Where to Ski And Snowboard - UK operator adds small French ski resorts

UK operator adds small French ski resorts

4th June 2018, by Abi Butcher

Ski Collection has added Montgenevre (above) and Peak Retreats Arêches-Beaufort to the winter 2018/19 programme

The French Alps specialist Peak Retreats has become the first mainstream UK operator to add Arêches-Beaufort to its programme for next winter. This village, in the heart of the Savoie region of France, is just 20km from Albertville but virtually unknown to the UK market.

Arêches-Beaufort itself has 50km of pistes — with a top resort height of 2320m — but it is also within driving distance of Les Contamines (with 120km of pistes) and Les Saisies (which has 192km of pistes). Like many such small villages in the Alps, Arêches-Beaufort is an authentic, traditional resort, known for its cheese (Beaufort), is a year-round working village with independent local businesses including ski-hire shops and restaurants.

Seven nights at the brand new 4-star La Clé des Cîmes residence in Arêches-Beaufort, opening in December 2018, costs from £181pp. The residence sits 400m from the resort centre and is a three-minute shuttle bus ride from the nearest lift and ski school meeting point (there is a bus stop outside). Facilities include a reception, lounge, kids/teenagers clubs, indoor heated pool, wellness area, Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, ski lockers and underground parking.

Another small village, Montegenevre, has just been added to the 2018/19 winter programme of Ski Collection, sister company to Peak Retreats. A UK-based tour operator, Ski Collection specialises in high-quality accommodation at high altitude. Montgenevre, on the French/Italian border, sits at 1860m with a top resort height of 2650m and a great snow record. The ski resort has a great range of beginners’ slopes and plenty of après ski to keep the whole family happy.

Seven nights self-catered in 4* Luxury apartments from £270pp with Ski Collection including a return Eurotunnel crossing with a free upgrade to FlexiPlus. 4* Chalet des Dolines is a ski-in/ski-out, family-friendly residence at the foot of the Chalvet slopes, next to the snow kindergarten and the children’s ski school meeting point.

For more information, visit peakretreats.co.uk or skicollection.co.uk