Half term ski holidays that do not break the bank
February Half Term is the best time for families to ski with snow conditions at their optimum but often prices demand a premium. Pierre & Vacances has some good opportunities for families to still book for the half term week without breaking the bank.
La Plagne
Part of the Paradiski ski area, La Plagne has long been a favourite with British families. The resort benefits from a wide array of beginner and intermediate runs as well as superb English speaking ski schools. This year La Plagne has developed special ski areas available for just 28€ a day called Cool Ski. These areas are for those discovering or rediscovering skiing in protected zones serviced by easy to access lifts from each village centre. 7 nights at the Residence Plagne Lauze arriving on 15th February in Plagne Centre starts from £918 for a studio sleeping a family of up to 4. The Residence also has a restaurant, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. Save money and consider driving to this destination.
Isola 2000
The resort was the first ski resort to be built in the French Southern Alps and commands views of the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day. At 2000m and with close proximity to the French south coast, the resort benefits from great snow conditions but also plenty of sunshine days. A large percentage of the 120km of pistes are blue runs making this an ideal family half term location. 7 nights at the Residence Les Terrasses d’Azur arriving on the 15th February start from £918 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4. The Residence overlooks the resort making the most of the views of the Chastillon Valley but with quick access down the shops and restaurants via the mini funicular. Flights to Nice are still reasonably priced from London.
Serre-Chevalier
The resort has seen a renaissance in recent years with a burgeoning number of British visitors. The area has an abundance of tree runs as well as lift upgrades to cope with the popularity, though the resort is not subject to long queues. The village is also great value with welcoming restaurants and shops run by local families. 7 nights at the Residence L’Alpaga arriving on 15th February starts from £1,260 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 5. The centrally located residence is near the ice rink and cinema, perfect for family friendly après at half term. Reasonably priced flights to Turin are still available from Stansted.
La Mongie, French Pyrenees
The Pyrenees make for an affordable holiday with skiing equal to many resorts in the more traditionally popular Alps. La Mongie is on the western side of the towering Tourmalet, famous for its role in the Tour de France. The largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, the resort makes for a refreshing alternative whilst remaining in France. 7 nights at the Residence Pic du Midi arriving on 15th February starts from £1,034 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4. The Residence is set through 8 stone and wood clad buildings that blend in with the resort’s tradition as well as an indoor heated swimming pool. Flights to Toulouse are still reasonably priced from Gatwick and Heathrow.
Grandvalira, Andorra
The Grandvalira ski area is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and this small nation nestled between France and Spain. With 210km of runs the resort easily matches many of its alpine competitors beating the Alps with the number of days sunshine each season. El Tarter where the residence is situated has direct gondola access straight to the action of the slopes. 7 nights at the Residence El Tarter arriving on 15th February starts from £964 for a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4. The Residence is brand new and was opened in December 2013. The apartments are spacious with fireplaces and balconies for most. Flights to Barcelona and Toulouse are still reasonably priced from most London airports.
For more information visit www.pierreetvacances.co.uk or call 0870 0267 145
Pierre & Vacances – Center Parcs Group
Created in 1967, the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group is the European leader in local tourism. It has built its growth on an original business model of synergies between its two businesses: property development and tourism. Today, with its six complementary tourism brands – Pierre & Vacances and its two Premium and Villages Clubslabels, Maeva, Center Parcs, Sunparks, Adagio and Adagio Access – the Group operates a tourism network of more than 51,000 apartments and homes, located in almost 300 sites in Europe. In 2011/2012, the Group welcomed 7.5 million European clients and generated turnover of €1.419bn.
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