Your Coffee Break’s Top 4 Winter Getaways!

October 30, 2012

With November right around the corner, it’s time to bundle up and start planning your winter escape. A reliably enjoyable way of spending your holiday is on beautiful European ski slopes, but picking an ideal ski resort can be a daunting task. Here are some trendy locations worth looking into!

Chamonix

Chamonix, host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, is a beautiful alpine town located by the Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. The considerable amount of skiing terrain in the area, both on and off-piste, is attractive to people of different skiing abilities, even though the steep slopes seem more appropriate for advanced skiers. A cheap alternative to the more upscale hotels in the area are the “gites”, or lodges. Beyond the wide selection of runs during the day, Chamonix is wonderful for those who enjoy the “apres ski” scene with its array of great bars and restaurants.

chamonix

Courchevel

The French ski resort of Courchevel is an upscale winter wonderland. Located in the Alps, the town is known to be a ritzy destination peppered with high-end stores. In fact, some of the boutiques even provide ski-in, ski-out shopping. Courchevel’s main appeal is undoubtedly the combination of phenomenal conditions and superb scenery. The town itself has preserved its rustic French feel, making the resort even more magical.

Cortina

Referred to by many as Italy’s most chic winter destination, Cortina d’Ampezzo will provide you with a wonderful combination of high alpine experience and delectable local cuisine. The site of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina has been a top celebrity destination for decades; the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn used to travel to this exclusive Italian destination. At times, Cortina lacks in fresh powder but duly makes up for it in culinary experience, fashionable finds and gorgeous scenery.

cortina

Innsbruck

Twice the host of the Winter Olympics, Innsbruck is a wonderfully picturesque city with a true history of winter sports. The capital city of the Austrian federal state of Tyro, Innsbruck is located in a valley between high mountains. Though there is limited on-mountain lodging, one can easily travel from neighboring accommodations to the slopes. In terms of cultural experience, you don’t need to go any further. Walk around the town and come across a castle, museums, theaters and much more. Additionally, people have the option of going on daily excursions in order to discover other Austrian towns.

Tatiana is a Paris-based and Boston-educated freelance writer and avid fashion photographer who is passionate about public relations and global communications. Her interests include social activism and the intersections of fashion and feminism. You can follow her here: twitter.com/tatianakombo