Great European

Skiing Destinations

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accuracy of the descriptions. Please seek corroboration before relying on this information.

When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing

resorts. From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so

much to offer any skier. If you’ve never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if you’re looking

to expand your experience, you’ll find something that catches your eye without too much

research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldn’t go

anywhere else in the world for their vacation.

On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection. From the world famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, you’ve got such a wide range of skiing to choose from. France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation. With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip. Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip. From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europe’s film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europe’s finest skiing country. With the kids or with your friends, France is truly a destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation. Or how about exploring some of the Italian resorts? Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski. Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weather’s good too! Or how about Italy’s neighbor, Croatia? Within this rising European nation, you’ll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for the money, not to mention top quality. From the international standard ski resorts to their world class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year. Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids. You will be welcomed with open arms by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future. In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment. How about Austria for your skiing trip? When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air. Well, it simply doesn’t come much better than Austria, and if you’re looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing. Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience? While skiing the Alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, while still becoming a world leader in financial industry.

Skiing in Europe is the ideal way to spend your vacation. If you love skiing, you are guaranteed to find a great resort somewhere, within your budget that meets your needs, and caters for your ability. With most resorts also boasting strong training academies, you can also work to improve your skills while you are there; ensuring that your skiing trip is both useful and memorable. Whatever you are looking for, choose Europe as your number one skiing destination, for that perfect blend of quality, tradition and culture, and for a holiday that is truly breathtaking.

Courchevel 1850 Resort The Courchevel 1850 resort in France is one of the best ski resorts in the world if you happen to be a beginner. Yes, we were all beginners once, and no one knows better than the Courchevel 1850 resort that if you get the beginners right, the intermediates and advanced will follow. With over 50% of all runs dedicated specifically to beginners, it is a haven for those learning to ski, or looking to refine their skills and expertise while on vacation. Rumored to be the most expensive resort on the French Alps, this isn’t strictly the truth. You can find really good deals if you know where to look, and there are really good discounts for group bookings, although you get what you pay for, so don’t expect a cheap vacation. Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys resorts, and itself is divided into four distinct areas from the bottom to the top: 1300, 1550, 1650, and 1850. In general, the further up you go, the more expensive your trip is likely to be, so it is wise to consider going slightly further down, where you can still find some amazing skiing, both off piste and cross country, as well as some great downhill runs. With an astonishing 65 ski lifts across the resort, the Courchevel is an enormous skiing resort, and attracts a wide variety of tourists from across Europe, and indeed the world. The Courchevel 1300 is located right at the very bottom of the resort, and is truly beautiful in an unspoiled, picturesque sense. It is a fantastic challenge for beginners, and is ideal for those looking for some relaxation out of their skiing vacation. Alternatively, moving up, there is the 1550, which is seen as the playground of the locals. Here you can benefit from some amazing self catering deals, while still managing to find great skiing, so this is perhaps a good consideration for those with families. Again, moving up there is the 1650, home of the famous ski school, and a number of top quality restaurants. With largely chalet accommodation, this is also a great resort to choose for your French skiing vacation. Finally we have the 1850. The 1850 is home to the rich and the famous, and you’re looking at an arm and a leg if you want to ski there. Although the skiing isn’t that much better (unless you’re looking for off-piste), there are heftier queues, and the resort isn’t overly child friendly or family oriented. Of the four resorts on the Courchevel, you are guaranteed to have a great skiing vacation whichever you choose. Each has the benefit of world class skiing, although the facilities may differ between each. It is important to decide what it is you are looking for, and then to base your choice around this, so you can make the most of your skiing vacation. Why not consider taking a few lessons in the world famous Courchevel ski school? Or how about sampling some of the extensive night life these resorts have to offer? Whether you are a dedicated skier, or have never been on a pair of skis in your life, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for on the Courchevel, and you are guaranteed a vacation to remember.

Geilo in Norway Geilo in Norway stands 800 meters high, and has one of the highest ski lifts in the world, stretching 3,887 feet. Geilo is positioned three and a half hours from the capital city, while having good road and rail links to the village. Set amidst amazing scenery just off the banks of Fjord, Geilo is at the heart of Norway’s “Winter Wonderland”. Maintaining its reputation as an excellent family resort, Geilo has seen visitors from Europe and beyond since early 1900s. Geilo remains unspoiled, with true Norwegian character firmly intact. With more than just skiing facilities Geilo is home to the 4 star Highland Hotel, as well as numerous lodging houses, and the famous Holms Ski Bar. Although primarily a ski resort Geilo also offers sleigh rides, wildlife adventure tours, ski orienteering, tobogganing, snow shoe walking, dog-sledging, kite-skiing, night-skiing, snowboarding, freestyle snowboarding and much more. Geilo’s reputation as one the world’s top skiing resorts lies mainly in its ability to cater to family vacations. With over 10,000 families visiting the slopes each year, Geilo also offers excellent tuition in packages it refers to as the “Family Starter Pack”. This involves tuition for your entire family for the equivalent of $200 a day. This means, that not only can your whole family learn together, but is also means that families with no skiing experience, can go along and after the first day, they will be able to ski on their own. Geilo has also increased its reputation amongst snowboarders in recent years--beating off Lillehammer, Voss and Hemsedal in its bid to host the Norwegian Snowboarding Championship. With four sides of mountain each dedicated to snowboarding and skiing, Geilo is now able to call itself Norway’s first skiing location to offer 5 runs dedicated to snowboarding. With 110 runs in total, Geilo has 14% expert runs, allowing experienced skiers to enjoy themselves on the slopes, while maintaining the rest of its facilities for intermediates and beginners that account for a larger number of their yearly visitors. Geilo also offers exceptional value for money with weekly family packages starting from $1000 including accommodation, bed and breakfast. The element that stands out the most about Geilo is the way it caters to families, with crèches, family diners, and especially their Christmas bonanza which includes Santa visiting the slopes with his reindeer on Christmas day, and the time leading up to Christmas. Geilo never fails to be fully booked for Christmas, with so many families choosing to bring their children along to experience Christmas within this winter wonderland. Although Geilo offers amazing family packages, it would be unfair to say that Geilo is limited to family vacations. Geilo has hosted very serious world sporting events, as well as being the training ground of the national snowboarding and skiing teams. Geilo is available from August/September all the way through to late March and is also considering investing in “Avalanche Technology” which generates snow from water to provide 24/365 skiing. If you

