Xmas Markets with SNO

1st November 2023

Last modified on November 6th, 2023

The UK ski agent, SNO, is offering trips to Xmas markets in the Alps combined with some festive skiing – travelling by air, rail or road.

Catch a flight to Innsbruck in Austria, take the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and La Plagne, or drive to Chamonix – all for a bit of ski, sparkle and Xmas cheer.

Xmas market. Image © PlanetSKI

Not to mention some snow and skiing.

Stubai, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

Schlick 2000, Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

Take a look at an earlier PlanetSKI article on a visit to the Xmas markets in the Tirol:

PlanetSKI visits the Xmas markets in Innsbruck

Xmas in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

PLANE: Innsbruck, Austrian Tirol

Innsbruck is renowned for its city and ski culture and its Ski Plus City Pass that links 13 ski resorts and a city experience with just one ticket.

Together, guests can explore 340kms of pistes, 111 lifts, three swimming pools, and 22 city adventures in the greater Innsbruck area.

Make the most of this pass in the lead up to Christmas, plus, Innsbruck’s Christmas Markets from 15th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.

Based in Innsbruck’s Old Town, think medieval houses and sparking lights beneath the city’s famous Golden Roof and the snow-dusted Nordkette mountains.

With around 70 exhibitors and surrounded by century-old buildings, this is the town’s largest, authentic Christmas market; weave through the stalls to find unique Christmas tree decorations, carved wooden toys, beautiful hand-carved nativity scenes and figures and many other lovingly made examples of Tirolean handicraft.

Don’t miss sipping mulled wine beside the Christmas tree when listening to the Turmbläser and trumpeters on the balcony of the Golden Roof, delighting the crowds with atmospheric Christmas songs.

Innsbruck Xmas Market. Image c/o PlanetSKI

Enjoy all Innsbruck has to offer and stay at Hotel Innsbruck, in the Old Town.

A week’s stay, from 16th December 2023, costs from £831 pp (two sharing) and includes breakfast.

Return flights (London Gatwick to Innsbruck) cost from £72 pp with easyJet).

SNO (020 7770 6888), www.sno.co.uk

Xmas in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI

TRAIN: Bourg-Saint-Maurice Christmas Markets, combined with the slopes of La Plagne, France

Located in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit.

The commune has the benefit of high-speed train access, making it a perfect base to explore the French Alps.

And from 15th-17th December 2023, the town turns up its Christmas cheer and hosts a fantastic market.

Stroll through the characterful streets, alive with talented exhibitors, jovial merchants, and many free activities organised the locals.

Jump on the train from London St Pancras, and after changing at Lille, speed towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Spend some time there making the most of the Christmas Markets, before catching the train on to Aime and skiing in the renowned resort of La Plagne, part of Paradiski.

A week’s stay, from 16th December 2023, at 4* Hotel Carlina in Belle Plagne, costs from £1,649 pp (two sharing) and includes return train travel from St Pancras International, transfers, and half-board accommodation.

SNO (020 7770 6888), www.sno.co.uk

CAR: Chamonix, France

Although longer, driving to a ski resort can save money, hassle, and gives passengers a lot more flexibility.

Pause for coffee breaks when required, enjoy a bite to eat when a bistro takes your fancy, and pack as many goodies into the car as possible.

Come Christmas, Chamonix, in the French Alps, becomes a hub of craftspeople, producers, artists, traders, plus activities and entertainment and plenty of food – all wrapped up in thousands of twinkling lights.

The market is made up of wooden chalets on Place du Triangle de l’Amitié (in front of the Tourist Office and the Church of St Michel in Chamonix).

Running from mid-December to the beginning of January, make the most of this free event surrounded by snowy slopes.

A week’s stay, departing 16th December 2023, at 3* Residence “Le Krystor” in Chamonix, costs from £442 pp (two sharing) on a self-catered basis.

The residence is 400m from the centre, and has underground parking.

SNO (020 7770 6888), www.sno.co.uk