Our destinations for successful snow vacations
Vacation villages and residences
Azureva’s winter mountain vacation destinations guarantee the magic of the snow in human-scale resorts where families are king. We know those mountain villages where the slopes are accessible to all, where hot chocolate tastes better after a day’s skiing, and where evenings by the fireside create memories for a lifetime. Our winter mountain vacation destinations in the Alps and Pyrenees represent 70 years of experience in offering you the very best in skiing, without the stress of the big ski factories.
Winter mountain vacation destinations: the thrill of powder snow
You know that soft silence in the morning when the snow has just fallen? That magical moment when you open the shutters and everything is immaculately white, as if someone had spent the night sprinkling powdered sugar everywhere? That’s what winter vacation destinations in the mountains are all about: that timeless bubble where snowflakes dance, hot chocolate has never tasted so good, and children’s flushed cheeks tell the story of the day they’ve just spent better than a thousand words.
At Azureva, we fell into the snow pot when we were kids, and 70 years on, we’re still at it! Our winter villages are the perfect combination of mountain authenticity and cosy comfort. We’ve found the spots where the snow lasts from December to April, where the slopes are accessible even to beginners, and where après-ski rhymes with conviviality around a fondue that makes threads. While some of you are struggling in the traffic jams of the big resorts, you could be making your first snowman of the year with the kids, or hurtling down your first green run, screaming with joy. Ready to take the plunge into the white gold?
Why take a winter vacation in the mountains?
So, let’s start with the obvious: winter vacation destinations in the mountains are the ultimate cure for seasonal depression! While everyone else is hibernating in the grey city, you’re up there, in that world of absorbent cotton where the sun reflects off the snow like a million diamonds. Natural light therapy, free of charge, with a view of snow-capped peaks. Who can beat that?
Winter in the mountains is first and foremost that unique feeling of living in a postcard. Firs bending under the snow, chalets quietly smoking, footprints in the fresh powder… It’s Instagram in 3D, only better, because you can have snowball fights in it! Kids go crazy (in a good way), parents rediscover their childlike souls, and even grandma lets herself be tempted by a toboggan run. There’s magic like that nowhere else.
And let’s talk about what we all love: the cocooning atmosphere of winter in the mountains. The crackling fire in the fireplace, the smell of mulled wine wafting through the air, soft plaids on the sofa… Winter mountain vacations are the art of turning the cold into an excuse for pampering. You come back from skiing with your cheeks on fire, sit in front of the fireplace with a hot chocolate (with whipped cream, don’t be fooled), and you tell yourself that life isn’t so bad after all.
Winter in the mountains also means a unique relationship with the passage of time. Short days? Perfect, so we can make the most of the light and enjoy endless evenings! Is it cold? Great, we huddle together and share real moments. Nature imposes its own rhythm, and strangely enough, it feels really good. No more everyday stress, here the weather decides. Snowstorm? Board games day and pancake party. Sunny? Everyone outside!
Not forgetting sport, of course! Winter vacation destinations in the mountains are a winter sports paradise. Downhill skiing for the warriors, cross-country skiing for the contemplative, snowboarding for the stylish, snowshoeing for the poets… There’s something for everyone. And the best part? That healthy evening tiredness that makes you sleep like a baby and gives you an ironclad excuse to eat tartiflette twice.
What to do in the mountains in winter
“But apart from skiing, what else do we do?” Ah, if you only knew! The mountains in winter are the Disneyland of snow, with attractions for all tastes and ages. So strap on your wetsuit and let’s go!
- Skiing in all its forms, of course, but not just family skiing! Downhill skiing for beginners, who snowplough for 3 days before making their first parallel turn (what a source of pride!). Cross-country skiing, that meditative stroll in the tracks, where you discover the mountain in silence and contemplation. Snowboarding, for those who like their buttocks to ache for the first two days. Telemark skiing for those who like to complicate things. A winter vacation in the mountains is all about choosing a sport and sticking to it (or not).
- Snowshoes are a revelation for those who thought they hated the mountains! It’s the winter version of hiking, accessible to all. You put on your snowshoes (like big flippers for the snow), and set off to explore the snowy trails. Animal tracks in the fresh snow, the silence of the sleeping forest, breathtaking panoramas… We’ve seen whole families convert to snowshoeing. The plus? You don’t need a ski pass, just good legs!
