Courchevel

In the Saint-Bon-Tarentaise region of the French Alps, lays the relaxing resort of Courchevel. Many tourists enjoy Courchevel holidays over most other French skiing destinations because of its reputation for being virtually queue free. Even during the resorts busiest times, you’ll hardly ever experience a wait for the lifts. According to the Daily Telegraph in the UK, Courchevel was named as the best ski resort in Europe to visit in 2008. This definitely boosted the popularity of holidays to Courchevel.

Many VIP guests head to Courchevel and it isn’t hard to see why. It is made up of four different villages, with the Courchevel 1850 being the most exclusive. There are 11 hotels in this village and each has a 5 star rating. So if you’re looking for a luxury destination, choose holidays to Courchevel 1850. There’s even two 6 star hotels in the village – a new rating introduced in France in 2011.

What to Experience in Courchevel

If you are going on Courchevel holidays, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of fine dining experiences. It features 7 Michelin star restaurants including the exclusive 2 Michelin star restaurant ‘Le Chabichou’.

There you’ll taste some of the most delicious foods in the world. Shopping wise you’ll fall in love with Courchevel. It is home to fantastic top designer stores such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Valentino.

Tourists on holidays to Courchevel mainly come from Britain, though there are also many wealthy Russian tourists that frequent the resort too. It’s definitely a place for the rich and famous. So if you’re searching for a budget skiing holiday this may not be the destination for you!

As well as typical outdoor activities, Courchevel holidays have so much more than most ski resorts on offer. There are even piano bars and a nightclub.

So if you’re looking for a holiday with a great nightlife scene this could be perfect. However, don’t expect it to be rowdy. The nightlife scene in Courchevel is more upmarket. The La Grange is one of the most popular nightclubs in the region.

If you’re looking for a laid back dining and entertainment experience then head to Le P’tit Drink. This is a fantastic wine and tapas bar with a really friendly atmosphere.

If you’re booking Courchevel holidays with activities in mind, you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps you’d like to see the resort from a unique point of view? If so a gentle hot air balloon ride could be the answer. Or maybe you’d like to get close to the mountain edges as you explore the area in a helicopter? Hang gliding is another activity that allows you to experience an adrenaline rush as you see the resort from the sky.

Other noteworthy activities not to be missed on your holidays to Courchevel include hiking, sledging, snowmobile riding and ice skating. There really is so much for the whole family to enjoy. Courchevel holidays are expensive but definitely worthwhile if you can afford it. Celebrities such as Robbie Williams and Peter Andre are fans of Courchevel holidays and it isn’t hard to see why.

Chamonix

Chamonix holidays are extremely popular and it really isn’t hard to see why. It is located in the north-east of France and it was host to the 1924 Winter Olympics. It is also located right by the Aiguille du Midi. This famous mountain is classed as one of the ‘must see’ attractions on all holidays to Chamonix. All year around you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.

The Most Popular Chamonix Attractions

It can be difficult choosing which attractions to visit first when you’re heading to Chamonix. With so much to do it would be a good idea to plan the attractions you would prefer to visit most before you set off.

As mentioned earlier, the Aiguille du Midi is by far one of the most popular attractions of holidays to Chamonix. You’ll be taken up 9,000 foot on the tramway.

It takes just less than 20 minutes and you’ll find the ride to be one of the most thrilling you’ve ever experienced. Some people do find it a little scary, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll feel light headed by the time you get to the top and the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Another attraction you should check out while on Chamonix holidays is the Chamonix Mont Blanc. Climbers from all over the world head to Mont Blanc each year to tackle its summit. It’s not the most challenging mountain to climb, but you will need to be fit and healthy to get to the top.

This beautiful town has plenty of top restaurants serving delicious food. There are great shopping opportunities too. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday then this is one place to stop off. You can relax and enjoy the scenery or if you’d prefer a more active holiday you could enjoy walking up the mountain.

If you like taking in a little culture and interesting sights then Chamonix holidays have a couple of top sights to include on your trip.

The Horace Benedict de Saussure statue is the first one to check out. The statue is of the initiator of the first ascent of Mont Blanc.

There’s also the statue of Michel-Gabriel Paccard who was one of two people who successfully climbed Mont Blanc in 1786.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat out, the restaurant located at the top of the Brevent cable car is definitely worth stopping by. In fact, no holidays to Chamonix would be complete without a trip to this stunning restaurant.  It offers panoramic views over Mont Blanc Massif.

