Un-Pretentious Ski in Italy

Jet2.com are preparing for a stampede to the ski-slopes this winter, with cheap flights to Chamberry or Geneva already on stand-by, thanks to the “good omens” and potential early snow mentioned by Stephen Wood in the Telegraph’s travel section.
His article mentioned several “high-calibre resorts” in the breathtaking Italian Alps, such as Madonna di Campiglio, San Cassiano and Cortina, which he describes as unpretentious and easily accessible. Renowned for its versatility, Madonna di Campiglio is suitable for all levels of expertise, providing a laid-back holiday with great cuisine and après ski.

Chamonix

Families and groups of friends may find everything they’re looking for at Chamonix, one of the world’s leading ski resorts, again within easy reach of cheap flights to Geneva or Chambery. A good mix of slopes and après ski provides something for everyone, with gentle starter slopes for young children and beginners.Guardian travel writer, Gemma Bowes is already a convert, having enjoyed the “low-key, family friendly” merits of Les Houches in the Chamonix village, which she describes as being less intimidating than its neighbour where “die-hard off-pisters” tend to gather. Les Houches also offers plenty of attractions for all age-groups, including “a husky dog park, goat farm, mountain railways and a tree-top adventure playground.”  And it’s ideal for snowboarding.

Meribel

Located in the celebrated Three Valleys, purpose-built Meribel has retained its alpine charm and is  part of a network of vibrant and thriving resorts including Courchevel and La Tania, where the skiing, snowboarding and après ski scene is brimming with people each winter.

Meribel also boasts a new state-of-the-art app which has a very useful emergency button so that skiers and snowboarders on the slopes can quickly and easily alert attention if they need any help. And, for competitive skiers, the app can record how many kilometres everyone has covered in a day, so no one is able to cheat!