Over the past 10 years, the area has welcomed over 1 million skiers from around the world and has hosted events such as the European freestyle snowboarding championship and the French Skiing open. The facility has two parallel mountains that are near local townships, making the area an ideal place for holiday makers and serious skiers alike. With a 25 000 feet slope, and on-site mountain safety rescue the area really has pulled out all the stops to place it self up their, as one of the top skiing destinations around the world. The world renowned training facility has multi-lingual instructors and even has 4 classrooms, where skiers are taken to watch footage, and get shown the ropes from a less practical perspective. The slopes 1 million visitors in the past 10 years have came from all around the world, many of which learned how to ski on their first visit to the slopes.

With many great deals for holiday makers, and with accessible road routes all over mainland Europe it is no wonder Tignes is generally considered the first choice for holiday makers looking to Ski in the region. Tignes has also went to some effort to promote itself even further by a 5 million dollar regeneration project that went on in the region. A new ski slope was built, along with the infrastructure to allow the development of hotels and even a shopping precinct. The area has also underwent major changes in order to make it more accessible, for more of the year, with an indoor facility being built and flood lights making it possible to ski and snowboard late into the evening. Snowboarding is also seen as a major plus point of Tignes, with other skiing facilities in the area being far less welcoming to the snowboarding masses. Tignes is home to expert freestyle snowboarding facilities, and is also home to the undisputed number one snowboarding training camp. With snowboarders from around the world visiting Tignes the area now sees more than just skiers amongst its busy hotels and pubs.

On the down side many skiers criticise Tignes for the lack of difficulty on its slaloms, however this is simply not the case. Tignes is home to around 8 slaloms, all of which have different difficult ratings. I can assure anyone who feels unsure of the difficulty level on the last two slopes, should give them a go before they say anymore. However, they do raise an interesting point. Tignes has under went major regeneration in an attempt to make their facilities safer, and has also altered many runs to accommodate beginners, which may have took the sting out of certain slaloms.

Despite this, the facilities are amazing, and the training is out of this world. I was strapped to a machine in order to measure my heart rate, and also asked to run on a tread mill so they could record my recovery times. The restaurants let you sample original French cuisine and also provide many opportunities for a lovely night out. For those looking for a more adventurous night-life the Della 1 pub and club will provide all the fun you will need. Della 1 is only a 10 minute walk from the hotels – and a further 15 minute walk for those staying in the log cabin village overlooking the mountains. Whether you stay, or whether you are a skier or a snowboarder you should surely go to Tignes and sample the runs. The facility is also perfect for learning, and those that have never skied before.

Tignes is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

The terrain is varied, as well as the gradients that offer great opportunities for high speed, high octane acceleration, and lesser gradients that assist the new skiers in homing in their skills, 30 000 feet high in the St Anton mountains. St Anton does not have the tradition or acclaim that its neighbour Solden has managed to gain, however many from around the world still choose St Anton as their preference for an international skiing vacation. The reasons for this are simple its appeals to a different skiing niche. Whilst Solden has hosted many world renowned skiing occasions, it has became too commercialised for some skiers who claim the facility has became to simple, and almost too forgiving on certain slopes.

With 8 runs and rising, St Anton has failed to give into pressure from around the world, for man-made slaloms, and safety alterations on runs. When you are skiing on certain sloped in St Anton, you have to have your wits about you, or something dangerous could easily happen. The facility has also gained much acclaim from adrenaline junkies in the snowboarding field, who rank St Anton as being one of the best facilities in the world. St Antons rise in snowboarding also came as it followed the new trend of offering night-time, freestyle snowboarding under flood lights and fireworks. This is becoming the new trend in snowboarding, and what better place to do it, than at St Anton.

During my trip to St Anton to check-it-out I found that the hotels around the area were brilliant, making it no problem for English speaking holiday makers to enjoy themselves. I stayed at a luxury 5 star hotel that had an indoor heated swimming pool. The swimming pool peaked out onto the top of a snowy mountain as you bathed in 40 degrees water.

