Eight of the Best Ski and City Holidays

Why not soak in geothermal spas in Iceland en route to skiing in Colorado? Or visit Japan’s powder capital before experiencing buzzing streets and traditional culture? With these ski and city combinations, you can contrast two very different cultures and climates, without planning two separate holidays.

Each itinerary is tailor-made to guarantee the trip of a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just looking to refresh how you travel, call us at 01273 224060 or enquire online to hear from our friendly team of experts.

If you’re heading to Whistler, chances are you’ll be flying into Vancouver, so it makes perfect sense to add a city break onto your ski trip. Here at Ski Safari, this is the original ski and city combination we’ve been offering since 1996!

The transfer from Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is also worth every second. This beautiful route takes you along the side of Howe Sound, an ocean fjord, before heading up the mountains to Whistler Village, so you can enjoy views along the way.

This pairing lets you experience skiing and a relaxed urban escape full of culture and coastal charm, all in one holiday.

Have a read of Beccy’s Whistler and Vancouver trip report from December 2024 to learn more.

• Take a 9.5-hour direct flight from the UK to Vancouver.
• Catch a 2.5-hour transfer from the airport to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
• Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Whistler’s two huge mountains.
• Transfer back down the Sea-to-Sky Highway straight into downtown Vancouver. Book a private transfer and they’ll even show you the sights on the way!
• Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Vancouver using the great transport network, which even includes water taxis!
• Take the 25-minute SkyTrain back to the airport for your flight home.

Whistler is often described as the ultimate North American ski destination, and with good reason. Home to the largest ski area on the continent, Whistler offers over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. Whistler is massive, and having skied the area for over 30 years, we’re still finding new spots each season to recommend.

With its world-record-breaking Peak 2 Peak gondola, Whistler has a vast network of wide-open bowls, tree-lined runs, and terrain parks. It’s a resort that caters to every level of skier and snowboarder.

But Whistler isn’t just about the skiing. The car-free village has a friendly, laid-back feel. Full of great places to explore once you’re off the slopes, Whistler offers a lively après ski scene, excellent dining and shopping options, and plenty of non-ski activities like snowmobiling, ziplines, and relaxing spas.

For more information on Whistler, read our blog: Why North America’s Biggest & Best Ski Resort Ticks Every Box.

Just like Whistler, Vancouver is a city made for the outdoors but with its own twist. You have the ocean on one side, snow-dusted mountains on the other. And in between? A buzzing, walkable city packed with tasty food, stunning parks, and a laid-back vibe that’s easy to fall into.

But if you’re feeling energetic, there’s loads to keep you active too! Vancouver is an ideal place to explore by bike. Stanley Park is a must, especially if you fancy cycling along the seawall or just soaking up the views. If you’re feeling adventurous, try kayaking in False Creek or head into the treetops on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Or if that’s not enough for sports lovers, catch an ice hockey game one evening!

You can easily fill a weekend by wandering the vibrant neighbourhoods. Whether it’s craft beer pubs or shopping on Robson Street, there’s something for every pace. And when it’s time to slow down, explore the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Here you’ll find independent galleries, coffee spots, and live music or comedy in the evenings.

Read Rupert’s blog on winter in Vancouver for more ideas on how to spend a few days in this fascinating city.

Geilo and Oslo are a natural pair for a ski and city combination. To start, Oslo is a quick 19-minute train ride from the airport, so it’s a great destination to experience both culture and nature in one trip without extra travel time.

But the best part? Geilo sits on the famous Oslo to Bergen railway line, which offers incredible views of fjords and mountains to keep you entertained the whole journey.

Travelling by train is fun and comfortable and will be a highlight of your trip. With spacious carriages, you’ll have plenty of room to move around rather than being cooped up in a bus or a car. With a dining cart service, you can also enjoy snacks and hot drinks while enjoying the scenery. For those travelling with little ones, there are family carriages with playrooms, too.

If you’re visiting Geilo and Oslo at Christmas, you’re in for a treat. Norway turns festive with lights, markets, and mulled wine. Perfect for feeling cosy in the colder months!

• Catch a 2-hour direct flight from the UK to Oslo.
• Take the 19-minute Express Train to Oslo Central Station and change to the scenic Bergen Train from Oslo to Geilo, arriving in the village centre in 4.5 hours. That gives you plenty of time to relax and take in the views.
• Spend 5 days skiing Geilo’s groomed pistes and enjoying the quiet lifts.
• Take the train back to Oslo Central Station and stay for 2 nights, giving you plenty of time to explore Norway’s capital city. If it’s nice weather, book onto a ferry to see the Oslo fjord from the water!
• Catch the 19-minute Express Train from the city centre back to Oslo Airport for your 2-hour flight home.

