Best Ski Resorts for Beginners...

Skiing can be both daunting and overwhelming for novices.  From what equipment to buy to where to book and where to stay, it can all be confusing on a first trip to the slopes.

For UK based skiers, the news is good.  Some of the best beginners’ resorts are around an hour’s flight away, being in France and other westerly parts of mainland Europe.

Les Arcs in France can provide nursery slopes above all of the numerous villages in the area.  The ski schools are award winning and beginners have their own free ski lift.

Tignes in France offers a ski school especially catering to females.  It is generally accepted that due to different physiques, women ski differently to men and this fact is recognised at Tignes.  Tignes has a wide selection of nursery slopes as well as intermediate and easy runs for improvers.

Bansko in Bulgaria has received a great deal of investment into its resort and as a result has a fine array of state of the art lifts, accommodation and facilities.  Being a cheaper destination, it is ideal for novices who may wish to try out skiing holiday deals without breaking the bank.

La Plagne in France has an excellent selection of beginner runs and is linked via the lift system to Les Arcs as part of the Paradiski ski region.  Many of the villages in Les Arcs are situated so that skiers can “ski in/ski out”, or ski practically from their accommodation.  This makes it an ideal destination for ski holidays for all the family.

See your travel agent for the best value skiing holiday deals.

Ski Holidays – a popular choice!...

A popular choice for many travellers is a ski holiday.  Whether a beginner or experienced skier, holidaymakers can choose from a variety of resorts offering a complete ski package.

Most package ski holidays will include lessons and the hire of ski equipment, leaving travellers only responsible for furnishing their own ski suit or ski jacket and pants, called salopettes.  Lessons are essential for beginners, and even for those very experienced skiers it is not recommended to stray far from the official ski routes.  These routes, called runs, are colour coded in most popular resorts according to how difficult they are. 

Holidaymakers planning a ski trip should make sure their chosen holiday is geared towards skiing specifically.  Snowboarding is increasingly popular in Europe, and generally holidays will be either geared towards skiing or boarding, rather than both.

Essentials for a ski holiday include a good pair of ski sunglasses or goggles to protect the eyes from the glare caused by the sun reflecting off the snow.  Sun cream is also of the utmost importance, as that same glare and high altitude locations above the clouds can increase the chance of sunburn.  Finally, travellers should bring along a good hat to stay warm.

Most major ski destinations offer a great range of restaurants and bars to enjoy in the evening.  This “après ski” nightlife is popular with single holidaymakers as well as couples. 

Stowe ski Holidays for all the Family...

Known as the premier ski resort on the East coast of the United States, Stowe is a picturesque and historic village located in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  The name Stowe has become synonymous with excellent ski holidays for all the family, and the area offers luxury resorts as well as some of the best powder.  The resort boasts a long ski season, as well as all of the quaint charm of a New England town.

Skiing in Stowe takes place over two beautiful, picturesque mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.  There are 56 slopes spread out amongst 65 kilometres of terrain, served by 12 lifts that bring skiers to the top of the peaks so they can enjoy the long, winding trails on the slopes.  Stowe is a hub for cross-country skiers, and is well known amongst skiing enthusiasts around the world for what it has to offer.

The village of Stowe is a quintessential New England town, complete with a historic town centre, beautiful New England architecture, a friendly and hospitable community, and plenty of unique little shops.  There are restaurants that offer many types of cuisines, from gourmet to casual dining experiences depending on preference and budget.

Day trips outside of the resort offer museums and a trip to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory.  The North-East Kingdom of Vermont is just a short drive away as well, offering plenty of New England charm and quaint Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Stowe will again offer some of the best ski deals for all the family to enjoy in a popular resort in the USA.

Skiing in Lapland, Finland...

Love to ski?  Then Lapland, Finland, a region in central Finland, has what you love.  Dotted with ski and snowboard opportunities, you will be able to spend all the time you want on the slopes.  There are also plenty of other things to do, from snow castle building to shopping and even spas.

Finland is home to many world-class ski resorts.  Try the Levi Ski Resort in Levi or the Salla Ski Resort in Salla.  The longest run of three kilometres is located in Ylläs, and all of the downhill runs are well-groomed and maintained.   Rental equipment is available at all of the ski areas.  Cross-country ski enthusiasts are not left out, either.  The Hetta Ski Resort is well-known, as are the Holiday Village and Kiri Slopes, both located on the shores of Lake Kirintöjärvi.

