French Travel News-2010/2011 | What's new for skiing holidays in 2011?

Friday, December 10th at 10:26 by Deborah bates


France is hard to beat for skiing holidays, and with winter at its peak, now is the time to think about beating the January blues by heading to the slopes, reports WorldTravelGuide.

As a new year approaches, skiing holiday expert Nicky Holdford passes on the top tips for making the most of a 2011 skiing trip.

Firstly, be sure to compare all potential slopes - including the smaller, more intimate ones. Holdford recommends three top destinations - Vaujany (perfect for families, with modern beginners life passes, and family passes that provide access to all swimming pools, ice rinks and sports centres); Flaine (which has recently undergone a complete renovation, and offers great value for money); and Les Carroz (where their cost-friendly beginners passes cover several lifts and their gondola).

For those looking for the perfect skiing chalet France has a myriad of options, with self-catering chalets providing a great option for families with children who are fussy eaters.

Holdford also recommends looking for flexible, value for money passes - for example, Morzine has recently added a four-hour lift pass to their offering, and Couchevel has implemented a three-hour pass. These are perfect for those who want a few hours skiing, leaving the rest of the day to shop, explore, or just relax by the fire with a hot toddy. For advanced skiers who simply want to indulge their hobby all day, Chamonix has introduced a Mont Blanc unlimited pass - which includes Les Houches and Verbier in its offering.

For the perfect family setting, head to the slops of Peisey-Vallandry, where the lifts transfer visitors between the slopes and the dedicated children's playground - perfect for entertaining both parents and kids alike.

With Travel Daily reporting that ski sales are up by over 150 percent this winter, those looking to book a holiday for January should act fast to avoid disappointment.