Set between two national parks and on the shores of a beautiful lake, Geilo is easy-going and full of natural beauty. The resort has that relaxed village feel, and the locals are known for being especially friendly and welcoming.

Best of all, there’s no queuing, even during peak periods. Crowd-free and compact, the skiing here is ideal for families or anyone looking to take things at their own pace. Oh, and a massive bonus? Children under 7 ski for free.

In total, there are 46 runs across two ski areas, connected by a free ski bus, with plenty of wide greens and blues for getting your ski legs back. For confident skiers, there are sweeping reds and a few blacks.

You’ll also have the chance to go floodlit night skiing with lifts staying open until 8pm on Fridays on the Vestlia side of the resort, or Tuesdays until 7.30pm on the Geilo Village side in Slaatta. If you’re more of an early bird, Vestlia's slopes open at 7.30am on Saturdays during peak times, too.

Oslo is where cool city life meets outdoor adventure. Walkable and packed with culture, you can stroll from a world-class museum to a waterfront seafood spot in minutes. Explore iconic sights like Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, and the Royal Palace, or dive into Viking history at one of the city’s standout museums.

Head to Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen for shopping, or take a ferry ride across the Oslo Fjord for incredible views. For a unique perspective, visit the iconic Ski Jump at Frognerseteren, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the nearby Ski Museum. Visitors should invest in the Oslo Pass, which will provide access to public transport and plenty of museums.

Read our blog What to Do in Oslo in 24 Hours for more on what to do in Oslo.

If you're heading to Niseko for a ski trip, make the most of it and experience Japan’s culture-packed capital too. From unparalleled skiing and powder heaven to tiny Golden Gai bars, or even go-karting in costume (yes, really), Niseko and Tokyo have it all.

Skiers heading to Niseko will fly into Tokyo, so adding a couple of days to your stay just makes sense. Even better, you have the option to store ski gear at the airport, making travelling lighter and easier.

From powder to pagodas, you’ll combine Japan’s most renowned resort with its most famous city on this unforgettable trip.

Pro Tip: Japan is nine hours ahead of the UK, so we recommend adding another day for travel when planning your visit.

• Take a 13-hour direct flight from the UK to Haneda Airport, Tokyo.
• Catch a 1.5-hour connecting flight from Tokyo to Sapporo.
• When you arrive in Sapporo, you’ll meet the driver of your 2.5-hour transfer to Niseko.
• Enjoy 6 days of skiing Niseko’s perfect powder.
• On your return from Niseko, transfer to Sapporo and catch a 1.5-hour internal flight back to Tokyo.
• Make the most of your stopover by exploring Tokyo's vibrant city streets for an extra 3 nights.
• When it’s time to go home, take a 13-hour direct flight from Haneda Airport to the UK.

Tucked away on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko is famous for its incredible views and seriously deep powder. We’re talking up to 20 metres of snowfall at the summit each season.

With one lift pass, you’ll have access to all four interconnected resorts in the Niseko United area: Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Hanazono. All four resorts are linked by lifts and a handy free ski bus, so you can ski seamlessly from one area to the next. And with fantastic ski schools for beginners or kids, it’s a solid option for families too.

There’s terrain for every level, from gentle glades to wide-open bowls, but advanced skiers really hit the jackpot here. Head into the backcountry with a guide or try cat-skiing for an unforgettable day. If you’ve never tried night skiing, this is your moment: lifts stay open until 7 pm (sometimes 9 pm!). Catching the sunset over Mt. Yotei from the slopes is a sight you’ll never forget.

When the legs start to protest, the best recovery is a long soak in a steamy onsen - natural hot springs that are part of Japanese ski culture. Most hotels have them, but Hirafu has plenty of public options if you fancy mixing with the locals.

After floating through Niseko’s famous powder, it’s time to explore the city lights of Tokyo. As Japan’s capital and the world’s largest metropolis, Tokyo is packed with iconic sights and experiences.

Skiing in March? You might even catch the cherry blossoms, Japan’s national flower, in full bloom.

Tokyo is a vibrant blend of old and new. Explore glowing arcades and anime shops in Akihabara, wander through peaceful temples in Asakusa, or seek out vintage treasures in Harajuku. For skyline views, the free observation deck in Shinjuku’s Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a must. If you’re looking for a buzz, try visiting the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

Short on time and need ideas for a quick stay? Check out Archie’s blog, One Night in Tokyo.

Bergen is the primary airport for skiers visiting Voss’ divine slopes, so it makes sense to explore the city whilst you’re there. A direct, high-speed train links the two in just a 1-hour scenic ride, making the journey part of the experience too.

