Skiing

FEBRUARY in Britain is officially a washout – so now’s the perfect time to book your next holiday.

ClubMed has just launched a massive flash sale, slashing 20% off a bundle of luxury all-inclusive ski holidays.

Club Med: 20% off ski holidays

Whether you fancy skiing the French peaks or the Italian slopes, you can bag a serious bargain with the travel operator – but only for the next few days.

This promotion launched earlier today (3rd February) and runs until midnight on Friday (6th February).

Best of all, it covers holidays all the way from November 2026 to May 2027.

The discounts on offer are for a wide number of ClubMed resorts across the European Alps.

At Alpe d’Huez, you get ski-in, ski-out access to a massive 250km piste area.

When you aren’t carving up the snow, you can also try dog-sledding or hit the PAYOT spa.

You can even enjoy a legendary apres-ski session at the beautiful lobby bar.

If you want to go all out, Grand Massif offers contemporary chalet-apartments with private fireplaces.

Guests there even enjoy a daily glass of champagne from 6pm.

Meanwhile, Les Arcs Panorama is a family dream, featuring a Scandinavian enchanted forest design.

You can even soak those sore legs in an open-air jacuzzi while looking out over the Paradiski area.

Because it’s all-inclusive, your lift passes and lessons are usually sorted, meaning there are no nasty, hidden-cost surprises.

ClubMed ski holiday deals this February

The 20% discount is automatically applied to these price drops (per person, per week):

• Val Thorens, £1,226 (was £1,440) – book here
• Tignes, £1,397 (was £1,594) – book here
• Les Arcs Panorama, £1,414 (was £1,661) – book here
• Peisey Vallandry, £1,522 (was £1,788) – book here
• Val d’Isere, £1,549 (was £1,820) – book here
• Valmorel, £1,614 (was £1,896) – book here
• La Rosiere, £1,616 (was £1,899) – book here
• Pragelato, £1,644 (was £1,931) – book here
• Alp d’Huez, £1,659 (was £1,949) – book here
• Serre Chevalier, £1,730 (was £2,033) – book here

Remember, it’s savvy holidaymakers who plan months or even years in advance.

This is a chance to get a late-2026 or 2027 adventure locked in for less.

But don’t hang about: this sale is only runs for a few more days.

Further afield, there’s a Balkan resort with £1 beers has been named Europe’s most affordable ski destination.

The flash sale launches today and offers up to 20% off peak date ski trips for 2026/27

Ski fans and families looking to hit the slopes for the 2026/27 season can get ready to bag some big deals, as Club Med has announced its highly anticipated Winter 2027 sale. Short but sweet: the sale will run from today until February 6, 2026.

The promotional deal offers up to 20% off all Ski Resorts for stays between three and 28 nights. Those looking for a bit of luxury can bag 20% off premium rooms (including deluxe rooms, suites, and villas), while standard superior rooms are discounted by up to 15%.

With a travel window running from November 14, 2026, to May 5, 2027, this three-day flash sale offers plenty of flexibility for shoppers. Crucially for parents, the discounts also apply to peak dates, meaning half-term and Christmas holidays are also included.

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The travel experts at Club Med are promising a “worry-free” winter by locking in all-inclusive prices now. Premium mountain getaways start from £1,085 per person, including several “hidden extras” that usually send ski budgets racing downhill.

Club Med offers families a way to hit the slopes, with children under 4 staying for free and bookings secured with a £150 per person deposit. Their premium all-inclusive packages eliminate hidden costs by covering dining, drinks and a range of sports and activities, and Kids Clubs are included for those aged four to 17, with additional childcare services also available.

Save 20% on deluxe rooms, suites and villas at all Club Med Ski resorts

Prices vary

Club Med

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Kids under 4 stay free, with bookings secured from £150pp, and guests can enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience with food, drinks, sports, activities and Kids’ Clubs (extra cost for under-4s).

A spokesperson for Club Med said: “With our upcoming Winter 2027 sale, we are offering our best deals of the season across all dates. By booking during this window, guests can secure their dream room and preferred peak dates at a price that simply won’t be beaten later in the year.”

For those looking to hit the French or Italian Alps, several top-tier resorts are expected to be popular next winter. Nestled at 1,460 metres behind spruce trees, Club Med Valmorel features architecture inspired by traditional Beaufortain mansions with stone roofs and colourful facades.

The resort offers plenty of activities ranging from sledding and skiing in the Grand Domaine to snowshoeing through the Aigueblanche valley and relaxing in the indoor pool. Guests can upgrade to the “Le Lodge” Exclusive Collection space to enjoy elegant suites, private ski rooms and luxury perks like champagne service from 6pm.