With breathtaking views, exciting cable car rides and plenty of summer and winter activities to take part in, you’re bound to fall in love with Chamonix holidays. It really isn’t hard to see why this is one of the most visited parts of France. The cosy cabins provide you with exceptional comfort. It doesn’t matter what your budget is or how long you are going for, there’s plenty of affordable accommodation options in and around Chamonix. Why not take a look at just how affordable holidays to Chamonix can be?

Alpe d’Huez

There are many popular skiing destinations in France and the Alpe d’Huez resort is one which many tourists keep coming back to. Situated right in the centre of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez holidays provide plenty to offer for the entire family. This popular location is one of the main mountains used in the Tour de France. First used in the race in 1952, it now provides a stage finish and has done since 1976.

When looking into holidays to Alpe d’Huez, you’ll see there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Of course the main thing that the resort is known for is skiing. Throughout winter there are many great skiing trails to take part in. However, there’s also plenty to do during the summer months too. Here you’ll find the best attractions to look into whether you’re travelling in the summer or winter months.

Main Attractions of Alpe d’Huez in summer

When the Tour de France isn’t taking place in summer, you can enjoy mountain biking, paragliding, helicopter rides and canyoning to name just a few. If you’re looking to enjoy active and exciting Alpe d’Huez holidays then canyoning could be the perfect activity for you. You’ll get extremely wet and your heart rate will be pumping as you abseil down the mountains into the streams below. This definitely isn’t advised for those just wanting a relaxed, laid back holiday! It’s also advised you do this on a warm day.

If you are looking for slightly more relaxing holidays to Alpe d’Huez, a helicopter ride could be a great idea. Seeing the mountains from above will be an experience you’ll never forget. There are several flights available each day from local companies. Why not look into this before you go?

If you’re travelling with the family then a great summer activity not to be missed is summer sledging. Otherwise known as Luge, this toboggan run is extremely fun and will keep the kids entertained for a good few hours. You get to the Luge via a cable car.

These are just some of the fantastic summer activities you can take part in on your Alpe d’Huez holidays.

Main Attractions of Alpe d’Huez in winter

Skiing is the main thing that brings people on holidays to Alpe d’Huez. You’ll discover tranquil cross country skiing trails. There are two different types of skiing available and these include classic and skating. If you’re a beginner then it’s advisable to stick to classic skiing.

As well as skiing, husky sledding is a great activity to look into. You’ll get to control your own sled pulled along by a pack of husky dogs. Before you set off there’ll be an explanation on how to stop and start the sled and you’ll then be off exploring the resort and the beautiful picturesque views.

Overall it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Alpe d’Huez holidays will provide you with an experience of a lifetime. With something for the whole family this will likely be a destination you want to return to every year.

Anton

St. Anton is officially known as Sankt Anton am Arlberg. This ski resort and village located in Tyrol, is a very popular holiday spot. Holidays to St. Anton are popular all year around and in summer there’s plenty of activities to keep you occupied. There’s a long skiing history in the village and it was thanks to many ski instructors from the area who went to America in the 1930’s who made the sport even more popular. As well as having one of the best skiing opportunities available, St. Anton holidays also provide plenty of après ski entertainment.

Things to Do in St. Anton

Skiing is obviously the main reason most tourists opt for holidays to St. Anton.  It was the development of Alpine skiing in the Arlberg reason which really helped to boost tourism.

If you’re interested in the history of skiing in the area then you’ll enjoy the museum located in the Arlberg-Kandahar House. It has been recently renovated and was first opened in 1978. You’ll see wooden fold outs, old maps and photographs from history. This is one of the most interesting activities to take part in on your St. Anton holidays.

As well as impressive ski slopes, there are plenty of winter activities to keep you entertained. The whole family will enjoy toboggan runs. This is a perfect activity for those who love a quick adrenaline rush.

Perhaps you’re hoping for more romantic holidays to St. Anton? If so you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride across the snowy mountain. You’ll never forget this experience with its picturesque views and the sound of the horse’s hooves crunching against the snow. If you’d like to explore the mountain from a completely different viewpoint then paragliding could be the perfect activity to try out.

If you are travelling with the family, there’s plenty of exciting activities to keep your kids happy. Holidays to St. Anton truly are magical for kids.

There are special instructors for kids along with special easier slopes. Ice skating is another great fun activity for the family.

