Insist on a White Christmas? Try These 5 Snowbound Picks
Nothing sets the festive atmosphere like a blanket of snow, but a white Christmas in the UK is far from guaranteed. 2010 saw our last snow-bound December 25th, when many parts of the country enjoyed a dusting of the magical white stuff.
It's far too early to tell if this year will see snowfall, but bookmakers suggest there's only a slim chance, offering odds of around 5/1 for snowfall on the big day.
So if you want guaranteed snow this Christmas, you'll have to take a break overseas. Here are five places where you're (almost) guaranteed snow on Christmas day...
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
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If you like to get involved with your Christmas-Day snow (aside from building a snowman) then you might head to Sass-Fee, offering grade-A snow for boarders and skiers. Often described as "the prettiest ski village in Europe", this resort is great for beginners and intermediate winter sports enthusiasts, and given its height (1800m-3500m), it is sure to be snowing somewhere on Christmas Day.
Bolzano, Italy
If hurtling down an icy hill at 50mph isn't your thing, then try Bolzano in the Italian Dolomites. This fairy-tale Christmas wonderland doesn't get huge amounts of snow, but even a modest sprinkling is enough to set the festive mood, especially considering the town plays host to a delightful Christmas market. Make sure you see Ice Man Otzi, too, a chap who lived in these parts several thousand years before Christmas even existed. Visit Otzi at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.
St Petersburg, Russia
While Russians are normally the ones to 'pop over' unexpectedly from the east, why not go against tradition by paying a festive visit to the Federation yourself this winter? The former imperial capital of St Petersburg is the perfect place to enjoy the frosted majesty of a Russian Christmas (actually celebrated on January 7th), where the rivers glaze over and the city's emporiums are illuminated with candles. Don't miss the vast Hermitage art and culture museum, boasting hundreds of opulent rooms and many treasured artworks.
Tromso, Norway
Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Tromso is usually cold enough for snow in December, although you won't see much of it – because there's no sunshine at this time of year.
But all that unending darkness is the perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights, an incredible light-show that draws many thousands every year. A number of tours are available to whisk you away from the light pollution of Tromso and other towns – so you can get a good view of the aurora.
Courchevel, Méribel, and Les Menuires
The Three Valley System is another amazing location for a spot of winter sports and at 2,300m it's sure to be blanketed in white this Christmas. Skiing, snowboarding and an unsurpassed après-ski scene make this a wonderful place for a festive escape – but you could also try an Aerial Paramotor Flight.
This breath-taking experience involves flying on world-record-holding high-altitude pilot Timothy Green's paraglider. His machine is fitted with a lightweight motor which is powerful enough to propel Timothy and one passenger high above mighty Mont Blanc. The 30 minute ride costs a lofty 120 euros – but what a way to spend a Christmassy night in the Alps!
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