Ski season is officially underway – here are four resorts with snow-sure conditions …
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As Irish skiers start to hit the slopes, value for money and snow conditions remain a key focus, as highlighted in Club Med’s recent annual ski report. Other insights revealed that Irish skiers are booking earlier than ever, with many now opting for all-inclusive, family holidays. There’s a concern about snowfall and conditions going into the new season – 31 per cent of Irish skiers now review snow conditions of a resort during the booking process and 81 per cent are more likely to book a high altitude resort.
So, where to go? Norway is rapidly emerging as a top destination this winter, according to ski travel agency, Ski Solutions. This is probably the result of an increase in direct flights, as well as the promise of stunning landscapes and untouched slopes. The most popular Norwegian resorts are Gelid and Trysil. Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic Circle and a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights, is also popular. Hafjell, a hidden gem, offers a family-friendly skiing experience, just fifteen minutes north of Lillehammer. With beginner-friendly slopes and extensive snowmaking facilities, conditions are reliable. Check out our favourite resorts below.
Mount Plose, Dolomites, Italy
For those who want to combine skiing with top notch wellness facilities, the adults-only My Arbor in the heart of the south Tyrol is perfect and offers sweeping views of the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Design-wise, the hotel has been created to evoke a tree-house aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling tree trunks and warming fireplaces throughout. At the heart of My Arbor is the hotel’s wellness sanctuary, The Arboris Spa, offering an extensive range of restorative treatments inspired by Alpine traditions. Enjoy five saunas, including Infrared, Finnish and Herbal, alongside a heated infinity pool, Turkish steam rooms and tranquil “cuddle nests”. The property also offers complimentary wellness programmes, including Hatha-Yoga, forest bathing, meditation and sunrise hikes. While most guests prefer to relax and recharge, Plose ski resort is just 300m away on foot for those looking for a few hours on the slopes. www.my-arbor.com
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Surrounded by 18 majestic peaks soaring above 4,000 metres, including Switzerland’s tallest mountain, the Dom, Saas-Fee offers a picturesque setting for skiing enthusiasts. With a snow-sure season extending well beyond Easter, visitors can enjoy glacier adventures, pristine slopes, and an authentic alpine atmosphere. Complementing its natural beauty, Saas-Fee operates entirely on renewable energy and is car-free, ensuring a sustainable escape for families and couples alike this holiday season.
Stay at The Capra, a chic Alpine lodge, featuring 38 chalet-style suites. Awarded two Michelin Guide Keys in 2024, it’s a year-round retreat for seclusion, wellness and exceptional snow. Its Peak Health Spa offers treatments from facials to care for your skin after long days in the sun (Saas-Fee has 300 sunshine days per year) to therapeutic massages, body wraps and muscle regeneration treatments after hitting the slopes. Its onsite restaurant, Brasserie 1809, serves sustainable, locally-sourced Alpine cuisine that evolves with the seasons. Guests can also (quite literally) elevate their experience at Spielboden by The Capra, the hotel’s mountain restaurant at 2,448 metres. www.capra.ch
Ischgl, Austria
Easter falls late this year, which offers the opportunity to enjoy Ischgl’s renowned long ski season. After dark, it’s known as the “Ibiza of the Alps” due to the number of bars, fine dining restaurants and high-octane events headlined by international stars.
The family-owned Elizabeth Arthotel is in a prime position in this pretty village, which enjoys a unique microclimate that ensures snow until summer. True to its name, the Arthotel is a living gallery showcasing over 130 works by Central European artists. There are also ongoing artist collaborations that make the hotel something of a cultural destination. For wine lovers, its cellar of over 7,000 bottles will also impress and complements the hotel’s gourmet dining. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop spa and infinity pool overlooking the mountains. www.elizabeth.at
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is the ‘winter capital of Poland’, known for its vibrant highlander culture and unique architecture. The town is easily accessible from Kraków, while the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car offers the best views. Some standout experiences include its Bukovina Thermal Baths, which offer the perfect respite after a day in the snow. A winter swim in these warm, natural waters while gazing at the Tatra Mountains is an unforgettable way to relax and rejuvenate. Visitors can also enjoy a Husky dog-sledding experience, while learning the basics from expert instructors. This is especially recommended for families or those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Aries Hotel & Spa, close to the iconic Krupówki Street, blends traditional mountain style with modern elegance. Think rustic wooden decor, mountain views, and amenities like an indoor pool and wellness spa. www.hotelaries.pl