For a more relaxing holiday you could head to the 6 hole golf course. This is a fantastic summer activity and it has holes to suit all skill levels. Fishing is another relaxing activity to take part in on St. Anton holidays. There’s brown and rainbow trout to be caught, as well as chars. With three different lakes to fish in, you’ll be able to do a different one each day.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, romantic, action packed or fun family holiday; there’s something to suit everyone on holidays to St. Anton.  If you’re looking for good accommodation options then the Haus Schindler is a great hidden gem. It serves delicious local food and there’s also a great selection of international wines. For informal dining with a good selection of Spanish Tapas, head to Bodega. It’s also very affordable so great for those on a budget. All in all, holidays to St. Anton are extremely popular and it’s no surprise why. There’s so much to do for the entire family and you’ll want to return year after year.

Söll

The village of Söll is a popular choice for skiing vacations.  Located just below the Hohe Salve Peak, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking skiing in the whole of Europe at this resort. There are both black and red skiing runs to take part in so no matter what level of skier you are, there’ll be something to suit you. There’s a lot more to Söll holidays than skiing though. So even if you’re not a huge skiing fan, it may still be worth checking out holidays to Söll.

Things to do in and Around Söll

When looking at holidays to Söll you’ll find as well as skiing, there’s a great nightlife scene, beautiful sights and great hiking opportunities. There’s often no better way to spend an afternoon than exploring the mountain on foot.

Once you get to the top of the mountain there’s a gorgeous restaurant which provides you with spectacular panoramic views.

Para gliders often take off from the mountain’s summit. You could even join them if you feel brave enough!

In the old village centre you’ll be able to explore the Saint Peter and Paul parish church. This is a very pretty church and it features a Baroque style. If you’re a fan of seeing new and interesting architecture then you’ll love Main Street. No Söll holidays would be complete without a trip to Main Street. You’ll discover traditional Tyrolean architecture and there are some houses which even feature wall paintings. Finally there’s a war memorial which is dedicated to the Battle of Napoleonic wars which took place on 13^th May 1809. You’ll find the memorial in the northern part of the village.

Sometimes the nightlife on skiing holidays can leave a lot to be desired. The focus on skiing holidays does tend to be on daylight activities. If you like to enjoy a little after hours entertainment then you’ll love holidays to Söll. There are many slope side bars where tourists can dance the night away and enjoy a few drinks. There are ski buses that can take you from your accommodation to the ski lifts.

If you fancy an afternoon relaxing on your Söll holidays, why not take in some sun around the cattle houses. These are dotted around the slopes and you’ll easily get a suntan on a good day.

Dining Out and Shopping in Söll

One of the main things you might be interested in when booking your holidays to Söll is the food on offer.  One of the best restaurants available is the Bella Vita. This is a mainly quiet and relaxed restaurant and it specialises in local food as well as Asian and fresh fish dishes.

Shopping wise you’ll find plenty of shops along the ski slopes. They do tend to be quite expensive but you’ll end up looking incredibly stylish! There’s also a great supermarket available for those who are going on self-catering Söll holidays.

Overall the ski area of Söll is one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in Austria. No matter what time of year you visit you should be able to find discount holidays to Söll.

Mayrhofen

Located in Tyrol, Austria, Mayrhofen is a popular destination for skiers from all over the world. Holidays to Mayrhofen feature a wide range of winter and summer sport activities. It is situated right by the Hintertux glacier and the great news for skiers is that they can ski all year around. You’ll witness beautiful unforgettable scenery. From picturesque pine forests to majestic snowy mountains and beautiful flowing waterfalls; no matter where you turn you’ll be left breathless by the scenery.

Main Mayrhofen Activities to Enjoy

There’s plenty to do on your Mayrhofen holidays. You’ll notice it’s quite a lively resort. Thousands of tourists come back year after year. Whether you’re looking to relax or have an action packed holiday, this could be the perfect destination for you.

The ski area in Penkenbahn is particularly popular. Great for both skiers and snowboarders, no matter what your ability level, there’ll be something to suit it. The journey up to the top of Penken is a little daunting for people who are scared of heights. However, once at the top the views you are presented with are amazing. This is definitely a must see on your holidays to Mayrhofen.

If you take Mayrhofen holidays at certain times throughout the year, you’ll also get to experience local festivals. In June there’s the Sonnwendfeuer festival. Then there’s the Almabtrieb festival in September/October. The Dorffest also gives you the opportunity to enjoy local meats and cheeses.

If you enjoy hiking then the walking trails offer an amazing experience. You should find the trails to be really well marked and easy to follow. Around the trails there are even mountain huts which serve up food and drink.

So, if you get a little thirsty or if you need an energy boost, you can stop off and enjoy a short break while you catch your breath. The walking opportunities are one of the main attractions that bring people to the town. There’s 200km of walking trails available. If you want to take in stunning views and enjoy a hiking challenge then holidays to Mayrhofen would be ideal.