- Tobogganing, the simple, universal pleasure! Not the crappy plastic luge, no. Real luge on a dedicated track, with banked turns and a time trial at the end. Or night-time tobogganing by torchlight (chills guaranteed). Or even better: snake gliss, those sleds attached to each other so you can go down in a caterpillar, screaming with terror and joy. Winter mountain vacation destinations without at least one toboggan run are like a raclette without pickles: there’s something missing!
- The most popular unusual activities: dog sledding (local mushers take you on a Great North adventure), ski-joëring (you’re pulled by a horse, completely crazy but brilliant), ice diving (for real warriors), climbing on frozen waterfalls (even more warrior-like), biathlon (rifle shooting + cross-country skiing, you think you’re Martin Fourcade), fat biking on snow (mountain bikes with huge tires that roll on snow), etc.
- Zen and cocooning activities: spas and aquatic centers with views of snow-capped mountains (absolute bliss after a day’s skiing), horse-drawn carriage rides through villages, farm visits with tastings of melted cheeses, museums of mountain traditions, Christmas markets in December… Because vacations are also the art of doing nothing in a magical setting.
Après-ski, a sacred institution! Epic snowball fights, ambitious igloo building (which always collapses), creative snowmen, angels in the snow… And then there are the evenings: torchlight descents, ESF shows, mulled wine on the sunny terrace, board games by the fire… Après-ski is 50% of your winter mountain vacation memories!
10 magical winter spots in the Alps and Pyrenees
Winter vacation destinations in the mountains also mean discovering places that become magical under the snow. We’ve put together our top 10 winter wonders to make your eyes shine!
- Chamonix and the Mer de Glace – The Montenvers train takes you to France’s largest glacier (7km!). The ice grotto, reworked every year, and the panoramic view of Les Drus… Enchanting! Contact Chamonix Montenvers to organize your visit. Don’t forget your crampons for the glacier!
- The Pic Blanc at Alpe d’Huez – 3330m altitude, 360° view of 1/5th of France! On a clear day, you can see Mont-Blanc, the Écrins, the Vercors… Alpe d’Huez for package deals. The vertiginous cable car, sensations guaranteed!
- Saint-Lary and Pla d’Adet in the Pyrenees – The ski area rising to 2515m with views of the Pyrenean giants. The Saint-Lary thermal baths for après-ski relaxation. Saint-Lary for your stay. The Pic Lumière cable car, a must!
- Les Grands Thermes de Brides-les-Bains – After skiing in Méribel or Courchevel, the thermal baths to recuperate. Thermal pool, hammam, massages… Thermes de Brides to pamper you. The ski + spa combo: paradise!
- La Plagne igloo village – Sleep in an igloo at 2100m altitude? It’s possible! Restaurant, ice bar, unusual night… Village Igloo La Plagne for this unique experience. Don’t forget your cold-weather comforter!
- Font-Romeu and its 3,000 hours of sunshine – the sunniest resort in the Pyrenees! The Odeillo solar oven, the only one of its kind in the world. Enjoy the winter sun at Font-Romeu. The natural hot-water baths of Dorres, 20 minutes away!
- L’Aiguille du Midi by night – Private evening at 3842m with dinner at the summit and cable car descent under the stars. Contact Compagnie du Mont-Blanc to book this magical evening. The Milky Way from up there, unforgettable!
- The 3 Vallées ski area – The largest ski area in the world! 600km of slopes, enough to ski for a week without coming back to the same place. The 3 Valleys to prepare for your ski marathon. Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel… A skier’s paradise!
- A winter version of Cauterets and the Pont d’Espagne – Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered fir trees, the cable car up to frozen Lac de Gaube… Snowshoes a must! Cauterets for the conditions. Mulled wine at the refuge, a magical moment!
- Annecy Christmas Markets – The “Venice of the Alps” under the snow, with its illuminated canals and enchanting Christmas market. Open-air skating rink, mulled wine, artisan chalets… Christmas in Annecy for the dates. The illuminated old town is Christmas to the power of 1000!
These 10 winter nuggets are just a taste! Every valley under the snow becomes an enchanted kingdom, and at Azureva we know all the best ways to make the most of it.
What should you pack for a winter vacation in the mountains?
