Ski Holidays
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Ski Holidays
The European ski season runs from the end of November to the middle of April. With the North American ski season running at almost the same time and the New Zealand season just after there is plenty of choice when it comes to choosing when and where to go. The European ski resorts are mostly located in the Alps, a vast region lying over France, Italy, Andorra, Switzerland and Austria. With other great ski resorts popping up in Eastern European countries too, like Zakopane in Poland and many resorts in Bulgaria.
Ski holidays are often only a week long but going for 2 weeks is not unheard of. Many of the world´s top resorts can be found in Europe. Favourites are Val D´isere, Courcheval, Meribel, Val Torrens, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, Alpe D´huez and La Tania in France. Whilst St Anton and Kitzbuhel are firm Austrian favourites. Courmayer in Italy is a family friendly resort and the chic St Moritz is just down the road. Whilst Zermatt, Sass Fae, Verbier and Wengen rule the slopes in Switzerland.
Ski holidays are ideal for those just starting out and for the more advanced. With most resorts offering a huge range of pistes, snow parks and other areas! Snowboarding is also extremely popular in Europe and the resorts have definitely catered for this, allowing for board only parks and great slopes to sharpen those edges. For beginners most of the big resorts offer many English only ski schools so learning is never a problem. For absolute beginners the Paradi–ski area is definitely the best, combining the two ski areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne creating a haven of blue runs! For the more advanced skiers the Espace Killy areas which combine Val D´isere and Tignes are amazing. The trios Valais areas are also a firm favourite for the Brits, with great family atmosphere and plenty to do – the areas of Courcheval, Meribel, La Tania and Val Torrens.
If its not being active you´re into though don´t fret as the big European Ski resorts are renowned for their lively aprés–ski buzz. Val D´isere and Meribel are famed for the famous Dicks Tea Bars as well as dozens of other bars and nightclubs. St Anton in Austria is definitely the biggest party town offering Bar Cuba, Scottys Pub and many other aprés haunts surrounding its infamous black runs and great off piste areas. Many of the villages in France are centrally located around the skiing areas so ski in ski out is always an option! With nice ski conditions and reliable snow fall skiing in Europe is always popular! With plenty of other thinks to do as well like ice skaing, heated outdoor pools, bobsleighs, skidoo-ing, tobogganing and much, much more, a ski holiday will keep you entertained all week. At just a few hours away from the UK, a winter sports holiday really is a well worth it, break from the norm.
After an active day on the slopes a hearty meal in a Savoyard restaurant is a must. Enjoy a tasty Fondue or Raclette as well as take your pick from the many Pizzerias and other international cuisines on offer. With Hot wines and Hot Chocolates on tap!
Skiing in North America does spoil the advanced skier. With virtually empty pistes compared to those in France, days can be spent without the worry of joining long queues. The most famous ski resorts in North America are definitely the best, with hundreds of Brits descending on Whistler and Winter Park yearly!