Many people assume that nightlife in an area such as Mayrhofen wouldn’t be anything to write home about. However, you’ll find plenty of live music from salsa to rock and traditional Tirolean folk music. Mayrhofen holidays have quite an understated but very enjoyable nightlife scene.

The main activities you can partake in on holidays to Mayrhofen include white water rafting, tandem paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking and mini golf. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, there will always be a wide range of activities to do.

Dining Out in the Town

There is plenty of dining out options available on holidays to Mayrhofen. If you’re looking for a cosy, welcoming restaurant, head to Schneekar. Situated right at the top of Horberg, you’ll be welcomed by open fires and wooden beams on the ceiling. The food is excellent and you really won’t want to leave.

All in all, there are so many activities and places to eat out on Mayrhofen holidays. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you’re travelling with; there’s something to suit you.

Kitzbühel

The small medieval town of Kitzbühel is a popular holiday destination when it comes to skiing in Austria. It is located in the Kitzbühel Alps and you should find holidays to Kitzbühel are usually really affordable. Situated within Tyrol, Austria, this pretty little town has a contrasting landscape. This makes it suitable for all kinds of activities, not just skiing.

What Kitzbühel has to Offer

Skiing is by far the most popular activity for those taking Kitzbühel holidays. When you take a look at the history of the town in terms of skiing, you’ll find it has one of the deepest rooted histories out of all of the alpine ski resorts.

It has a very high standard of skiing with its premium snow park. There is 170km worth of ski runs and each is easy to get to thanks to the 54 ski lifts and gondolas situated around the resort. If you’re wary about booking holidays to Kitzbühel because you aren’t a very experienced skier then worry not – there’s plenty of ski schools which offer affordable lessons.

If skiing isn’t your thing then that doesn’t rule out Kitzbühel holidays. There are 4 local golf courses and another 18 courses located close by. This makes it an excellent destination for keen golfers to head to. Another popular activity includes diving in the Schwarzsee Lake. This picturesque lake is stunning and will provide you with a very relaxing afternoon. It’s actually quite warm to bathe in too and many tourists flock here on their holidays to Kitzbühel.

Hikers also love the varying landscapes that this small town has to offer. There are many hiking trails to follow. As well as hiking trails there are 750km of cycling trails available too. It’s the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors.

When you aren’t enjoying the skiing and hiking trails that Kitzbühel holidays have to offer, you can enjoy the many small cafes in the area. There are also plenty of bars available where you can keep warm with a nice strong drink after a hard day on the slopes.

The Beluna Bar and Chizzo bar are just two of the best available in the area. If you’re looking for a bite to eat,  head to the Centro or the Da Vinci Café. Both have a fantastic reputation and offer a great selection of food.

A great family activity you can do while there is to take a trip to the town’s cinema. Or for a more adult evening you could enjoy the delights of the local casino. These are just some of the activities available in the town.

Overall holidays to Kitzbühel are perfect for those who love the outdoors. It’s definitely more of a destination aimed at those who prefer an active holiday. While there’s still activities designed for those who enjoy to just relax and take it easy; the main focus is definitely on outdoor sports and activities. You’ll be welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm by the locals. Many people who take holidays to Kitzbuhel end up returning year after year.

Zermatt

No mountaineer worth his or her salt has not dreamt of scaling the daunting peaks (over 3,000m above sea level) that surround Zermatt.  Most mountain climbers dream of following in the footsteps of Edward Whymper who conquered the majestic Matterhorn. Zermatt is a famous mountaineering and skiing resort is found in the German-speaking part of Switzerland in a district called Visp. The town itself is home to a number of suburbs, some of which were once mountain hamlets. More of these hamlets are found higher up above Zermatt, though a number of them are not inhabited all year round. Looking at how the place is abuzz with tourists milling about hotels and restaurants, it’s difficult to believe that Zermatt was once a simple agricultural village.

Sightseeing and activities

Whether you decide to take your skiing holiday in winter or summer, Zermatt’s high altitude ensures that you get optimal conditions throughout the year. There are four designated skiing areas in Zermatt; Gornergrat, Sunnegga, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.

Each has unique features that attract skiers of differing abilities. Sunnegga, for instance, is more suited to beginners as its slopes are not too steep. But all of them are well served with cable cars and chair lifts. Those who would rather attack the slopes with a snowboard are welcome to do so

There is a museum at Testa Grigia, an area on the Theodul pass that stretches into Italy which tells the story of the first mountaineers to climb to the top of The Matterhorn. On the descent though, the majority of the group perished, with only 3 returning safely. The Matterhorn Museum in the town of Zermatt also relates these events. One of the interesting exhibits in this museum is one of the stones taken from the Matterhorn summit to outer space by Claude Nicollier.