Packing for the mountains in winter is Tetris at expert level! Between wetsuits that take up three times as much space, size 45 après-ski, and Grandma who wants to pack 8 sweaters “just in case”, it’s a real sport. Here’s THE list we’ve tested and approved over 70 winters in the Alps!
The essential anti-cold armor:
- Thermal underwear. The basis for EVERYTHING. Tops and bottoms, made from technical materials that wick away perspiration.
- Ski socks. High, technical, not too thick (counter-intuitive but true). Minimum 2 pairs.
- The choker or balaclava. More practical than a scarf that gets stuck everywhere.
- WATERPROOF ski gloves. Mittens for kids (warmer). Bring a spare pair.
- A hat that fits properly. Or a ski helmet (compulsory for children in many resorts).
The stylish skier’s kit (or not):
- Ski suit or jacket + pants. WATERPROOF, we insist. Wet snow is hell.
- The ski mask. Indispensable in bad weather or bright sunshine. Category 3 minimum.
- Category 4 sunglasses. For terrace breaks and walks.
- A fleece or thin down jacket to wear under your ski jacket.
- Après-ski or moon boots. For walking in the snow from the chalet to the slopes.
Technical equipment (if not rented) :
- The ski helmet. Safety first, and it keeps you warm!
- Back protection for children (and careful adults).
- The package holder. The simple thing that saves you the trouble of searching for your package in 15 pockets.
- Small rucksack for snacks and water bottle on the slopes.
The après-ski cocooning wardrobe:
- Jeans or hot pants for the village.
- Cozy sweaters. The art of layering!
- Warm, waterproof shoes for walking in the village.
- Pilou-pilou pyjamas. Indispensable for evenings by the fire.
- Slippers or flip-flops for the chalet.
The winter mountaineer’s survival kit :
- Special mountain sun cream SPF 50. Altitude + reverberation = guaranteed sunburn.
- High-protection lip stick. Chapped lips in the mountains are a horror.
- Moisturizing face and body cream. Dry mountain air dries everything out.
- Anti-blister bandages. For ski boots that rub.
- Arnica and anti-inflammatories. For aches and bruises.
- Eye drops. Dry air + wind = itchy eyes.
Clever little extras for winter mountain vacations:
- Thermos flask. For a hot drink on the slopes or on a walk.
- Hand and foot warmers. Cold-weather fans love them!
- Ski locker padlock.
- Cereal bars and dried fruit. Pocket energy.
- The waterproof camera. For photos in powder snow.
- Board games. For evenings at the chalet.
- The boot puller. A great way to remove ski boots without breaking your back.
We supply the warm sheets and blankets, but as for the rest, you’re all set for a mountain winter!
Book early to enjoy the best winter mountain vacation destinations at the best price
Attention, vital information: winter mountain vacation destinations are THE battle of the bookings! While you’re hesitating, others are going for it. And believe us, arriving in November to book your February vacation is like arriving at the bakery at 2pm on a Sunday: there’s nothing left but the stuff nobody wants.
The sinews of war: prices! Booking your winter mountain vacation early means saving between 20% and 40% on your stay. FORTY PERCENT! We’ve done the math (we love it): a family booking in June for February saves the equivalent of renting all the ski equipment + lift passes + 10 Savoyard fondues. Or an extra weekend. Or the budget for mulled wine all winter long.
The smart skier’s strategic calendar:
- April-May: the ultimate early birds! The resorts release their price lists, everything is available and prices are low.
- June-July: still the jackpot, especially for Christmas and February (the most popular weeks).
- September-October: things start to heat up, but you can still find
- November: school vacations are tight, but January and March are still within reach
- December: it’s panic time and you’re left with the crumbs.
But price is one thing, availability is another! Winter mountain vacation destinations during the school vacations are the Holy Grail. Everyone wants THE week in February, THE well-placed chalet, THE family resort… By December, it’s all been over for 6 months! Smart families booked in the spring, when you were putting your skis away.
The hidden benefits of booking early in winter:
- Book ESF ski lessons (they fill up fast)
- Rent equipment in advance (with early booking discount)
- Organize carpooling with friends
- Prepare for physical fitness (you have to prepare your thighs!)