If visiting in September, October, February or March, you may be able to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis.  This beautiful night time display of blue, green and sometimes red lights is Mother Nature’s electric light show.

Only in Lapland will you find the Kemi SnowCastle, an annual castle-building event that result in a unique creation every year.  In Lainio they construct an entire village beginning in October or November.  The village consists of an ice bar, a snow maze, ice sculptures and even a snow hotel complete with a sauna experience.  Come for the day or stay for the night; it is a unique experience you will never forget, just like your holiday in Lapland.

Skiing South Tyrol, Italy...

Ski holidays in South Tyrol, Italy promise stunning views of the Italian Alps and plenty of activities to fill your holiday days and nights.  

The jagged peaks of the Dolomites Mountains frequently offer sunny skies and powdery snow.  Various ski areas in this region are connected by 450 ski lifts to provide endless days of new adventure.  This is considered a super-ski region because of the 12 distinct areas and over 1,200 kilometres of available ski runs.  The area also boasts a skating rink, indoor pools and ski jumps.

Nearby Veneto has 140 kilometres of runs for mostly intermediate and experienced skiers.  The beginner is not left out, however, as there are several nursery slopes as well.  Piste and off-piste skiing is available but guides are recommended for those venturing off-piste, due to the hostile terrain that can be encountered.  There are plenty of chairlifts and cable cars to transport you to your favourite slopes. 

Veneto borders Austria and has a decidedly Austrian/German culture with plenty of great restaurants and accommodations.  At the northern edge of the Veneto region, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a bustling town that attracts tourists from all over the world.  This town hosted the winter Olympics in 1956 and prides itself on offering a variety of amenities for travellers to enjoy.      

With endless peaks, beautiful architecture and a unique variety of local charm to enjoy in the towns surrounding this region, consider skiing holiday deals in South Tyrol, Italy.

Skiing Queenstown – New Zealand’s hidd...

Ski holidays in Queenstown, New Zealand begin around May and continue until October, making this one of the best skiing 2011 resorts for those in the Northern Hemisphere looking for snow in the summer!

Boasting several ski areas as well as a beautiful lake, Queenstown, New Zealand offers a charming resort town with plenty of activities and restaurants for that après-ski experience.

The closest and probably most popular ski area is Coronet Peak, about 20 minutes away.  With plenty of vertical slopes and jumps, and back bowl skiing, Coronet Peak is ideal for skiing and snowboarding.  There are wide trails, piste and off-piste runs and even a chute.  Coronet Peak lights up and fills with night skiers.  If you haven’t had enough after a day full of skiing, your fun doesn’t end just because the sun went down.

Also a favourite in the Queenstown area is the Remarkables, about 45 minutes away.  There are three north-facing bowls that protect you from the wind and gather in the sun.  Ski trails are available for all skill levels, although this family-friendly area offers more for the beginner and early intermediate level skier than those looking for extreme skiing adventures.  There are shuttles up the mountain, as driving can be quite hazardous in snowy conditions.

Ski holidays in Queenstown, New Zealand are a perfect solution for summer holidays when the beach just sounds too routine and you’re dreaming of pristine white ski slopes.

Skiing in Whistler, Canada...

Vancouver, which is 73 kilometres from Whistler, Canada, is a perfect spot to begin a ski holiday for all the family.  Vancouver is a beautiful city with stunning architecture and plenty of shopping.  Enjoy all it has to offer before continuing on to your skiing destination.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and the resort area surrounding them, offer splendid hotels with plenty of amenities and après-ski activities.  There is something for every member of the family to enjoy, with ski schools, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, SnowCat tours and even dog sledding.  All these exciting adventure options do not detract from the fantastic skiing opportunities.

With a nearly one mile vertical drop, these ski runs are the longest in North America.  For the excitement of higher elevation skiing, heli-skiing is popular and available at Whistler.  The peak-2-peak gondola will take you between the two mountains to enjoy all that each has to offer.  The Fresh Tracks program is ideal for those anxious to start their day.  Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at the restaurant on top of Whistler and then head off to enjoy the unblemished early morning powder.

