Where to Ski And Snowboard -

Resorts for two

3rd February 2011, by Chris Gill

,

Planning a special trip for two, or just looking for somewhere that might suit your other half, a break away from the kids maybe? There are plenty of resorts to suit, but here are six suggestions, whether your partner prefers to shop or you want to ski beneath stunning scenery …

Gaze at the scenery in …. Megève

This charming medieval town beneath stunning Mont Blanc scenery oozes rustic atmosphere. Its cute and chic image comes complete with cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. If you’re looking for an established old resort with fine French tradition, Megève should suit. Expect to bus or walk around, as convenience is not a strong feature here. A stay here is about taking things at a slow pace, cruising pretty slopes and enjoying long lunches. Fast lifts are not a priority but you’ll have few weekday queues either. The resort is just an hour or so from Geneva airport, and shares a ski area with St-Gervais – another French gem. Try the rustic Fer à Cheval (0450 212002) for lodging, near the centre and with a pool and spa.

Go shopping in … Cortina

Whether you take your eyes off the gorgeous Dolomite crags to ski the broad and varied slopes, or linger over a sunny lunch Italian style, Cortina is the place to find La dolce vita. And for a partner who loves to stroll and shop, the resort is the centre of fine fashion in the Italian Alps. The shopping will likely empty the wallet, the off-slope activities should satisfy any non-skier and there’s food and wine to die for. What more could you want? Well, the area has some fine skiing too, if rather fragmented. A visit to the Hidden Valley is a must and Cinque Torri’s slopes are often blissfully empty. Get here from Venice or Treviso, both about 2-2.5 hours away. Stay at 4-star Poste (0436 4271) for a central location, complete with spa facilities.

Plan a quick weekend in … Courmayeur

A weekend away for two? Courmayeur is a good choice – but expect it to be busy unless you visit mid-week, especially if the sun is out. The resort is just through the tunnel from Chamonix and a great place for a short break, with the hotels used to short-stay visitors. The charming old mountaineering town will suit sophisticates and there’s a lively bar scene. The slopes are reliably snow-sure and good for intermediates or experts wanting a heli-ski fix. The small area is of little concern if you’re on a quick break, but a timid partner is probably best off elsewhere. Getting here is no problem from Geneva or Turin. The 4-star Cresta e Duc (0165 843000) is central, but there are plenty of cheaper options.

Dine in style in … St-Martin-de-Belleville

This one’s for the high mileage Francophile that wants a bit of comfort and atmosphere too, and is happy to splash the cash. St-Martin is a pretty old village and complete contrast to neighbouring Les Menuires or Val Thorens. While not best placed for the skiing, it has a charming church, farming history, cute chalets and old cobbled streets that ooze French atmosphere. It also has a fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant nearby that will tear any foodie away from the pistes. You can stay, be pampered and well-fed at La Bouitte. But expect to fork out a lot of euros for the luxury.

Take the waters in … Bad Gastein

Sinking into warm waters, gazing up at the mountains is bliss after a long day pounding the pistes. Bad Gastein is a grand old spa town, its thermal attractions part of a steeply tiered resort that shares a ski area with neighbouring Bad Hofgastein. Whether you and your partner come here to ski or prefer to relax in the pools and shop, Bad Gastein feels a bit different. The resort is more towny than charming, established and smart. But you’ll feel refreshed after a day soaking here. The local mountain gives intermediates a good opportunity to explore the valley and its various sectors, with reasonably high slopes for Austria. And it makes a suitable car outing from Salzburg, the very nature of the valley means being able to drive around helps. Hotels are plentiful, try the Elizabeth Park (25510).

Walk by moonlight in … Saalbach

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is not an obvious choice of resort for a couple, but it has extensive slopes and a lively Austrian atmosphere. The young, or young at heart, are attracted to the aprés-ski so you can enjoy a vibrant weekend. And there are good hotels along the valley, some of them fairly upmarket. New this winter the resort has constructed a high-level treetop walk, the longest in the Alps apparently. It is floodlit at night, so you and your partner or friend can stroll through the mountains on a 1.5km loop that consists of a rope bridge; 200 m long and 40 metres high. Called the Baumzipfelweg, the newest attraction adds to the resort’s adventurous nature. It is open from mid-December to mid-March,11am until 10pm. Entrance to the walkway costs nine euro per adult. Try the 4-star Saalbacher Hof (71110).

---

---

Back to features