A postcard from the Alps as the first snow of the season falls
Last weekend saw the first significant snowfall of the new ski season across many Alpine destinations. The early covering created picture-perfect scenes throughout the Alps and has whet our appetite for the winter ahead. The tourist boards are working hard to ensure the slopes open on time, all protocols are in place and they are ready to receive guests as soon as travel corridors reopen. Yes, adapting and skiing with a pandemic is new, but a silver lining – if ever there was one – is the mountain air will probably be cleaner, less people travelling means the slopes will probably be quieter and as with all old wives’ tales, the Hawthorne trees were abundant with berries, which means a snowy winter ahead.
Over the weekend, we asked our Alpine friends to dust off their winter clothing and to get out and about in the mountains with their cameras. Needless to say, they didn’t disappoint. Here are their beautiful photographs….
Shot from Verbier in the Swiss Alps, this dramatic image looking towards Bruson makes the Heaven Publicity team desperate to get back on their planks. This classic resort has long been a favourite amongst freeriders, thrill-seekers and royalty alike.
Taken on the slopes of Kitzbühel, high up in the Austrian Tirol, this historic town has one of the longest ski seasons to be found anywhere. This year, the first lifts are expected to open on 19 October 2020 and remain open until May 2021.
This picture was taken by Holger Gassler while he was out enjoying the snow swept Nordkette mountains near Innsbruck in the Austrian Tirol. The region encompasses around 3,000 km of skiable terrain, with just about every discipline of ski and board available.
Also taken in the Austrian Tirol, this delightful scene was captured in the ancient town of Seefeld. The wonderful resort, which sits on the border with Germany, has a rich cultural history dating back to the 11th Century.
A beautiful sunrise over the French resort of Alpe d’Huez in Isère. Those opting to visit here can explore a huge ski area, comprising 240 km of slopes and 84 lifts. Part of the Grandes Rousses massif, the region is easily accessible from Grenoble Airport.
Also pictured in the department of Isère, this beautiful snow-covered expanse was captured near the charming village of Vaujany. The small French resort is ideal for those wanting to get away from the crowds, but benefits from being linked to the wider Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski area, with its modern lift system and world-class winter sports facilities.
Heavy snowfall was also seen in Les Deux Alpes, which is another of our favourite resorts in Isère. The village provides access to the largest skiable glacier in Europe and is France’s second oldest ski resort.
This image was taken from the high-altitude resort of Avoriaz in south-eastern France. The ski-in, ski out destination is part of the vast Portes du Soleil region, where holidaymakers can ski between 12 resorts spanning the French-Swiss border. Here, the operator Pierre & Vacances offers a great range of accommodation options, catering to just about every taste and budget.
Anyone for a snowball fight? Morzine’s Sara Burdon took a weekend hike into the mountains from where she sent us this lovely image. Morzine is a firm favourite for British skiers, with preparations well underway to welcome holidaymakers back there this winter.
This picturesque image was sent to us from the French resort of La Plagne, which is part of the Paradiski range in the Tarentaise Valley. The resort consists of 12 connected unique villages, which provide access to 225 km of pistes.
This wintery picture was snapped near the traditional village of Megève in the French Alps. Renowned for its high-end hotels, chic boutiques and incredible food scene, Megève is also fast becoming popular with Brits seeking an upscale getaway on the slopes without the price tag, thanks to a growing number of quality and affordable accommodation and dining options.
Taken in the much-loved resort of Val d’Isère in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie department in south-eastern France, this image looks like it was taken in the depths of winter. Situated near the Italian border, Val d’Isère and neighbouring Tignes boast 300 km of glorious pistes.
We looking forward to seeing you in the Alps soon!