At night Zermatt comes alive with a number of restaurants and bars serving skiers and mountain climbers with delicious repasts and their choice drink to help it down. Apart from savoury Swiss dishes, eateries in this area cater to the diverse tastes of holidaymakers by serving Italian, Japanese, Chinese and many other specialities. Tourists also get to dance to live music in some bars or let their hair down in discos while there. The mingling with travellers from all over the world is what makes many look forward to spending time in these spots.  And after a tiring day of activity, visitors to these parts can seek repose in elegantly furnished apartments and chalets offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

For those who consider a holiday incomplete without a splash of shopping, there are several shops in Zermatt including jewellers, clothing stores and even bookshops. But more than just the joy of owning new stuff, the experience of walking around the cobbled streets that are free of the noise and fumes of motor vehicles is invigorating.

Other things to do

Other than the skiing and mountaineering, this locale offers visitors a number of winter sports including ice skating, cross country skiing and winter walks punctuated by scintillating views. You can also savour the natural beauty of The Matterhorn from above by taking a helicopter ride around it.

Voss

Voss is a small resort at the heart of Hordaland, in Norway, and has gained a reputation of being the adventure capital of the country.  It is home to two ski centres and is surrounded by some of the most majestic countryside found anywhere in Norway, consisting of rivers, mountains, lakes and fjords.  It offers a ski holiday experience suitable for all levels of skiing expertise, from complete beginner to seasoned expert.

The resort is of one the skiing world’s best kept secrets.  The runs are well-maintained and never crowded.  They are particularly suited for beginners and children, with specialist children’s instructors easy to find and hire.

There are not a huge number of runs; you could quite comfortable ski the entire resort in one, thigh-twinging day, but the runs are so pleasurable and comfortably isolated repeated use infrequently becomes dull.

Voss strives to be friendly and trusting, something it readily achieves.  The equipment hire shop is small but that means a personalised service is what you will experience.  Some of the equipment is old and old-fashioned though.  The lift-system up to the heights is also somewhat in need of a refurbishment to bring it in line with modern standards although it is perfectly safe.  You should never need to queue to use it though.

The resort is a very family-orientated place.  The lower altitude (just over three thousand feet) means that children who suffer from altitude sickness (as the younger ones are prone to do) shouldn’t have to worry.  The instructors are attentive, patient and speak excellent English, and will not allow your children to be let loose on even the gentlest of slopes without be certain they have learnt the correct techniques.

Voss is not the place if you are expecting a highly energetic night-life.  The village is a very quiet place with only basic restaurants and hotels.  Don’t expect the kind of accommodation and bars you’d be hopeful of finding in Alpine resorts.  The town only has one mountain-based restaurant, and that’s a very basic fast-food joint.  Voss is a place to relax and enjoy fluster-free winter sports, not for thrill-a-minute white-knuckled killer slopes and rampant partying until the early hours.

The resort has around thirty miles of prepared pistes.  It is a very reliable venue for snow and World Cup Events are frequently held in the area.  There are also possibilities for cross-country skiing and hiking.  If you want to mix your skiing with other activities, you can brave the cold at the outdoor swimming pool at Prestegardsmoen, or visit Myrkdalen, just under twenty miles north of Voss, which has terrain parks and children’s play areas.  In the summer the Voss Rafting Senter is open for the adventurous who want to experience the turbulent waters of the Melsvatnet river.

If you want to improve your skiing, or introduce the non-skiers in your family to the slopes, then a ski holiday in Voss could be just the thing.  With its unhurried and relaxing, family-orientated approach, a ski holiday in Voss is both a peaceful and snow-tastic experience.

Verbier

Verbier is a ski resort in the east central part of Valais, an area of southern Switzerland.  The resort is in the most outstanding of settings, on a wide, sun-kissed balcony surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Alps.  It is not as expansive as the more popular Swiss resorts but is still a fashionable place to be seen and is particularly popular with late-teenagers and twenty-somethings.

The resort sits at one end of a long, inter-connected series of slopes.  Verbier is a lively place, especially in the evenings, and the slopes and pistes in the resort are more engineered for the intermediate skier, rather than the novice.  It can also act as a base to visit other resorts that are close by, such as Chamonix and Champéry.