have never been to Geilo then I would recommend that you give it a go, although the family image may put certain people off visiting the slope I would suggest that checking it out is the best thing to do. From their website it is clear to see that consistent snowfall and a good variation in the difficulty of runs makes Geilo a facility that can genuinely cater to everyone from beginner to professional. It has many great options for accommodation, and with good travel links as well there really is no excuse for not hoping on a plane and going to Geilo today. With thousands of people on the slopes, from different countries and different backgrounds Geilo is suitable for families and teenagers alike. With individual price plans starting from $350 a week, and well-known DJs playing at local club venues Geilo is also becoming very popular amongst those teenagers who would have previously seen Ibiza as the only place to be seen on holiday.

Kopaonik in Serbia Skiing in Kopaonik, Serbia is becoming a growing trend for skiers looking to move away from the commercial skiing facilities of Central and Northern Europe in search of more naturally occurring skiing trails. With a snow range of 1770-2017 meters and a village positioned 5,000 feet above sea level Kopeonik in Serbia is seen as the answer to many skiers’ dreams. With a three hour journey from the nearest airport Kopaonik is surely worth the effort, having cross-country skiing, night skiing, skydiving, sleigh rides, ice-skating, indoor tennis and many other activities for the winter sports enthusiast to enjoy. The mountain climbs 35,000 feet into the cold Serbian sky, while ski lifts only climb to 6,617 feet. The skiing facility has yet to host a major skiing event, despite being home to several international snowboarding competitions and cross-country skiing as well. The living quarters are apt for pricing that would delight the weariest of tourists. Skiers can experience national cuisine such as Burek (pastry, cheese, spinach) and Pljeskavica (grilled mince) for well under $10 a meal. The old favorites such as burger, chips and pizza are still on the menu, and the price of $1.50 a beer might delight some holiday makers looking to do slightly more than just ski! The living area can handle over 5,000 tourists at the same time, while the bars and clubs around the area make the holiday destination more suited to the younger holiday-maker. Another issue that is quite prominent is the mistake that many make in travelling to Kopaonik to celebrate Christmas – the celebrations are of slight comparison to western culture, despite its labeling as a winter heaven. With different piste types Kopaonik caters to beginners, intermediates and experts with the following ratio.

15 beginner

8 intermediate

6 expert Having 21 lifts and an uphill capacity of 15,000 (an hour) Kopaonik is more than capable of catering to its millions of visitors each year. With slopes facing N, N/E and N/W you can be sure to experience the densely populated villages that surround the region. Thriving from the tourism the mountain provides, Kopaonik recently became home to a 4 star luxury hotel providing entertainment and accommodation to skiers and executives alike. With the longest run covering 3.5 KM and expert tuition on hand, Kopaonik has recently benefited from its appointment of English speaking instructors across skiing and snowboarding disciplines. The advanced runs down the Kopaonik mountain-face are a primary incentive for many skiers to choose Kopaonik as their skiing holiday destination. The 6 runs that fit into this category must be epitomized by the Konaci – after which a local holiday village was recently named.

The Konaci has an angle of 79 degrees at a certain point, of which it is said that if you go too slowly, and fail to position yourself correctly, it would be perfectly feasible to fall forwards merely travelling in a straight line. The Konaci sees skiers travelling at speeds of over 50 MPH and jumps that allow airtime of over 8 seconds. The Konaci is praised and feared by the top skiers from Europe and further afield. Despite this, it was the run featured in the 2005 snowboarding event that took place in the Kopaonik Mountains. With snow falling on the slopes between August/September all the way through to early March, skiers should plan their trip with that in mind. The slopes of Serbia and the warm generous nation make Kopaonik an ideal holiday destination for any traveler looking to have a good time on a set of skis. The package deals start from around $400 a week, while amazing savings can be made through booking online. The destination expects 10,000 visitors a week by 2009, and with its intention to develop further runs across every piste you can be sure that Kopaonik, Serbia will be a skiing location that will stay firmly on the map.

LAAX in Switzerland LAAX in Switzerland stands over 30,000 feet high, with skiing and snowboarding facilities that suit everyone’s needs – from beginners to world champions. LAAX has hosted all the big events in snowboarding and skiing, welcoming thousands of tourists from around the globe each week. LAAX was one of the first major skiing locations to get on the map, when in the 70s skiing holidays started to rise in popularity for western travelers - LAAX was right there, waiting to ride the wave. Millions of visitors later, LAAX are renowned for their 3rd slalom known only as “Death Mountain” by some. With glaring views down the steep, tangling mountain-side it is no wonder “Death Mountain” scares even the most resilient of skier. With excellent facilities for everyone LAAX recently hosted the snowboarding world open, in which over 10,000 people took part from 60 countries around the world. An interesting element of this was that over 100 entries came from south Asia and Africa showing the rise of the sport, and the exposure of the location on a global scale. LAAX was voted number 1 skiing location around the world, by “Ski Press Magazine” that also notes LAAX as having the third best Snowboarding facilities and as being the best newcomer to Freestyle snowboarding. The popularity of LAAX, has also led to continued investment from the company operating the slope, building an amazing ski lift that can handle weights of over 80 tons as it climbs 30,000 feet up the mountain face. The ski lift’s unique attribute is its balancing technology that allows the ski lift to carry massive amounts of weight disproportionately while keeping a balanced angle and speed. The popularity of LAAX is not just shared by avid skiers and snowboarders. Top music names and DJs also come to LAAX to experience the amazing events first hand. With the rise of snowboarding many of these musicians feel they can appeal to a certain audience out on the slopes, especially under the cover of darkness, with only flood lights keeping the mountains alive. The DJs provide entertainment as the crowd snowboard and ski into the morning sunlight. The views and the experience are utterly amazing, and are a sure way to ensure top class entertainment for the young travelers who visit LAAX. However it is not only the night-time DJ sets and fireworks that sparkle for the young skiers; there are also plenty of locations tailored to their needs off the slopes as well. With local pubs, clubs and even swimming pools the young ones are sure to enjoy themselves off the snowy mountains of LAAX. Despite being an amazing location for younger skiers the location also appeals to those who have never been skiing before. They have multi-lingual training facilities and indoor centers where they train first-time skiers before taking them to the slopes. They also have amazing training facilities for advanced skiers, facilities that would undoubtedly be used by the world’s top skiers and snowboarders at the world events that are held at the slope almost every year. The local hotels and accommodation are amazing because unlike most skiing locations, they don’t limit the skiers and snowboarders to a single choice. There are youth hostels that are

