Chasing the Perfect Winter Weekend
If you’re looking to escape from the dreary day-to-day grind of winter, then the occasional weekend break might be just what’s called for. But exactly where you escape to might depend on your personal preferences. Are you looking for high-octane thrills, or a more sedate, relaxing experience? Let’s consider a few of the best options.
Ski holidays
When you’re considering a weekend break during winter, it’s difficult to look past the skiing holiday. Pick one with a private chalet, and ski-in, ski-out access, and you’ll have a wonderful experience.
Ski holidays are at their best when the resort is appropriate for the skier’s level of experience. If you haven’t spent much, or any, time on the slopes, then picking out a resort that offers gentle slopes and private instructors might be worthwhile. If you’re more determined and adventurous, on the other hand, you might look for a resort that’s challenging, or connected to a wider skiing area that will give you the chance to go and explore.
Après-ski
Spending hours on the slope can be physically taxing. You’ll want to treat yourself to a reward in the evening – and top up those calories. Great après-ski, however, is about more than functional sustenance; it’s about enjoying the best cuisine that a given region has to offer. The good news is that wintry food in the Alps is often perfectly suited to the skier’s lifestyle.
To avoid disappointment, it’s a good idea to do your research, and book your table at whatever high-class restaurant you pick out. But be aware that there’s more to après-ski than fine dining and clubbing. Pick a resort that offers many different forms of entertainment in the evenings. You might even head back out onto the slopes, and ski beneath the glare of the floodlights.
Winter Wellness Retreats
If relaxation is your primary objective, then you might seek out a special resort that’s designed to provide exactly the required experience. You might lie down for a massage, or sit quietly meditating, or go through a guided yoga session or two.
A great wellness resort might provide an opportunity to do a range of activities, or it might focus on just one or two of them. What matters, generally speaking, is that the scenery is inspiring, and the facilities are of a high quality.
Cultural escapes
Every winter, a myriad of Christmas markets and festivals open their doors across the continent. If you have just a single weekend to spare, then a winter trip might allow you to sample what’s on offer. In many cases, these experiences can be more accessible and affordable than their equivalents in the UK. The difficulty often comes from picking out the one that fits your needs.