Adding Bergen to your ski trip brings a fresh mix of coastal charm, colourful harboursides, and easy access to the world-famous fjords. Plus, everyone speaks English, so you can easily dive into the local culture without worrying about the language barrier.

• Take a short 2-hour flight from the UK to Bergen and ride the high-speed Vy train to Voss in just 1 hour.
• Once in Voss, most accommodation is within walking distance from the station, so there’s no need to book a transfer!
• Enjoy 6 days of delightful skiing before catching the Vy train back to Bergen.
• Use the Bybanen (light rail) to transfer to Bergen centre and explore the characterful city for a few extra nights.
• When it’s time to end your Nordic adventure, transfer back to Bergen airport and fly home to the UK.

Voss is great for skiing but low on crowds. It’s produced more Winter Olympic medal-winning athletes than anywhere else in the world, which says plenty about the slopes. There’s a solid 40km of skiing here, with 24 runs ranging from gentle greens to off-piste areas that’ll keep confident skiers grinning.

One of the best things about Voss is how compact and easy everything is. Since 2020, a high-speed gondola has connected the train station straight to the ski area, so you can go from town to the top without even needing a car. At the top, you’ll find ski hire, lockers, and everything else you need, all in one place. It’s well-suited for families, especially with little ones in tow, as there are loads of open slopes where you can keep everyone in sight.

The town itself is lovely with cosy restaurants, coffee shops, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal if you’re after a trip that’s equal parts adventure and downtime.

If you’re skiing in Voss, adding a few days in Bergen is a no-brainer. It’s the perfect way to swap ski boots for city strolls.

Start with a wander around Bryggen, the city’s photogenic and historic harbour. While you’re exploring the timber buildings and cobbled streets, pop into the little shops and grab a coffee or some local artsy goods.

Want to see more? Hop on the Bybanen (light rail) for an easy, budget-friendly way to explore without tiring your legs. For those seeking amazing views over the city and fjords, head to the Fløibanen funicular or take the Ulriken Cable Car to the top of Bergen’s highest peak for a romantic meal at Sky Skraperen.

Bergen is great for families too, with the aquarium and harbour shops offering fun for all ages. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll get the magic of Gingerbread City - a whole miniature town built from gingerbread! It’s adorable, and the Christmas vibes in Bergen are second to none. It even has a year-round Christmas shop, ideal for souvenirs.

For more Christmas ideas, read our blog: Escape to Western Norway this Christmas.

A Californian favourite, San Francisco and Palisades Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains around Lake Tahoe, are a match made in heaven. We’re talking sunny Californian skies, epic snow and iconic city sights, all in one incredible trip.

Although Reno is the closest airport to Palisades Tahoe, it’s cheaper to fly to San Francisco from the UK, making this pairing a natural choice. Even better, the drive between San Francisco and Palisades Tahoe can also be made into a road trip. If you’re a wine lover, detour through Napa Valley and explore acres of vineyards, or check out the Jelly Belly Factory for a fun (and sugary) stop.

• Catch an 11-hour direct flight to San Francisco from the UK.
• Pick up your hire car and drive 3.5 hours to Palisades, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.
• Stay in Palisades Tahoe for 6 days and explore the two wide-range mountain resorts, Palisades and Alpine Meadows.
• At the end of the week, drive back to San Francisco for a 2-night city add-on and explore California’s vibrant cosmopolitan city.
• Head back to San Francisco Airport via public transport and fly back to the UK.

Described as the Spring Skiing Capital, Palisades Tahoe offers breathtaking views over Lake Tahoe and fantastic skiing late into the season.

Home to two incredible ski areas, Palisades and Alpine Meadows, this resort has steep chutes to tree-lined blues that suit all abilities. And with a base-to-base gondola connecting over 6,000 acres of terrain and 177 runs, you'll have plenty to cover.

300 days of sunshine a year and around 10 metres of snow each season ensure that conditions are consistently fantastic. Better yet, you can still expect great snow right through to the end of May, so you can double up your holiday and enjoy the spring vibes of Western California.

There are 14 more ski resorts around Lake Tahoe, so if you’re looking to switch things up, there’s plenty of choice for a day trip to explore all that California has to offer.

To find out what spring skiing in Tahoe is really like, read Andy’s blog, Lake Tahoe - North to South in 10 Days.

San Francisco is easily walkable, ideal for stretching your ski legs. Stroll from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge or rent a bike and cycle to Sausalito. On the way, stop by the Walt Disney Family Museum or just take in those West Coast views.