Elsewhere at Club Med Alpe d’Huez in the Savoie ski area, serious skiers can enjoy direct ski-in/ski-out access to a vast 250km domain featuring Europe’s longest black run. The resort is designed for all generations and abilities though, with the “Happy Lounge” and indoor pool with adult-only sanctuaries such as “La Bulle” and the PAYOT spa.

Guests can enjoy panoramic mountain views from private balconies or take part in unique alpine experiences including dog sledding and vibrant après-ski at the lobby bar. For a real touch of luxury, Club Med Val d’Isère is the only Exclusive Collection Resort in the French mountains, offering a stylish blend of stone and wooden chalets nestled in a legendary alpine valley.

The resort caters to ski enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike with world-class slopes, yoga and a luxury spa, all within a setting designed for privacy and relaxation. A highly regarded resort for upscale skiers who appreciate the finer things in life, guests can enjoy enhanced premium services, including a dedicated concierge to cater to every need and a private shuttle service to the village centre.

Another choice is the Club Med La Rosière, perched 1,900 metres high with 180° south-facing views in the Haute-Tarentaise Valley. Families can explore the Espace San Bernardo – a cross-border ski domain once traversed by Hannibal – or enjoy the village’s famous Saint Bernards and freestyle competitions. For ultimate luxury, the Exclusive Collection space offers premium balconies overlooking the Tarentaise Valley in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

If the Italian slopes are calling, Club Med Pragelato Vialattea is a charming Piedmont resort designed like a traditional Italian hamlet, featuring clusters of cosy chalets set around a village fountain at 1,600 metres. The resort provides direct access to the Olympic slopes of the Via Lattea and Sestriere domains, complemented by alpine activities such as snowshoeing through pine forests and relaxing in a Finnish sauna. Families can experience the authentic Italian mountain lifestyle, pairing days on the slopes with après-ski treats like Genovese focaccia and evenings in the resort’s lounge.

Alternatively, Club Med Saint-Moritz Roi Soleil provides a glamorous Swiss Alps experience at 1,750 metres, just a short distance from the prestigious lake and high-end boutiques of St Moritz. The resort offers access to 350km of slopes that have hosted the Winter Olympics and World Championships, with activities including cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing through the Engadine valley.

Families can enjoy mountain-top lunches, horse-drawn carriage rides, and traditional Swiss fondue dinners, all included alongside premium amenities like a heated indoor pool and sauna. For skiers who are looking to go further afield, Club Med’s first North American mountain resort – Club Med Quebec Charlevoix – offers a unique “sea meets peaks” experience with contemporary Canadian architecture and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River.

Located in the Charlevoix region, experienced skiers can tackle challenging slopes with direct ski-in/ski-out access, while year-round trails provide diverse opportunities for both winter sports and summer hiking. The resort is designed to immerse guests in an unspoiled natural landscape, blending premium all-inclusive comfort with the raw beauty of a UNESCO-designated biosphere.

Club Med’s ski holidays offer a fully all-inclusive getaway that most ski operators don’t match. But for ski fans looking for something different, TUI offers a range of ski holidays across Europe. Offering a range of hotels and self-catering accommodation, guests can book ski and lift passes, equipment passes and more before they travel.

Alternatively, British Airways has some European deals worth considering, including ski holidays in Bulgaria. As one of Europe’s best value resorts, Sofia is a good choice for skiers on a budget.

Ski fans who have already hit the piste with Club Med have left thousands of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. One traveller who stayed at Val d’Isère left a five-star review, saying: “Stayed here recently and would certainly recommend.

“Such a good location, with pistes from the door, which is rare in Val d’Isere. Easy walk to town too if you fancy it. Bus stops at the front door too, if you don’t want the walk. Catering was the usual Club Med quality buffet, with loads of choice and variety every day.”

Another who visited Club Med La Rosière, was also delighted, sharing: “Club Med, all included and you don’t want for anything. It makes things very simple. The hotel is beautifully presented, looks very classy and modern, yet still comfortable. It was spotlessly clean and a comfortable temperature throughout. Staff are very friendly and always say hello and are very helpful if you have a query.”

However, a visitor who stayed at the Alpe d’Huez resort was less impressed, noting: “Everything is perfect except the noisy dining room. Lots of people, but the fact that the tables are very close exacerbates the problem.”

While another visitor at the same resort was bowled over, adding: “Of all the rest of the network that I have hosted, in fact, the ClubMed Alpe D’Huez is the best. The offer of services, the party climate and especially the team of ski teachers, plus an amazing piste made – at least for me – the best choice among the hotels of this network for a family looking to enjoy the trip with friends, have fun and even improve their skill in skiing.”