- Spread payment over several months
- Have time to watch for equipment sales
The death trap: believing that prices will drop at the last minute. Winter in the mountains is not summer in Spain! Prices go up and up and up the closer you get to the dates. Resorts know they’re going to fill up, especially during the school vacations. We’ve seen families pay double because they waited. Double the price! In other words, the tartiflette tasted bitter…
Our Sioux secret: the best quality/price/snow periods are mid-January (excluding vacations) and the end of March. Guaranteed snow, sun starting to warm up, empty slopes, low prices… Paradise! But don’t say that too loudly.
Solid gold tip: program an alert in April. “Book ski next year”. You’ll thank us when you’re hitting the slopes in February while others are still desperately looking for a place!
Why book a winter mountain vacation with Azureva?
This is the part where we tell you why Azureva and your winter mountain vacation destinations are the perfect match. Make yourself comfortable, it’s going to be a blast!
We’re not snow tourists, we were born into it (or almost)! We’ve been skiing for 70 years, and we know every resort, every slope, every high-altitude restaurant worth visiting. Our teams aren’t seasonal Australians discovering the snow (nothing against Australians, we love them). They’re locals who know how to tell you “tomorrow there’ll be powder on the north side, so go for it when it opens” or “avoid sector X after 2pm, it’ll turn to soup”. This expertise is priceless.
Our villages are authentic mountains, not ski factories! We’ve chosen resorts on a human scale, where children can go to ski lessons on their own, where you meet the same people at the chairlift, where the cheese-maker recognizes you after 3 days. Our accommodation is designed especially for winter: heated and secure ski room, boot dryer (absolute bliss), fireplace for après-ski… Azureva’s winter mountain vacations are all about comfort without the bling.
The children’s snow club, our pride and joy! Because parents struggling with their children on the slopes is no vacation. Our entertainers organize private snow gardens, epic snowball fights, igloo building, trapper-style treasure hunts… The kids come back with stars in their eyes, and the parents can finally go off-piste (or take a nap, we don’t judge).
The chalet atmosphere among friends, even if you don’t know each other! That’s the magic of Azureva. Mulled wine on arrival, raclette evenings where tables mingle, torchlight descents together, endless card games by the fire… No anonymous room numbers, no impersonal self-service. With us, after 3 days, it’s camp for adults (in a good way).
All-inclusive! Full board with mountain specialities (fondue, raclette, tartiflette, we’ve got it), half board for those who want to try out the local restaurants, self-catering for the independent… And if you want to change during your stay, we’ll make it happen. This flexibility is what makes us different from a mass-market tour operator.
Smart partnerships! Discounted equipment hire, negotiated ski passes, priority ESF lessons, access to off-ski activities… We’ve built up a network over 70 years, and our holidaymakers benefit from it. No need to negotiate, compare or stress. We’ve already done the work for you. We specialize in headache-free winter mountain vacation destinations.
Safety is our obsession! The mountains in winter are magnificent, but they’re also unforgiving. Our teams will brief you on conditions, avalanche risk levels, and trails suited to your level. We’re in contact with first-aid workers and mountain guides. We want you to experience the big thrill, but in safety. We’re not interested in vacations that end up in the emergency room.
And, above all, we love snow! When we see a family making their first tracks in the morning powder, a kid pulling his first t-bar without falling (a feat!), grandparents skiing with their grandchildren… It’s our passion! Azureva’s winter mountain vacation destinations don’t just mean a bed at the foot of the slopes. It’s about living the mountain to the full, sharing the passion of the slopes, and creating memories that shine like snow in the sun.
To sum up your next winter vacation in a mountain destination
Can you hear the call of the powder? That crunch of snow under your skis, that feeling of freedom as you hurtle down the slopes, that hot chocolate that’s never tasted so good? Winter vacation destinations in the mountains are an enchanted interlude where everything turns white and magical, where children discover that winter isn’t all Netflix under the comforter, and where parents rediscover the gliding sensations of yesteryear.
At Azureva, we’re waiting for you with our cosy chalets, our advice from seasoned mountaineers, our unique atmosphere, and this simple promise: winter mountain vacations that really taste of adventure and sharing. Where every day is a discovery, where evenings are warm and cosy, where you can say “can’t wait for next year” before you’ve even taken off your skis.
The snow is waiting for you, your ski pass is getting impatient, and we’ve already chilled the genepi for your arrival. Now all you have to do is choose your resort and book (now, not in 3 months!).
Because winter in the mountains is a magic you can’t find anywhere else. That feeling of being alive, really alive.