Another good reason to book your ski accommodation with us!

High Street VouchersMaybe it is the fact that Christmas is fast approaching, or perhaps it is the “feel good” sight of clear blue skies, sunshine and snow. Whatever it is, we are feeling very generous today!

So we have decided to give you a gift when you book your self catered ski accommodation with White-Peak Holidays.

Book a minimum of 5 nights or more with us and receive £20 worth of high street shopping vouchers (from HighStreetVouchers.com) – valid in 100’s of stores in the UK. This is for all new bookings made up to the 15th December 2012.
So when you book with us, not only do you get one of the greatest selections of self catered ski accommodation in Europe, a guarantee of the lowest online price and financial protection from ABTA, you also get a gift. It is just our way of saying thank you for being our customer!
 
Terms & Conditions:
This offer is valid on confirmed bookings only and paid for prior to any vouchers being issued
We will post you the vouchers after departure
There is no cash alternative
Valid only on ski accommodation bookings made via the White-Peak.com site up to (and including) the 15th December 2012

Our 6 Must Visit Austrian Ski Resorts for 2013

Here is our guide to the 6 “Must Visit” Austrian Ski Resorts for 2013.

1. Obergurgl – For Early Skiing

Obergurgl AustriaIf you are looking for some healthy skiing before Christmas, then Obergurgl opens its trails in plenty of time and usually has a surprisingly good amount of snow cover to accommodate most ski and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Thanks to its reputation for early snow as well as good accommodation, this is a popular resort for people who want to beat the Christmas rush.

Many travel agents offer special ‘white weeks’ for those able to take advantage of an early season which is ideal if you are on a budget but still want to enjoy some fantastic winter sport.

2. Krippenstein – Avoid The Queues

Krippenstein Austria
(Image source: Wikipedia)

Though it can be great to join in with the hoards and hit the most popular of slopes, sometimes a free chairlift and a clear path down the trail is all you really want for a quieter and more laid back experience.

Found on the Dachstien plateau, the draw of Krippensteincomes from its 30 kilometres of off-piste trails and 1,500 meter vertical that appeals to the free riding skier. This leaves the 11 kilometres of beautiful snow covered slopes largely clear of crowds throughout the season and ready to be enjoyed.

Furthermore, a Krippenstien ski pass also provides access to neighbouring resorts including Russbach, Abtenau, Gosau and Annaberg to provide variety and a fresh challenge throughout your trip.

3. Kitzbuhel – for Romance and Beauty

Kitzbuhel Austria

The picture perfect village of Kitzbuhel provides the ideal location for a romantic ski trip in Austria. The traditional architecture and cobblestone streets offer the ultimate picturesque backdrop for any occasion.

Just a gondola ride away from the centre of the town, the slopes suit skiers of all ages and are supported by cross-country tracks for the more adventurous sportsman.

A range of après ski facilities support the romantic notion. Relax in the spa after a hard day on the slopes before taking off on a dreamy sleigh ride to complete the evening. With ice skating facilities and other night time entertainment available as well as a range of restaurants and bars, this could be the ideal place to get away from it all and spend some quality time together.

4. Mayrhofen – Mixing Snowboarding and Skiing

Mayrhofen Austria

The high quality slopes in the Ziller valley entice both skiers and snowboarders alike and with 620km available within Mayrhofen, this is the largest resort in the surrounding area.

Home to the Hintertux glacier, a Ziller ski pass provides access to a wide range of ski and snowboarding terrain across the entire valley which can be far flung but is well worth the trip.
In recent years Mayrhofen has become incredibly popular with the younger generation thanks to its ‘Snowbombing’ event every April which combines a range of live music with a week long party.

5. Soll – For Great Value

Soll Austria

When you are on a tight budget but still want some good quality skiing, Soll in SkiWelt can provide everything you need.

Thanks to heavy investment in recent years, the facilities have now been improved with a focus on snowmaking to improve the reliability of the overall cover.

Though ski facilities are 1km away from the central town the frequent buses ensure that transport, though crowded, should not be a problem.

