Why Innsbruck is the ideal winter hub
Innsbruck provides numerous opportunities for a winter getaway. I discovered it is a destination where you can enjoy the season without zooming down ski runs or partying exuberantly at après-ski events. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when I rode the 20-minute cable car from the city center to 2,000 meters, arriving at a place where locals lounged in deckchairs on the snow, engrossed in books and sipping hot chocolate in the radiant Tirolean sunshine. You can ski as much as you desire on slopes located just thirty minutes from the renowned Imperial Palace in the heart of the city. The city administration offers free guided walks and winter activities, including a cross-country skiing introduction if you possess a Welcome Card provided by your accommodation. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy strong Austrian coffee or Gerschtnsuppe (a soup made with barley, smoked meat, and vegetables) at riverside cafés and pubs.
Gina
Ski and relax on the beach in one day in Andalucía
The Sierra Nevada mountains lie just 17 miles south of Granada in Andalucía, making this lovely city a great base for exploring these towering peaks. For skiing, the resort village of Pradollano sits at 2,100 meters, with cable cars and chairlifts taking you close to the 3,000-meter peaks. It’s an exceptional ski destination, the southernmost in Europe, yet still largely overlooked by many. With 112km of pistes and 134 slopes, most exceeding 2,000 meters, the snow conditions are typically quite reliable. It opens this year on 29 November with ski passes starting at €38. It’s just over an hour’s drive to Motril and the Mediterranean. You genuinely can ski in the morning and spend the afternoon at the beach.
Stephen McCann
Balkan Summits, Albania and Montenegro
Last year I had an amazing winter adventure in the Albanian Alps and Montenegro. The highlights were the trek to and from the stunning Grunas waterfall in Theth national park in Albania and the hike to 1,970-meter Hrid lake in Montenegro’s Prokletije national park. We skied and trekked parts of the 120-mile Peaks of the Balkans trail and spent some delightful time in the vibrant town of Plav, which included a folk music and karaoke night with locals where I taught a group my rendition of Last Christmas to great applause.
Nick
Infrared Alps, Austria
We stayed at the lodge Jagdhaus (€220 per night, accommodates up to 6) situated at Furx in western Austria. This delightful place features a sauna, an infrared room, and an outdoor hot tub providing splendid views of the Alps. There are numerous picturesque walks right at your doorstep, and 100 meters below lies the Peterhof restaurant, remarkable for its affordable prices given its excellent cuisine.
Kevin Hill
Sparkling lights in Poland’s Tatra Mountains
I first came across the Tatra Mountains on a day trip from Kraków several years ago and returned for a mountain retreat last February, staying in Zakopane, which serves as an excellent base for skiers and those who love winter mountain pursuits. It’s budget-friendly (my chalet cost just €400 for the week) and features charming traditional wooden and stone buildings, cafés, and budget eateries offering delicious Polish stews and stuffed pierogis, which kept us warm. We rented snowshoes to explore the foothills by day, and as dusk fell, the lights of the mountain villages sparkled, enhancing the beautiful scenery of lakes, mountains, and forests. We also took pleasure in sleigh rides and husky-driven carriages through the serene forests to enchanting ice mazes.
Yasmin
The breathtaking light of Eryri, North Wales
Our go-to winter getaway is Llanberis in Eryri national park (Snowdonia). It’s tranquil, stunning, and charming without the crowds typical of Alpine resorts. We adore the warm log fires, scenic hikes up the mountain past waterfalls, and the variety of yurts and eco-lodges available for accommodation. It’s especially breathtaking in cold temperatures when adorned with snow or frost. The incredible light on the Llyn Padarn creates a reflective mirror in an awe-inspiring landscape, highlighted by Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). A delightful bonus is the genuine Welsh community of artisans and local makers. The music, cuisine, and friendliness of the people enhance the experience beyond what you’d find abroad.
David Innes-Wilkin
Thrilling days in Austria
Kreischberg located in Styria, is a mid-sized resort featuring log cabins and a stylish restaurant reminiscent of a James Bond scene. We lodged at the base of the mountain in Ferienpark cabins, each equipped with log burners for cozy evenings. For skiing, ascend the long telecabin up the Kreischberg and explore an array of blue, red, and black runs. For the best slopes, aim for Rosenkranzhöhe, known for its sweeping reds and challenging blacks, offering stunning views over the Alps. Following an exhilarating morning, and to catch the finest restaurant views, make your way to the Eagle, designed like a villain’s lair.
Mark
Top tip: Ice age heritage in Sweden
In Sweden, there are mountainous regions where some of Europe’s oldest living organisms thrive. As the ice receded from Scandinavia 9,000 years ago, isolated elevated areas remained frozen, preserving the root systems of ice age trees. Sonfjället national park in the remote Härjedalen region of central west Sweden is one such area, where the ancient spruce Old Rasmus, descended from 9,500-year-old roots, can be found. The park is also known for its significant bear population. I visit the mountains in summer, autumn, or winter. I find them incredibly calming; you can experience utter silence and often witness the northern lights.
Lars
