There is something wonderfully refreshing about stepping off a plane into crisp mountain air, especially when the plan is to spend the next week skiing rather than answering emails. For Irish travellers looking beyond the usual Alpine favourites, this winter brings a fresh selection of resorts and hotels available through Irish ski operators.
Topflight Holidays has expanded its programme with several destinations in the Italian Dolomites, while Crystal Ski has brought back Livigno and added Landskron in Austria. Together, the new options offer everything from high-altitude terrain for experienced skiers to gentle slopes and all-inclusive facilities for families taking their first steps on snow.
New Italian and French options for an Ireland ski holiday
The Dolomites are an appealing choice for anyone interested in an active break with spectacular scenery. Topflight has introduced Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Val Gardena and Pozza di Fassa to its programme. Madonna di Campiglio combines polished resort style with extensive skiing, while nearby Pinzolo offers a quieter atmosphere and a gondola connection between the two.
Val Gardena and Pozza di Fassa sit within the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and provide access to the celebrated Sella Ronda circuit. The region is particularly well suited to intermediate skiers, although its dramatic peaks, welcoming villages and Italian food make it attractive even for travellers who want a balanced winter escape rather than nonstop time on the slopes.
In Pozza di Fassa, Hotel Rene offers an adults-only setting with a spa. That makes it a sensible option for visitors who prefer peaceful evenings, wellness facilities and good food to busy après-ski bars. It also reflects a wider shift in travel towards restorative breaks, where skiing, relaxation and personal wellbeing are part of the same holiday.
France remains strongly represented too. Hotel Les Campanules in Tignes Le Lac is a four-star chalet-style property close to the slopes, with Alpine character and views towards the lake. Tignes is especially attractive to confident skiers, with a large linked area shared with Val d’Isère and reliable high-altitude terrain. The resort can also suit families with older teenagers who want challenging skiing or snowboarding.
For a more budget-conscious approach, Residence Le Roc delle Aigles in Arc 1600 offers ski-in, ski-out apartments near the funicular. Self-catering accommodation can help families and groups manage costs, particularly when they are happy to prepare some meals themselves.
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Landskron and Livigno: two very different ski experiences
Crystal Ski has reintroduced Livigno, a popular Italian resort known for its duty-free shopping, attractive village and skiing at elevations approaching 2,800 metres. The journey from Innsbruck can take around three hours, but the high-altitude slopes and value within the resort may make the transfer worthwhile for travellers prioritising snow conditions and in-resort prices.
Livigno also hosted freestyle and snowboard events during the Winter Olympics, adding to its appeal for visitors interested in modern ski culture and winter sports beyond traditional downhill runs.
New to Crystal’s winter programme is Landskron in Austria’s Carinthia region, with flights available from Dublin and Cork. Located beside a lake, the resort has a relaxed character and is suited to beginners and families. The village stands at approximately 500 metres, while skiing in the Gerlitzen Alpe area reaches around 1,900 metres and includes 52 kilometres of relatively gentle pistes.
The Robinson complex provides an all-inclusive format covering meals, drinks, ski equipment, lessons and lift passes within the package. For families, having so many arrangements handled in one place can make the holiday feel considerably simpler. Landskron is also close to the historic city of Villach, offering an easy option for an afternoon away from the slopes.
Travellers wanting more choice can compare programmes from Cassidy Travel, Mountain People and Belfast-based Travel Solutions, which specialises in Bulgaria and also offers packages departing from Dublin. Oroko is worth considering for high-end, tailor-made ski trips, while UK specialists such as Iglu Ski, Heidi, Peak Retreats and Powder Byrne may offer additional resort and pricing options.
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How to choose the right ski resort from Ireland
The best destination depends less on a resort’s reputation than on the needs of the people travelling. Before booking, consider:
- Ability: Beginners may prefer gentle pistes and nearby lessons, while advanced skiers should look for larger linked areas and challenging terrain.
- Travel time: A longer transfer may be worthwhile for high-altitude snow, but families may favour a resort with a shorter journey.
- Accommodation: Hotels suit travellers who want meals and facilities included; apartments can offer flexibility and savings.
- Après-ski style: Some resorts focus on nightlife, while others are better for spa time, quiet dinners and family activities.
- Package details: Check whether flights, transfers, equipment, lessons, lift passes and meals are included before comparing prices.
These choices also connect with wider Irish lifestyle trends, including wellness Ireland, outdoor wellness, healthy habits and a more balanced approach to holidays. A ski trip can be energetic without becoming exhausting, particularly when the itinerary includes rest, good nutrition and time away from screens.
Frequently asked questions
Which new ski resorts are available through Irish operators?
Topflight has added several Dolomite resorts, including Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Val Gardena and Pozza di Fassa. Crystal Ski has introduced Landskron in Austria and reintroduced Livigno in Italy.
Is Landskron suitable for beginner skiers?
Yes. Its nearby Gerlitzen Alpe ski area has 52 kilometres of easier slopes, and the destination is designed with beginners and young families in mind.
What is the best option for advanced skiers?
Tignes is a strong choice because of its extensive high-altitude terrain and connection with Val d’Isère. Livigno may also appeal to experienced skiers who value snow-sure conditions and varied winter sports.
For Irish travellers, the main takeaway is simple: there is no need to return automatically to the same resort every year. Whether you want Italian scenery, French mountain terrain, an all-inclusive family base or a quieter spa-led escape, the latest ski programmes provide plenty of fresh possibilities. In the world of lifestyle Ireland, the ideal winter holiday is one that matches your ability, budget and preferred pace.