Verbier has a range of extensive and challenging slopes with the opportunity to go off-piste and lengthy bump runs.  The upper slopes with leave you not wanting to go back down again, due to their magnificent views and the unique feel of being up so high in the bright sunlight.

Verbier has impressive views, with Mont Blanc to the west and the Matterhorn to the east.  The resort village itself has many truly wonderful bars and restaurants, although they can be a little expensive.  Verbier can also become a little crowded at the most popular times, meaning waits for lifts and over-burdened pistes.

Verbier consists of a conurbation of chalet-like accommodation surrounding the Place Centrale which itself is lined with shops, place to eat and hotels.  This street stretches for nearly a mile, and each even begins to throng with après-ski fun-seekers.  Strangely, cars are not banned from the main areas unlike many other resorts and this can become an annoyance as it lessens the resort’s appeal.

Getting around the area can be done using the free bus service which runs until the early evening.  The Place Centrale is of course the place for night-life, so if you’re after a more peaceful time, make sure you accommodation is in the quieter areas to the north and east of the resort.

All areas surrounding Verbier has good snow most of the year, but the Mont-Fort glacier is the pick of the bunch, particularly if you enjoy going off-piste.  The main slopes of Verbier are quite low by comparison and can sometimes conditions can be less than impressive.  If you have transport you can visit the areas of Les Attela, La Chaux and Veysonnaz-Thyon.

If this is your first skiing experience, or you want to up your current level of efficiency, there are an extensive number of educational opportunities.  Group are often small and you can even book private lessons for some one-to-one encouragement.  You can book specialist child tutors as well.

At Verbier the focus is very much on skiing, so if you’ve very young children or children who are not keen to hit the slopes keeping them amused might be an issue.  There are nurseries available and nanny services if you want to use them.

Verbier offers you a decent all-round ski and snow experience with breath-taking views of the Alps and the opportunities to party away the evening.  Book your alpine holiday today and you’ll soon be gliding down a sun-kissed mountain like an expert.

Sestriere

Sestriere can brag of its proud heritage of being the first purpose-built Alpine resort, being developed by Fiat’s Gionvanni Agnello now over eighty years ago.  It has well-designed slopes that are suitable for every level and – if skiing is as natural to you as walking – some tough runs that will certainly challenge you.  Sestriere forms part of the Milky Way area, with both Sauze d’Ouiz and Sansicario being just a lift away.

The resort itself seems slightly in need of a makeover, and the arrangement of the resort does seem a little odd.  Sestriere is geared towards the weekend visitors from the nearby Italian cities, meaning it can get crowded at these times, but conversely the resort seems a little too quiet during the week.

The resort consists of rows of apartment blocks which sit in the sun and wind.  This is not the most attractive-looking resort in the world, even though improvements were made for the 2006 Winter Olympics.  If you want somewhere that looks a little more modern, try nearby Borgata or Pragelato, although shopping and nightlife here is less lively.

Eating out in Sestriere provides no difficulties, from rustic eateries to pizza and pasta restaurants.  There are also many decent options once you are up in the mountains.  The resort is vacated by the weekend-visiting Italians between Monday and Friday, and the lack of apres-ski opportunities during these periods can be a little disappointing.  If you fancy a break from zooming down the mountain slopes, you can check out the shops, ice rink or sports centre.  You could also visit Pragelato or Turin, both around 70 miles away.

If you are visiting Sestriere, you are more likely than not to be staying in one of the many apartments, the most modern of which were built for the 2006 Winter Olympics.  There are a small amount of hotels, but all of them are either three-star or deserving of three-stars.

The ski slopes here give you plenty of lovely views looking across the Milky Way, with its tree-covered slopes that lead to the mountains on the Italian-French border.  Sestriere at times suffers from inadequate from a lack of satisfactory snow-cover, but snow-making is usually decent enough to make up for any potential lack of coverage.

Schools are available, but groups tend to be large and lessons are long.  There are also no special features dedicated towards children.

Sestriere is a decent resort lying at the heart if the Milky Way that offers an amazing three hundred miles or so of piste for all abilities.  Book a ski-holiday to Sestriere today for a chance to export this wonderful, excellent bars and lively entertainment.

Sauze D’ouix

Sauze d’Ouix forms part of the spectacular ski circuit known as Via Lattea or “Milky Way”, a track that covers almost three hundred miles of pistes and spans Italy and France.  Its use for the 2006 Winter Olympics saw over nine million euros worth of investment which saw the resort gain several new runs, lifts and accommodation.  The love of this resort by Brits has seen it dubbed the “Ibiza of Skiing”, but in recent years this reputation has been toned down a little thanks to the return of a little Italian influence.