perfect for those looking to ski on the cheap; there are 5 star hotels for those looking to live the lap-of-luxury and there are many options in between. LAAX is home to more than just pubs, clubs and swimming pools, with banks and supermarkets also at realistic walking distances. LAAX is said to be at its peak during August, however this is said to be true for most of Europe’s top skiing locations. That is why it is advisable to find a quieter time to visit, preferably a short time following the busy spell. The great thing about coming after the peak is that you are able to come for around half the price of another time of the year.

Skiing in Andorra The Pyrenees Mountains are located across the border between France and Spain. Also on this border is the tiny principality of Andorra, a small country that’s skiing crazy! With two prominent world class ski resorts, Andorra is an excellent place to escape it all; a relaxing, picturesque, quaint place, with mountain views to take your breath away. And because it is so near France, you can always make a stop off in Andorra for a day or two on another European ski break. Andorra is situated itself across the Pyrenees, and has a long and protracted dalliance with snow sports. Since the installation of their first ski lift in 1956, Andorra has been a great ski resort, and a great vacation for the hundreds of thousands of ski tourists who have wisely chosen to visit. For minimal fee, you can experience the wonder of skiing in Andorra, and enjoy the surprising depth of culture Andorra holds so dear. The Grandvalira resort is situated high in the Pyrenees mountain range, and benefits from astonishing snow coverage. It is the product of a commercial merger between two of Andorra’s premium ski resorts, and is now of a size and scale to compete with the big resorts north of the border in France. Grandvalira boasts an impressive 193 ski runs, with 66 mechanized ski lifts, making it a resort to be reckoned with on a truly European scale. Additionally, it boasts an impressive training school, over seven separate centers with 450 of Europe’s top skiing and snowboarding instructors. With a wealth of experience, the Grandvalira skiing school has an international reputation, and has achieved a high degree of success on an international level. Additionally, Grandvalira benefits from an adventure activity centre and a variety of world class restaurant and bar areas, making it a truly amazing resort, and a great place to spend a vacation with your family or with your friends. With such a friendly atmosphere, you will feel right at home in the heart of Andorra and the Pyrenees, yet still feel out of the way of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Another of Andorra’s most famous resorts is the Vallnord resort. Ideally catering for all ages and abilities, the Vallnord resort offers a challenge for expert skiers, while still enabling beginners to have a great time. Additionally, the Vallnord is more than well equipped for a family holiday, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy. A slightly smaller resort, it benefits from 30 mechanized ski lifts handling around seventeen thousand skiers every hour, and over 50 different slopes. It also offers a diverse range of complimentary activities, including other snow sports and even helicopter rides! Along with this, you’ve got two training schools with over two hundred staff working hard to help hone your skills. With this much talent and effort, you’re sure to really benefit, and guaranteed to have a great vacation. An excellent way to save money on a trip to Andorra is to consider a coach trip. Coach trips through Europe are excellent ways to see a different continent, and to experience firsthand the amazing scenery these countries are blessed with, as well as saving a great deal of money

while you’re at it. In addition to that, you can find some great package deals that stop off at various skiing locations around central Europe, giving you a chance to experience a variety and depth of skiing conditions on your break. Whatever coach tour you choose, it is worth remembering that you’re going to have to travel for a good number of hours, although once you get there, everything is fairly proximate, allowing you to experience different cultures and peoples without too much hassle. Whatever your needs for a skiing vacation, Andorra is certainly a great location to choose. With such variety crammed into such a small geographic area, you can really experience world class skiing without having to pay through the nose.

