© OT Chamonix / Monica Dalmasso
Organising a ski trip for a large group of people is tricky, to say the least. With different abilities, tastes and budgets to account for, it’s important to pick a resort that caters to the needs of your group. For those attempting to plan one, here's our pick of the best resorts for group ski holidays.
Val Thorens
As the biggest interlinked ski area in the world, the Three Valleys has ski terrain to suit all levels, from easy green slopes right through to challenging off-piste routes. Val Thorens is a great choice of resort for groups in this ski area, thanks to its lively après scene. It offers a number of bars and restaurants on the slopes (including the infamous La Folie Douce) and in the resort itself, which make for ideal meeting points. For anyone looking to dance into the early hours, Val Thorens is also home to Malaysia, the highest nightclub in Europe.
© OT Val Thorens / C Cattin
Where to stay: Les Balcons de Val Thorens offers large apartments with spa facilities, located in a great ski-in/ski-out location, just ten minutes from the centre of the resort.
Chamonix
Every serious skier and snowboarder has Chamonix on their bucket list. It’s a paradise for off-piste fanatics, but there’s also easy nursery slopes and a range of intermediate runs. As it's not a purpose-built resort, access to the slopes is more difficult than in other areas, with bus rides and waiting in queues unfortunately being part of the deal here. However, the vibrant town of Chamonix more than makes up for that, with shops, bars and restaurants to keep everyone entertained in the evenings.
© OT Chamonix / Bannikov
Where to stay: Residence Le Cristal de Jade is new for winter 16/17 and offers stylish apartments with superb views of Mont Blanc.
Zermatt
The superb range of ski terrain and swift lift system are just a couple of the reasons that this is one of the popular resorts in the world. With a bustling town full of galleries, museums and gift shops, there’s no reason for visitors to get bored, even when they’re not on the slopes.
© Michael Portmann
Where to stay: Chalet Hotel Schönegg is a stunning four star hotel overlooking the resort, complete with a superb restaurant and luxurious spa.
Morzine
As one of Europe’s original ski resorts, Morzine has retained the traditional charm that is often lacking in purpose-built areas. It also offers access to one of the biggest ski areas in the world, the Portes du Soleil. Morzine is particularly ideal for groups with non-skiers thanks to the plethora of shops, spas and other activities available, including ice skating, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
© OT Morzine / Jarry Tripelon
Where to stay: Hotel Alpina is a cosy, family-run hotel, located just 150 metres from the Super Morzine Cable Car.
Val d’Isere
All abilities are catered for in Val d’Isere – if there are any newbies in your group, they can make the most of the dedicated beginners’ area in the Solaise redevelopment, which will be open in time for winter 16/17, while more experienced skiers have a fantastic range of terrain to choose from in the Espace Killy area, including the world-famous La Face black run. The village also has a reputation for having one of the liveliest après scenes in the Alps.
© OT Val d'Isere / andyparant.com
Where to stay: Hotel Christiania is a stunning five star hotel, located at the foot of the slopes in the centre of Val d’Isere.
Les Arcs
As one of the largest resorts in France, located in the Paradiski area and offering a great range of accommodation across the four base villages, Les Arcs is ideal for group holidays. Arc 1800 is the most suited to groups, as it’s the biggest, and offers the best range of shops, bars, restaurants and off-slope activities.
© OT Les Arcs / Merci L'Agence
Where to stay: In Arc 1800, Residence Edencarc offers lovely ski-in/ski-out apartments, close to the relatively recent Mille 8 development.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is popular with many skiers and boarders thanks to the sunny weather and great après scene. However, it’s the ski terrain that makes it ideal for group holidays, with runs as well suited to experts as beginners. It is one of the more southerly resorts in the Alps, but with lifts ascending above 3,300 metres and a permanent snow field on the Sarenne glacier, it is one of the most snowsure resorts through the season.
© OT Alpe d'Huez / Propaganda
Where to stay: Les Chalets de l’Altiport provides large chalets just 200 metres from the piste and a short shuttle ride from the centre of the resort.
Verbier
This expensive and exclusive resort may not be to every taste or budget, but as part of the Four Valleys ski area, it offers varied terrain to suit all levels. Plus, it has a brilliant après scene, which caters to the wild clubbing crowd, as well those looking for a sophisticated cocktail bar. So if the people in your group are willing to spend a little more, it’s a great option. Plus, you may spy a few celebrities skiing down the piste next to you.
© Alpimages
Where to stay: W Verbier is a luxurious five star hotel, well-located right next to the Medran gondola.
Tignes
With the longest season in France, Tignes is a highly sought-after resort throughout the winter. Groups are best suited to the higher altitude villages of Le Lac and Val Claret, which offer the most in terms of restaurants, bars and shops. There are easy green runs located around the resort for beginners, but intermediate and advanced skiers have the most to enjoy in the challenging Espace-Killy ski area.
© OT Tignes / andyparant.com
Where to stay: Le Nevada offers spacious and comfortable apartments in the centre of Val Claret.
Do you agree with our list? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.
Are you still looking for the perfect ski accommodation for your winter holiday? Browse our superb range of ski hotels and apartments using the search box at the top of this page. If you would like to speak to an expert, please contact us on [email protected] or 0131 240 3300.
Posted on Thursday 20 Oct 2016