5 reasons why a January ski holiday is an absolute must-do

Embrace the Chill! Winter is a wonderful time of the year and with the majority of our ski resorts open from December to April, there are plenty of skiing opportunities! BUT, there's something particularly enchanting about embarking on a ski holiday in January. In this article, we'll explore 5 reasons why a January ski holiday is an absolute must-do…

1. Great snow conditions

With cooler temperatures, January is an ideal month for finding crisp, dry, powdery snow conditions. A skier's dream come true! It is also the month which generally has the largest amount of snowfall, meaning excellent coverage and great skiing opportunities both on and off-piste. And in the worst-case scenario, if the snow does not fall in great quantities then the cold temperatures preserve what there is and the resort piste bashers work their magic! 
 

2. Quieter slopes

Unlike the madness of the Christmas and New Year December holidays, the half-term February rush or even the end-of-season Easter break, January tends to be a quieter month in ski resorts across the French Alps. With fewer people on the slopes, this means shorter lift queues, more uninterrupted time on the slopes and the freedom to explore more runs and trails. We often find these conditions also offer better opportunities to fine-tune technique and take on more challenging terrain meaning people can advance quicker too. This is especially key for beginners, as you’ll have plenty of space on the slopes to practice your moves. Don’t forget, we can book your ski lessons in advance for you.

3. It’s cheaper

You’ll find some of the best discounts in January, such as reduced rates on ski passes, cheaper accommodation prices and more affordable ski hire deals. Even the cost of flights for international clients decreases thanks to supply and demand. January allows your money to basically go further! Depending on the week, you can literally save thousands on your accommodation. Our little tip is to treat yourself in January to a more luxurious accommodation option. We can more or less guarantee you’ll still be saving money if you were to book a peak season week like New Year or mid-February. We can also help you with this, thanks to our selection of hotels, chalets, residences and apartments!
 

4. Stunning scenery

Picture this, fresh blankets of pristine powdery snow covering the mountain landscapes, picturesque snow-topped chalet roofs and glistening white diamonds as you ski or snowboard down the slopes. Yes, January is a truly magnificent scene, and the breathtaking ever-white panoramas alone are worth the trip. By February, the weather starts to warm up and this white paradise is simply not the same.

5. Après-ski fun

What is après-ski? It’s the whole shebang of entertainment after your day on the slopes. This often involves dancing on tables to live music or cosying up by the warm fireplace with a delicious vin chaud (hot wine). It can also include after-ski activities like nighttime sledging, ski touring or dining out in a delicious Savoyard restaurant. Whatever it is you are after, January offers some of the best moments to be had. As the evenings draw in earlier you appreciate the difference between day and night and really make the most of the moment. I mean nighttime sledging is so much better in the dark!

So, as you can see a ski holiday in January is more than just a holiday. It's an experience that combines the thrill of winter sports with the tranquillity of a snow-covered paradise. With fresh powder, affordable deals and serene slopes, January provides the ideal backdrop for skiers or snowboarders of all levels. So, embrace the chill and make the most of this winter season by planning a ski getaway in January. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, the mountains are calling and there's no better time to answer than now!