Skiing in Austria The world famous home of skiing, Austria, is an ideal resort for anyone who enjoys skiing. The fresh alpine slopes combined with picture-postcard scenery and a grand culture of centuries old make Austria an ideal holiday destination, whether or not you simply adore skiing like me! Austria is home to a wide variety of ski resorts, catering for all abilities and tastes. From the lavishly expensive to the bargain basement (yet still of a consistently high quality), Austria has it all, from the highest peaks, to the snowiest landscapes, and with a bit of research you can find some really great deals. When in Austria, you’d be mad not to ski the Alps. The dream of many skiers, the Alps spans several European countries, and is a must-ski for an enthusiast. Spend a good few days in Austria, and dedicate at least one of them to skiing the Alps. You won’t regret it, I can promise you that! If you put in the research work before you leave, you will generally be able to find some top quality accommodation at low prices. Whether you are booking within a ski resort, or nearby, you should consult the internet to find last minute deals which might help you save money. A good tip to bear in mind is that the star rating given to accommodation does not indicate quality. You might be better off in a one star than a three star for example, given that the star only represents the level of facilities. Additionally, lower star ratings are usually cheaper, so you can benefit from quality, reduced price accommodation if you know where to look. Whatever type of accommodation you opt for, if you are flexible enough to leave for your vacation instantly you will benefit from good deals. Hotels often cut their prices at the last minute, on the basis that some money for a room is better than no money, and so if you’re prepared to get away as soon as possible, you will find it can be really cheap, and you can still have a great time all the same. On top of that, the internet is home to a variety of low cost airlines which run ‘no frills’, no ticket services. In my personal experience, I have found these airlines to be as good as their more expensive competitors, and just as efficient and comfortable. One word of caution about any airline: make sure they are equipped to handle skiing equipment. Some companies will charge a surplus for your skis, so it is important to ask before you book as to arrangements for bulky or large and fragile goods. Another highly recommended purchase is insurance for both your equipment and yourself. Things do go wrong, on holiday as well as at home. It is important, therefore to make sure you are covered. Particularly when you are placing your equipment in an airplane hold, or when you are indulging in a dangerous sport like skiing, insurance is important for ensuring you don’t end up high and dry. You can find good deals if you shop around, and it really is worth the few bucks to get that piece of mind, and actual backup in case things go wrong. In a word, it is essential. Don’t leave home without it!

Solden In Austria Solden is a world-renowned skiing facility that is often referred to as the home of skiing in Austria. With views that are simply breath-taking, the countered rocky mountains are also home to tourists from around the world that visit each week to experience the slopes that are not only challenging, yet also custom-built in the case of certain slaloms. Solden is also a great place to learn skiing with expert teaching facilities, and a team of 20+ on hand to help new skiers learn, and experienced skiers improve. The resort is located around 50 miles out with Innsbruck and 20 miles west of Otztal. As you can imagine the area is dedicated to Skiing, with hotels and guest houses attempting to leverage skiing upon their brand, to attract a loyal customer-base from the slopes. This is something that has worked, and with 6,500 snowboarders also choosing to hit the Solden slopes each week Austria’s skiing capital is showing no signs of regression. With the increased popularity of skiing activities in Solden, the company operating the slopes has more than 20 instructors working at one time, putting wind behind their suggestion that over 1000 new skiers start on their slopes each week. With the rise of snowboarding attracting a teenage audience, Solden has attempted to accommodate, through offering drinking facilities and clubs nearby, where the teenagers on vacation can chill at night, after a hard day on the slopes. The fun and entertainment does not stop at clubs, or 5 star hotels for that matter, Solden is also home to the Solden Firework Display, providing 2 hours of fireworks every second evening. The look of the fireworks, as the light flashes off the snow is simply amazing and this is one of many reasons why Solden is famed for character and personality, over and above its Austrian counterparts. So what other features set Solden apart from the rest? Offering night time activities under the fireworks, it is possible to ski and snowboard under floodlights. This is something that has not only attracted skiers from around the world, but also internationally renowned DJs and musicians that feel the cool and hip Solden slopes is a perfect place to hang out. Skiing at night may appear to be a very dangerous activity; however I have been assured that only basic slaloms are allowed and that the night is primarily aimed at snowboarders, that don’t cover as much distance on a board. Austria’s Solden slope has hosted many events to a global and European audience, and just as would be expected, the crowd and the competitors both enjoyed the event, with the winner being a native Austrian himself at the last Stella Artios Cup, that seen over 500 competitors from nearly 40 countries taking part. With the rise of snowboarding, great skiing locations such as Solden are doing everyone proud in maintaining skiing as well. Through welcoming the snowboarding community with open arms, we are able to see a unity between the sports at the Solden peeks, and we are also seeing younger children being exposed to Skiing, through choosing to go snowboarding and seeing it there.

Whether you are a young child, or an adult, whether you have skied or snowboarded before, Solden is the best location in Europe and throughout the world for skiing activities on a recreational and competitive level. With deep snow, and a firm texture I would recommend Solden to absolutely anyone. The ski lift is newly fitted making it a very smooth and comfortable ride. The lift covers over 20

miles and was voted the third-best ski lift in the entire world. With excellent accommodation

and among the best snowboarding and skiing facilities in the world, I would recommend

Solden to anyone looking to experience skiing for the first time, or someone looking to take

their skiing to the next level through riding a challenging slalom.

St Anton in Austria St Anton in Austria is a world renowned skiing facility, positioned in the belt that is known as Austria’s skiing capital. Only 100 miles from Solden and with Innsbruck and Otztal close by, visiting Austria on a skiing vacation could not get any easier, or more action-packed. The terrain is varied, and offers excellent opportunities for new skiers, experienced skiers and even snowboarding - that is on-the-up in this region. With 2 mountains, and a top of the range ski lift, skiers have no problems getting from A to B on the 30 000 feet slope. With views looking over the snowy hills and farmland, it is no wonder the area is a thriving hub for tourists, from around the world. The terrain is varied, as well as the gradients that offer great opportunities for high speed, high octane acceleration, and lesser gradients that assist the new skiers in homing in their skills, 30 000 feet high in the St Anton mountains. St Anton does not have the tradition or acclaim that its neighbor Solden has managed to gain, however many from around the world still choose St Anton as their preference for an international skiing vacation. The reasons for this are simple – its appeals to a different skiing niche. While Solden has hosted many world renowned skiing occasions, it has became too commercialized for some skiers who claim the facility has become too simple, and almost too forgiving on certain slopes. With 8 runs and rising, St Anton has failed to give into pressure from around the world, for man-made slaloms, and safety alterations on runs. When you are skiing on certain sloped in St Anton, you have to have your wits about you, or something dangerous could easily happen. The facility has also gained much acclaim from adrenaline junkies in the snowboarding field, who rank St Anton as being one of the best facilities in the world. St Anton’s rise in snowboarding also came as it followed the new trend of offering night-time, freestyle snowboarding under flood lights and fireworks. This is becoming the new trend in snowboarding, and what better place to do it, than at St Anton. During my trip to St Anton to check-it-out I found that the hotels around the area were brilliant, making it no problem for English speaking holiday makers to enjoy themselves. I stayed at a luxury 5 star hotel that had an indoor heated swimming pool. The swimming pool peaked out onto the top of a snowy mountain as you bathed in 40 degrees water. I would have to say that the general feeling around the area is amazing, as you sense the genuine desire for skiing shared by everyone who goes along and takes part. Before I went I had never been skiing before, and I found the tuition excellent. They had multi-lingual skiing instructors on hand to try and aid any new skiers visiting the slopes. I was also taken to a specific slope that was built for new-starts, which also has an easy access point to a lift - perfect for picking that up as well. The area is amazing to look at, and also offers great entertainment for the non-skier, or skier on a night-off! With clubs, pubs and shops all available to service the slopes, it is no wonder