I would have to say that the general feeling around the area is amazing, as you sense the genuine desire for skiing shared by everyone who goes along and takes part. Before I went I had never been skiing before, and I found the tuition excellent. They had multi-lingual skiing instructors on hand to try and aid any new skiers visiting the slopes. I was also taken to a specific slope that was built for new-starts, which also has an easy access point to a lift – perfect for picking that up as well.

The area is amazing to look at, and also offers great entertainment for the non-skier, or skier on a night-off! With clubs, pubs and shops all their to service the slopes, it is no wonder that the skiing facility has three 5 star hotels positioned next to the slopes. With all night entertainment within the hotels, and all-night snowboarding it really is impossible to get a minutes rest in St Anton. Should you visit it is said that the conditions are best around August, however thats in the peak of the skiing season, making it impossible to get moving around the slopes. In order to benefit from the best conditions, whilst the slopes are quieter I would say November is the best time. You are also more likely to get discounts from your travel agent at this time.

St Anton in Austria is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

The resort is located around 50 miles out with Innsbruck and 20 miles west of Otztal. As you can imagine the area is dedicated to Skiing, with hotels and guest houses attempting to leverage skiing upon their brand, to attract a loyal customer-base from the slopes. This is something that has worked, and with 6,500 snowboarders also choosing to hit the Solden slopes each week Austrias skiing capital is showing no signs of regression.

With the increased popularity of skiing activities in Solden, the company operating the slopes has more than 20 instructors working at one time, putting wind behind their suggestion that over 1000 new skiers start on their slopes each week. With the rise of snowboarding attracting a teenage audience, Solden has attempted to accommodate, through offering drinking facilities and clubs near by, where the teenagers on vacation can chill at night, after a hard day on the slopes. The fun and entertainment does not stop at clubs, or 5 star hotels for that matter, Solden is also home to the Solden Firework Display, providing 2 hours of fireworks every second evening. The look of the fireworks, as the light flashes off the snow is simply amazing and this is one of many reasons why Solden is famed for character and personality, over and above its Austrian counterparts.

So what other features set Solden apart from the rest? Offering night time activities under the fireworks, it is possible to ski and snowboard under floodlights. This is something that has not only attracted skiers from around the world, but also internationally renowned DJs and musicians that feel the cool and hip Solden slopes is a perfect place to hang out.

Skiing at night may appear to be a very dangerous activity, however I have been assured that only basic slaloms are allowed and that the night is primarily aimed at snowboarders, that dont cover as much distance on a board. Austrias Solden slope has hosted many events to a global and European audience, and just as would be expected, the crowd and the competitors both enjoyed the event, with the winner being a native Austrian himself at the last Stella Artios Cup, that seen over 500 competitors from nearly 40 countries taking part.

With the rise of snowboarding, great skiing locations such as Solden are doing everyone proud in maintaining skiing as well. Through welcoming the snow boarding community with open arms, we are able to see a unity between the sports at the Solden peeks, and we are also seeing younger children being exposed to Skiing, through choosing to go snowboarding and seeing it their.

Whether you are a young child, or an adult, whether you have skied or snowboarded before, Solden is the best location in Europe and throughout the world for skiing activities on a recreational and competitive level. With deep snow, and a firm texture I would recommend Solden to absolutely anyone.

The ski lift is newly fitted making it a very smooth and comfortable ride. The lift covers over 20 miles and was voted the third-best ski lift in the entire world. With excellent accommodation and among the best snowboarding and skiing facilities in the world, I would recommend Solden to anyone looking to experience skiing for the first time, or someone looking to take their skiing to the next level through riding a challenging slalom.