This really is a fantastically thought-out resort with a whole host of excellent attributes.  It enjoys plenty of sunshine and boats wide open runs and tree-lined scenic terrain.

The openness of its pistes makes it ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and especially for larger groups containing mixed abilities.

Sauze d’Ouix has a rather archaic but attractive town centre that gives it an authentic, Italian feel.  Adjacent to this is an area full of hotels and bars which is where the partying gets started every night of the season.  The newer area is built up of pubs and bars with a distinctly British flavour.  The older side of time has fine wine bars and excellent restaurants.  This twin-centre approach is ideal, as you can pick which side to visit depending on your mood.

The Via Lattea terrain links Sauze d’Ouiz with the nearby resorts of Claviere, Sestriere and Sansicario.  The run is ideally suited to improving intermediates and a range of experiences and fun day trips are always available to such skiers.  There are plenty of picturesque, tree-lined runs in the area and a massive amount of rolling terrain, making the availability of choice quite dizzying.  All are easily reachable via lifts or drags.  Some of the lifts and drags are two-person adding to queuing times, but such is the range of options, waiting never seems to be a huge problem.

For beginners, the Sportinia area is where to start as it is the meeting point for the ski schools.  Here you will find a wide bowl above the village, and a few wooded runs once your confidence increases.  Don’t expect much if you’ve never even put on a pair of skis though – the schools are not meant for the complete novice.  Also, if you are an experienced skier looking for a challenge, you will be disappointed as this is a resort where the emphasis is on fun.

If, however, if you’re up for a gentle day of fun-skiing followed by an evening dedicated to drinking, dining and dancing, then Sauze d’Oulx should be right up your piste.  The resort has somewhere suitable for every taste, from sun-kissed terrace bars, to wine bars for chilling, to rowdy pubs.  You will find the partying still happening in the early hours.

Sauze d’Ouiz really does serve as an excellent introduction to the concept of ski holidays, as long as you have done a little preparation at home beforehand, as well as a chance for those with a little more experience to have some fun.  Book your ski-holiday at Sauze d’Ouiz today for a ski adventure you’re unlikely ever to forget.

Pas De La Casa

Pas De La Casa is a small ski resort located in Andorra, in the parish of Encamp, on the border with France.  It is part of the Grandvalira area of resorts, along with El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp and Soldeu.  This means a pass to Pas De La Casa also means you gain automatic access to these other resorts.

Both skiing and snowboard are relatively cheap in Pas de la Casa.  The skiing area itself is best suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with a sixth of the runs suitable for beginners and a third for intermediate.

The remainder of the forty miles or so of runs should only be tackled by advanced and expert skiers.  Throughout the season, which runs from December to April, a decent range of skiing is always available.

The Pas de la Casa sector rises immediately above the town, with extremely wide piste made for cruising, the kind you’d find at any leading ski resort in the Alps.  You can ride down the pistes right into the centre of town.  Its location makes it easy to gain access to the more extensive Grau Roig sector and the other Grandvalira areas.

The Grau Roig sector is more extensive than Pas de la Casa, with a greater amount of variety, characterised by long cruises on the languidly wide super-piste slopes.  The areas to check out are the Cubil area to the west, the quieter, wooded slopes of Pioler and Montmalus leading to the southern Circ Del Colells courses, and the wide slopes of the Pic Blanc/Envalira ridge to the east which link back to Pas de la Casa.

The town of Pas de la Casa will welcome you openly, with plenty of excellent bars and fine restaurants.  For the best in après-ski activities head for the bars called Marseilles, Billboard and Milwaukee.

You will also find plenty of other off-slope activities such as shopping, and you can visit the nearby Andorra la Vella for other entertainment such as leisure centres.

Pas de la Casa is a very youth-orientated resort.  Snowboarding is very popular amongst the younger skiers and there is a compact board park and a half pipe that can be found in the Grau Roig area.  The nightlife is similarly geared towards young clubbers; some refer to Pas de la Casa as the Ibiza of the Pyrenees, although the resort is not nearly so manic.  If you’re not recovering from a night that lasted until 4am the previous day, you can try a few different activities such as ice driving, skidoos and even paintballing.

Pas de la Casa is a resort that caters for the whole and encompassing ski-holiday experience.  Book your ski-holiday at Pas de la Casa today for super skiing, varied activities and proper partying.

Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a mountaineering village in Italy that has managed to maintain much of its ancient character and charm despite the influence of modern resort considerations.  It boasts a car-free centre with excellent shops and bars, all under the stunning shadow of Mont Blanc.

