Best Places to Ski in January

January is a popular time to hit the pistes and you can be sure of some awesome skiing conditions. Deep fresh snow, quieter slopes and great value for money - a January ski holiday is a perfect way to blow away the post-Christmas blues and get your year off to a great start!

The best places to ski in January : the top ski areas and resorts

1. Champery - Portes du Soleil - La Clusaz

With the perfect combination of reliable snow, luxury accommodation and traditional village charm, La Clusaz has long been a favourite destination for French skiers. Intermediate and beginner skiers are spoiled for choice with an array of wide blue runs. La Clusaz also boasts some exciting black and red pistes, while those seeking more of a challenge will enjoy the descents at the neighbouring resort of La Balme.

2. St Anton

Known as the cradle of Alpine skiing, the traditional Alpine village of St Anton lies in the midst of majestic mountain scenery and boasts some of the most reliable snow in Europe. St Anton is one of the best places to ski in January, offering pistes for all abilities as well as plenty of opportunities for off-piste skiing. And with a legendary apres-ski scene, St Anton is the perfect choice for a January ski holiday to remember.

3. Les Arcs

With fabulous skiing both on and off-piste, the purpose-built ski resort of Les Arcs is ideal for mixed ability groups: spend the morning on the various slopes and meet up for lunch. Each village in Les Arcs offers a range of restaurants with delicious French cuisine, with the most choice in the 1800 village. There’s plenty to do off the slopes, with a large swimming pool complex, ice skating, paragliding and dog sledding.

4. Meribel, the Three Valleys ski area

Meribel is located at the heart of Les Trois Vallees, the largest ski area in the world. The Three Valleys area is suitable for both novice and advanced skiers, with over 200 lifts giving access to more than 600km of moderate and challenging runs. Complete your winter break with a balloon trip for a unique view of the Alpine landscape.

5. Megeve

Escape the hustle and bustle with a January ski holiday to Megeve. This hidden gem in the southeastern French Alps oozes old fashioned charm and offers excellent skiing for both beginners, as well as those looking for more of a challenge. With several fine restaurants offering superb food and a low key apres-ski scene, Megeve is perfect for groups of mixed abilities or a romantic ski break.

Ski accommodation and hotel rental offers in January

1. Residence Les Grandes Alpes 4*

This traditional alpine chalet-style hotel offers apartments decorated in contemporary rustic style. With well-equipped kitchenettes and spacious living rooms, the Residence Les Grandes Alpes 4* is the ideal base for your next ski adventure. After a day on the slopes, chill in the hotel’s lounge for a game of pool or table football or relax in the wellness suite with its heated pool.

2. Chalet Galzig

This cosy chalet-style accommodation offers a chic and luxurious base for your next ski adventure. Chalet Galzig is located near to both the ski lifts and the centre of town with its excellent restaurants, coffee shops and bars. The rooms are decorated in traditional Tyrolean style using local materials while a private terrace offers panoramic mountain views.

3. Taj-I-Mah 5*

The distinctive alpine architecture of the Taj-I-Mah 5* is enhanced by large windows from which to admire the breathtaking mountain scenery. Relax with a drink on the terrace or in the two bars; delicious cuisine is provided by the Michelin starred chef. After an exhilarating day, restore body and mind in the spa with its pool, sauna and hammam.

4. Neilson Chalet Chardonnet 4*

Enjoy a traditional ski chalet holiday at the Neilson Chalet Chardonnet 4*. The comfortable en-suite rooms each have a large balcony from which to admire the stunning alpine views and after a day on the pistes, relax in front of the log fire in the lounge. The chalet is just a short walk from the centre of Meribel with ice skating and swimming pool, and with a wide range of bars and restaurants, the town offers lively apres ski scene

5. Les Loges Blanches 4*

Just 200m from the ski lifts in the tranquil resort of Megeve, Les Loges Blanches 4* has all the ingredients for an unforgettable ski holiday. The luxury suites are stylishly furnished and boast a comfortable lounge area, a fully equipped kitchenette and a balcony or terrace.

Snow conditions in January

While the days may be short in January, deep falls of snow are frequent and the cold temperatures guarantee excellent skiing conditions both on and off-piste. If you plan to ski when snow is falling, look out for resorts with tree-lined slopes that offer some protection from the weather.

The Voyage Prive travel expert's opinion on ski holidays in January

What better way to work off the indulgences of Christmas than with a ski adventure? It’s often easy to arrange to leave from work in January and with no school holidays at this time, queues at the ski lifts are almost non-existent. While bars and restaurants may be quieter than in high season, they are all open in January and it's the perfect time for a romantic ski break.

Practical information about ski holidays in January?

• What to pack for your ski holidays and how to dress?

A water-resistant jacket and trousers are essential. You’ll also need warm base layers, ski boots and socks, a hat, gloves and sunglasses.

• What budget to plan for ski holidays in January?

Ski holidays in January are great value for money. Hotels often offer special deals in January to attract customers after the busy Christmas and New Year period is over.