Who said skiing wasn’t an activity for the over 55s? You may not be flying down an Olympic slope, like the Face black run in Val d’Isère, but there are many options for those who are very active, or for those who’d prefer to relax and explore the local villages instead.
A skiing holiday is an experience that encompasses the physical activity of skiing as well as going for something tasty to eat in a restaurant with a brilliant atmosphere, playing with the family in a leisure centre and then relaxing in a spa, and taking in the sights of a traditional French village, for instance.
If you’re over 55 and looking for the best place to go skiing, then read on!
The best place for gentle skiing
Telluride in Colorado is fantastic for those looking for gentle slopes. The slopes are classed as ‘beginners’, but they are still fun to ski along and are incredibly picturesque: one winds through the trees at 1800 feet. The ski school has lots of instructors who can help those who may be more timid and are offered at a great price. Plus, this resort is truly beautiful as it’s an old mining town with a slow pace of life. As it is located in a deep canyon, the surrounding area is incredible to see too.
The best place for eating
Val d’Isère in France is well known for its all-round offering for a skiing holiday. Included in this are the plentiful places to eat and drink. You can splash out on a meal with a stunning view at Restaurant du Col de l’Isera, which is located at the top of the col de l’Iseran on the Le Fornet side of the resort. Lodge Bar Restaurant has food and drink inspired by the local area, accompanied by a lively atmosphere. Or somewhere a little cheaper is Marmottes, where you can fill up on a bowl of goulash for less than 10 Euros. If you don’t spend your whole time in the restaurants of Val d’Isère, there are many other ways to fill your day, with a leisure centre with gym and spa, and of course, the brilliant skiing opportunities.
The best place to relax
Switzerland is known for its luxurious skiing resorts and Gstaad Palace Hotel in Gstaad is no exception. The hotel overlooks the town and has a wide range of relaxing spa and leisure activities. There is a gym, pilates studio, steam and sauna rooms and places to simply relax. Their speciality is the Hamman experience over seven rooms and two hours. It includes a foot bath, steam bath, floating and relaxation pool, and the all-important body massage. The skiing in Gstaad is brilliant too, with 220km of runs between 1000-3000 metres above sea level.
The best place for families
For the over 55s who prefer to holiday with their family, Panorama in Canada is perfect. It’s a small resort with an intimate feel. Families can let the children do their own thing and learn how to ski at the kids’ camp or with the on-slope nanny. So you can explore the other slopes yourself or explore the surrounding areas. If you want to relax, settle down in one of the piste-side hot pools.
The best place for exploring the surrounding area
Cortina in Italy has a pure Italian style and attracts many locals to holiday just for the area, rather than the skiing. It’s full of shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels – many of which are up-market. Lunching in Cortina is such a thing that the slopes are usually empty around lunch time. The skiing in the area is varied and suits those over 55s who are more adventurous and those who prefer a gentle slope.
More about Anne Bridges
A mum of three and ski fanatic Anne enjoys writing about her ski experiences and in this article shares some of her favourite ski destinations. When Anne is not on the slopes she can be found at home looking after her youngest child who is yet to fly the nest. Anne is a keen cook and makes her own chutney's and jams that she sells at the local markets as a hobby.
