New Year, New Heavenly Experiences Highlighted
After a lovely festive period it's time to consider selection of ski ideas and offers.
NEW: Visit Megève Icon Richard Gay’s new ski technical shop
Building on 15 years of experience as a ski-room manager in some of Megève’s most luxurious 4 and 5* hotels, freestyle skiing champion Richard Gay is opening a new shop. Opening at the former Barthoux Gallery site in the heart of the village this October, Gay’s shop will be full of specialised ski equipment, with no less than 18 ski boot models and will provide a bespoke boot-fitting service for skiers looking for extra comfort and control. Driven by his passion for technical equipment, Gay will offer personalised advice to ensure his customers benefit from the expertise of a champion. A stone’s throw from the Chamois cable car, it’s the ideal location for skiing looking to upgrade their gear this season. A seven night stay at Au Coin du Feu, arriving 21 March 2026 is priced from £908 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included, flights and transfers extra. Megève: www.megeve-tourisme.fr/en/
The 86th Hahnenkamm Races return to Kitzbühel, Austrian Tirol
A true classic follows: the 86th Hahnenkamm Races, where the world’s best skiers face the legendary Streif downhill. Renowned as one of the most challenging and prestigious races in alpine skiing, this event draws thousands of fans and global attention to Kitzbühel every January. This year the event will take place from 19 – 25 January 2026 and tickets to the general spectator area are priced from €35 pp. A seven night stay at HENRI Country House Kitzbühel arriving 18 January 2026 is priced from £1,906 pp based on two sharing a studio with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra. Kitzbühel: www.kitzbuehel.com/en/
Alikats rings in the New Year with outstanding snowfall in Morzine
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a significant snowfall in Morzine, with forecasts indicating close to 70cm of fresh snow. This follows a strong early season, with over 40cm recorded in November, providing a solid base across the mountain and setting up excellent conditions for the weeks ahead. In response to the favourable conditions, Alikats is inviting last-minute winter holidaymakers to take advantage of the final two fully catered rooms available at Chalet Ferme à Jules for the week commencing 3 January 2025. Originally built in 1808, Ferme à Jules is Alikats’ flagship chalet and remains a firm favourite among returning guests. Currently ranked as the number one chalet on TripAdvisor across the French Alps, the beautifully converted ten-bedroom farmhouse combines historic charm with modern comfort, featuring ensuite rooms, generous social spaces and sweeping mountain views. It is ideal for guests looking to spend their holiday among friends, old and new, in a relaxed and sociable setting. This winter, Alikats is offering room-by-room bookings for the first time at Ferme à Jules, allowing couples, solo travellers and smaller groups to enjoy Alikats’ renowned hospitality and dining without booking the entire property. A seven-night stay at Chalet Ferme à Jules, from 3 January 2026 costs €975/£849 per person based on two people sharing a double room on a relaxed catered package. Flights and transfers are additional. AliKats (0203 514 6012, www.alikats.eu)
Learn to ski in Arinsal, Andorra, with Solos
Tucked into the pleats of the Pyrenees, the principality of Andorra punches above its weight in winter, from skiing and fiestas to a gourmet food-scene that features the best bits of France and Spain. Holidays aim to introduce the slopes without the pressures. The beginner’s week package is studded with a balance of skiing, spa lounging and après ski. Don’t know what to wear, unsure what equipment to use, and confused by the mountain lingo? Solos have it covered, turning beginners into life-long ski enthusiasts. Skilled, qualified instructors will guide newbies through the basics, work on technique and build everyone’s confidence. The relaxed vibe of the area, and the variety of slopes in Arinsal, means it has become a safe and enjoyable place to learn how to ski. There are numerous nursery slopes with easy green and blue runs to progress onto in due course. The ski school in the resort is well renowned and amongst the best in the Pyrenees, adding to the area’s reputation for beginners. A seven-night Arinsal ski beginners week leaving on 22 February 2026, staying at the 4* Yomo Patagonia hotel, ski-in-ski-out with spa, sauna and hammam on a half board basis with wine, costs from £1,775 pp, this includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, welcome drink, six day lift pass, five days ski school for three hours and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader. Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.com)
Verbier Freeride Week returns for 2026
The Verbier Freeride Week returns from 7 to 16 February 2026, bringing a packed programme of elite freeride competition to one of the sport’s most celebrated destinations. Widely regarded as the freeride capital of the Alps, Verbier provides the ideal stage for young athletes from the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) and Freeride Junior Tour (FJT) to launch their season in serious style. Each year, the event attracts around 3,000 emerging freeriders, all aiming to make their mark and progress towards the top level of the sport. Over the course of the week, competitors take part in one FWT Junior (2) event and three FWQ competitions at 2, 3 and 4 level, offering a crucial opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and move closer to qualification for the Freeride World Tour. The week is a key date in the freeride calendar, combining high-level competition with the electric atmosphere Verbier is known for. A three-night stay at Hôtel les Chamois, arriving 13 February 2025 is priced from £365 pp, based on two sharing a standard twin room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra. Verbier: www.verbier.ch
Offers
Save over £400 at January stay at Suite Choko, Arc 1950 with VIP SKI
VIP SKI is offering savings of over £400 on a stay in Suite Choko in Arc 1950, France this January. Suite Choko is a luxury ski-in/ski-out chalet-apartment located in the prestigious resort of Arc 1950, France. Guests staying at Suite Choko also benefit from access to a spa, swimming pool, and private cinema room, making it an attractive option for a mid-winter alpine escape. VIP SKI’s Bear Resort in Arc 1950, which opened for the 2021/22 season, comprises 12 independent chalet-apartments alongside a 30-bedroom lodge. Facilities at the Bear Resort include a communal lounge and bar, a spa and wellness complex with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and massage suites, an exercise room, cinema, and a concierge ski room with in-house equipment rental. Families are also well catered for with VIP SKI’s dedicated Bear Cubs childcare service. A seven-night stay at Suite Choko arriving 25 January 2026, is priced from £1,499 pp (was £1,987 pp, saving £488 pp) based on four sharing a room on a catered chalet basis, this includes return transfers. Flights extra. VIP SKI (020 8001 018, www.vip-chalets.com)
