Etihad holidays launches winter ski brochure

Snowboarders and skiers in the UAE can now book a trip to the slopes with Etihad Holidays following the launch of its winter holiday programme.

Holidays in the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon, Austria, Switzerland and Italy start from Dhs 2,580 and include return economy flights from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, transfers and accommodation.

In addition to information on the accommodation and prices, the new Etihad Holidays programme also provides customers with a detailed fact box about each resort such as transfer times, number of slopes as well as what non-ski activities are available.

Tony Gauci, head of Etihad Holidays, said: “Etihad Holidays strives to cater for all tastes and budgets with our programmes and therefore we are delighted to launch this winter programme which offers holidays to some of the world’s most famous ski resorts such as Kitzbuhel in Austria and Verbier in Switzerland.”

Ski breaks to the Italian resort of Cervinia start from Dhs 7,910 and include return Etihad Airways economy flights to Milan, seven nights’ accommodation at the three star Mignon Hotel, Cervinia and half board. Holiday makers can also stay at the four star Europa Hotel from Dhs 8,170 based on two people sharing.

Etihad Holidays is offering a number of ski and snowboard breaks in the Austrian resorts of Saalbach, Kitzbuhel and Westendorf which all include accommodation, transfers and return economy flights to Munich with Etihad Airways.

Lead-in fares start from Dhs 6,255 at the three star Pension Eden Steiner which is located in the resort of Saalbach and renowned for its extensive circuit of slopes all linked by a highly efficient lift system. Customers can also book breaks at the Hotel Mitterer from Dhs 6,470.

Switzerland is world-famous for its Alpine offerings and the Etihad Holidays programme is no exception with breaks to the Chalet Venus from Dhs 9,935 and the Rosalp Hotel from Dhs 7,730 which are both located in the resort of Verbier.

Verbier is the largest resort in the “4 Valleys” ski region and offers skiers and snowboarders more than 400km of piste and some of the most challenging skiing in the Alps as well as a thriving nightlife.

Lebanon has firmly established itself on the global ski map in recent years and Etihad Holidays is offering breaks to the Faraya-Mzaar and Faqra resorts which have 42 slopes with views of the capital city, Beirut.

Lead-in prices start from Dhs 2,580 for three nights accommodation at the five star Mzaar InterContinental and Dhs 2,855 at the four star Terre Brune Hotel. Fares include return flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, transfers accommodation with half board at the InterContinental and breakfast at the Terre Brune.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)