ESCAPE THE CROWDS
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|Winter Sports 2022
Four industry experts o€ er up their insider tips on ski resorts that deliver a big mountain experience minus the hordes
NICK DALTON
ESCAPE THE CROWDS

SKI WEEKENDER RECOMMENDS

France: Le Grand-Bornand

PAUL TURNBUL: This is a super-quiet, super-friendly, hassle-free resort with some 50 miles of skiing — but neighbouring (and more well-known) La Clusaz is just a free bus hop away, so you have access to the full Aravis region of 135 miles of piste.

On midweek days in January, we often feel like we have the resort to ourselves, which is a real treat. Once, we dropped into our suggested mountain restaurant and found that about 40 of the 45 people in there were all our guests.

It’s easy to get to, just an hour from Geneva, and provides great value when compared to the big French resorts — lunch on the mountain really is affordable. Three nights from £339, half-board, at Hôtel La Pointe Percée including transfers and lift passes but not flights. skiweekender.com

MORE TO TRY

ARÊCHES-BEAUFORT, FRANCE

An off-the-radar traditional village with 30 miles of piste but great backcountry and off-piste. A new gondola links its two sectors, Grand Mont and Planay.

SAINT GERVAIS LES BAINS, FRANCE

Traditionally a spa town, now linked to Megève and the 280- mile Evasion Mont Blanc area. A smart, welcoming village with sensible prices.

PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE, FRANCE

A compact, off-the-beaten-track resort at the end of a cul-de-sac valley with great touring potential, near Vanoise National Park and its glaciers.

CRYSTAL SKI RECOMMENDS

Italy: Kronplatz

This story is from the Winter Sports 2022 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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