Solden In Austria is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

If you want to go skiing in La Grave, youd better think twice for the sake of your own safety and wellbeing. You could be there all alone, with nothing but your skies and backpack, in the middle of a white ocean, and your life depends on all your skiing knowledge and experience, which in some cases, can be less than you think. The highest risk to produce an avalanche is when there are several layers of snow, some older than the others, with different levels of density. In such a case, if you change direction suddenly, you may cut the most recent layer of snow with your skis, and thus dislocate it. Consequently, never cross a slope from one side to the other, because you may dislocate disaster. Or when skiing at high speed on slopes with fresh snow, you can raise a powder snow avalanche that makes air unbreathable because of the fine snow crystals that fill the atmosphere. Sometimes a few simple precautions like these can save your life.

In order to feel safer on your off-piste skiing expedition, there are a few things that you need to know. Always check on the snow conditions beforehand. Go online, and make sure you look at a report for La Grave, which should be easy enough to find. Has it recently snowed? What is the risk of avalanche in the area? What was the local weather like in the last days? Get information on how warm the weather can get at noon for instance. Make sure there havent been strong winds that might have affected the snow stability on the slope where you want to go skiing. Open your eyes for cornices and cracks and listen to possible sounds of the snow mass whilst your out there. If you remain alert, you’ll stand a better chance of avoiding disaster.

Avoid noise in areas with high avalanche risk. When trying to communicate with other members of your group, never shout if youre far from them, because sound vibrations can cause inner breaks in the snow mass if already unstable. Make sure your transceivers are fully charged so that you may ask for help if in need. And last, but not least, wear colourful skiing clothes, avoid white, silver or gray equipment, that make you almost invisible by lack of contrast. Reds, or Oranges are probably the best colours to opt for, to give that contrast that could be life saving. Thus youll be more easily detectable on the slope, and in case youre in an emergency situation, rescue teams can find you more quickly. Youll be a speck of colour in the silver vastness of snow, identifiable from miles away to aid your rescue, and potentially save your life.

SKIING OFF PISTE IN LA GRAVE? is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

If youre looking for a choice of resorts, but you dont want to venture too far from home, Utah is definitely the place for you. Its fine, powdery snow can be experienced through most of the year, and youd be simply mad not to visit Utah at some point if youre a skiing enthusiast like me. One of the premier resorts in Utah is the Deer Valley Resort. In 2005, Ski Magazine voted Deer Valley as the best resort in the whole of North America, and it is easy to see why. The sheer quality of skiing to be had, combined with the breathtaking surrounding and facilities that are second to none, makes Deer Valley a connoisseurs choice. And whats better, it feels a million miles away, yet it is only a short difference from the bustle of Salt Lake City. The resort itself has over 20 ski lifts to ensure queues are kept to an absolute minimum, and it is more than reasonably priced for the quality of the skiing.

Another of Utahs most cherished resorts is Powder Mountain. The haunt of the local skiers, Powder Mountain is relatively undiscovered in comparison to the other resorts, although it is just as good in terms of facilities. In fact, it is thought to be one of the best resorts if you are looking for value for money, and with an ideal climate, it really is the perfect place to host your skiing vacation. With only 7 ski lifts, Powder Mountain is a much smaller ski resort, but that doesnt mean its not as good! If anything, you are likely to benefit from fewer skiers, meaning you have more slope to yourself! Powder Mountain is famous for its atmosphere, which just smacks of traditional Utah spirit and friendliness. And thats not to mention its impressive dedicated skiing school, which provides lessons from some of the states most experienced skiing experts, all at very reasonable prices. With nightly grooming, and slopes available to meet all ability standards, Powder Mountain has certainly earned its reputation as a world class ski resort without the crowds, and is truly one of Utahs best kept secrets.

So if you are looking for a great skiing vacation to go with you family, or if you are looking for somewhere to hone your skills, you really couldnt do better than Utah. Combining both world class accommodation and restaurants, with perfect natural skiing conditions, Utah is perceived as one of Americas best skiing states, and it is easy to see why with its beautiful, thick, powder snow. With its depth and quality of resorts, theres something for everyone, and you will be sure to enjoy your vacation, like the millions of enthusiasts before you, that have chosen Utah for their skiing break.

