Gaudy consumerism, freezing drizzle and a lack of outdoor activities can make winter a bit of a drag. After all, there’s only so much TV and chocolate one can take before becoming restless. If you had your heart set on a winter wonderland, and you’ve been met by relentless rain, it might be time to consider jetting off to one of the world’s great ski resorts, and letting out all that pent up energy on the slopes. There are always some great last minute ski deals available towards this winter, so consider the following destinations, pack your most stylish ski wear, and hit the snow…
For beginners: Alpe d'Huez
This glorious Alpine resort is one of France’s biggest and most-frequented ski destinations – and for good reason. There are so many exciting runs, even for beginners, with a huge selection ranging from nursery slopes to knuckle-crunching black runs, and over 800 hectares of pistes. There are an alleged 360 days of sunshine bathing the snow-slicked slopes, which is likely to annihilate any winter blues with the efficacy of a sudden lottery win.
For familiies: La Rosiere
Located in the Southern Alps, this pretty resort is petite, but family-friendly, with an international ski space that straddles France and Italy. There is a ski school and plenty of instructors ready to help those hoping to refine their technique, and when you’re finished on the slopes there are a range of thrilling alternatives to entertain you, including paragliding, snowshoe walks, and helicopter rides. There’s also an ice rink, a bowling alley and even painting workshops for those who find themselves inspired by the mountainside enough to create their own masterpiece.
For the hardcore: Tignes
Known as the ‘sportiest ski resort’, Tignes is a party-hard, ski-harder destination, that gives snow bunnies as much of a guarantee of snow cover as they can wish for in the extensive Espace Killy ski area. Three villages make up the resort, but Val Claret, the highest, is the place to be; with two nightclubs and a funicular which will ratchet you up the mountain to the Grande Motte Glacier. However, it is still worth visiting the other two for a snapshot of what’s on offer. Tignes is a notorious off-piste resort, with some great powder to explore for advanced skiers, while the Grande Motte Glacier is fully ski-able for 10 months of the year, making it a popular destination with summer snow-seekers.
(Photo by xaviventas via Flickr)
Andre Hendricks is a travel and extreme sports enthusiasts. White water rafting in Nepal has been his favourite adventure on the edge so far.
This glorious Alpine resort is one of France’s biggest and most-frequented ski destinations – and for good reason. There are so many exciting runs, even for beginners, with a huge selection ranging from nursery slopes to knuckle-crunching black runs, and over 800 hectares of pistes. There are an alleged 360 days of sunshine bathing the snow-slicked slopes, which is likely to annihilate any winter blues with the efficacy of a sudden lottery win.
For familiies: La Rosiere
Located in the Southern Alps, this pretty resort is petite, but family-friendly, with an international ski space that straddles France and Italy. There is a ski school and plenty of instructors ready to help those hoping to refine their technique, and when you’re finished on the slopes there are a range of thrilling alternatives to entertain you, including paragliding, snowshoe walks, and helicopter rides. There’s also an ice rink, a bowling alley and even painting workshops for those who find themselves inspired by the mountainside enough to create their own masterpiece.
For the hardcore: Tignes
Known as the ‘sportiest ski resort’, Tignes is a party-hard, ski-harder destination, that gives snow bunnies as much of a guarantee of snow cover as they can wish for in the extensive Espace Killy ski area. Three villages make up the resort, but Val Claret, the highest, is the place to be; with two nightclubs and a funicular which will ratchet you up the mountain to the Grande Motte Glacier. However, it is still worth visiting the other two for a snapshot of what’s on offer. Tignes is a notorious off-piste resort, with some great powder to explore for advanced skiers, while the Grande Motte Glacier is fully ski-able for 10 months of the year, making it a popular destination with summer snow-seekers.
(Photo by xaviventas via Flickr)
Andre Hendricks is a travel and extreme sports enthusiasts. White water rafting in Nepal has been his favourite adventure on the edge so far.
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