Ain’t no mountain high enough - Love on the slopes
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, thoughts are turning to romance and the age-old art of wooing. Even those of us whose first love is skiing and boarding, it seems, are not immune to Cupid’s arrow – a new survey for SkiWeekends has revealed the dream date for a ski holiday would be our current partner . . . even if some couldn’t resist the temptation of sharing the Alpine slopes with a certain English footballer and Hollywood actress!
Hundreds took part in the SkiWeekends survey and among the many astonishing results were your selection of dream dates for the piste. Proving we are indeed a nation of true romantics many chose their betrothed, husband or wife. And to show we’re also not shy at indulging in a 50 Shades of Grey fantasy, David Beckham and Angelina Jolie were the top celebrity choices. Also featuring on the hot list were James Bond, Cameron Diaz and even Olympic skier Graham Bell – though, mind-bogglingly, one respondent did choose the ever-hapless Mr Bean!
The survey also highlighted just how enthusiastic we are for snowsports. More than a third of respondents said, given the chance, they’d ski twice every season, with a staggering 22% opting to indulge their passion for skiing and boarding by hitting the slopes more than five times a year. In reality, almost half of the respondents do enjoy a ski holiday at least once a year and a third are on the piste twice every season. And, yes, one lucky respondent does manage ski more than five times annually!
Almost three quarters revealed that holiday time was restricted by work, which explains why weekend trips were the most popular option . . . and why SkiWeekends, which specialises in ski weekends and short ski breaks, is a number one choice for holidaymakers.
France came out top for the fantasy destination, closely followed by Switzerland. And while snow conditions and the amount of time available on the slopes were noted, the most important ingredient for a successful ski break was simply being there with family and friends. While facilities, accommodation, great food and value for money were all important, meeting other people to ski with was the X factor for most.
The survey also asked for your proudest moment on the slopes and the answers varied from landing three jumps in a row in the snowpark to completing a black run at the age of 65. And just to prove that adventure and romance do go hand in hand, one skier’s proudest moment was proposing to his fiancée at the top of a piste.
Of course, at SkiWeekends adventure and romance are integral to creating the very best holiday experience. It offers affordable weekend ski trips throughout the season, in some of the very best resorts in the Alps. What’s more, if you book online early using low-cost airlines, you can take advantage of the very best deals available, or even opt to travel super-value by coach. With holiday deals from just £219 for three days on the slopes, what better gift to offer your true love on Valentine’s Day?
These lowest prices are to be found on weekend breaks to Brides Les Bains in the Three Valleys, a perfect cheap but still romantic escape. SkiWeekends is however in a great position to cater for those couples who would rather spend a bit more and enjoy a luxury break. An example of this is a short break to Meribel at the delectable 4* Altiport Hotel with a great restaurant, jacuzzi, spa, sauna and sumptuous rooms. Departures in March take in the best of the season with sun and snow and start at £839 for four nights half board including flights.
There’s no compromising on the quality of the skiing on a SkiWeekends break. Whether a first timer or a pro powder hound, all its resorts are snow-sure and provide a varied choice of runs. In fact, the only thing SkiWeekends can’t guarantee is whether David or Angelina will be free that weekend to join you!
For more information, visit skiweekends.com.