Skiing Holidays 2009

As the ski season approaches the question arises again of whether it is better to save money and avoid the crowds or avoid the cold by taking a holiday later in the season. The Christmas and New Year period is always going to be busy, although it is still possible to find good deals. However, at that time the snow may not be at its best.

Generally the best bargains can be found in January and this is also the time when snow conditions should be good. It is also when temperatures dip to their lowest so warm clothes are essential.

European ski resorts tend to be congested during the last two weeks of February due to the fact that the school holidays are in full swing. Easter can be a good time for fitting in some skiing, providing the snowfall is good. As with February you need to watch out for the school holidays if you want to avoid the crowds.

The current economic climate means that many skiers will be looking to save money on their holidays and this can be best achieved by putting together your own package. Skiers should look for self-catering accommodation, low cost flights and low cost transfers or car hire.

When it comes to destinations it all depends on what you are looking for. In 2010 Vancouver will be hosting the Winter Olympics so this could be a good time for booking a skiing holiday in Canada. British Columbia has a very good snowfall record and the immaculate pistes and snow-covered woods are wonderful for skiing. The outdoor events of the Winter Olympics are being held in the Whistler Blackcomb resort, but other ski resorts in Canada are also worth considering. Big White is one of Canada’s largest ski resorts and has the longest 6-passenger express chair lift, making getting to the top of the slopes easy. It also has excellent facilities for families.

If you want to go somewhere in Europe, why not try Norway instead of France? Voss is a beautiful family-friendly resort with guaranteed snow and a long ski season that extends right into May. It also has the advantage that it is a lot quieter than some of the more well-known European resorts, making the snow much fresher. At Voss you will find over 50 km of alpine ski runs suitable for skiers of all levels and the town also offers plenty of restaurants and shops.

The fall of the pound against the Euro means high prices in many of the big-name ski resorts in the Alps. So if money is tight this year and you want a good holiday that won’t break the bank try Eastern Europe. Slovenia is regularly ranked amongst Europe’s most affordable ski destinations. The season kicks off in November in resorts such as Mount Kanin, the highest peak in the country, and continues until the spring. Around 40 percent of Slovenia is mountainous and skiing is the national sport. Resorts on offer range from the charming Cerkno to the award-winning Krvavec. Slovenia is justly renowned for its beautiful alpine settings and its experienced ski instructors. At just two hours from London by plane Slovenia ranks amongst the cheapest European ski destinations. However, this is not reflected in the quality of its resorts which are world class, although they do have plenty of gentler slopes for beginners. According to the World Ski Lift Ticket Price Report of 2009 a six-day lift pass cost an average of 168.98 Euros last season, reaching 245 Euros in Andorra. Compared with that, a six-day pass in Slovenia, even at its top resorts, cost just 147 Euros. In addition to the skiing Slovenia is also able to offer good quality accommodation and service at prices below that of Western Europe.

Other Eastern European countries are also a good bet for a budget ski holiday. The Bulgarian ski resort of Bankso has impressed many people in recent years. The ski instructors are good and skiers get a lot for their money. On the negative side the snow cover may not be great and the town is still like a building site. During the bubble years there was a frenzy of development, but recently this has ground to a halt leaving many apartments unfinished. However, many people do return to Bankso each year because of the low pricesm and for those who want to improve their skiing there is plenty of tuition on offer.

Soldeu in Andorra is another good budget option. Soldeu joined with Pas de La Casa in 2002 to create the Grandvalira area, which now offers 120 miles of pistes. Long considered to be the bargain basement of skiing resorts, Andorra, and Soldeu in particular, has tried to up its game in recent years and Soldeu is now home to a 5-star hotel and a huge spa. Soldeu is good for intermediate skiers or beginners. It lacks the majesty and awe-inspiring scenery of the Alps, but it is a lot cheaper. Tignes in France is another good budget option.

If it is luxury that you are looking for, Aspen in Colorado could be just the destination for you. Aspen is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world and regularly attracts the rich and famous to its slopes. It has extensive skiing and boarding for all levels of ability and some of the best après-ski of any resort. The ski area is divided into four areas: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Buttermilk. Beginners should start off on the gentle slopes of Buttermilk and then progress to Snowmass. Experts can find plenty to challenge them on the steep runs of the Aspen Mountain and the Aspen Highlands.

Interlaken and Gstaad in Switzerland are also luxury destinations. Interlaken’s location offers access to the famous Jungfrau Top Ski Region of Switzerland. The region has 213 km of downhill trails that can be accessed via 45 cable cars and lifts. There are three main skiing areas: the Kleine-Scheidegg-Mannlichen, the Murren-Schilthorn and the Grindelwald-First area. Gstaad is where the rich and famous go. Roger Moore, Elizabeth Taylor, Saudi oilmen and Greek shipping tycoons all rub shoulders at this exclusive resort. Gstaad has 155 miles of runs, shared with the villages of Chateau -d’Oex, Rougemont and Saanen. Visitors can also enjoy balloon rides from Chateaux –d’Oex and private snowkite lessons at Glacier 3000. The iconic Gstaad Palace Hotel with its fairytale turrets, GreenGo nightclub and bars with live entertainment has a guest list whose collective worth is more than the national debt of some countries. For a slightly more affordable pad choose the Grand Hotel Bellevue.

For those with families check out the following resorts in the French Alps. Avoriaz is one of the most beautiful, innovative and largest ski areas in the world, and being car free it also has good green credentials. It is home to Europe’s first environmentally friendly snow park, Le Stash, and a Children’s Village. Children will love the fully equipped sports centre, skating rink and sleigh rides. Les Menuires is very child friendly, offering free ski passes for children under the age of five, and its location is ideal for some of the best 3 Valley pistes. The ski schools are excellent and there is also a snow castle, husky dog sledding and snow mobiling. Valmorel is a beautiful ski resort with frozen waterfalls, an igloo village and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The resort is surrounded by quaint rustic residences giving it an appearance straight out of a picture-postcard.

If you want to go somewhere a bit different try some ski resorts that are further afield. Gulmarg in India is one of the best skiing destinations in Kashmir and Jammu. The resort is 2,700 m above sea level and has 6 ski lifts, the highest being 4,250 m. The resort attracts skiers from around the world during the winter months of December to February. The Mount Baker Ski Area in Whatcom County in Washington, USA is famous as the setting for several Hollywood films. This 4 square kilometre skiing area has 31 runs, many of which are challenging enough for professionals, although the resort is also good for beginners. Snowfall averages around 55 feet. Yillas in Finnish Lapland is a great destination for families. The skiing is limited, but the beautiful landscape will remind you of Narnia and there are plenty of restaurants and good après-ski. There are also plenty of other activities including ice fishing, reindeer sleigh rides, cross-country skiing and dog sledding. Bariloche in Argentina is renowned for its deep powder, heli-skiing and extensive off-piste skiing. The landscape is breathtaking with beautiful forests, round lakes and the majestic Callhucao Mountains. The slopes are often quiet, the lifts are modern and the hotels are up to international standard. The resort suits experienced skiers and off-piste enthusiasts. Tuition is available with experienced English-speaking instructors. Japanese ski resorts are growing in popularity amongst those who are looking for something new. There are three main resorts: Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu, and with the devaluation of the yen they offer surprisingly good value. The snow is good, the lifts are modern and the hotels are well up to international standards. Choose from Japanese or Western style rooms, Asian or Western cuisines and you can also enjoy the traditional outdoor bathing areas or onsens. Many visitors choose to incorporate a trip to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto into their stay.

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