Skiing in Utah is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

My first skiing holiday, happened because my wife said that she was bored of going on holiday in search of sun and I could hardly blame her! Year, after year we ago away to some place hot and sit on the beach all day, I dont know about you but it is not our idea of fun. The year before we had went on a safari holiday, and this was something that we found a lot more entertaining, it gave us a chance to actually do something different: that we couldnt do back home.

Going on a skiing holiday, was also ideal because we had family out in France. It meant that we could go and see them when we first arrived and then hit the slopes for the rest of our stay. When we first arrived at our skiing destination the first thing that struck me was how warm the place is. Being surrounded by snow, you expect to experience cold weather, but in actual fact the weather was rather pleasant. The fact is that snow is deep and compressed, and that leads to ideal conditions for hitting the slopes. My wife and I started out by booking some lessons. My wife had skied before, but she explained that because she hadnt skied for a while, she felt like she would rather do the lessons as well. The instructor was great, and really helped to give me an understanding of what was involved. I felt like I knew how to start, and stop and I felt like that gave me the necessary confidence to get started. The instructor seemed to really understand how to teach us, and I suppose that would come with his experience. He explained to us the importance of safety on the slopes, and how you have to be aware of what the people are doing around you.

During our holiday, we had a really great time. We woke up early and hit the slopes everyday. My wife and I both had really sore legs on the first few days, but that is because we both sit behind a desk five days a week. At night time, we were able to go out for dinner, and we soon became temporary locals at a nice restaurant that overlooked the slopes. It really was great, especially the food. Their were also lots of nice pubs and clubs, however we very rarely went out after our dinner: being on the slopes all day takes all the energy out of you.

If you are planning a skiing vacation then I do have a few words of warning before you decide to actually go away. Firstly, you should make sure that you are going to be in the correct physical condition to hit the slopes when you are over their. My uncle and auntie are well into their fifties and they decided to go on a skiing vacation. I never had the heart to say to them before they went, but as you can imagine it hardly the best idea, especially when my auntie suffers from heart problems. They went away and came back telling the relatives: There is nothing to do if you dont want to ski. I found this hilarious, however they seemed to think it was perfectly reasonable.

Skiing in the French Alps is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

One of the most famous Scottish ski resorts is Aviemore. A classy, traditional ski resort, Aviemore is located within the Scottish Highlands, and is the ski resort of choice for many across the world. Loved for its friendly atmosphere and great skiing, Aviemore is more than well equipped to give you a great time. It’s bars and restaurants are simply first class, offering wholesome food and drink to keep you well refreshed. Additionally, it’s holiday village feeling enhances its friendly, relaxed ambience, and makes you feel a million miles from home whilst still comfortable.

Alternatively, there are some more ski resorts in the Scottish Highlands which are particularly good value for money. It is important to watch out, though, given that some resorts cater for the top end of the market, and you could end up paying a lot more than you bargained for. As long as you do your homework before you leave, you should fin the resort that is perfect to cater for your needs, and your wallet.

One thing to watch out for before you arrive in Scotland is to change your currency into Sterling Pounds. Your best option is to go to your local travel agents, or your local currency conversion centre before setting off. That way, you will be sure of exactly what you are getting for your money. It is a good idea to be wary of the commission, and the exchange rate you are being offered, and it can sometimes be quite tricky to get your head around the numbers. Make sure you work everything out before hand, and shop around so that you don’t get wripped off.

