Crystal Ski’s Inspiration List for 2025

Inspiration for families, beginners, budget friendly and convenient ski holidays’

Top Pick for Families – Italy

Italy is an excellent choice for a family ski holiday thanks to its variety of well-groomed slopes, outstanding ski schools and large ski areas. The slopes in Italy are polished to perfection with great snowmaking technology and maintenance, meaning a smooth run for all skiers. You can also expect lots of family-fun activities off the slopes at Italian resorts such as tobogganing, ice skating and adventure parks. Accommodation in Italy is cosy and traditional. Half-board stays in family-run hotels are the norm, allowing you to enjoy the warm Italian hospitality and meals without any hassle. You can also find some self-catered options if you would like to explore the local restaurants or cook your own meals.

La Thuile is perfect for families. For beginners, there is a credited ski school and designated nursery slope. You can also expect wider and quieter slopes in La Thuile, making it easier to progress at your own pace. For more advanced skiers, there is plenty of tree lined reds and blues or even some quality off-piste above the Piccolo St Bérnard pass. Crystal Childcare is available in La Thuile where youngsters can learn to ski or have fun during the day with games and playtime. Stay at Residence Planibel for a ski-in, ski-out location and Crystal Childcare for a hassle-free family ski holiday.

Get there

Dublin – Italy: Depart 16th March 2025. Staying at 4* Residence Planibel, La Thuile for 7 nights on a self-catering basis from €779pps or bring the family from €1,979 (2 adults + 1 child) or €2,399 (2 adults + 2 children)

Top Pick for Beginners – Andorra, Arinsal

Andorra’s ski resorts are rated some of the best in Europe for learning to ski. You’ll find excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors, and great slopes to learn on. Arinsal is the main resort in the Pal Arinsal ski area and is more tailored to beginners. There is a designated nursery area and plenty of gentle greens and blues to progress onto. After a day of perfecting your turns, you can catch the gondola back down to the village which livens up as people end their day on the slopes.

Arinsal’s village is set in a wooded valley and is full of friendly après bars and places to eat. With a range of classy cocktail bars to enjoy live music or karaoke, there is plenty of options to fit your après vibe. Saint Moritz Apartments are a great pick for accommodation, boasting a prime location. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the cable car, steps away from a variety of restaurants and bars, and conveniently located above all your ski essentials, including ski hire and a supermarket.

Get there

Dublin – Andorra: Depart 9th March 2025. Staying at 3* Sant Moritz Apartments, Arinsal for 7 nights on a self-catering basis from €789pps or bring the family from €1,939 (2 adults + 1 child) or €2,285 (2 adults + 2 children)

Top Pick for Budget-Friendly – Bulgaria, Bansko

Bulgaria is known for its great value when it comes to a ski trip, and you’ll find your spending money can go a lot further here. Bansko is Bulgaria’s largest ski area,home to all-ability slopes and a traditional Old Town. There is a highly rated ski school and a designated nursery area making it ideal for beginners. Once you’re feeling more confident, you can progress onto the gentle blues. More experienced skiers can tackle the long stretching reds or dive off piste. After a day on the slopes, you can end the day in The Happy End après bar where you’ll be welcomed to cheap drinks and great tunes.

You’ll find accommodation in Bansko to be top-notch for its affordability. Not only is it great value, but there is a great range of hotels close to the lifts or nestled in the heart of the town. Hotel Mura is in the old town, just a short walk away from the restaurants. With a free shuttle service and a spa featuring a hot tub, sauna and steam room, convenience and relaxation is on the list here.

Get there

Dublin – Bulgaria: Depart 1st March 2025. Staying at 3* Hotel Mura, Bansko for 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis from €619pps or bring the family from €1,739 (2 adults + 1 child)

Top Pick for Convenience – France, La Plagne

La Plagne is made up of several small villages located right next to the pistes, making convenience a stand-out feature of the resort. You can expect lots of ski-in, ski-out accommodation reducing the hassle of co-ordinating transport, and meaning you’ll have more time skiing and less time travelling. La Plagne makes up half of the 425km Paradiski area, which is shared with Les Arcs. For beginners, there are several ski schools to choose from and six dedicated beginner areas. The variety of red and blue runs is a dream for intermediate skiers and if you’re on the hunt for powder, the off-piste down to Les Coches is a must-try.

You can’t get a much better hotel for convenience than the Résidence Front de Neige. Located right on the piste, with ski-in, ski-out access on the Écartée blue run, it offers immediate access to the slopes. The apartments here are built in a traditional mountain style chalet with a fully equipped kitchenette. If you fancy dining out, there are plenty of restaurants just a short walk away.

Get there

Dublin – France. Depart 22nd March 2025. Staying at 4* Odalys Prestige Résidence Front de Neige, La Plagne for 7 nights on a self-catering basis from €939pps or €1,879 (2 adults + 1 child) or €2,415 (2 adults + children)

All include flights, 20kg luggage and transfers.

Book online at crystalski.ie, visit your local TUI store or travel agent, or give our team of experts a call on 01 653 3504.

Prices correct at time of issue.

All holidays and prices are subject to change & availability and are based on 2 sharing and are for 7 nights (Unless stated above). Prices do not include optional extras such as insurance, in-flight meals or group seating. Normal Crystal Ski terms & conditions apply.

*T&Cs apply