Milo Boyd explored M De Megève, a luxury hotel in the French Alps beloved by the mega-rich that rivals any White Lotus setting

White Lotus is making a comeback for a fourth season, this time heading to the Château de La Messardière – a genuine palace-turned-hotel nestled on 32 verdant acres of jasmine, cypress trees and parasol pines in France’s Saint-Tropez.

Whilst there’s no question that the programme will continue to captivate, excite and astonish on the Mediterranean, the show’s brilliant creator Mike White has overlooked a golden opportunity.

There exists a resort 300km to the north that presents a far more abundant tapestry of historical glamour and nouveau riche intrigue that forms the backbone of the HBO sensation, whilst also providing grounds for introducing a yodelling theme tune.

That destination is Megève and the particular hotel, the M De Megève. The compact ski resort is nestled 1,400 metres up the French Alps, beneath the shadow of Mont Blanc.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

OPINION

Milo Boyd

Although the village of 3,000 might be less renowned than Tignes or Val d’Isère, it remains cherished by the ultra-wealthy and French nobility.

Indeed, Megève’s exceptionally affluent origins trace back to the late 1910s when Noémie de Rothschild – weary of encountering German arms dealers in Switzerland’s Saint Moritz – resolved to place the tiny and rural settlement on the map.

In the 100 years since, dozens of ski lifts have emerged across 400 km of interconnected pistes; several Michelin-starred chefs have established themselves in Alpine life there; and luxury hotels matching those showcased in White Lotus have welcomed the global elite. This January, I managed to slip in amongst the international elite for a weekend at M De Megève, a five-star establishment that belongs to the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World club.

It is a truly enchanting destination.

Upon arrival, a porter swiftly collects your luggage and a beverage is offered as you’re escorted to the crackling fire in the entrance hall. A welcome pairing after travelling from London on Eurostar’s Snowtrain, despite the smooth and agreeable nature of the trip.

Drink finished and cases transported upstairs, it’s time to begin discovering.

The M De Megève comprises 42 rooms arranged around a lengthy reception space that opens into a bar area by the entrance, a bistro at the rear and a fondue restaurant to the side. Friendly staff, many of whom spend their winters grafting in the Alps before heading back to Cannes or Marseille for the summer season, are available to help, converse or simply beam a greeting.

In the intimate Grand Crus de Fondue, they’re prepared to provide some more particular guidance. “How do you like your cheese,” the hotel’s sommelier-style Cheese Chef enquired of my partner and I, before conjuring up a pot of bubbling, stomach-fillingly potent fondue that nearly floored us there at the table.

Who knows what would’ve occurred if we’d chosen the Champagne or pear cider base, rather than playing it safe with a classic white wine blend. Equally scrumptious and more traditional cuisine is offered at the bistro, where we feasted on extraordinary plates of French onion soup, mushroom risotto and sea bream, accompanied by a glass or two of Pommery Champagne.

M De Megève enjoys a special partnership with the Reims château, as it does with Clarins. Visitors are showered with complimentary face creams and balms from the premium French skincare brand, and pampered with its complete range down in the spa.

I genuinely question whether my masseuse, who left me floating on clouds and resolved a weeks-long bout of troublesome skin, was practising sorcery.

The enchantment persisted in the timber alpine lodge-style quarters, where drapes are controlled by a bedside button and the lavatories are delightfully interactive.

“Our Asian and Middle Eastern guests insist on it,” a staff member informed me.

White Lotus producer David Bernad recently dashed hopes of a ski season when he declared, “Mike does not like the cold”.

Fortunately for him, the M De Megève’s sauna, hammam and hot tub are sufficiently steamy to warm his joints and, naturally, provide enough ‘actors in swimsuits’ screen time to satisfy the fans.

Yet it is in a different type of suit that Megève’s visitors are at their finest.

Venture out onto the cobblestones of the village and you’ll discover high-fashion brands aplenty. We’re talking Dior, Hermès, Rolex. We’re talking an average month’s wage to kit out each of the piste posers in a white ski-suit, designer label of choice adorned in diamanté on the back. “Megève is a place to be seen,” a Canadian heir explained in the queue for a drag lift.

And he’s right. What’s so intriguing about the hotel is that, despite sitting just 100m from the Chamois lifts, many guests do not ski. Instead, they come to shop, to parade through the village on horse-drawn carriages, and to telecabin up in platform Uggs to a hillside grill flogging £200 steaks and £9 bottles of Evian.

I adore skiing. For the unmatched physical excitement it provides on days brimming with powder-fresh thrills and stunning panoramas.

And for the opportunity to glimpse into a contrasting realm. A realm of Brits debating whether they’d manage to expense a €5,000 club table whilst tucking into the previously mentioned steak; of an Alpine settlement that hosted Emily in Paris; of sharing ski lifts with multilingual families switching between Italian, French and English.

It represents a realm of sophistication and fascination, practically begging to be White Lotused.