For excellent deals on Scotland, why not go online? Additionally, there you will find a great deal of information on what to do in Scotland, and information on the depth and variety of Ski Resorts. If you choose not to go to a ski resort, but rather a city, and you want to cram in some top quality, affordable skiing during your trip, you are also in luck. There are loads of dry ski slopes in and around the cities, like at Polmont for example, which is located midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, which is ideal for some quick and cheap skiing. Additionally, there are several indoor artificial snow ski slopes which you can visit. These innovative inventions are used to help train national level skiers, and are also open to the public at certain times, so why not pop along during your visit?

Why not consider Scotland? With so many excellent deals on skiing package tours at the moment, you’ll definitely be glad you did, and you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable, fun holiday in this picturesque, ski-enthusiast’s heaven.

Skiing In Scotland is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

One of Italys smallest resorts, tucked up high, near Canazei in the North, is Alba. Based on a tiny village, the Alba resort is the truest form of skiing escapism, with amazing off piste skiing to be had. For the keen skier, this would make for an excellent day trip, or an excellent weekend away whilst staying at a bigger resort, and although it has only 5 lifts, it is a real Italian treasure, and something not to be missed if you like peaceful surroundings whilst you ski. On top of that, if you enjoy cross country skiing, Alba also offers a number of extensive trails for you to pursue, ensuring that you are likely to have a great time, whatever you skiing preferences and ability.

If youre looking for something bigger, why not consider Italys highest resort, Passo Tonale. An ideal family resort, Passo Tonale is focussed more around beginners and intermediates, and provides a friendly atmosphere that is just simply lacking from some of the bigger resorts. Passo Tonale is also home to a top class ski school, employing some of the regions most talented skiing instructors. In addition to that, the staff pride themselves on the conditions of their slopes, which are groomed frequently. From the peak of Passo Tonale, you are faced with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole region, which is truly breathtaking, and it has been known for skiers to spend hours simply analysing the view. Passo Tonale is a great resort if you are looking for a busier, more down to earth ski resort for you and your family.

Selva Gardena is one of Italys largest resorts, and if you are looking for some great scenery and excellent, consistent snow coverage, you could do a great deal worse than here. A great value for money resort, Selva Gardena is also child friendly, making it another fantastic resort to take the family.

Italy has a diverse range of ski resorts to cater for all different tastes and abilities. In general you will find all the resorts welcoming and friendly, not to mention the amazing hospitality you will experience in some of their restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a good value for money trip, and you enjoy skiing, the North of Italy is ideal for you, and can provide any skier with an adequate challenge of their abilities. Additionally, with some of the best skiing instructors in the world, Italy is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy skiing without paying an absolute fortune. Italy truly is a great skiing location for anyone looking to experience the Alps in all their glory, amidst the wealth and depth of culture and history right around the corner.

Skiing In Italy is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

When skiing in France, youd be mad not to go to the alps. Famous the world over for their excellent ski slopes, the alps also border on Switzerland, so you might also like to pop over and visit while youre in town. And dont worry if you dont have your equipment – there are simply thousands of dedicated ski shops to serve the tourists, and some stock some pretty good bargains!

France is also home to the world famous Val dIsere resort. A huge scenic expanse, the resort was made famous by top French skier Jean Claude Killy, and is a magnet for tourists all year round, with a near guarantee of absolutely perfect conditions. Additionally, the resort caters for all levels of experience and ability, and so youre sure to find a challenge somewhere! To top it all, the resort boasts amazing facilities, from its ski lifts to its hotels and refreshment areas. The Val dIsere really is a skiers heaven.

France is fortunate enough to benefit from great wine, great food, great cultureas well as great skiing! If you decide to opt for France for your next skiing trip, dont spend all your time on the slopes – get out there and experience a different style of living. Sample the delicacies, and experience the delights of this highly metropolitan European nation.

Why not look online for great French skiing deals? Thanks to the internet, holiday prices have really come down over the last few years, and you can find some real bargains with a bit of research. Additionally, there is no need to consider booking each individual element separately, given the sheer number of top quality package deals, which will come included with your skiing, accommodation, flights and lift pass. You might even be lucky enough to find a deal that includes some exotic French food to fill you up after a hard day on the slopes!

