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Top 10 ski weekends
If you're contemplating a long weekend skiing, check out these great ideas from our friends at Mad Dog Ski. They've selected their favourite resorts for an active weekend break
Chamonix, France - www.chamonix.com
One of the most popular destinations for weekend skiing, Chamonix is just under an hour from the major ski airport of Geneva. As a fully functional town, finding a bed for a short stay is far easier than in many resorts. Chamonix has access to the majestic and extreme Mont Blanc massif which attracts serious skiers, snowboarders and climbers from all over the world.
Don't let this put you off though as recently the resort has expanded the skiing available for beginners and intermediates too. Don't miss out on the very top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car which at a breathless 3842m definitely has a top-of-the-world feel to it. And after all that adrenaline, spend your evening sampling the many bars and restaurants in the town.
Chatel, France - www.chatel.com
Another resort that benefits from being close to Geneva airport is the attractive Alpine village of Chatel. This is a destination for those wanting a traditional ski holiday with rural charm. And Chatel isn't just a pretty face; it also has easy access to the massive Portes du Soleil ski area which has a reliable snow record. Its popularity for weekend skiing means that there is a wide selection of hotels, chalets and apartments to choose from although these do get booked up fast in high season. For some traditional mountain fare, eat at the rather special Le Vieux Chalet on Plaine Dranse and try the special croutes (a hearty dish of cheese on toast with wine and sauce).
Courmayeur, Italy - www.courmayeur.com
Only an hour from Turin, Courmayeur is a fantastically cosy Italian resort with some of the best food you'll find in any resort. Try the mountain restaurant Rifugio La Maison Vieille on Col Checrouit for classic pasta and polenta dishes. There's skiing available for all levels (plus breathtaking views of Mont Blanc to be enjoyed) and the off-piste is particularly good; Punta Helbronner and the the Vallee Blanche are unmissable. Apres-ski is low-key, although there are plenty of good bars to head to earlier on in the evening, such as Caffe della Posta, on via Roma.
Megeve, France - www.megeve.com
For a chic French resort full of character and charm, you can't do better than the village of Megeve. Just an hour from Geneva, it's ideal for a weekend break and the small cafes, designer shops and cosy restaurants that line the streets and narrow walkways give you plenty to do. The resort is renowned for its dining with over 80 restaurants, including the Michelin starred Le Flocons de Sel. With over 325km of pistes, it is an ideal resort for groups of mixed ability and families.
It is not a snow-sure resort by any means but the skiing is on pasture land which needs much less snow than higher mountainous resorts. Contact the tourist office for a list of weekend accommodation.
Morzine, France - www.morzine-avoriaz.com
Morzine benefits not only from being within easy travelling distance from Geneva airport but its tree-lined slopes and chocolate box scenery attracts everyone from families to apres-skiers. As part of Portes du Soleil, Morzine has access to 650km of pistes and is a popular base for skiers of all abilities. There are numerous British chalet companies in Morzine though only a few offer short breaks.
Host Savoie (www.hostsavoie.co.uk) operate a flexible approach to dates and their two charming chalets provide good value 'home from home' accommodation. A must-try in Morzine is the night sledging (www.indianaventures.com), a 5km descent and the best €23 you'll spend in resort.
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