Family facilities have made this a fantastic alternative for skiing with children while the lively nightlife ensures that this location is also perfect for the younger generation who want to have some fun.

6. Ischgl – the Party Capital

Ischgl Austria

If the après ski is as important as the slopes themselves, then Ischgl can provide a party that will never stop.

At the heart of the Paznuan Village, the resort boasts its own branch of Pacha as well as a Coyote Ugly bar amongst its wide and varied range of nightlife entertainment.

When it is time to hit the slopes, you won’t be left wanting. Ski holidays in Austria boast some outstanding runs for both snowboarders and skiers and Ischgl offers over 330 kilometres of long high pistes that travel across the resort and some even into neighbouring Switzerland.

And with an extended season due to the availability of late snow, Ischgl is a great way to combine the exhilaration of the slopes with a fantastic party atmosphere.

Iglu Accommodation in Zermatt, Switzerland

Iglu Dorf Zermatt

We don’t often get this excited by accommodation, but this is just, “WOW”. Staying on the piste in Zermatt, Iglu Dorf is the best in luxury ice living.

Located at 2727 m high, above Zermatt and on the piste, the accommodation is cosy and romantic, and the holiday village benefits from an ice bar, fully catered half board services, and whirlpool.

Access to the Iglu village is by ski lift. This really is a once in a lifetime experience.

 

Save money this year – ski in Chatel

Chatel Ski Holidays
Chatel Ski Holidays

Looking for a budget ski holiday this year? Why not try Chatel, in the giant Portes du Soleil ski area of France and Switzerland.

The resort is close to Geneva Airport (great for budget flights with Easyjet), and is also one of the first resorts you reach when driving from Calais.

With the greatly improved pound-to-euro exchange rate (and assuming it doesn’t change too much during the winter), in-resort prices will be between a fifth and quarter cheaper than they were last winter.

What’s more, the Chatel tourist office is offering 10% off either a local-area Chatel lift pass (valid 3 days or more) or a Portes du Soleil lift pass (valid 5 days or more) if you book online before the 9th December 2012. Visit Chatel.com for more information.

We also have lots of budget apartments to rent in this ever popular resort – plenty of studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments which won’t break the bank! Follow this link to view our self catered apartments in Chatel.

Self catered chalet in Chamonix for New Year

Self catered chalet in Chamonix
Luxury 5 star self catered chalet in Chamonix

We have a fantastic, spacious 6 bedroom chalet available to rent it Chamonix. And because of a recent cancellation, it is now available fro New Year 2012/13! What better place to see in the new year than in the winter sports capital of the world.

Chalet Souleiado is a 5 star chalet 500 m from the centre of Chamonix which can sleep up to 12 people.

Facilities include large open fire, sauna, and of course WiFi.

As with all our properties, you can check availability and price, and book online.

Visit this link for full details of the chalet.

We also have a wide range of other self catered accommodation in Chamonix – including studios for 1-2 people, large apartments for bigger groups, and large independent chalets. All with live availability, pricing and online booking.

Self catered ski holidays – 2013

Self catered ski holidaysAutumn is most definitely here – the mornings are frosty and the trees are turning golden. And most importantly, our new site is now live!

We now offer our clients possibly the greatest selection of self catered ski properties throughout Europe – perfect for your Winter 2013 ski holiday. We have a huge selection, from cheap studios to luxury large chalets. And we do still have some availability for the popular New Year and Half Term weeks.

You can search by country, region, resort and also search by the specific date you are interested in. All our availability and pricing is live, so if it is available online, you can book it straight away.

We also have secure credit card processing so you can complete your booking within minutes.

So don’t delay – book your winter 2013 self catered holiday now!

14 Spectacular Designs Created in Snow

Snow Designs 1

I know it is mid June, but waking up to snow on the tops of the mountains in Chatel has got me thinking about winter already, and of course, snow!

Making snowmen is a popular way for children to entertain themselves during the winter months. It’s a great winter tradition. Two giant snowballs, some lumps of coal and a strategically (or comically) placed carrot – and that’s usually about it.  Continue reading “14 Spectacular Designs Created in Snow”