On Black Tusk Trail, pause for a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery before soaring down the fast vertical slopes.  While downhill skiing here is fantastic, there are also many areas for those who prefer cross country ski adventures.

After skiing, consider taking the family on a sleigh ride while you sip hot cocoa and reminisce about the day.

The natural beauty and variety of amenities, not to mention great skiing, make Whistler a perfect ski holiday for all the family.

Ski Holidays for All the Family in the French Alps...

For beautiful scenery and a variety of resorts and amenities, consider ski holidays in France.

Mont Blanc, the highest mountain of the French Alps, is stunningly beautiful in winter and there are numerous ski resorts surrounding this region.

Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc is the popular resort area of Les Portes Du Soliel.  With over 200 lifts and a reported 650 kilometres of pistes, skiers consider this area paradise.  With so many marked trails linked by the lifts, skiers can fill their days with beautiful scenery and a nearly endless number of slopes to try.

Beginners and families seeking shopping and restaurants may consider Morzine or Chatel as the ideal towns for ski holidays for all the family.  The smaller slopes in this area make it popular with beginning skiers and snowboarders.  More rugged skiing is available nearby for those seeking a challenge.

Some travellers consider the best skiing to be around Avoriaz, which is a Cliffside village with a higher altitude that nearly guarantees good winter snow levels.  Cars are not allowed in Avoriaz, contributing to the ambiance and focus on winter sporting activities.  Horse-drawn carriages transport visitors between resorts, making this charming town an ideal skiing holiday for all the family.  The neighbouring Swiss resort of Les Crosets boasts La Chavanette, which is one of the steepest marked runs in Europe for those adventure seekers looking for an exciting run.

For beauty, amenities and variety consider the French Alps for your ski holiday.

Searching for the perfect Ski Deals...

Many of us dream of escaping the winter blues for a skiing holiday.  However, with a tight budget, is it possible to find a genuinely cheap ski holiday?  The answer is yes; there are ways of reducing the costs of a ski holiday and finding a good cheap ski deal.

Organising your own trip can save you a lot of money, but it is worth checking out the cheap ski deals offered by the package companies.  Ski deals 2011 will often include the cost of flights, transfers and accommodation.   Booking last minute is a good way of securing a cheap ski deal and don’t dismiss the weekend for travelling.   Ryan Air, for example, has been known to greatly reduce their air fares on Saturdays.   However, be warned: you may have to take a very early flight and may end up in an airport miles from your destination.

Hostels are a good bet for cheap accommodation which can be harder to book last minute, especially if you are travelling as a group.  With more hostels being revamped, however, be aware that they are not always the cheapest option.  Smaller more basic guesthouses may be just as cost effective.

Borrowing your ski equipment is the cheapest option and many airlines now offer special fares for ski equipment.  If you do have to buy your equipment, then avoid trendy brands.  You may find that even shops such as Lidl and Aldi will sell thermal vests and other clothing at good prices and, of course, look out for sales.  You may also be able to pick up second hand gear from eBay, but be sure to check the prices first.  You may be able to rent your equipment as part of your ski deal and the tour operator may be able to offer extra discounts.

Ski Holidays in 2011 – Book Early for Good D...

Skiing is not a cheap holiday. By the time one factors in lodging, food, lift passes and transportation, one is looking at a hefty amount of money. However, the upcoming ski season will be a unique one as a result of the economic downturn and cheap ski deals will be in greater abundance than in previous years.

Some of the largest luxury chalet companies are being forced to liquidate assets and early estimates show that chalet rentals are down 17% compared to last season. While some companies are able to maintain their prices, many are being forced to extend terrific price cuts in an attempt to lure people back to the fold or face closing their doors for good.

The key to obtaining a cheap ski deals 2011 is pre-booking and doing so as early as possible.  Early booking discounts are becoming more and more popular and skiers are reaping the benefits. Some of the premier ski chalet companies are offering huge discounts and special offers when booked online. This may be the year that skiers find themselves in luxury surroundings in exchange for their hard-earned cash. Other chalet companies are offering complete packages including flights, lodging, equipment rentals and lift passes.

While some skiers will wait for the coveted last minute bookings, why take the chance? This is the year to get in early and book an incredible ski package at a fraction of the cost of previous years. This golden opportunity will be lost to time as economies begin to rebound.