5 great things about low season skiing in January

Now that the exciting festive period is over, we are entering the quieter weeks in our resorts. Fresh snow is incoming, the hustle and bustle of last minute Christmas shopping is over and the pistes are peaceful once more. 

There is no denying that there is something magical in the air here at Christmas time. But after it’s all over, there is still vin chaud to be enjoyed, fresh powder to ski and a more relaxed atmosphere around the resorts. Low season skiing encapsulates all of the best aspects of a ski holiday, without the rushing around. Read on for our 5 top reasons why you should plan your mountain escape during January this year.

1.Make fresh tracks

January tends to be the coldest month in the Alps, with bountiful snow almost always guaranteed. After the holiday rush, many people will leave the resorts and return back to normality, but if you’ve held out and celebrated Christmas at home, this is the perfect little pocket of time before the February school holidays to answer the call of the mountains. With fantastic snow inbound and less competition, why not venture into new off piste terrain, or even just get in some practice laps, minus the chance of lengthy lift queues.

2. Availability at the best luxury ski chalets in the Alps

Some of our most popular properties are once again available after the festive period! Admire the majestic peak of the Matterhorn in Zermatt from the south-facing balcony of the sleek yet decadent Haus Leytron, if you’re not too busy soaking in the hot tub that is. Put your feet up in front of the fireplace in the luxurious dark wood and navy blue velvet interior of Chalech S in Lech, after a day of exploring the slopes and shops of this glamorous resort. Or, cruise around the 305km of St Anton’s pistes, and ski home almost to the doorstep of the classically beautiful Chalet Maria Schnee, built by the World Cup alpine skiing champion Gertrud Gabl and her family in 1978. All of these fabulous properties are now available at a range of service levels during January.

Show-stopping luxury is plentiful at Verbier’s Calima, Val d’Isère‘s Chalet du Crêt and Méribel’s Mont Tremblant, all of which occupy the most exclusive neighbourhoods in their resorts. Calima’s stand out feature is its unbeatable indoor swimming pool and spa, with panoramic windows framing spectacular mountain views as you soak weary muscles. Mont Tremblant too has an idyllic outdoor pool and hot tub with unbeatable views, as well as its own bar and games room; the perfect home for entertaining. A beautiful property ideal for larger groups, Chalet du Crêt is wonderfully positioned just a 5-minute stroll from the heart of Val d’Isère, and was lovingly restored a few years ago whilst preserving beautiful original features that contribute to its rustic charm. The six stunning bedrooms have multiple configurations to accommodate a variety of group formats, and the outdoor hot tub, hammam, cinema room, climbing wall and private garden add wow-factor. All properties are available over the January low season weeks.

One of the newest additions to our portfolio Chalet Abade in Val d’Isère could not be more ideally positioned, with the piste literally just outside the massive window of the gorgeous living area. Interior renovations were completed in December 2021 by London based design studio Turner Pocock, making Abade a thoughtfully curated chalet with plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment, including a cosy TV room, massage room, hammam and an outdoor hot tub. It is now available to book through Bramble Ski for the low season weeks.

3. Less time queueing, more time relaxing

During the holidays, the resorts are much more likely to attract families because the children are off school, making January an ideal time for a more peaceful couples retreat. Seize the opportunity to enjoy intimate candlelit dinners out, leisurely laps on the mountain and breezing in and out of your favourite morning coffee spot. Because of generally smaller group sizes and lower demand, you can be slightly more flexible with how you spend your days. January is also a great time to do some laid back browsing away from the crowds, and pick up some excellent deals on your ski gear. 

4. Sample some of the best restaurants in the resort

By January, the hospitality industry will have settled into a comfortable pace after the event-packed festive period. The new year brings new availability for some of the best tables in town, and you’ll enjoy relaxed and personal feeling service, whether you’re after hearty local cuisine for a lunch on the slopes or a fine dining dinner experience. This is a great time to try some of the most well-loved restaurants, (of which there are plenty!) in an intimate and peaceful setting.

5. The perfect time to try something new

With the pace of life slowing down again after the excitement of the Christmas and New Year weeks, the whole resort eases into ‘holiday’ mode, and it is tangible throughout the town. It’s a great time for exploring paths less travelled, maybe enjoying the stillness and fresh air on a snowshoe hike through the forest, or taking advantage of availability for activities you may not have tried before like paragliding over the snowy peaks on a crisp, sunny morning. Why not indulge in a soothing spa day, with many local hotels opening their facilities to the public once more after their bookings have quietened down. Or, opt to have the spa come to you, with an in-chalet treatment arranged by us.

Why not get your year off to a perfect start with a luxury ski holiday that is exciting, enchanting and rejuvenating in equal measures. Browse our incredible array of properties available during the low season weeks, and find the perfect alpine home for your well-earned break.