Book it

Rooms can be reserved at en.mdemegeve.com from £479.

Eurostar Snow train tickets for the 2025/26 season start at £99 each way (£198 return) in Standard class, running weekly from Dec 20, 2025, to Apr 5, 2026, from London St Pancras to the French Alps via Lille. Visit eurostar.com/uk-en/train/ski-train.

The perfect winter escape awaits just 4.5 hours from London, with temperatures reaching 22 °C and 300 days of sunshine annually. As well as charming mountain villages, visitors to Cyprus can also explore the world’s only divided capital, Nicosia.

Brits looking for a sun-drenched getaway might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short flight from the UK, with pleasant winter temperatures of 22 °C. Only a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London, this Mediterranean gem offers a welcome break from the UK’s current cold, wet weather.

With year-round sunshine and flowers beginning to bloom in March, Cyprus is a fantastic choice for families, offering numerous family-friendly hotels. The island also features a range of activities, from walking trails to discovering a variety of cultural and historical sites.

Winter sees fewer visitors, making it the perfect time to explore popular attractions without the lengthy queues. Whilst partygoers will be drawn to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s top party destinations, those seeking blissful tranquillity can bask in the island’s 300 days of sunshine each year.

READ MORE: All holidays cancelled as major UK travel company collapses after 30 years

A trip into the Troodos Mountains unveils stunning scenery and a delightful village nestled in the valley below. In a surprising twist, there’s even a ski resort located within the breathtaking Troodos Mountain Range. Operating from January to March, it’s positioned on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus, and an iconic destination bound to intrigue lovers of ancient mythology.

Visitors can drive up to the slopes, which feature several scenic viewpoints en route. Hidden in the valley is the picturesque village of Omodos, filled with restaurants serving traditional food such as fresh halloumi and lamb Kleftiko – the ideal conclusion to a day of mountain exploration. The village also boasts the Monastery of Timios Stavros, one of the most historically significant monasteries on the island, which offers tours.

A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is popular in the area and can be purchased from locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23). Another must-visit is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Following the 1974 civil war, the island was bifurcated into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and this fascinating city remains a stark reminder of these troubled times.

The border, known as the ‘green line’, cuts through lively Nicosia, making it the only divided capital city in the world, with a rich history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Tourists may cross the border in a fairly straightforward process, at The Ledra Street Border Crossing and The Ledra Palace Border Crossing, the second of which allows for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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Ryanair has told all passengers to stop putting a popular item in their hand luggage from January. It turns out, it should never be stored there and could cause problems at security

With the UK being so wet and dreary at this time of year, it’s no wonder people dream of escaping to other parts of the world, but there are some things you need to know if you’re preparing to hop on a plane. When it comes to packing, there are some important rules you need to follow to ensure your airport experience goes smoothly.

According to Ryanair, certain items should never be packed in your hand luggage, and one of them is super popular at this time of year. From January, you may want to think a little more about how you’re preparing to travel.

The thought of jetting off abroad may be lovely, but air travel comes with its stresses. There are some key guidelines you need to follow when it comes to your hand luggage.

Previously, the topic came up on Reddit when a social media user asked: “Looking for a trekking pole to buy. Which kind of pole (collapsible/telescopic) would be better so that it could be brought as a carry-on bag on Ryanair/Iberia?”

It got a lot of people talking, and they were quick to point out an essential piece of information, and it’s worth noting if you’re planning on going skiing any time soon. One person replied: “I don’t think it really matters what airline you fly. You have to get past security with them, and they are usually not allowed.”

Another wrote: “You will always be taking a risk unless you put them in a checked bag.” A third also replied: “Trekking poles are not allowed in your carry-on. This rule is not always enforced, but that is the rule.

“One time I flew to a location with my poles in my carry-on, but they wouldn’t let me on the flight to come back with those same poles in my carry-on (same airline).”

However, according to Ryanair, this isn’t the only thing you need to be aware of. If you’re going skiing any time from January, you need to stop packing poles in your carry-on luggage too.

What does Ryanair say?

According to the airline, various items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and all of these are detailed on the website. However, when it comes to poles, it offers specific advice.

It reads: “The following items must not be carried on board, but may be carried as part of your checked baggage. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury.”

Ski poles and hiking poles feature in the list, so it’s important you don’t take them in your hand luggage. Generally, they need to be checked in, as they are deemed too sharp to carry through airport security.

Due to their length and sharp tips, they are considered potential weapons. While some travellers may find success with collapsible poles tucked away, security agents typically require them to be checked.

Though some airline guidelines may differ, the safest option is to put them in your checked luggage. This will help avoid any problems or delays at airport security.

If you opt to try and take them through, you risk having to surrender them at airport security. It’s a gamble that’s really not worth taking when you travel.