If you're interested in France, the region of Haute-Savoie would be ideal. Mont-Blanc is the famous mountain and one of the prettiest towns not far from there is Annecy, where there is a lot to do and see. Depending on which resort you're staying, it would be about 30 miles from the slopes to Annecy. You're also super close to the Swiss ski resorts as well.
The French/Swiss Alps will be expensive and full of visitors. If you want something less expensive, try the Spanish Pyrennees. However, if you are traveling with serious skiers, they would definitely be happier with the Alps as the powder is just so much better.
For the Italian/Swiss Alps, I suggest Lugano, Switerland which is so close to Italy that most people speak Italian. Lugano is drop dead gorgeous and there is plenty to do there just like Annecy.
Too many choices... My advice would be to stay in a town called Chamonix (France) which is right by Mont Blanc and is on the border of France and Switzerland. Chamonix is a resort town but has old monuments and churches. There are quaint old villages surrounding the town that you can visit easily. Within the town itself there are loads of winter activities/festivals that don't require skiing and from there you can even visit, Annecy and Geneva as well.
www.teflanguagehouse.com
European ski area with best activities for non-skiers...
Jan 29 2008, 09:02 PM