Alternatively, you could just pop in to your local travel agents to see what they have on offer. Although the travel agent will usually inflate the price to cover their commission, you can still find some real bargains that arent available elsewhere. And whats more, the travel agent can recommend where to go and what to see, and there is nothing quite like that personal recommendation. Additionally, he can help allay any fears or worries you may have about your holiday, and can answer any questions you might have. Again, it is important to shop around for the best deal, and this will also help you get a better idea of what your chosen resort is like as a whole.

Before leaving for France it is important to make sure you have a valid passport, with over six months before expiry. This will be absolutely critical for passing through French customs. If you need a new passport, you should allow around eight to ten weeks before leaving, given the lengthy application process. Make sure you plan well in advance – the passport is vital if youre to set foot out of the country. Without it, you wont get to experience the magic of French skiing, and additionally, you will lose the money you paid for your holiday, so this really is a vital consideration.

So why not consider France for your next skiing trip? The real home of skiing, France is waiting, and it doesnt have to be as expensive as you might think!

Skiing In France is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com

If youre looking for a skiing holiday which combines excellent snow with a warm, friendly climate, Croatia is simply ideal for you. With numerous strategically located ski resorts, Croatia is a nation of ski lovers, and this is reflected in their amazing facilities. When in Croatia, youd be mad to miss the Bjelolasica. The Bjelolasica is the training centre for the Olympic skiing team, located in the Zagreb region. It boasts amazing facilities, and is simply a great place to go skiing. As you might expect, the standard of training there is simply world class, and this accounts for why the Croatian national team are so prolific. On top of this, the hotel facilities are exceptional value for money, and youll find that with any Croatian holiday, you will be spending less than you may imagine. As a growing nation, Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular skiing destination, for enthusiasts of all age and ability.

Another very popular Croatian skiing resort is Platak, located nearer the Adriatic. A little more expensive, and somewhat more remote than Bjelolasica, Platak is still a very popular resort, and is frequently rated the best place to ski in Croatia. The whole resort built around the naturally ideal ski centre is of a top quality, and it is easy to see why tourists come back year on year for their skiing vacations. A resort very much on the grow, there are plans to introduce several new ski lifts, and a dozen additional snow cannons by 2010. Platak looks to be a promising resort for the future, and is certainly great for a skiing vacation with a family.
Additionally, Plataks skiing and snowboarding instruction centre is well practiced at giving exceptional quality training, across multiple languages, making for substantial improvement to your skills, regardless of your nationality. Additionally, with its high tech features, Platak could easily fit in with any European resort, and for such a low price, it is great value for money.

When in Croatia, does as the Croatians do, and visit Zagreb. The bustling city of Zagreb has so much to offer by way of Croatian culture and history, and is an excellent chance to break away from the slopes for a few days. It is truly a cultural hotbed, and the hustle and bustle will betray the long and arduous past. Looming above Zagreb is Mount Medvednica, and the Sljeme resort. With both daytime skiing, and the option of hitting the flood-lit slopes at night. Along side highly technical snow cannons, Zagreb benefits from excellent snow coverage at this altitude, and is a fantastic city for a ski resort. Additionally, there is so much by way of additional, complimentary facilities which make skiing at Sljeme an ideal prospect.

Many people are surprised to think that Croatia actually borders Italy. However, the culture is so different from the Italian culture. With an entirely different history and culture, the Croatians certainly place heavy emphasis on their food, and this is reflected in the top quality gourmet restaurants available. Additionally, youll note exactly how cheap the entire country is, with your average pint of ale coming in at less than a dollar. In Croatia, your spending money will go a lot further, and so will your holiday, which is why so many families choose it as an ideal destination for their skiing break. So why not choose Croatia, and benefit from world class skiing, at a fraction of the price.

Skiing In Croatia is a post from: Tours & Travel - Mariaestevez.com