Since many of our summer holidays and plans have been cancelled due to Coronavirus, winter breaks are on the cards for many people.  Countries across Europe are already slowly re-opening their borders to tourists in efforts to regain some type of normality in 2020.  Hopefully financial stability can be restored as quickly as possible in this severely impacted area of the global economy.

Winter breaks are often overlooked, as the summer sun is the star of the show in many people’s idea of holidays.  But, let’s share a secret… even in the winter, it’s sunny somewhere in the world! Mexico, Dubai, Thailand, Cyprus are just a few that shine brightly all year round, so you won’t have to worry about packing those scarves.

However, you have an even wider variety of choice for holidays in Europe when it comes to winter breaks.  Travelling during a non-peak season means that you can get better deals on flights, hotels, and the added bonus of tourist-free streets and parks, for the most part.  November is a great time to see many of the big European cities.  The fading autumn leaves, mild weather and silent galleries will leave you with fond memories and a heavier wallet!

The end of November and into December marks the big lead up to Christmas, when the beloved Christmas markets pop up all over Europe, providing magical experiences for all.  Between your trips to the markets and museum, grab a pair of ice skates and head to a lake!  Germany, in particular, really goes out of the way to give the entire Winter Wonderland experience.

If you are looking for a bit more excitement, adrenaline, and adventure, well then you should definitely consider a skiing holiday!  Skiing is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a winter holiday.  Skiing is a time old tradition.  The oldest pair of skis date back to 6000 BCE in Russia.  Skiing was originally solely used as a method of transportation, but was popularized as a sport and hobby in the 1800’s.

Ski holidays are tradition in some families, with the slopes being an old friend and well-worn holiday.  If you’re already an expert when it comes to ski-holidays, and are ready to book your next trip, have a look at Skiing in Andorra with Esquiades.com to find some excellent offers and top info.

If you’re looking for a ski holiday which is off the beaten track, Bergen offers a unique and somewhat ‘hidden gem’ winter break experience.  Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage city, which basically means it will take your breath away with its narrow alleys and cheerful architecture.  With its cobbled Old-Quarter filled with cafés, museums and shops, you’ll fall in love with its charm and compactness.  When you’re ready to ski, take a cable car to the top of Mount Fløyen.  You can ski or sledge until 10pm (the pathways are lit up at night- if it wasn’t already magical enough!).

If you have never been on a ski holiday before, it may seem overwhelming to even think about what you need.  Here’s the basics that you need to book alongside your trip:

  • Lessons – Choose between group and private lessons, and request an instructor that speaks your language! Lessons will help you get to grips with the basics of skiing so that you can comfortably fly down the slopes by yourself in no time.
  • Equipment – You can hire skis or a board, boots, poles and helmets when booking your holiday and they’ll be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination.  Ask for specific advice on the right sizes for your equipment.  Have your measuring tape at the ready!
  • Lift pass – Your pass gets you on the lifts which go up the mountains to the slopes.  There are local lift passes, which allow you to ski in one resort, and area lift passes, which give you access to a ski area made up of several resorts.

Clothes! Skiing clothes are absolutely essential, so pack a waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, ski socks, goggles and as many thermals as you wish; you’ll be glad you packed them! Just remember the hot shower you can take when you get back to your hotel, and it will all be worth it.

Esquiades.com have all the info you need to plan, book and save on your next ski holiday.  They even have information about this winter’s season and how the pandemic affects it! (Spoiler alert: It doesn’t! They ensure flexible refund and cancellation policies just in case.)

By planning and booking your winter breaks now, you can guarantee you’ll be sipping mulled wine and hot chocolate with plenty left in your budget to spend on decorations, souvenirs, or ski equipment! So, grab your thermals and your snow boots and jump in!