Ski Holiday at Vitosha...

While not necessarily the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria, Vitosha is nevertheless a busy resort mostly because of its relative closeness to Sofia, which is the capital of the country. Just 10 kilometres out from the city limits, Vitosha is the highest ski resort in the country, and features a combination of hiking trails during the summer months and plenty of slopes for skiing during the winter ones. While it is accessible year-round, the winter months are more popular with tourists in Sofia for ski holidays, or for visitors who are looking for a day trip while staying in the city.

Above and beyond the ski slopes themselves, there are also two biosphere preserves on Vitosha: the Bistrishko Branishte and the Torfeno Branishte. The mountain is also host to one of the longest caves in Bulgaria. Known as Duhlata, it is nearly 18 kilometres long and has six underground rivers, combined with the eastern cliffs which are perfect for rock-climbing during the warmer months.

One of the main differences between Vitosha and the more ski-themed resorts such as Bansko is the simple fact that this is not one of the major ski resorts of Bulgaria, and while the skiing and snowboarding opportunities are well enough in their own right, perfect for people looking for a quick jaunt while staying in Sofia, the nightlife and slopes cannot compare to the bigger resorts such as Bansko and Pamporovo. Still, there are six different runs of various difficulties in length, so no matter the level of skill there is something for everyone.

Skiing Holidays Worldwide...

For those living in Europe and considering ski holidays, France, Switzerland and Austria are often the first choices. This is due to the fact they are easy to get to from most European departure points, and low cost budget airlines are making ski deals more affordable. However, it is thanks to these same low cost airlines that skiing worldwide is much more accessible and no longer a holiday just for the elite.

The United States has many well known ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge. Located in Colorado and enjoying the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain range, these are amazing places for any skiing connoisseur to visit. Still in the Rocky Mountains but further north in Canada is yet another world famous ski resort – Whistler. Once the exclusive playground of the rich and famous, ski resorts such as these are becoming more accessible to even the budget conscious skier.

The results of internet searches produce many ski deals and fabulous locations for unique skiing holidays. Chile, for example, can offer excellent quality skiing even in the summer months, and who would have thought Australia could offer fantastic ski opportunities as well?

Ski deals can be found at many major resorts and low cost flights open up literally a whole world of possibilities where skiing is concerned. If you are able to travel at the last minute, usually within a day or two, you can often find unbelievable bargains. Some people who have never skied before are trying it just because it is now so cheap to travel.

Skiing Holidays Worldwide...

For those living in Europe and considering ski holidays, France, Switzerland and Austria are often the first choices. This is due to the fact they are easy to get to from most European departure points, and low cost budget airlines are making ski deals more affordable. However, it is thanks to these same low cost airlines that skiing worldwide is much more accessible and no longer a holiday just for the elite.

The United States has many well known ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge. Located in Colorado and enjoying the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain range, these are amazing places for any skiing connoisseur to visit. Still in the Rocky Mountains but further north in Canada is yet another world famous ski resort – Whistler. Once the exclusive playground of the rich and famous, ski resorts such as these are becoming more accessible to even the budget conscious skier.

The results of internet searches produce many ski deals and fabulous locations for unique skiing holidays. Chile, for example, can offer excellent quality skiing even in the summer months, and who would have thought Australia could offer fantastic ski opportunities as well?

Ski deals can be found at many major resorts and low cost flights open up literally a whole world of possibilities where skiing is concerned. If you are able to travel at the last minute, usually within a day or two, you can often find unbelievable bargains. Some people who have never skied before are trying it just because it is now so cheap to travel.

Skiing Holidays in the French Mountains...

When going on a skiing holiday it can be hard to decide where to go especially if you have never been on that type of holiday before. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, skiing holidays France are perfect because it offers some of the best skiing in the world.

Apart from the quality of skiing in France there are many advantages of skiing holidays France, including the fact that it is so close to us here in the UK with the many methods of getting to the slopes. You can fly which is convenient and quick or you can make getting there by ferry part of the holiday, in addition we have the advantage of taking the Eurostar or “Snow Train” to the base of the Alps. Not only does the fact that France is so close mean a shorter travel time, it also means that it can be cheaper to get there.

You will be spoilt for choice when you go on skiing holidays France because there are 400 resorts to choose from. This means that no matter what your ability is or what you are interested you are going to find a resort that suits your tastes.

Ski Alpe d’Huez – perfect for all the fami...

Ski in Alpe d’Huez, one of the premier resorts in the French Alps with superb skiing holidays for all abilities and a wide variety of night life! This is a true skier’s paradise and is considered France’s big hitter, with first class piste design, lift system and snow. With an exclusive focus on excellent ski holidays, Alpe d’Huez is blissfully easy to use and continuous investment and dedication keeps it State of the Art.

The slopes are friendly to all levels of skier beginners have vast nursery slopes close to the resort centre. There’s an array of wide, gentle greens to potter on before venturing further a field where you’ll find beautiful, endless, wide-open pistes. For the better skier up to intermediate standard, they can cover the area on cruising blues or testing reds that usually have a black alternative. Alpe d’Huez ski holidays give experts all the challenge they can handle, including the longest black in Europe and some fantastic challenges from the top of Pic Blanc at a height of 3300m you can ski black runs almost all the way to the village at 1860m!

Snowboarders are not forgotten either, they have plenty of opportunities in Alpe d’Huez with a couple of boarder-cross parks and snow parks with ramps, jump and rails. They also have vast powder fields and natural gullies. Skiing and boarding Alpe d’huez is a must for your next winter sports holiday.

Ski Verbier...

