Thinking of going on a short winter break and not sure where to go?

Thinking of going on a short winter break and not sure where to go? Have a read of some of these home and away winter destinations* 

Away - Abroad winter destinations

Chamonix in France

The classic weekend ski destination, Chamonix is perfect for a quick break. It's just over an hour from Geneva, it has plenty of hotels and chalets geared up for short stays, and has enough steep terrain to satisfy even the hungriest adrenalin junkies.

Engelberg in Switzerland

If you're looking for a quick powder fix the snowsure slopes from the Titlis glacier above Engelberg are a safe bet. Hire a guide to explore the rugged terrain and long runs from the 3,000m Titlis peak or 2,500m Jockstock. Alternatively, tackle the steep reds and push yourself on the mogulled itinerary run from Titlis.

Roccaraso, Abruzzo in Italy

Enjoy la dolce vita on a weekend in Roccaraso.  The biggest and largest of the resorts in the Abruzzo region, is just 90 minutes from Rome and Naples. With 120km of beech-lined pistes to keep you entertained for the weekend.  This would be the Abruzzo of the same name, which is also famed for fabulous pasta and hard salty pecorino cheese.

Schladming in Austria

For a straightforward weekend of skiing and simple après ski, you could do worse than head to Schladming in the Austrian state of Styria.

In a change from the Austrian norm, the village isn't wall-to-wall umbrella bars, instead the scene is lively but tempered, much like the plentiful red runs spread across the resort's four areas. Most of the pistes are through woodland and the northerly slopes plus comprehensive snowmaking coverage make it a good destination whatever the conditions.

Home - UK winter destinations

London

London is a lovely place to visit during winter, especially in December when you'll see the capital transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. The streets are decorated with Christmas lights and various markets make an appearance all over the capital, offering crafts, seasonal food and warming mulled wine.

A focal point of Christmas in London is Trafalgar Square, where the capital's biggest Christmas tree is placed (donated each year as a gift from the city of Oslo). And if you can't make it to the big city in December, there are always the January sales you can enjoy in the new year.

Edinburgh

Consider staying in Scotland's capital. During winter, Edinburgh comes alive with lights, Christmas markets and winter activities. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for ice skating in Princes Street Gardens and you can take a ride on the illuminated Edinburgh Eye, while those with relaxation in mind can simply sip mulled-wine, watching street performers along the Royal Mile.

Wales

Pembrokeshire in Wales offers clifftop walks and gloriously fresh sea breezes during the winter months. You'll even enjoy sunshine when on winter holidays in Pembrokeshire; the south coast of Wales is one of the sunniest places in the UK. You could go cycling, hiking or climbing in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Cornwall

Although Cornwall is more often thought as the place to go during summer, it is a great place to visit during the winter months. The Tresco Abbey Gardens on the Isles of Scilly, is where you'll find over 300 plants still in flower, or take a trip to the Eden Project, where you'll find almost 100,000 exotic species; enormous conservatories house plants from around the world (from Amazonian rainforests to Mediterranean coastlines). Once you've had enough of the humid weather indoors, enjoy a bracing walk along one the region's finest beaches along the southwest coast.

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*Sources

Sources for UK destination recommendations

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/london-by-month/december#rxsRjSD51SBI1AIb.99

https://visitbirmingham.com/christmas/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market-craft-fair/

https://www.homeaway.co.uk/info/holiday-ideas/winter-holidays/winter-holidays-uk

Sources for abroad destination recommendations

https://www.ultimate-ski.com/features/weekend-ski-holidays/ten-of-the-best-weekend-ski-resorts.aspx