February 2011 Skiing Holidays

February skiing holidays remain extremely popular, with these peak-season weeks enjoying some of the best conditions of the year, thanks to the abundant snowfall that blankets the European mountains during the month. The school half-term holidays can cause high prices at this time, and due to extensive demand, availability can be limited, but with careful planning and an open mind, a February skiing holiday need not cost the earth and can offer the chance of a great week away. Late-availability deals mean great bargains for savvy skiers who can travel outside of the half-term weeks, and are flexible with resort choice and departure date on their February skiing holiday.

 

Being peak season, conditions on February skiing holidays are fantastic all over Europe and North America, with plenty of snow throughout and exceptional powder, especially at the higher elevations. Securing a February skiing holiday well in advance ensures the widest selection of resorts and accommodation choices, and often allows for special incentives such as free places, discounted ski passes and equipment hire. Many families take advantage of the school half-term week off and escape to the slopes on their February skiing holiday, and thanks to the extensive family-friendly resorts available, there's plenty of choice for those who book early. For those not willing to book in advance, there are usually some late-availability deals around for early and late February skiing holidays, however special offers for half-term, are extremely limited. Resorts can be busy at this time, with February skiing holidays often seeing plenty of skiers on the slopes, long queues at the lifts and crowded restaurants and bars. There are generally plenty of children visiting the resorts, and it is advisable to pre-book nursery places and ski school lessons well in advance on February skiing lessons. For those without children, travelling outside of the school holidays is the best time to get away on a February skiing holiday, to take advantage of the wider selection of packages, lower prices and quieter resorts, and the last-minute deals. 

 

Established ski centres in France continue to see high demand for a February skiing holiday, with popular resorts in Les Portes du Soleil, Three Valleys, Espace Killy and Paradiski such as Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs and La Plagne offering excellent skiing for all levels, varied accommodation and first-class amenities. Switzerland, Austria and Italy are home to popular ski centres, with resorts such as Zermatt, Verbier, Obergurgl, Mayrhofen, Val Gardena and Bormio known to be good for families, with plenty of facilities. A great time to look towards lesser-visited ski areas in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Norway and Sweden, February skiing holidays can offer a completely different experience and the chance to discover a brand new culture whilst on the slopes this year.