that the skiing facility has three 5 star hotels positioned next to the slopes. With all night entertainment within the hotels and all-night snowboarding it really is impossible to get a minutes rest in St Anton. Should you visit it is said that the conditions are best around August, however that’s in the peak of the skiing season, making it impossible to get moving around the slopes. In order to benefit from the best conditions, while the slopes are quieter I would say November is the best time. You are also more likely to get discounts from your travel agent at this time.

Skiing In Bulgaria Ok, so I know Bulgaria isn’t likely to be the first place that springs to mind when you think about a skiing vacation. However, you’d be surprised to learn that Bulgaria is becoming an increasingly popular destination of choice for holiday makers across Europe, and the world. A new breed of European country, Bulgaria is beginning to build towards becoming an industrialized, metropolitan nation. The eastern European nation has a surprising depth of history and culture, and is truly an excellent place to discover. With this national growth comes the development of its inherent passion for skiing, and this is evident across the country, with various ski resorts springing up all over the place. Bulgaria’s most recognized ski resort is Bansko. As a result of massive investment in Bulgaria, particularly in the development of the tourism industries, Bansko is undergoing extensive refurbishment and modernization, to create a facility that can compete on a world scale. As well as time and money spent on developing hotels, luxurious apartments, ski lifts and other facilities, there is also a great deal being ploughed into refining the actual slopes themselves, to ensure a high quality, internationally acceptable skiing conditions. With impressive snow coverage from late November through to spring, Bansko is an ideal location for a ski resort, and this is reflected by its increasing popularity. The beautiful village itself is rich in history and tradition, and you’ll find the people very warm and welcoming; eager to please, and ensure you have a good time. Another of Bulgaria’s major ski resorts is Pamporovo, situated on the Rhodopi Mountain. A thoroughly modernized resort, Pamporovo boasts an extensive training academy and well maintained ski runs for all abilities. The most southern resort in Europe, Pamporovo benefits from a particularly sunny climate, with around four months of sunshine, and plenty of snow. That means you’ll never be skiing in too unpleasant conditions! Pamporovo is also more than adequately equipped to deal with holiday makers in terms of auxiliary services, and has recently unveiled plans for a state of the art ski lift. With so much time and investment being spent on these slopes, it really is an ideal time to visit Bulgaria. Of course the beauty of Bulgaria as a great skiing location is that it is relatively untouched and undiscovered. This means that you can benefit from the excellent facilities without having to contend with too many tourists. Thus, Bulgaria provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy skiing in peace and quiet, in idyllic settings. Additionally, for a trip in Bulgaria, you’re going to be paying significantly less than other European countries for the same amazing weather and fantastic skiing. Bulgaria really is a win/win location for any skiing holiday. With such extensive investment in the nation, Bulgaria is an up and coming holiday destination as it pushes towards European integration. By nursing an ever strengthening tourism industry, the nation is growing continually, and this is great news for skiing

enthusiasts who can benefit from its excellent natural resources and ski resort facilities. Additionally, with such a quality-orientated approach, Bulgaria is challenging the more industrialized European nations in terms of service and produce. For a low cost, high quality skiing vacation, Bulgaria has to be a consideration, so why not book your vacation, and discover Europe’s best kept skiing secret for yourself?

Skiing In Croatia Croatia, one of the new emerging European nations, has seen an amazing turnaround in fortunes over the last decade. Since it has become more involved with the European Union, and European integration, it has become distinctly more tourist friendly, and is a great place to vacation with your family on a budget. With a number of well positioned mountain resorts, Croatia is ideally suited for skiers of all abilities and ages, making it a great all-round holiday destination. If you’re looking for a skiing holiday which combines excellent snow with a warm, friendly climate, Croatia is simply ideal for you. With numerous strategically located ski resorts, Croatia is a nation of ski lovers, and this is reflected in their amazing facilities. When in Croatia, you’d be mad to miss the Bjelolasica. The Bjelolasica is the training centre for the Olympic skiing team, located in the Zagreb region. It boasts amazing facilities, and is simply a great place to go skiing. As you might expect, the standard of training there is simply world class, and this accounts for why the Croatian national team are so prolific. On top of this, the hotel facilities are exceptional value for money, and you’ll find that with any Croatian holiday, you will be spending less than you may imagine. As a growing nation, Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular skiing destination, for enthusiasts of all age and ability. Another very popular Croatian skiing resort is Platak, located nearer the Adriatic. A little more expensive, and somewhat more remote than Bjelolasica, Platak is still a very popular resort, and is frequently rated the best place to ski in Croatia. The whole resort built around the naturally ideal ski centre is of a top quality, and it is easy to see why tourists come back year on year for their skiing vacations. A resort very much on the grow, there are plans to introduce several new ski lifts, and a dozen additional snow cannons by 2010. Platak looks to be a promising resort for the future, and is certainly great for a skiing vacation with a family. Additionally, Platak’s skiing and snowboarding instruction centre is well practiced at giving exceptional quality training, across multiple languages, making for substantial improvement to your skills, regardless of your nationality. Additionally, with its high tech features, Platak could easily fit in with any European resort, and for such a low price, it is great value for money. When in Croatia, does as the Croatians’ do, and visit Zagreb. The bustling city of Zagreb has so much to offer by way of Croatian culture and history, and is an excellent chance to break away from the slopes for a few days. It is truly a cultural hotbed, and the hustle and bustle will betray the long and arduous past. Looming above Zagreb is Mount Medvednica, and the Sljeme resort. With both daytime skiing, and the option of hitting the flood-lit slopes at night. Alongside highly technical snow cannons, Zagreb benefits from excellent snow coverage at this altitude, and is a fantastic city for a ski resort. Additionally, there is so much by way of additional, complimentary facilities which make skiing at Sljeme an ideal prospect. Many people are surprised to think that Croatia actually borders Italy. However, the culture is so different from the Italian culture. With an entirely different history and culture, the