San Francisco is also home to plenty of beaches, perfect for a sunny day, and with most of the year in sunshine, you’re sure to get some great weather. To enjoy the fresh air, head to Golden Gate Park, which stretches five miles along the coastline. Or, if you’re into history, visit Alcatraz - but book tickets in advance, it fills up fast!

With iconic sights, San Francisco offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of shops, so leave room in your suitcase! Food lovers will love spots like Hyde Street Seafood and strolling through San Francisco’s Chinatown. If you’re looking for good pizza, we recommend Golden Boy.

By combining Hakuba’s impressive snowy peaks with Kyoto’s serene gardens and ancient temples, you’ll experience the traditional side of Japan in just one holiday.

Kyoto’s blend of authentic culture, cuisine, and charm makes this city the ideal location to round off your Japan ski adventure. After hitting the impressive slopes of Hakuba and relaxing in onsens, adding on a few extra days in Kyoto seems like an obvious choice to us.

• Take an 11-hour direct flight to Tokyo Haneda from the UK.
• Using a shared transfer or public transport, travel into the city and take the train from Tokyo to Nagano.
• From Nagano, catch a private or shared transfer to Hakuba and enjoy 6 days of skiing.
• After enjoying spectacular skiing and limitless powder, transfer back to Nagano.
• Next, take a train to Kyoto and enjoy a 2-night stay to break up the journey and allow enough time for sightseeing.
• Take a train from Kyoto to Tokyo, transfer or public transfer to Tokyo Haneda, and take an 11-hour flight back to the UK.

Set in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba features 10 ski resorts - all covered by one lift pass - offering everything from groomed runs to deep backcountry terrain. You can explore a different mountain each day, making it an adventure on a whole new level!

For the best base, stay in Happo-One. It offers a great mix of well-maintained pistes and off-piste challenges. Just 10 minutes away, Goryu-Hakuba47 is fantastic for freestyle fans, with excellent groomers and a superpipe. Hakuba also has some of Japan’s steepest slopes, ideal for advanced skiers. We recommend hiring a guide to tackle the numerous powder-filled bowls.

Off the slopes, Hakuba’s après ski scene is full of charm. Dine in traditional Japanese izakaya bars, enjoy comfort food in a cosy English pub, or try French or Indian cuisine. Beyond skiing, Hakuba also has the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, while a detour to a traditional temple is just a short trip away.

After a long day skiing, head to one of Hakuba's famous onsens (hot springs). Many hotels offer their own, but you’ll be sure to find public ones if you need some relaxation.

Kyoto, Japan’s former capital for over 1,000 years, is renowned for its history, beauty, and endless photo opportunities. With over 1,800 temples and shrines, plus tranquil gardens and traditional teahouses, it’s Japan at its most iconic. The city is easy to explore thanks to excellent bus routes and guided tours that hit all the major sights.

Don’t miss the atmospheric Gion District - home to geisha, wooden teahouses, and lantern-lit alleys. Try visiting the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) or walk through the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. You might even spot a geisha walking by in traditional attire!

For food lovers, Nishiki Market is a 400-year-old food haven where you can sample local delicacies. If not, head to Pontocho for an atmospheric riverside dining experience. Kyoto Station is a bucket list-worthy stop, with 15 floors of shopping, restaurants, and even a movie theatre!

First and foremost, Icelandair has a stopover programme that allows passengers travelling between North America and Europe to add a free layover of up to seven days in Reykjavik. So, for no extra cost, visit another continent before heading to the dreamy ski destination of Breckenridge.

If you visit Reykjavik in the winter months, you’ll have the added bonus of the Northern Lights while you’re in Iceland. If you’re skiing in Breckenridge in spring, where the snow is still great, you’ll catch Iceland as it begins to warm up with a chance to see puffins in the longer days.

Icelandair includes ski baggage in the cost of your flight, so you don’t need to worry about additional spending. As flights from the UK will stopover in Iceland in both directions of your journey, you can choose when to add your city break to your holiday. If skiing first:

• Fly to Reykjavik from the UK in 3.5 hours, with a short layover.
• From Reykjavik, fly to Denver from the UK in 8 hours.
•  Take a 2-hour transfer along the scenic Route 70 to Breckenridge - we recommend taking the Epic Mountain Express shuttle bus.
• Once you’ve arrived, it's time to hit the slopes for 6 days to enjoy the resort’s peaks.
• At the end of your Breck trip, transfer back to Denver and take an 8-hour flight to Reykjavik overnight.
• Enjoy two nights in Reykjavik and explore Iceland’s landscape and colourful capital city.
• Transfer to Keflavík International Airport for your flight back home.

