My Top 5 Things to Do This Winter Season…

by Anna Sykes


I’m sure that, with three weeks left of this school term, many of you will be anticipating some exotic beach holidays or simply staying at home enjoying a Christmas by the fire. However, I know that a lot of you, like me, are waiting to pack your bags and head over to the slopes of the snowy Alps for a week or two of skiing. Anyway, if you are one of these people, I’m here to recommend some of my favourite attractions/places you should be sure not to miss!


1.The Folie Douce
   Val d’isere,Méribel, Val Thorens

On one hand, it holds La Fruitière, a restaurant in the style of a classic Savoyard alpine dairy farm, providing top quality food sourced from local pastures. Make sure to order its iconic dish, oversized spaghetti served in a tall glass vase. However, you have more likely of heard of it due to its infamous outdoor snow bar, providing world-class après-ski. From table-top dancing to champagne and canapes, a better way to describe it may be Ibiza in the snow. However, it also provides a great view of the renowned ‘Le Coupe Du Monde’ race and offers easy access for all you non-skiers via the gondola.


2.Dog Sled Tours
   Whistler

If you want to immerse yourself in the true Canadian spirit, this is not something you want to miss out on. Its offers the opportunity to see the stunning, snow-covered landscape and provides an exhilarating experience as you twist and turn through fairy-tale forests whilst simply having to sit and enjoy. There are various different companies in Whistler which offer this adventure, providing a range of prices - so make sure you ask your hotel or local information centre to find out what best suits you.


3.Cresta Run
  St Moritz

If you’re looking for the thrill of being hurled down a toboggan run at 80 miles-per-hour, St Moritz is the place for you. If the fact that four men have died there and thousands of bones have been broken doesn’t put you off - why not go for it? However, I’m sad to say that this experience is only on offer for men and costs around £200 for five rides. If it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (trust me, I wouldn’t be signing up for it) it’s always a great event to watch.


4.Vallée Blanche
   Chamonix

A 20km-long, off-piste ski route with a vertical descent of 2,700m, offering the most breath-taking Alpine scenery, and I can say that it is one of the most memorable, unforgettable life experiences you will ever have. Although this route is accessible for intermediates, it requires you to be accompanied by a qualified mountain guide as it is riddled with crevasses. This is easy enough to organise through websites such as http://www.chamonixskiguide.com. As this ski expedition takes all day, you are likely to get rather peckish and so can stop off half way at the Requin Hut (a mountain refugee) for some food and drink.


5.Ice Diving
Tignes

Although sadly I cannot admit to doing this myself, I have been a witness to it a fair few times and can see why it is so popular. The chance to plunge into the icy waters of a frozen lake in Tignes is on offer for all abilities and the company provide you with all the equipment. Prices range from 80-100 euros and for those of you who dread the cold, don’t fret: reviews state that the suits provided don't give way to one inch of the cold water. This is a great activity that all your family can get involved in, even if you just want to watch. http://www.tignes.net/en/winter-sports/ice-diving-203.html


Comments