Croatians certainly place heavy emphasis on their food, and this is reflected in the top quality gourmet restaurants available. Additionally, you’ll note exactly how cheap the entire country is, with your average pint of ale coming in at less than a dollar. In Croatia, your spending money will go a lot further, and so will your holiday, which is why so many families choose it as an ideal destination for their skiing break. So why not choose Croatia, and benefit from world class skiing, at a fraction of the price.

Skiing In France If you enjoy skiing, there is nothing more exhilarating than the prospect of skiing through France. Whether taking advantage of some of the world’s best downhill runs, or heading cross country, France is a skier’s paradise, and somewhere definitely not to be missed for any winter sports enthusiast. Amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, the fresh alpine air and magically contoured runs are truly a once in a lifetime experience. It really is no wonder that France is highly regarded as one of the best skiing nations in the world. When skiing in France, you’d be mad not to go to the Alps. Famous the world over for their excellent ski slopes, the Alps also border on Switzerland, so you might also like to pop over and visit while you’re in town. And don’t worry if you don’t have your equipment - there are simply thousands of dedicated ski shops to serve the tourists, and some stock some pretty good bargains! France is also home to the world famous Val d’Isere resort. A huge scenic expanse, the resort was made famous by top French skier Jean Claude Killy, and is a magnet for tourists all year round, with a near guarantee of absolutely perfect conditions. Additionally, the resort caters for all levels of experience and ability, and so you’re sure to find a challenge somewhere! To top it all, the resort boasts amazing facilities, from its ski lifts to its hotels and refreshment areas. The Val d’Isere really is a skier’s heaven. France is fortunate enough to benefit from great wine, great food, great culture…as well as great skiing! If you decide to opt for France for your next skiing trip, don’t spend all your time on the slopes - get out there and experience a different style of living. Sample the delicacies, and experience the delights of this highly metropolitan European nation. Why not look online for great French skiing deals? Thanks to the internet, holiday prices have really come down over the last few years, and you can find some real bargains with a bit of research. Additionally, there is no need to consider booking each individual element separately, given the sheer number of top quality package deals, which will come included with your skiing, accommodation, flights and lift pass. You might even be lucky enough to find a deal that includes some exotic French food to fill you up after a hard day on the slopes! Alternatively, you could just pop in to your local travel agents to see what they have on offer. Although the travel agent will usually inflate the price to cover their commission, you can still find some real bargains that aren’t available elsewhere. And what’s more, the travel agent can recommend where to go and what to see, and there is nothing quite like that personal recommendation. Additionally, he can help allay any fears or worries you may have about your holiday, and can answer any questions you might have. Again, it is important to shop around for the best deal, and this will also help you get a better idea of what your chosen resort is like as a whole.

Before leaving for France it is important to make sure you have a valid passport, with over six months before expiry. This will be absolutely critical for passing through French customs. If you need a new passport, you should allow around eight to ten weeks before leaving, given the lengthy application process. Make sure you plan well in advance - the passport is vital if you’re to set foot out of the country. Without it, you won’t get to experience the magic of French skiing, and additionally, you will lose the money you paid for your holiday, so this really is a vital consideration. So why not consider France for your next skiing trip? The real home of skiing, France is waiting, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think!

Tignes Tignes in France is a skiing location that is much different from the border-adjacent Alps, and other skiing facilities that have put France firmly on the skiing map. The rise of Tignes initially came with the rise of tourism in the area. During the last 10 years the facilities have been improved immensely with a new state-of-the-art training facility, and freestyle snowboarding facilities being built in the area. Over the past 10 years, the area has welcomed over 1 million skiers from around the world and has hosted events such as the European freestyle snowboarding championship and the French Skiing open. The facility has two parallel mountains that are near local townships, making the area an ideal place for holiday makers and serious skiers alike. With a 25 000 feet slope, and on-site mountain safety rescue the area really has pulled out all the stops to place itself up there, as one of the top skiing destinations around the world. The world renowned training facility has multi-lingual instructors and even has 4 classrooms, where skiers are taken to watch footage, and get shown the ropes from a less practical perspective. The slopes 1 million visitors in the past 10 years have came from all around the world, many of which learned how to ski on their first visit to the slopes. With many great deals for holiday makers, and with accessible road routes all over mainland Europe it is no wonder Tignes is generally considered the first choice for holiday makers looking to Ski in the region. Tignes has also gone to some effort to promote itself even further by a 5 million dollar regeneration project that went on in the region. A new ski slope was built, along with the infrastructure to allow the development of hotels and even a shopping precinct. The area has also underwent major changes in order to make it more accessible, for more of the year, with an indoor facility being built and flood lights making it possible to ski and snowboard late into the evening. Snowboarding is also seen as a major plus point of Tignes, with other skiing facilities in the area being far less welcoming to the snowboarding masses. Tignes is home to expert freestyle snowboarding facilities, and is also home to the undisputed number one snowboarding training camp. With snowboarders from around the world visiting Tignes the area now sees more than just skiers amongst its busy hotels and pubs. On the down side many skiers criticize Tignes for the lack of difficulty on its slaloms; however this is simply not the case. Tignes is home to around 8 slaloms, all of which have different difficult ratings. I can assure anyone who feels unsure of the difficulty level on the last two slopes, should give them a go before they say anymore. However, they do raise an interesting point. Tignes has undergone major regeneration in an attempt to make their facilities safer, and has also altered many runs to accommodate beginners, which may have taken the sting out of certain slaloms. Despite this, the facilities are amazing, and the training is out of this world. I was strapped to a machine in order to measure my heart rate, and also asked to run on a tread mill so they could

