Skiing- it’s not for everyone. However, there is something quite desirable about travelling to a winter sports resort this time of year- snow topped mountains, mulled wine and cosy chalets aplenty. There are many destinations ideal for skiing throughout Europe, America and Canada, but which ones are the best to visit this winter? Holiday Numbers has the lowdown.
Valmorel, France
Valmorel is a purpose built resort in France, built in 1976. It has a great reputation for being incredibly family friendly, with a snow park and two novice areas specifically for children. It’s a good place to visit if you are a beginner or intermediate skier and is easily accessible on foot, with free shuttle buses for anyone staying out of town. If skiing isn’t your thing, you could go airboarding or paragliding, or cosy up at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Local’s tip: Ski Roc is one of the best and busiest restaurants in the village.
Getting there: Take the Eurostar to Geneva, which is two hours away from Valmorel.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Saas Fee is a typical ski resort, with narrow streets lined with old chalets. One of its main benefits which draw visitors in is the fact that it is car free- only taxis and buses drive around the streets. Another factor is its reliable level of snow across the season, meaning you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a good blanket of snow when you visit. There are 150km of pistes, all with varying levels of difficulties. If you like adventure, why not take a trip down the 55 degree inclined toboggan run, which gets illuminated at night for spectacular views.
Local’s tip: Saas Fee is home to the world’s highest revolving restaurant,but du-Saas Fee has the ‘best fondant in Saas Fee’. Just make sure to book a table!
Getting there: The closest airport is Sion. For accommodation in Saas Fee, visit Trivago.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
This Medieval town is considered to be one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe. It’s famous for the Hahnenkamm downhill race which takes place every January, but the rest of the slopes are relatively intermediate. Due to unreliable snowfall, it’s best to visit this town in late January to early February. If you are a non-skier or you are equally as interested in the aprés-ski, you’ll be pleased to know that the resort has plenty of distractions and bars for you to prop up.
Local’s tip: Huberbrau Stuberl has the best schnitzel in town and is regularly frequented by locals.
Getting there: Fly to Vienna with a budget airline like Flybe then transfer to Innsbruck.
Courmayeur, Italy
This old village is located at the foot of Mont Blanc. The snow is not always of the best quality, but luckily the sunshine is, making it much warmer than other ski destinations. At the heart of the village is Via Roma, full of little boutiques and enticing bars and restaurants. As such, many people go to Courmayeur for the excellent food and nightlife, meaning that even in peak season, the slopes aren’t always as busy as you would expect.
Local’s Tip: Ristorante Chalet Plan Gorret is set out as a traditional chalet, offering all sorts of dishes such as venison and polenta as well as truffle risotto. Well worth the trip out of the main town, particularly for its stunning views.
Getting there: Geneva and Turin airports are both 90 minutes away, with Ryanair offering round trips to Turin for low prices.
Åre, Sweden
If you’re looking to ski somewhere a bit different to the usual French Alps, you can’t go wrong with Sweden. Yes, the cost of living can be slightly more expensive but it’s worth it. Åre has a totally laid back vibe and it is the largest resort in Sweden, catering for every level of skier. Plus, snow is guaranteed until Mid-May, making it a perfect off season ski destination. For non-skiers it’s also ideal, with a range of activities from husky dog sledding to skidoo trips across frozen lakes.
Local’s Tip: Buustamons Fjallgard is only accessible from the slopes, but once you get there you can tuck into a range of seafood and local delights.
Getting there: For accommodation in Are, visit Laterooms.com.
Alyeska, Alaska
This small resort is often forgotten about by skiers due to nearby Colorado. However, with 650 inches of snow per season it’s not one to be cast aside. Alyeska is perfect for intermediate/advanced skiers, but due to its size it does lack variety. It’s relatively low key with a no frills atmosphere, but you can enjoy plenty of off slope activities such as scenic flights, day spas and boat cruises. Many skiers have ‘skiing in Alaska’ on their bucket list, so Alyeska isn’t a bad place to start.
Local’s Tip: Chair 5 Restaurant has the best pizzas in Alaska and is perfect for filling up aprés-ski.
Getting there: Naturally, you will have to stopover on your way to Alaska, but American Airlines can get you there comfortably.
Whistler, Canada
When visiting Whistler, you may recognise it from somewhere. That’s because it hosted the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010. This year, the resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary so it’s a great time to visit. It has a cosmopolitan vibe and is famed for it’s lively aprés ski atmosphere. However, when visiting you should bear in mind that it gets incredibly busy around Christmas, New Year and public holidays because of its close proximity to Vancouver and Seattle.
Local’s Tip: Peaked Pies is an Australian pie shop that is very popular. For a more formal sit down meal, visit the Red Door Bistro.
Getting there: Fly to Vancouver with British Airways and hire a car for the short trip; call Hertz or Avis.
Are you planning to travel for the winter ski season? Let us know!
@holiday_numbers La Plagne is France! Very good resort and very close to Les Arcs; which is also a decent resort
— JAMES (@JamesHapgood) November 11, 2015
