innsbruck airport is less than an hour’s drive away, so this is a super spot for short breaks or weekend ski trips.

Snowy Mountain Resort at Bad Kleinkirchheim

Bad Kleinkircheim, Austria

- great for short breaks and spa lovers

Don’t let the name fool you; Bad Kleinkircheim is anything but bad. Pack your bags for a luxurious skiing holiday in the Austrian Nockburge Mountains. You can even make it a short break with a transfer time of just 45 minutes from Klagenfurt Airport. Swish down gentle blues and cruisey reds before dining in classy restaurants and browsing boutique shops. Oh so chic! And the best highlight? It has to be the natural mountain spas; soothe tired legs in the thermal waters and unwind amongst pristine snow.

La Massana, Andorra

- great for beginners and excellent value

Andorra’s Vallnord ski region is well-known for its budget skiing holidays, and while most head for the party town of Arinsal, La Massana, just down the road, offers a more laid-back vibe. The gentle blues and reds meandering down towards the town are brilliant for newbies and families. Plus, if you want to explore further afield, you can catch a ride on the Gondola from Pal to Arinsal. As night falls, cosy Spanish bars and restaurants welcome you for relaxed tapas and delicious vino tinto. Salud!

Skiiers skiing down tree lined ski slope

Pila, Italy

- great value, high altitude, ideal for families and short breaks

Nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, Pila is easily overlooked. But look closely, and you’ll discover a stunning Italian ski resort that welcomes families with open arms. The locals know this spot well and head there at the weekend. But if you can take a mid-week break, heaps of quiet, tree-lined red runs await. Let’s go! Plus, with epic snowfall from December to April and snow cannons aplenty, this high-altitude resort is well-groomed throughout the season.

Le Grand Bornand, France

- great for families, beginners and weekend breaks

Whisk the kids off to the less well-known resort of Le Grand-Bornand, for a super fun ski holiday in the French Alps. Oozing Savoyard charm, the gentle nursery slopes and cruisy blues will put a big smile on everyone’s face. And if you’re short of time, Geneva airport is not far away, which makes transfers quick and easy - ideal when you have young kids in tow. And the piste de la resistance? The cheese! A gooey fondu pot of the locally produced Reblochon will have you drooling.

Skiiers being transported to top of mountain on chairlift at sunrise

St Johann in Tirol, Austria

- great for families, beginners and weekend breaks

Fancy a ski resort with a big helping of classic Austrian charm but don’t want to live it large in the lively resort of Kitzbüel? St Johann is one of our fave alternatives. It’s a sweet spot for a weekend ski break, too - it’s just an hour from Salzburg airport. On the mountain, mellow blues and reds will have you cruising in style. Or why not head to the fun park for some freestyle action. Air time! If you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on delicious Tirolean dishes in friendly mountain huts and soak up the chilled and friendly atmosphere.

Serre Chevalier, France

- a high-altitude, big ski area, great for families and all abilities

For those in the know, Sere Chevalier is a hidden gem in the French Alps that delivers mountain loads of uncrowded beginner and intermediate runs. With a lofty altitude, the snow conditions are mint throughout the season, and the resort is blessed with epic bluebird days. Get those sunnies on! There are loads of fun family activities on and off the pistes, too. Dare to drop in on the giant zipline or whiz along the 4k toboggan run. Scream if you wanna go faster!

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