record my recovery times. The restaurants let you sample original French cuisine and also provide many opportunities for a lovely night out. For those looking for a more adventurous night-life the Della 1 pub and club will provide all the fun you will need. Della 1 is only a 10 minute walk from the hotels - and a further 15 minute walk for those staying in the log cabin village overlooking the mountains. Whether you stay, or whether you are a skier or a snowboarder you should surely go to Tignes and sample the runs. The facility is also perfect for learning, and those that have never skied before.

Skiing In Italy Italy has always been a consideration for those interested in experiencing the Alps for less. Having said that, it is still considered one of the top European skiing countries today, and is a magnificent place to take a skiing vacation. There is a certain romance about Italy that makes it the number one choice for so many skiers each year, and it is easy to see the attraction with the place. From its northern snow-tipped peaks, you can also venture towards the cultural hotbeds of Rome and Turin, and experience Italy as it is intended, as well as its amazing ski slopes. One of Italy’s smallest resorts, tucked up high, near Canazei in the North, is Alba. Based on a tiny village, the Alba resort is the truest form of skiing escapism, with amazing off piste skiing to be had. For the keen skier, this would make for an excellent day trip or an excellent weekend away while staying at a bigger resort, and although it has only 5 lifts, it is a real Italian treasure, and something not to be missed if you like peaceful surroundings while you ski. On top of that, if you enjoy cross country skiing, Alba also offers a number of extensive trails for you to pursue, ensuring that you are likely to have a great time, whatever you skiing preferences and ability. If you’re looking for something bigger, why not consider Italy’s highest resort, Passo Tonale. An ideal family resort, Passo Tonale is focused more around beginners and intermediates, and provides a friendly atmosphere that is just simply lacking from some of the bigger resorts. Passo Tonale is also home to a top class ski school, employing some of the region’s most talented skiing instructors. In addition to that, the staff prides themselves on the conditions of their slopes, which are groomed frequently. From the peak of Passo Tonale, you are faced with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole region, which is truly breathtaking, and it has been known for skiers to spend hours simply analyzing the view. Passo Tonale is a great resort if you are looking for a busier, more down to earth ski resort for you and your family. Selva Gardena is one of Italy’s largest resorts, and if you are looking for some great scenery and excellent, consistent snow coverage, you could do a great deal worse than here. A great value for money resort, Selva Gardena is also child friendly, making it another fantastic resort to take the family. Italy has a diverse range of ski resorts to cater for all different tastes and abilities. In general you will find all the resorts welcoming and friendly, not to mention the amazing hospitality you will experience in some of their restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a good value for money trip, and you enjoy skiing, the North of Italy is ideal for you, and can provide any skier with an adequate challenge of their abilities. Additionally, with some of the best skiing instructors in the world, Italy is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy skiing without paying an absolute fortune. Italy truly is a great skiing location for anyone looking to experience the Alps in all their glory, amidst the wealth and depth of culture and history right around the corner.

Skiing In Scotland Scotland may be the home of golf, but it's also a great place for skiing enthusiasts. With numerous world class resorts, and such a depth of history and culture, Scotland is a great place to visit on your vacation, regardless of your interests and hobbies. When you think of Scotland, you might think of kilts, and rural mountaintops and sheep, but if you actually get to know the place, you'll find it is both beautiful, with its bustling, classy cities, ensuring you're going to have an enjoyable vacation wherever you go in the country. One of the most famous Scottish ski resorts is Aviemore. A classy, traditional ski resort, Aviemore is located within the Scottish Highlands, and is the ski resort of choice for many across the world. Loved for its friendly atmosphere and great skiing, Aviemore is more than well equipped to give you a great time. Its bars and restaurants are simply first class, offering wholesome food and drink to keep you well refreshed. Additionally, its holiday village feeling enhances its friendly, relaxed ambience, and makes you feel a million miles from home while still comfortable. Alternatively, there are some more ski resorts in the Scottish Highlands which are particularly good value for money. It is important to watch out, though, given that some resorts cater for the top end of the market, and you could end up paying a lot more than you bargained for. As long as you do your homework before you leave, you should fin the resort that is perfect to cater for your needs, and your wallet. One thing to watch out for before you arrive in Scotland is to change your currency into Sterling Pounds. Your best option is to go to your local travel agents, or your local currency conversion centre before setting off. That way, you will be sure of exactly what you are getting for your money. It is a good idea to be wary of the commission, and the exchange rate you are being offered, and it can sometimes be quite tricky to get your head around the numbers. Make sure you work everything out before hand, and shop around so that you don't get ripped off. For excellent deals on Scotland, why not go online? Additionally, there you will find a great deal of information on what to do in Scotland, and information on the depth and variety of Ski Resorts. If you choose not to go to a ski resort, but rather a city and you want to cram in some top quality, affordable skiing during your trip, you are also in luck. There are loads of dry ski slopes in and around the cities, like at Polmont for example, which is located midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is ideal for some quick and cheap skiing. Additionally, there are several indoor artificial snow ski slopes which you can visit. These innovative inventions are used to help train national level skiers, and are also open to the public at certain times, so why not pop along during your visit?

