A snowy getaway from 9,000 Avios
This winter, Iberia takes you to Europe’s greatest snow-covered spots for exploring and skiing. Discover new destinations such as Innsbruck (from 1 December), visit the world’s most famous Christmas markets in Salzburg, admire the northern lights in Tromsø or tour historic capitals such as Geneva or Milan. All are very near to top-level ski resorts and can be reached from between 9,000 and 30,000 Avios (return trip).
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1 Ginebra
The capital of diplomacy is one of the destinations you can’t miss this winter. With flights from 9,000 Avios (return trip), Geneva is one of the most sophisticated cities in Europe, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Visit stunning Lake Geneva with the Jet d’Eau, the Patek Philippe Museum if you’re into fine watchmaking, or Villa Diodati, where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in the summer of 1816. Winter is the perfect time to travel to the Alpine village of Chamonix, famous for being the location of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in all of Europe.
Ski season: The Chamonix Mont-Blanc ski resort is one of the most famous in the world and welcomes all levels. It provides slopes that are ideal for beginners and children, such as the Le Savoy ski area, and the Domaine skiable Brévent – Flégère station, with slopes where you can enjoy an incredible view of the Alps as you ski.
Travel to Geneva for 9000 Avios. -
2 Innsbruck
Since 1 December, this Austrian city – the capital of Tyrol – has been a new Iberia destination, where you can travel for 15,000 Avios (return trip). Located at the foot of the Alps, within the urban limits of Innsbruck are peaks such as Hafelekar in the Nordkette mountain range, which soars more than 2,300m high. The city has one of the best-preserved historic centres in all of Europe and, when the snow allows it, it is one of the most outstanding destinations for hiking. From mid-November, the city is full of lights and Christmas markets, including one featuring handcrafted items on top of one of the mountains surrounding the city: Bergisel.
Ski season: From Innsbruck you can reach 12 ski resorts. In fact, the city has a very special pass for winter sports lovers: the SKI plus CITY pass Stubai Innsbruck gives access to stations designed for all levels, from beginners, who can visit Muttereralm, to the more adventurous, who will love Axamer Lizum.
Travel to Innsbruck for 15 000 Avios -
3 Salzburgo
In Salzburg, where you can fly for 22,500 Avios (return trip), Advent and Christmas are the most celebrated times of the year. In this Austrian city bordering Germany, the Christkindlmarkt has been held since the 15th century and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. At the foot of Salzburg Cathedral you can sample the famous mulled wine and vanilla biscuits typical of the city, while in the background you can hear the original version of the Silent Night carol. It was here that it was composed some 206 years ago. The city has more than ten markets, each with its own special touch. For instance, in Hellbrunn Adventzauber, kids will find a post office from where they can send their letters to Santa Claus himself.
Ski season: Right by Schloss Hellbrunn is a cross-country ski route that’s famous throughout Austria for its picturesque views. In addition, Salzburg offers access to multiple ski resorts of exceptional quality. For example, in Saalbach Hinterglemm there are more than 270km of slopes, making it one of the largest resorts in Austria. It will host the Alpine Skiing World Cup from 4 February 2025.
Viaja a Salzburgo por 22 500 Avios -
4 Tromsø
Don’t miss the Norwegian winter in Tromsø, from 27,000 Avios (return flight). In what is known as the ‘capital of the Arctic’, you can admire the northern lights like nowhere else on the planet. Located just below the auroral oval, Tromsø is considered one of the best destinations for seeing them. In addition, from the end of November, the polar night begins in Tromsø and, until mid-January, only a faint twilight will appear on the horizon between 9am and 2pm. The polar night coincides with the time of whale and orca watching in the region’s fjords.
Ski season: In Tromsø the ski season starts in December and lasts until May. Senja Island and the Lyngen Alps are known for offering incredible off-piste ski trails, although it’s ideal to hire a tour or guide. In Tamokdalen, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, one of the most typical activities in Norway.
Travel to Tromsø for 27 000 Avios -
5 Milán
Milan, where you can fly from 18,750 Avios (return trip), is also delightful at Christmastime. The Italian city organises festive markets inside the city limits, such as the famous Oh Bej! Oh Bej! around the Castello Sforzesco, held this year from 5-8 December to celebrate the day of the city’s patron saint, Saint Ambrosio. Every year, an impressive Christmas tree is installed in Duomo Square and the lights are scheduled to be turned on on 7 December to coincide with the local festivities.
Ski season: Milan Malpensa airport offers very good transport options to access five ski resorts. One of the most popular destinations in the area for this sport is Piani di Bobbio, just over an hour from the centre of Milan, which has more than 35km of slopes. At Skiarea Valchiavenna in the village of Madesimo, there as many as 34 slopes and on some days of the week you can ski at night.
Travel to Milan for 18 750 Avios
