Though the summer is running headlong towards us, it’s hard to shake the grip that the cold has had on us for the last six-plus months. Life-limiting as the winter weather in the UK can be, there’s something inarguably sublime about embracing the cold, finding the fun, feeling the chill; maybe you’re even missing the frost already…
It’s not hugely likely, but in any event, winter holidays are a year-round prospect. Whether you’re planning for next Christmas already, or whether you’re chomping at the bit to escape the nascent spring in favour of something altogether colder, there’s every incentive to spend a little time now exploring your wintery holiday options.
Whether you’re dreaming of ski weekends in the Alps, wandering through lantern lit Christmas markets, or simply after your earliest possible sight of the Aurora Borealis, the cold opens the door to some of the most memorable travel experiences on the planet…
Skiing In France
When it comes to ski holidays France is hard to beat. The French Alps are a veritable playground for carving up slopes, crossing through forests and getting cosy with the apres-ski crowd. The French Alps are, after all, one of the world’s premier winter sports destinations, home to legendary resorts like Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Courchevel, and Les Deux Alpes amongst a great many illustrious others.
You don’t get much more quintessentially wintry than the French Alps – and, crucially, there is a year-round ski scene here, so you’ll never be short of opportunities to escape to the slopes, nor to make new friends in the chalets afterwards. Outside of the resorts themselves, there’s a great deal to enjoy in the charming Alpine villages and their hospitable folk.
Northern Lights In Iceland
Aurora Borealis – that is, the Northern Lights – is one of the most majestic and sublime of the natural wonders. There are many places in the Arctic Circle that give access to such wondrous sights, but Iceland is one of the most intriguing places you could visit for this purpose. Its dramatic volcanic landscapes are just as arresting as the sky can be; incidentally, late summer is one of the best times of year in which to see the Northern Lights, being the very start of a long season in which their visibility is more likely.
Vienna, Austria
Finally, something ever-so-slightly more urban for your consideration. Vienna is by no means a bustling megalopolis, but it is Austria’s capital – and combines near-Alpine architectural charm with a healthy dose of culture and nightlife. Schönbrunn Palace market is a must-visit in the day, and the Vienna State Opera is a must-visit at night.