Why not consider Scotland? With so many excellent deals on skiing package tours at the moment, you'll definitely be glad you did, and you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable, fun holiday in this picturesque, ski-enthusiast's heaven.

Skiing In Aviemore Aviemore is based in the highlands of Scotland, with impressive mountain views, and surrounded by country-side it stands 26,000 feet above rural farmland. The area is renowned for skiing, having recently had 2 European Level Competitions on its snowy peaks in the last two months. The ski resorts success, with professional skiing has also lead to success with tourists, having 12,000 people hitting the slopes each month. These massive numbers are also attributed to snowboarding, with boarding specific slaloms on one side of the mountains. Aviemore recently commissioned a $4 Million state of the art ski lift that can travel up to 25 miles per hour, withstand winds in excess of 110 miles per hour, and has a total weight of 450 tons. The amazing structure travels over 15 miles and is certainly an amazing sight for any avid skier. Aviemore’s tourist based facilities are also highly impressive with 900 square feet, and a verging patio area that looks down the 26,000 feet mountain face. Aviemore is an unfortunate to only have snow for 7 months in the year, ruling it out of hosting some of the world’s greatest competitions, and really placing Scotland up there with France, Switzerland and now Bulgaria as one the top skiing destinations around the world. The skiing destination has recently hosted the snowboarding world freestyle championships, where the facility had to compete with many countries where the sport has far greater uptake than in Scotland. Scotland’s success would have came as a result of many factors, however it was said that the accommodation facilities were said to be significantly more robust than other countries that had placed similar bids. With a thriving economy that survives largely of the tourism industry, Aviemore had the facilities to bed over 10,000 people a night, significantly higher than any other bid. The reasons for this was largely down to its proximity to a local town that was also able to provide bed and breakfast accommodation, which ensured that more tickets could be sold, and exposure maximized. Despite this, only 21% of ticket buyers were Scottish, leaving the rest of the 79% to fly in from around the world. The success of the tournament has lead to speculation of Aviemore building on its initial success to host more tournaments in the coming years, and with this the value of property has risen and the hotel industry is also becoming savvy to the prospect of high demand in the area. The Aviemore Mountains have an average gradient that well exceeds most skiing locations in the west of Europe making Aviemore the place to visit for a European Skiing trip, providing the time of year is correct. With only 7 months snow, Aviemore is considering a contained facility, where it will continue to provide skiing and snowboarding indoors. The thought of this, also would raise ideas and suggestions as to how they intend to go about this, and on what scale? Would they be looking to compete with the indoor facilities in Berlin, or would they be looking for something basic? The fact is, speculation as to a large scale indoor facility is mounting, and this is certainly

something that would benefit the hotel industry in the area that is growing rapidly, however experiences a less-busy spell for 5 months in the year where Aviemore is in no condition to allow snowboarders or skiers to hit the slopes. Despite this freestyle snowboarding still continues, where the snow is artificially maintained in a half-pipe with which the snowboarders can practice and perfect tricks in a similar way to skateboarders. If you have never been to Aviemore then I recommend you visit, whether or not you are a skier. The fact is, the views are amazing, the fresh clear air is refreshing and the people are fantastic. If you have never skied before, then what better place to learn than Aviemore.

SKIING OFF PISTE IN LA GRAVE? Clear blue sky, crispy crystal snow, fresh air and lots of fun, all these make skiing a highly enjoyable and appreciated sport that attracts thousands of tourists on the mountain slopes every year. Yet, some of them are looking not just for fun, but for adventure. These are the people who choose off-piste skiing, who challenge the mountain in a race full of adrenaline, running the risk of provoking an avalanche for the sake of enjoying a descent on an untouched slope. These are the risk takers that throw caution to the wind in favor of a good time, and many of them choose the infamous La Grave skiing area, situated in the Alps. If you want to go skiing in La Grave, you’d better think twice for the sake of your own safety and wellbeing. You could be there all alone, with nothing but your skies and backpack, in the middle of a white ocean, and your life depends on all your skiing knowledge and experience, which in some cases, can be less than you think. The highest risk to produce an avalanche is when there are several layers of snow, some older than the others, with different levels of density. In such a case, if you change direction suddenly, you may cut the most recent layer of snow with your skis, and thus dislocate it. Consequently, never cross a slope from one side to the other, because you may dislocate disaster. Or when skiing at high speed on slopes with fresh snow, you can raise a powder snow avalanche that makes air unbreathable because of the fine snow crystals that fill the atmosphere. Sometimes a few simple precautions like these can save your life. To feel safer on your off-piste skiing expedition, there are a few things that you need to know. Always check on the snow conditions beforehand. Go online, and make sure you look at a report for La Grave, which should be easy enough to find. Has it recently snowed? What is the risk of avalanche in the area? What was the local weather like in the last days? Get information on how warm the weather can get at noon for instance. Make sure there haven’t been strong winds that might have affected the snow stability on the slope where you want to go skiing. Open your eyes for cornices and cracks and listen to possible sounds of the snow mass while you’re out there. If you remain alert, you'll stand a better chance of avoiding disaster. Avoid noise in areas with high avalanche risk. When trying to communicate with other members of your group, never shout if you’re far from them, because sound vibrations can cause inner breaks in the snow mass if already unstable. Make sure your transceivers are fully charged so that you may ask for help if in need. And last, but not least, wear colorful skiing clothes; avoid white, silver or gray equipment, that make you almost invisible by lack of contrast. Reds, or Oranges are probably the best colors to opt for, to give that contrast that could be life saving. Thus you’ll be more easily detectable on the slope, and in case you’re in an emergency situation, rescue teams can find you more quickly. You’ll be a speck of color in the silver vastness of snow, identifiable from miles away to aid your rescue, and potentially save your life.