Winter Getaway Guide

Back to the Central Europe it's time to year what Hannah has to tell us about Winter Getaways and check out some Mont Blanc photos. Thanks so much for the post and words to you Hannah...

Winter getaways are a great alternative to the standard summer holiday and provide completely unique opportunities, such as taking part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, or exploring the fantastic landscapes of regions that are best seen when blanketed in snow. A cosy cabin with a roaring open fire or a magnificent converted castle or chateau can provide unrivalled accommodation in a wintry setting.


One of the most popular winter getaway destinations is, understandably, the Alps that span much of Europe, including France, Italy and Austria. The landscapes of this vast region include great towering peaks such as Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn as well as pristine lakes and rich pine forests. The skiing available here is some of the best in the world with many ideal resorts offering a huge range of slopes and sports throughout; the main season for Alpine winter sports is between December and April. In addition, there is much history and culture in the Alps, including Berchtesgaden in Germany and the great meadows of Austria that inspired The Sound of Music.

Another hugely popular winter destinations is Canada. Like the Alps, it offers great skiing opportunities but there is also much else to be seen in this vast and diverse nation. The huge pine forests and mountain ranges, including the huge Rockies, provide a chance for hiking and exploring and are home to many different varieties of wildlife that are found in few other places. Some of Canada`s cities are also best seen in winter, such as Vancouver, where sports such as ice hockey are highly popular. Further south, across the border into the United States, ski resorts such as Aspen flourish in winter on a huge tourist influx which supports a vibrant nightlife and exciting atmosphere.

For a more sedate winter getaway experience, Scotland can provide a break of calm from the relentless rush of the daily grind. In the rugged countryside of mountains, including Britain`s highest peak, Ben Nevis, rivers and magnificent lochs, walking and exploring is a pleasure all of its own. In this great natural expanse, iconic and unique accommodation can be found in converted castles that offer a rich sense of history as well as luxury and the sense of complete isolation from the outside world. In winter, Scotland tends to have a fairly high snowfall which creates glorious white landscapes but not necessarily with the inconveniences that come in areas with poor access.


For those seeking greater culture and vibrancy from their winter getaway, the cities of Eastern Europe are often best visited in winter. Riga, the capital of Latvia, for instance manages to maintain a picturesque image of red tiled roofs and ornate church spires, while also being a bustling urban region with numerous bars and restaurants. Krakow, in Poland, is also a popular winter destination as its grand castle and great town square provide attractions even while the snow is falling.

Overall, there is a huge variety of winter getaways on offer, with something available to suit travellers of all tastes, whether seeking sporty excitement, isolated peace and quiet or the enchantment of a snowbound city. Any getaway can be made all the more accessible by using First Choice discount vouchers to bring the cost down.