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Keep your New Year resolutions on track in Switzerland

17th December 2012 Print
Engelberg Sunlounger

As another year beckons, thoughts turn to the familiar ritual of half-heartedly drawing up New Year’s resolutions. Make 2013 the year to travel and make resolutions you actually want to keep by shaping your travel plans to inspire you to succeed. Kick-start your most adventurous year yet with a skiing holiday to Switzerland and follow Ski Safari’s top five tips to help keep your New Year Resolutions on track.

Switzerland has enjoyed huge snowfalls over the past few weeks; with some resorts already having over 2 metres of snow on the slopes (Engelberg 240cm, Saas Fee 220cm) and powder being dominant off piste making for fantastic conditions.

1. Live healthy and exercise more

The health and fitness benefits of a winter mountain holiday are obvious, with fresh mountain air to purify the body and stunning scenery to soothe the soul. The mountains know no age and whatever activity you choose to do the winter wonderland atmosphere is captivating. Over 60 years ago, when the road to Saas-Fee was built, the citizens of Saas-Fee decided that the village should remain car-free. Today, more and more people appreciate the peace and quiet and the clean air of a car-free resort. Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of activities promoting healthy living and gentle exercise, including snow shoe hiking, winter walking on prepared paths and cross-country skiing.

How much?

Stay 7 nights at the 3*+ Alpin Hotel in Saas Fee, with prices starting from £655 per person in a double room on B&B, including one night free, return flights and 2nd class rail/bus transfers.

2. Learn a new skill

Laax is considered Europe’s leading freestyle resort and the new Freestyle Academy – Europe’s first indoor training centre – means you can make your first steps in freestyle without having to throw yourself into the park and hope for the best. To get going book a 2hr ‘Royal Coachman’ introductory course (CHF50) teaching the basic safety rules, code of conduct and your first Big Air Jump, before progressing to a 2 ½ hour evening course which takes you through your first front, back and side flips (CHF50). Comprehensive 5 day camps, offering a mix of indoor sessions and outdoor activities in one of the 4 snow parks are also available. Check out the video here to see what it is all about.

How much?

Save £200 per person and stay 7 nights at the 4* Rocks Resort in Laax in a self-catered 2-Bedroom Apartment, based on 4 sharing, with prices starting from £595 per person. Price includes flights, 2nd class rail/bus transfers and a 6-day lift pass. Departs 13th January.

3. Spend more time with family

Spending more time with your partner and children is instrumental in building strong family relationships and a family skiing holiday is perfect for strengthening the bond and creating treasured memories, away from the humdrum of everyday life. The picture-postcard resort of Villars, in the heart of the Rhone Valley, is family-orientated and favoured by families looking for convenience, choice and good value.

How much?

The family-run 4* Hotel du Golf, in the centre of Villars, has seven nights in a family room on B&B with prices starting from £2280 for a family of four, based on 2 adults/2 children aged 15 and under. Children, aged 9 and under, ski for free and get free half board at the hotel too.

4. Stress less and relax more

The pressures of striking a steady work-life balance are commonplace, however if you don’t reach this equilibrium the stress of everyday life can have serious consequences on your health. Start the year by switching off the constant stream of ‘technology traffic’ and reduce the temptation to get online by leaving your devices at home when you go on holiday. Blessed with stunning panoramic views, the Swiss resort of Arosa is ideal for those who want to take it easy both on and off the slopes. Home to one of the most superb spa hotels, the 5*+ Tschuggen Grand provides all the ingredients needed to help you truly relax, with a comprehensive spa menu, an outdoor relaxation pool, a meditation room and a chill-out lounge with fire place.

How much?

Stay 7 nights at the 5*+ Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, with prices starting from £1275 per person, including one night free. Prices are based on 2 sharing a Bergoasen Double Room on a B&B basis and include flights and 2nd class rail transfers.

5. Make the most of your weekends

Weekends are precious and despite the fact that everyone greets Friday with gleeful anticipation, come Sunday evening many are left feeling unfulfilled, disappointed and wondering how we squandered away precious downtime. For those looking for a quick ski fix, without having to take a full week of annual leave, weekend ski breaks are just the thing to leave you feeling rejuvenated and re-energised for the week ahead. With easy access from Zurich airport, the resort of Engelberg is emerging on the international ski scene as a new, young and challenging weekend ski resort. The high altitude, snow sure resort has some superb off-piste skiing, surrounded by incredibly beautiful scenery, which makes this resort such a treasure.

How much?

Stay 3 nights at the 3* Garni Belmont in Engelberg, with prices starting from £405 per person, based on a double room on B&B and including flights and 2nd class rail transfers.

For more information, visit skisafari.com.

More Photos - Click to Enlarge

Engelberg Sunlounger Villars Arosa Rocks Resort Engelberg Iglu Hot Tub Garni Belmont Saas Fee Laax