Guest post by Dakota Murphey
When you think of a perfect winter stay, cosy chalets with wood-burning stoves, snow-capped mountain peaks, and unbeatable scenery from stunning ski runs might all come to mind. If an alpine trip is something you’re planning in the colder months, France and Austria are great destinations that tick off those and many more attractions.
With the snow season open for business and the festive weeks to look forward to, France and Austria are home to some of Europe’s best ski resorts. The two neighbouring countries have impressive runs down the Alps for all abilities whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or are eager to explore a glacier cave.
Thrill-seekers might like nothing more than a cable car ride to the highest piste, a pre-Christmas flying experience, or a paragliding trip over Mont Blanc. If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there are pretty villages and Christmas markets to put you in a festive mood. If you’re planning a summer trip, you’re also in for a treat.
Once the snow has melted, the beauty beneath the Alps reveals attractive woodlands, mountain trails, and stunning scenery with healthy fresh-water lakes to dip into. So, whether you’re gearing up to hit the slopes or dreaming of a New Year holiday in a summer chalet, there’s plenty to tempt you to visit France or Austria.
Ski Chalets and Alpine Resorts
If you’re someone who loves winter sports and travelling up hills or mountains to take advantage of the scenic views, France or Austria boast some of Europe’s most attractive and luxury ski resorts with fantastic apres-ski ratings. Skiers and snowboarders will find impeccably groomed slopes that promise snow throughout the season in the most elevated resorts.
France
In France, the Trois Vallées region is a true skier’s paradise, encompassing the famous resorts of Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. These interconnected winter wonderlands provide access to over 600km of pristine pistes, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. For a more intimate Alpine experience, charming Chamonix lies in the shadows of Mont Blanc and is a firm favourite for visitors at any time of year.
Austria
Across the border in Austria, the Tyrolean Alps are home to a wealth of world-class ski destinations and welcoming Alpine villages for a comfortable retreat for solo visitors, couples, and groups of any size, such as Portes du Soleil and KitzSki. The striking Alps have a diverse range of slopes spanning 270 kilometres that suit beginners and experienced enthusiasts amid scenic mountain views.
Meanwhile, the historic town of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol region, is a great place to visit in itself, as well as being an ideal base for accessing the nearby Nordkette mountain range. Wherever and whenever you stay other top attractions in the area include the Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck that towers high above Innsbruck on the wooded Bergisel Hill.
In addition, the Kühtai High Alpine Road winds its way from Oetz into the pretty Ötztal Valley, making this an inviting area to explore both during the winter and throughout the summer months. Further west, the picture-perfect town of Lech Am Arlberg is much loved for many reasons thanks to its pristine slopes during the ski season, a wealth of mountain chalets, and its vibrant après-ski scene.
Chalet Chanson, Chamonix
From luxury ski chalets with private hot tubs and panoramic views to charming family-run guesthouses, there’s something for every taste and budget. The properties are available in the summer too, making them the perfect base for exploring the wider region. Thanks to the forested areas and being dominated by the Alps, the ski resorts across France and Austria have stunning walking routes and breathtaking viewing points, as well as plenty of opportunities for adventures in and out of the ski season.
From their elevated vantage points, tick off mountainous villages and towns or plan your route to explore them on foot, by bus, or on a mountain bike. For more adventurous travellers, you can even try rock climbing, with guided routes for beginners or more experienced climbers.
Glaciers, Peaks, and Ice Caves
Beyond the slopes, France and Austria boast a wealth of natural wonders. Some can only be fully experienced in the winter, such as the inspiring glaciers that carve their way through the Alpine landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the power of these slow-moving rivers of ice.
In the French resort town of Chamonix, the iconic Aiguille du Midi cable car operates throughout the summer, whisking visitors up to a dizzying elevation of 3,842 metres. From the top, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. From the summit, the views of Mont Blanc and other peaks are incredible and, if you’re brave enough, step into the glass skywalk and grab a cable car to see the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), the largest glacier in France.
Meanwhile, if you’re staying in Val d’Isère, there are lots of options for catered chalets and easy access with ski-in / ski-out options too. Although it is a lively ski resort during the winter, the summer can be a great time to visit on mountain bikes or on foot. A visit to Val d’Isere in the summer can’t be done without a hike in the beautiful Vanoise National Park. The whole area has amazing trails that wind through Alpine meadows and valleys, but you can’t miss the scenic Grande Traversée which is brilliant if you prefer biking.
Both France and Austria offer the chance to explore these icy wonders up close. ‘Alpinism’ or glacier trekking is an unmissable way to appreciate the beauty of high-altitude peaks, hike a snow line, and see many beautiful glaciers. For instance, in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road winds its way past the Pasterze Glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. It’s also worth adding that the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves in Werfen are the largest in the world.
Christmas Markets
No winter getaway to France and Austria would be complete without visiting a Christmas market while you’re in the French Alps or a quaint Austrian town. In France, the Christmas markets of Strasbourg are renowned and have over 300 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and traditional delicacies.
Meanwhile, the mediaeval town of Annecy is next to a stunning lake with the prettiest Christmassy feel during winter, with a market, ice skating rink, and a light display that illuminates the town’s historic architecture. Annecy and its surrounding areas are also an amazing place to head to for Alpine adventures in the warmer months of the year when swimming in the lake might be more tempting.
In Austria, the Christmas markets of Vienna are a must-visit if you’re on a city break as are exploring the charming markets of Innsbruck. Here, you can browse the stalls and take in the stunning views of the surrounding Nordkette mountains.
Enjoying Alpine Resorts in the Summer
Beyond the well-known ski resorts, the Alpine villages of France and Austria are equally enchanting during the summer months. In the Trois Vallées region of France, if you are lucky enough to stay in the heart of Méribel, this whole area is a real hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with incredible opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding.
Across the border in Austria, the Nordkette mountain range that overlooks Innsbruck offers a wealth of summer activities. Ride the funicular railway up to Hungerburg station, where you can explore trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and serene mountain lakes. Meanwhile, the picture-perfect village of Lech am Arlberg in Austria offers a serene respite from the summer heat, with its crystal-clear mountain streams, lush meadows, and picturesque hiking trails.
While the snow-capped peaks and Alpine activities may be the main draw for many visitors staying in the Austrian or French Alps, these areas are famous for their delicious cafes for early-morning pastries to fine-dining restaurants with lots of tasty and traditional Alpine dishes. A few staples of ski lodge or chalet suppers to try on your mountain holiday include raclette cheese, Swiss cheese fondue, and Tartiflette.
For summer activities in the wider Chamonix Mont Blanc, there’s lots to see and do, from a ride on the Montenvers railway to access scenic trails and viewpoints to paragliding over the mountains. Likewise, the Savoie region is renowned for its hearty, comfort-food dishes, such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette – all of which pair perfectly with the region’s wines. Around the Austrian Alps, there’s also a thriving food scene that celebrates the region’s artisan cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling winter sports, awe-inspiring natural wonders, or the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s festive traditions, France and Austria offer a wealth of elevated experiences.
If you’re looking for the perfect chalet to stay in during the winter or summer, check out our Alpine homes in France and Austria that come with the wow factor. Browse our whole portfolio of homes around the world on Oliver’s Travels, and when you’ve chosen your dream getaway, give our friendly concierge team a shout for help booking all manner of extra activities while away.
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