Three top spots for a last minute Easter ski holiday

Thursday, 8 March 2012 4:53 PM

With the Easter holidays looming, you might have decided you want to whisk the family away for a short break. Winter sport getaways like ski holidays can be an ideal way to bond with your loved ones during time away from school and work. Deciding on exactly where to go for a short trip, however, can be difficult. Read on to find out more about some tried and trusted locations you can be sure will be fantastic spots for your last minute break.

Austria

If you've plumped for Austria as your destination, head to the country's premier winter sports location of St Anton for your vacation. Known as one of the world's top ten ski resorts, St Anton boasts 134 runs over 276 km of piste, as well as the most reliable snowfall in Austria.

You can take in the area's stunning beauty when you hit the slopes and explore the busy village afterwards. The settlement has a pedestrianised area lined with little shops and cafes, while the apres ski scene is likely to last until the small hours, with visitors calling in at the bars and nightclubs throughout the location.

If you want to have a go at some other activities during your stay, you'll find more than skiing to keep you busy. Curling, ice skating, toboganning and bowling are just some of the other pastimes to be tried here.

Switzerland

Another great place to find a last minute ski deal is Zermatt in Switzerland. This long-established resort is a traditional spot, home to the imposing Matterhorn - one of the highest mountains in the Alps. With the peak as your backdrop, you can ski over 313 km of pistes and will find runs suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and those who are more advanced.

If you're reasonably skilled on the slopes, you should try the run down into Cervinia, Italy, while those who are extremely confident can try out heli-skiing - downhill skiing away from the usual trails that is accessed via helicopter rather than ski lifts. There are two snowboarding parks if you want to have a go at a different activity and the apres ski scene is lively, including more than 30 restaurants, a variety of bars and a nightclub.

France

France is a great place for a skiing break, especially if you decide to base yourself at one of the country's most renowned resorts - Meribel. Comprised of three sections - the town, the village and a further village called Meribel le Raffort - Meribel offers facilities for all levels of skier, whether you're advanced or just starting out, so each member of your party should be well catered for.

Book a catered ski chalet here and you can meet other skiing fans and won't have to worry about cooking or cleaning, which should mean you get to really enjoy your stay. There's plenty to enjoy, too, with Meribel situated at an altitude of 1,450 m and boasting 600 km of piste.

There are 275 runs to try out, in addition to a snowboard park, while you can also have a go at snowshoeing during your time here. Meribel forms part of the Three Valleys and is connected to the other two valleys - Courchevel and Val Thorens - so you can venture further afield during your getaway if you choose to.