With the Olympics in Vancouver the interest in ski holidays has taken on a new lease of life but for most winter sport holiday makers it is something that they can admire and hope to copy in their own small way! The snow in the Alps is about as good as it gets and there is no better place to take a skiing holiday than at Verbier.

Verbier’s combination of extensive scenic pistes plus thrilling off-piste terrain has made it a must-ski resort for anyone of intermediate standard. With slopes as high as 3,330 metres, it’s also sure to have late-season snow if you decide on a ski holiday later. Just a short hop from Geneva, and easily accessible by public transport, Verbier makes an ideal choice for a long-weekend break. Add some charming mountain restaurants and legendary nightlife, and you have the ingredients for the perfect ski resort.

Apart from its fabulous skiing there is a great night life for the young at heart and not so young at heart, you can enjoy some of the best après ski in Switzerland. The Hotel Farinet has live music every early evening, with dancing on the bar and tables; if it gets too rowdy, the adjacent lounge bar full of low sofas is ideal for a quieter chat. The Pub Mont Fort is full of skiers who have popped in for a quick après-ski drink and don’t get around to leaving until bedtime!

With some great ski deals still available to Verbier and the entire Alpine region, getting away for a long weekend or a mid week break has never been easier or cheaper from ski holiday specialists, check now and don’t miss out on that super snow and fun at Verbier.

Perfect family skiing...

Forget those massive ski resorts when you are next planning your family ski holiday to France, choose the friendly ski resort of Belle Plagne, where you can get all the advantages of a small, relaxed, atmospheric, family-friendly skiing and boarding destination in the French Alps that benefits from the facilities of the substantial La Plagne resort, of which it is a part, but without the latter’s sprawling modern architecture and hustle and bustle. La Plagne comprises six high-altitude resorts, including Belle Plagne at 2,500m, and four village resorts. Belle Plagne is an ideal base from which to explore Paradiski, the linked ski areas of La Plagne and Les Arcs, offering 425km of pistes and 141 lifts.

There are 50 miles of cross-country slopes, the nursery slopes are a good size, there are six children’s snow play areas and 16 jardin d’enfants, and access is easy and efficient, which matters a lot if you are lugging your kids’ gear, as well as your own and you don’t need a car, either. There are loads of friendly mountain restaurants and plenty to keep the kids occupied so if it’s novelty you’re after, take the kids on an overnight adventure at Mon Village Igloo, a new venture comprising six igloos a short distance from La Plagne village where you can dine on regional dishes or even stay the night. Don’t forget your thermals.

Start to think about that chalet holiday...

It’s never too early to begin to think about booking another ski chalet holiday, the sooner you do it the better choice you will have. If you are a large party you have distinct advantages over single pairs, your ski holiday specialist can find you a chalet now that could just take your group alone. Think of the advantages of having all your friends together at a chalet and taking advantage of all that it can offer the fun, the quiz nights and party time all the time!

Chalet skiing holidays have grown over the years and now are as big as or probably bigger than the traditional hotel skiing holiday and there is good reason for it. A quality catered chalet skiing holiday in France can be seen as a home from home experience, you will find a genuine warm welcome from your hosts in all chalets.  Talking to your skiing holiday specialist early will enable them to arrange everything on a chalet ski holiday and you can be assured that you will find a friendly and comfortable environment taking care and attention to detail but still understanding that your relaxation and privacy are essential to a stress free holiday.

Snow in the Cairngorms...

News has been reaching us of a fresh fall of snow in the Scottish Cairngorms and that they expect to ski until June this year, which has to be good news for skiing enthusiasts. However the Scottish Highlands is not the only place where fresh snow has fallen and the popular resorts of France are experiencing some good conditions. Val Thorens in the 3valles complex has 160 cm of snow with another 30 cm expected and the conditions are described as spring like at the moment.

With a good covering of snow in the earlier part of the ski season, it has meant that the French Alps have been able to extend their season for longer this year. Ski deals are still available to most of the French Alpine resorts and for those lucky people who have skied the Alps in the late spring, they will confirm that it is an experience that most people love and return to year upon year. Imagine skiing down from the restaurant at the top of the mountain down to the lower slopes with your jacket tied around your waist taking in the warm sun, check out a ski deal today.

Snowed Under – Travel Insurance for Skiing H...

Travel insurance is recommended whenever a holiday from home is planned, but for skiers, having the appropriate coverage is vital. Whether on piste or off piste, a skiing holiday does not have to be ruined by the workings of man or Mother Nature when winter athletes consider all the angles.

For EU residents, having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for ski holidays can be beneficial as well as economical, but it will not cover for other eventualities a ski holiday may present. While this is not an insurance policy, the EHIC gives the holder certain rights to receive health care. If skiing in France, having the Carré Neige or Carte Neige in addition to a personal policy or the EHIC is recommended.

Injuries while skiing or snowboarding are inevitable. Look for a policy that also allows for after care to injuries suffered while on holiday. Coverage for pre-existing medical issues can be found too.

Many policies for skiers and snowboarders cover things like personal or rental equipment, but consider coverage of rental equipment if personal items are damaged or lost.

Not all reasons for insurance are injury related. Skiers and snowboarders can obtain insurance covering inconvenience of the weather itself. For example, an avalanche at the mountain can impact a ski holiday. Some policies will cover expenses if travel to or from the slopes are delayed because of avalanche or bad weather in general.

Another worse-case scenario is being in need of search and rescue operations. A good policy will include coverage whether this happens on the slopes or off.

How many ski holidays taken during the season is something to consider. If more than one holiday is planned, annual coverage may be a more economical option rather than paying for a single trip every time.