There’s already been a surge in bookings for the South Tyrol, Lombardy and Veneto regions on Airbnb, alongside a spike of interest in snow-based activities. And little wonder, because winter escapes offer way more than simply skiing and boarding, with all kinds of adventures to get the adrenalin pumping, from dog-sledding to ice skating.
Not sold on the cold? You can can still get your sporty mojo on this winter, just make it somewhere sun-kissed instead. So whether your family are snow-lovers or sun-worshippers, now’s the time to book a fun, fit and fabulous adventure for all ages this winter.
Club Med Pragelato Via lattea, Italy
Best for: Skiing
What: This relaxed, all-inclusive escape by Club Med is your family ski holiday dream come true, with a cable car and ski school mere steps from the boot room, contemporary chalets, and access to the vast Via Lattea ski area. When you’re all back from the slopes, there’s an indoor pool and three restaurants serving a mountain of delicious food to enjoy, all included in the price.
How much: Seven nights from £1,863pp with .
Arctic Treehouse Hotel Break, Lapland
Best for: Snowmobiling, husky-sledding & snowshoeing
What: You’ll be just south of the Arctic Circle on this pretty, wintry break, which gives the kids (okay, you) the chance to try snowmobiling and husky dog-sledding through a magical, snow-covered forest. The eco-friendly hotel rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows also provide a great chance to catch the aurora borealis, the world’s best light show.
How much: Four nights from £1,995pp including accommodation, flights and activities with | Best Served Scandinavia .
La Portetta, France
Best for: Skiing, dog-sledding, ice skating, tobogganing
What: Winter sports fun with bells on. There’s so much to do at this picturesque resort you’ll be spoilt for choice, but why not start with putting the kids in one of the area’s top ski schools (ESF or New Generation), then enjoying incredible runs in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest linked ski area. When the ski boots start to dig in after a couple of days, give yourselves a break and try some of the other snow sports on offer, including an exhilarating dog-sled ride or a whizz around the skating rink. Back at base, there’s Fire & Ice bar and candle-lit hammam to relax in.
How much: From £543 per night (family rooms available) with i-escape.
Cove Lodge & Bay, Devon
Best for: Surfing, coasteering
What: Book a family holiday at this lovely two-bedroom lodge near Ilfracombe and you won’t be able to resist pulling on a wetsuit because there’s the North Devon World Surfing Reserve on your doorstep, a 30-kilometre stretch of coastline with world-class iconic breaks, including Croyde and Saunton. It’s one of the best places in the country to learn how to catch a wave, and some surf schools operate year-round. There are plenty of other family bonding activities if you don’t want to brave the water, including seal-spotting and hiking along the rugged cliffs.
How much: Seven nights from £457 in January with Helpful Holidays.
Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin, France
Best for: Snowboarding, skiing
What: Mark Warner’s Chalet Hotel L’Ecrin is close to ski lifts, offers childcare from four months old, skiing and snowboard lessons for kids, family rooms and luxe spa and pool facilities. What we love most, however, is that a stay here includes a big breakfast (full English), afternoon tea (including homemade cake) and a three-course dinner. Now that’s a holiday.
How much: From £899pp (saving £75pp) with Mark Warner.
Brazil North Coast Adventure
Best for: Kite-surfing, quad biking
What: It takes 14 days to drive from Rio de Janeiro to Cruz near Sao Paulo on this epic adventure, which is perfect for tweens and teens. Kick things off with surf lessons in Rio de Janeiro, then get the adrenalin pumping again on a trek in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, where you and the fam can learn how to kite surf on the stunning lagoons. Climbing giant sand dunes, horse-riding and whizzing along the sand on quad bikes in Jericoacoara are more highlights of this unmissable adventure.
How much: Fourteen-day itinerary from £5,000pp with Dehouche.
Classic Family Oman
Best for: Rock-climbing, abseiling, dune-bashing
What: From the moment your family holiday begins in capital Muscat, prepare to get active, as you’ll be boarding a traditional dhow boat cruise (you might spot some dolphins along the way). However it’s the mountains and canyons that provide the real thrills, like clambering over giant boulders and splashing through streams in Nizwa’s spectacular Wadi Bani Auf gorge, and Saiq Plateau, 2,000 metres above sea level, where you can test your strength rock climbing and abseiling before moving on to spend the night in the desert at Wahiba Sands. Unforgettable.
How much: Twelve-day Classic Family Oman from £4,000pp including flights with Experience Travel Group.
St Regis, Mauritius
Best for: Kite-surfing, golf, tennis, scuba
What: One of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful hotels also happens to be a top spot for sports. Not only does it come with access to an 18-hole golf course, but it’s also known as one of the best places in the world to learn to kite-surf, not to mention tennis lessons on tap, a brilliant kids’ club and the chance to hike up Le Morne mountain at sunrise. Or you could just relax on the five-kilometre stretch of silky white sand. The choice is yours.
How much: Seven nights from £2,632pp including flights with Inspiring Travel.
See more ideas at 101 Family Holidays.