5 ski resorts in Europe you need to visit this winter

03 January 2025

Italy - Hotel Du Col

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Hotel Du Col is a haven for skiers seeking both luxury and adventure. Imagine waking up to the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains, right from your room. With its long ski season and exceptional ski conditions, you can enjoy well-groomed slopes that cater to all levels. Not a skier? No worries! Hotel Du Col offers a variety of activities, including snowshoeing and spa treatments, making it the perfect winter retreat.

France - Club Med Val Thorens Sensations

France's Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is where adrenaline meets elegance. Located in the largest and highest ski area in the world, prepare for challenging slopes and a lively après-ski scene. The hotel itself is a busy hub, offering everything from gourmet dining to wellness treatments, and is a quick five minutes from the closest ski lift. If you're looking to take a break from the slopes, try your hand at ice climbing or explore the picturesque village of Val Thorens that is on your doorstep.

Austria - Edelweiss & Gurgl

For a truly Alpine experience, head to Edelweiss & Gurgl in Austria. Known for its charming Tyrolean architecture, this resort offers pristine ski conditions with its high-altitude location ensuring snow reliability. The scenery here is nothing short of magical, with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. After a day of skiing, unwind with some traditional Austrian cuisine or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the enchanting winter landscape.

Bulgaria - Hotel Iglika

If you’re seeking an affordable yet incredible ski holiday, Hotel Iglika in Bulgaria is the place to be. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, the resort provides a diverse range of slopes suited for both beginners and experts. The scenic beauty of the Rila Mountains adds to the charm, offering stunning vistas as you glide down the slopes. Off the piste, you can explore local Bulgarian culture with visits to nearby villages or indulge in delicious traditional meals.

Norway - SkiStar Lodge Trysil

Experience the magic of Norway's largest ski resort, SkiStar Lodge Trysil. Renowned for its family-friendly environment and variety of slopes, it's perfect for skiers of all ages. The long ski season ensures ample time to enjoy the powdery snow and explore the beautiful, forested trails. In addition to skiing, the resort offers activities like snowmobiling for those looking to diversify their adventure. The lodge itself is a cosy retreat, with facilities that promise relaxation after an action-packed day.

See another side of Africa beyond the safari parks

27 April 2026

Africa is often introduced through safari, but that’s only one part of a much wider experience. Across the continent, you’ll find coastlines, cities, mountains, and food scenes that feel completely different from one another. South Africa is a good example of this variety, where you can move from beaches to vineyards to historic sites within a relatively short distance. It’s a destination that works just as well for a multi-stop trip as it does for a single base with day trips.

Set-jetting: The world's most cinematic destinations to visit right now

22 April 2026

More than half of all travellers now research a destination after seeing it on screen, and the results are genuinely exciting: set jetting is sending curious travellers to places they might never have otherwise considered, taking them deeper into destinations than a standard itinerary ever would. The best set-jetting trips aren't just about ticking off a filming location. They're about using a story you love as a way into somewhere real. Here are the destinations doing it best right now - and the shows that are sending people there.

This resort is the most striking place to experience Mount Fuji

22 April 2026

Most people see Mount Fuji from a distance – either from the Shinkansen window or briefly between buildings in Tokyo. Hanz Outdoor Resort, set directly on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, offers something meaningfully different. Here, the mountain dominates the view from your villa terrace, from the lake at dawn, and from the open-air thermal baths fed by natural waters sourced from Fuji itself. It's a base that works both for first-time visitors who want to understand why this mountain holds such significance in Japanese culture and for repeat travellers ready to explore the less-visited corners of the Fuji Five Lakes region. The resort has also been featured in National Geographic, Time Out, and described by Metro UK as “the most beautiful campsite they had ever seen”. Here are a few reasons why…