Breckenridge is one of North America’s most iconic resorts. Impressively, Breck’s elevation (9,600 ft at the base and 12,998 ft at the summit) lands this resort as the second-highest ski resort in the world. Thanks to its high altitude, you can expect good-quality snow until mid-May.

With five linked peaks offering terrain for all levels, you’ll find everything from beginner runs to steep bowls for experts. If you want to ski nearby Colorado resorts, such as Vail, Beaver Creek, or Keystone, we recommend getting the Epic Local Pass. Or if you’re just looking to ski Breckenridge and Keystone, the Summit Value Pass is very well priced.

Breckenridge also has a free Ski with a Ranger program, which provides free guided tours to highlight interesting information on the National Forest and outlines the resort’s environmental commitments.

For families, there are excellent ski schools for all abilities. Or, beyond skiing, there’s plenty of off-slope entertainment, including dog sledding, snowshoeing, spa treatments, and ice skating.

Have a read of our blog: Breckenridge: Snow, Sun & Superb Savings in April.

Reykjavik, Iceland’s quirky capital, is a small city with a lot to offer. During September to late March, dark skies mean an increased chance of spotting the Northern Lights. Better yet, head outside of the city to get away from light pollution for a better viewing!

For incredible scenery, you can explore the Golden Circle. This fantastic route includes the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. If that’s not enough, you can also experience whale watching, horse-riding through volcanic landscapes, or a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavik is also home to some unique food experiences, like lamb soup and fresh seafood, and its food halls, like Hlemmur Mathöll, offer tasty local eats.

Plus, Iceland is incredibly safe, and with its compact size, it’s easy to explore in a short time, and you can rely on buses or use the Reykjavik City Card for convenience. Most accommodation is centrally located within walking distance of most attractions, making Reykjavik a cost-effective addition to your Breckenridge ski holiday.

Combining the quiet ski resort of Myrkdalen with the picturesque village of Flåm is a perfect trip for those who value serenity. Although Flåm isn't a city, it’s nestled in the heart of the fjords and offers unparalleled views. Both locations complement each other by offering a peaceful escape, making this pairing an obvious choice for us at Ski Safari.

From driving down scenic roads to riding trains that weave around gorgeous mountains, you’ll discover Norway’s iconic fjords in a number of ways. Best of all, you’ll travel by the scenic Bergen Railway and a sightseeing ferry down famous fjords to get the most out of Norway’s landscape.

• Take a 2-hour direct flight to Bergen from the UK.
• From the airport, catch a shared transfer to Myrkdalen and enjoy 6 days of skiing.
• When it’s time to move on, share a transfer to Gudvangen.
• Now onto the exciting part: ride an electric fjord cruise to Flåm, where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
• On the return journey, catch the Flåm railway to Myrdal.
• From here, you will ride the scenic Bergen Railway to Bergen.
• Take a 2-hour flight back home to the UK.

Since opening in 2003, Myrkdalen has become one of Norway's best resorts. A modern resort with something for everyone, it’s especially great for beginners, thanks to its wide, well-groomed pistes. At the same time, experts will love the extensive off-piste terrain. With a range of runs and uncrowded slopes, it's ideal for skiers who want to avoid the busy resorts.

Après ski here isn’t just about winding down with a drink - there’s a range of fun activities to try, including sleigh rides! It’s a modern resort with a laid-back vibe, where you can enjoy skiing and outdoor activities while also having unique Nordic experiences.

Although not a city, we couldn’t help but include our Flåm for those seeking a scenic escape. This small, picturesque village is nestled at the base of snow-capped mountains and is the prime destination to see Norway’s fjords. Surrounded by tranquil waters, Flam is the perfect location for those who want to see the quieter side of Norway, with still plenty to do.

While visiting, it’s worth riding the iconic Flåmsbana (railway), which is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The 20km track winds through 20 tunnels, past frozen waterfalls, rocky gorges, and snowy landscapes. This ride will promise breathtaking views of Norway’s stunning landscape.

If that’s not enough, visit Stegastein Viewpoint, located 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord, where you’ll get some of the best photos of your trip. For thrill-seekers, try a high-speed RIB ride or the Flåm zipline.

A pro tip: before boarding the ferry to Flåm, step back in time and visit the interactive Njardarheimr Viking Village in Gudvangen. Don’t miss a visit to Ægir BrewPub in Flåm, a Norse-inspired pub for that Viking experience.

Now you know – you can totally mix up the thrill of the slopes with the buzz of city life in one amazing trip! If you’ve spotted a resort that sounds right for you or your group, enquire online or speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01273 224060 (Monday to Friday, 9 am–5:30 pm UK time). We're always happy to help!

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