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Looking for a honeymoon destination this winter? Check out these romantic ski destinations
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If you're looking for a ski trip for your honeymoon, it can be difficult trying to choose a destination, however, being spoiled for choice isn't always a bad thing. Jane Bolton, MD of Erna Low, tells us about romantic resorts from flagship ski nations that are perfect for couples that want to swap swimsuits for snowsuits. However, Morzine is also a fab choice with its friendly ambience, authentic Alpine architecture, tree-lined ski runs and convenient location just 30 minutes’ drive from Geneva. There’s diverse skiing available in the wider Portes du Soleil ski area, and the scenery is breathtaking in this beautiful location in the Haut Chablais mountains between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
French fancies
French ski resorts have much to recommend them, from the plethora of Michelin-rated restaurants in Courchevel to the relaxed and inclusive après scene in Val Thorens and the beautiful buildings and chic cocktail bars of Chamonix.
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Italian inspiration Meanwhile, Madonna di Campiglio is blessed by an abundance of listed buildings, which host high-end cocktail bars, first rate restaurants and designer boutiques, as well as a jaw-dropping Art Nouveau ballroom. Courmayeur has a blend of Baroque, Roman and Renaissance architecture, and offers something special around every charming corner, with the car-free Via Roma area abuzz with haute cuisine restaurants and plush nightspots, complemented by world-class skiing and a picturesque natural skyline punctuated by Mont Blanc.
There are several Italian ski resorts, which make great bases for a romantic break. For starters, Cortina is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site with an ornate town hall, 12th-century church and striking 19th-century villas.
Amazing Austria
With its fairytale castles and Alpine traditions, Austria has many ski resorts that are popular with couples. Kitzbuhel is perfect if your idea of romance is cobbled alleyways winding through pastel-painted Medieval buildings and Gothic churches juxtaposed with glam hotels.
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Meanwhile, Soll enjoys a super setting in the shadow of the Hohe Salve mountain and turns up the charm to maximum overdrive at Christmas, when the traditional market sets your senses alight with delicious Glühwein and you can cosy up in a horse-drawn sleigh as you glide past the Tyrolean Postwirt building and lovely 18th-century Rococo church.
Sensual Switzerland
Switzerland boasts several scenic ski resorts where it’s easy to fall in love all over again, from the mountain streams, wild woodlands and vertiginous peaks of St Moritz to the awe-inspiring natural amphitheatre of Saas Fee’s surrounding mountains, this is a location blessed by preternatural beauty. However, if you’re looking for a Swiss resort with a generous sprinkling of stardust, choose Klosters nicknamed ‘Hollywood on the rocks’, this classy resort has been a magnet for iconic movie stars like Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, Greta Garbo and Lauren Bacall over the years and still attracts A-listers and royalty.
Zermatt is a superb Swiss resort which puts a spring in your step at Easter, with its chocolate box chalets and snow-sure skiing on the Theodul glacier. With the majestic Matterhorn as the backdrop, every location looks suitably scenic here, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can sample some of the best treats in the world at Chocolaterie Laderach.
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Awesome Andorra Grandvalira is the largest ski area here and bijou resorts like Soldeu and El Tarter can charm any couple, while Pas de la Casa is a little livelier if you love socialising as well as spending lots of time cosying up together. Alternatively, Vallnord is a significantly smaller Andorran ski area and includes the resorts of Arcalis, Arinsal and Pal. If you appreciate retail therapy, you’ll be in your element in Andorra, which offers practically tax-free prices on everything from electronics to designer fashions. 2023 Bookings
The tiny principality of Andorra is still a bit of a hidden gem for many snowsports enthusiasts, but its powdery Pyrenees are picture postcard pretty and it’s become a fast-rising favourite for couples who appreciate a high-quality ski break that’s competitively priced.
Seven night ski holidays, including accommodation and ski passes, start from £400 per person, visit www.ernalow.co.uk for more information.