It has a great deal of off-piste and heli-skiing, as well as access to the notable Vallée Blanche run, and some memorable mountain restaurants.

Being small, Courmayeur does not have a great expanse of slopes (around 50 miles or so) and much of them are geared towards intermediate and expert skiers without being too challenging.

The resort gets crowded at busy times, and all pistes lead to Dolonee, when you need to catch a bus back to the resort centre.

The village has a central core of cobbled streets that are kept car-free and preserved old buildings that make you feel as if you have stepped back through time.  The central Via Roma area sets the scene for partying once the lifts have closed with its numerous bars and restaurants.  You’ll also find places to shop for clothes and equipment, and there’s even a museum.  The accommodation is mixed, from dull apartment blocks to more pleasant options dotted amongst the trees.

The heart of the slopes is at Plan Checrouit, and there is a huge cable car at the edge of the village to take you there (and back again).

As stated above, the runs all take you to nearly Dolonne, and buses from here back to Courmayeur can be annoying infrequent.  Buses will also take you to La Palud for the Monte Bianco cable car that takes you to Punta Helbronner and the Vallée Blanche run to Chamonix.

The valley is speckled with many excellent restaurants, all easily reachable via taxi.

Skiing in Courmayeur means skiing underneath the stunning Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and of Europe.  The slopes themselves in Courmayeur are not that high (between five and half and six thousand feet).  Those north facing keep their snow but the Plan Checrouit side is subjected to too much sun in the late season to maintain its comfort.  There are runs to suit most standards of skier.

Courmayeur has an excellent ski school which is especially tailored to the young and those who prefer snowboarding.  You can also find and hire a guide if you are considering going off-piste.  There are few facilities for children though – a playground at Dolonne and a nursery at Plan Checrouit for children under the age of eleven.

A ski-holiday to Courmayeur is for those who want to experience a ski-holiday in the manner that ski-holidays used to be before they achieved the level of popularity they enjoy today.  Book a ski-holiday to Courmayeur for that old-fashioned quaintness and the spectacular views afforded by your proximity to Mont Blanc.

Borovets

Borovets is a ski resort situated within a dense pine forest on the northern slopes of the Rila mountains in Bulgaria.  It has gained a reputation, as with most ski resorts in Bulgaria, of being at the budget-end of the ski spectrum, along with Andorra.  It was originally a hunting ground for the Bulgaria royal family and later a recreation facility for the party political leaders.  In the 1960s the decision was made to turn Borovets into a ski resort with the emphasis on package tours.  Borovets is very popular with the British.

The resort is a 90-minute trip through hills lined with silver birches and flatlands from Sofia airport.  Accommodation errs on the side of basic rather than exclusive, but most of the top end range of available hotels are perfectly fine.  The food is also rather rustic, but then when you think of international cuisine, Bulgarian seldom tops your list or tickles your taste buds.

A massive effort has been made in the centre of Borovets to bring it up to the standards of the more expensive ski resorts.  Most restaurants are housed in wooden cabins, giving the place an almost beatnik feel.  Service is excellent, as is the food, and the prices will not suck your funds dry.  The Bulgarians you meet in Borovets are extremely welcoming and delight in making you feel at home and making sure you have a good time.  When it comes to attuning to your partying side, alcohol is ridiculously cheap, which always helps.

The pistes are not to the standard you’d expect in the Alps or the Rockies, but are perfectly serviceable.  Borovets has two ski areas, the lower being Yastrebets at just under 8,000 feet, which is reachable by a six-seater gondola.

The top station has its own eatery, when you can warm yourself up with pork stews and lentil soups whilst enjoying the hospitality and familiarity of the Bulgarian people.

Mount Musala is Bulgaria’s highest peak at around 9,500 feet, and boasts the most spectacular views in the entirety of the country.  There are a series of zig-zagging runs here for the expert skiers.  More enjoyable are the immense but easier runs which zoom down the tree-lined slopes for almost three miles.  You end up far from Borovets itself but transport is on hand to return you to the resort centre.

Skiing the entirety of Borovets will only take you a day or two, so it’s good that the sister resort of Bansko is a commutable distance away.  Here you will find more of what you might come to expect from a skiing holiday, but at an added premium, of course.  Bansko is more obviously geared to attract the numbers, so don’t expect the kind of personal experience Borovets will offer you.

If you want a decent ski-holiday with a quaint level of charm, then Borovets will provide everything you are looking for at a price that is not going to leave your credit cards forever in the red.  Book a ski-holiday to Borovets today for something unique and a little off the normal track when it comes to snow, snowboarding and skis.