How to organise the perfect Valentine's ski trip
With Christmas now out of the way, the next big event on the horizon is Valentine's Day, and given that this romantic holiday happens to fall slap bang in the middle of the peak ski season, it's a great opportunity to whisk your other half away to the mountains for a loved-up break. However, to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch you'll need to do a little planning first, as there are plenty of small details to think about if you want to make the right impression.
Pick the right location
One great thing about Valentine's Day is that it falls in mid-February, which is when most of Europe's top ski locations tend to have their thickest covering of snow. However, the downside to this is that it means many resorts can get very crowded at this point in the season, particularly if February 14th happens to coincide with half-term.
Because of this, you'll need to think long and hard about which destination to choose for your romantic break, and your best bet will be to opt for somewhere that's exclusive and relaxed. Avoriaz, in France's Portes du Soleil ski area, is a fantastic example of somewhere that's perfect for couples at this time of year. This is largely due to the fact that the town itself is completely traffic free, which makes it somewhat inconvenient for families, meaning it doesn't get as crowded during half-term as some of the larger resorts like those in the Three Valleys. What's more, the traditional horse-drawn sleighs that are used for public transport in Avoriaz really help to add an extra touch of romance.
Find the right chalet and spa
There are all sorts of accommodation options to choose from in most ski resorts, but if romance is the name of the game then you may want to plump for a luxury chalet. Many of these will contain their own spas, which tend to feature Jacuzzis, saunas and more, and are more exclusive than the public spas and wellness centres in the town centre. Relaxing in the hot tub after a day of skiing is a great way to ease your muscles while also spending some quality time with your partner, and you may even want to look for a chalet with an outdoor Jacuzzi for a little extra atmosphere.
Book a romantic restaurant
It was Shakespeare who said music be the food of love, but clearly, he had never been skiing. Anyone who's ever spent a day on the slopes will tell you that after a tough day of downhill action, the real food of love is, well... food. So, make sure you keep your partner happy by taking him or her out for a classy meal each evening.
Elsewhere, Chamonix is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and is considered one of the most refined resorts in Europe, regularly attracting Hollywood superstars. The chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous can really add an extra sense of luxury to your Valentine's break and could help to provide little spark you're looking for.
To find out where to go for the perfect valentines ski holiday this year, call one of our ski experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com