Seasoned skiers may already know how important a resort and its facilities are when choosing a resort. So, as autumn breaks we have chosen to bring to you two different ski destinations in France. A luxury lifestyle experience at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges in Val d’Isère and a unique healthy skiing experience at Brides-les-bains where you can ski at the Trois Vallées, sharing the resort with Courcheval, Meribel and Val Thorens.
For most ski destinations the winter season begins at the end of November and from the beginning of December onwards, the resort bubbles with excitement. These are then followed by Christmas festivities. In January, torchlight descents, firework displays and other shows replace the sporting events. February is peak time because almost the whole of France is out to ski. The season finally comes to a close early May, with a host of daily entertainment.

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges - Val d'Isère, France

Le Chardon Mountain Lodges offer five luxury chalets each sleeping between 8 to 20 persons. To fully appreciate Val d’Isère you will need to know how the resort was created by the Parisian Jacques Mouflier after the little valley previously known as “Laval de Tignes” in 1664 became Val d’Isère. Read more

Brides les bains, France

What makes Brides-les-Bains special is that in addition to being a ski destination, it is also a slimming spa resort. The resort is combines the healing resources of thermal springs with the expertise of dieticians, chefs, physios, psychologist, fitness coaches, and a number of special events to create a whole new skiing experience. Read more

Tips on travelling to ski resorts
If low cost flights are not always a good deal for you, try going by train – when you think about the extras for checked luggage, car parking charge and if you add up the time from home to resort would it not be much quicker by train? We all know Gatwick or Stansted on a winter Saturday morning. Exhausted by the early start, you face an interminable check in and even longer queue for security, you even have to take your shoes and belts off!
When you travel by train, you can take it easy, mid-day start from the magnificently restored St Pancras, enjoy a meal on route if you opt for 1st class leisure select. After a couple of simple platform changes travel by overnight sleeper train to Austria and Switzerland by the Alpen Expres. You have the option of double or family sleepers or couchette cabins, with breakfast brought to you in your cabin. Fares are very reasonable with some great deals in January and March. If you travel in a 6 berth couchette cabin prices start from £145 per person on in a Double sleeper from £217 per person. Prices are return in 2nd class from London and include a bus transfer to your hotel at the resort. Transfers to neighbouring resorts are available at £12 return and drop you off at your hotel.

A winter weekend in Tallinn, Estonia

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