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Non-ski trip in French Alps first week of January

We are a family of 5 (3 college kids) looking to visit a beautiful snowy spot, ideally with views and possible day trips (car, train, or lift). Snow activities could be fun but we won’t be skiing unless everything (including ski clothes) is readily available and easy to rent. We are open to all the French Alps and western Switzerland. Our travel in that region will be Jan 2-5, after which we head to Colmar.

We are definitely open to staying in a city or valley (eg Annecy) if there are trips we can take by funicular or cog railway, or leaving our car somewhere while we travel by rail. We were considering doing this in Lauterbrunnen and heading to Murren or Gimmelwald because we love those towns, but we’re trying to reduce travel time a little.

Especially grateful if anyone has specific lodging recommendations. We will probably need 4 beds - at least 2 hotel rooms or a very large suite. Our kids are over 6 feet tall and no one wants to share a bed!

Thanks very much.

Posted by
21142 posts

We were considering doing this in Lauterbrunnen and heading to Murren or Gimmelwald because we love those towns, but we’re trying to reduce travel time a little.

If you are looking to reduce travel time to Colmar, Lauterbrunnen will be the closest to Colmar with the shortest travel time. You do not say what city you are flying into.

BTW, it is still school holidays Jan 2-5, so any lodging in a mountain resort town is going to be at a premium.

Posted by
7300 posts

I agree that the French Alps would be too far from Colmar.
In Switzerland, the Berner Oberland (Lauterbrunnen area) would be the top choice but accommodation might be scarce and there might be no/little snow at valley level. Engelberg near Lucerne is another good option, in my opinion (short trip to Colmar afterwards).
And there are some car-free mountain resorts that could be very nice for snowy fun, but less good for day trips. The ones I have in mind are Melchsee-Frutt, Meiringen-Hasliberg, and Stoos.