As our summer holidays, perhaps taking part in the breathtaking Tour Du Mont Blanc, are now a distant memory we turn our thoughts to our winter break. Skiing and snowboarding are fast becoming a lifestyle choice many of us choose to partake in and this popular pastime once thought of as a rich man’s sport is enjoyed by millions. The sheer joy of breathing in fresh mountain air and feeling the rush of adrenalin as we hit the varied terrain dust off the cobwebs and makes us feel refreshed re-energised and boosts our fitness levels leaving us feeling full of energy.
This type of holiday is popular with groups of friends and families and fairly often people who love to ski invest in their own skiing property (skiingproperty.com) it makes perfect sense as they can ski whenever they choose and rent out their property when not using it themselves. The rental potential in ski apartments, ski chalets and lodges is lucrative offering great rental returns, it’s a known fact that skiers prefer to rent a ski property rather than book a hotel as it gives freedom of movement, space and privacy.
Where do you fancy visiting? Is it a short-haul flight or maybe its time for a change and you want to go further afield? The favourites are the French Alps and Switzerland in Europe, however, you could consider US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand the Middle East and Asia. Check the altitude and snow reports and see which the best month to visit these countries, each offer a unique experience and are worth a visit in their own right.
What type of accommodation are you looking for? Hotel, ski apartment, ski chalet or ski lodge? Hotels are good offering clean rooms and good food; ski apartments offer you self-catering flexibility and privacy. Ski chalets can be self-catering or you can have a catered chalet meaning cleaning and meals are all provided for you. Ski lodges are luxurious your every whim is catered for and more, it’s your choice! If you are on your own you can opt for a room in a catered chalet and it’s a chance to meet with other like-minded people.
Fabulous skiing and snowboarding whatever your level of ability can easily be found there are ski resorts that offer beginner slopes to advanced or expert terrain, look for the number of easy, moderate, advanced and expert runs available and the number of lifts which serve the resorts can be important especially at busy times.
There is a whole range of activities in ski resorts apart from skiing and snowboarding. Choose the ski resort that ticks all your boxes and can offer you, your friends and family all they are looking for. Many resorts offer day-care facilities for the younger members of the family so mummy and daddy can enjoy a day skiing whilst the little ones are being entertained. Possibly your children are ready to visit the nursery slopes where they will be taught by experts how to ski, its all great fun in the snow, its exercise and extremely enjoyable and of course they can build a snowman.
Facilities, activities and amenities range from resort to resort the list can be endless but there are just a few listed on Eclipse Ski, you will be impressed I’m sure. There is usually a wide range of shops and boutiques from designer shopping, ski wear, ski equipment, deli markets, supermarkets and wine stores souvenir and gift shops. Helicopter scenic tours paragliding, cinemas, wellness spa centres, ice rinks, gyms, tennis courts, golf, horse riding, sledging, cross-country skiing, hiking and sleigh rides are all available, you just need to check what the ski resorts offer
As the skiing season approaches whether you are part of a large group of friends or a family, Christmas and New Year in a ski resort can be magical. Who doesn’t want to wake up Christmas morning to gleaming white fresh fallen snow? It’s simply idyllic and everyone loves a sleigh ride it doesn’t seem to matter whether you’re pulled by huskies or reindeer it’s a lovely way to take in the beautiful scenery of the winter wonderland surrounding you. Children especially are in awe at this time of year and many of the ski resorts cater to their needs with fantastic activities to make this time even more special and Christmas with a visit from Santa is one your children will never forget.
At the end of the day, you can look forward to delightful après ski with pre-dinner drinks, a lavish dinner, cocktails, live music and concerts with dancing after hours. If you prefer something more relaxed then visit one of the many bars and restaurants that offer comfortable cosy sofas where you can put your feet up and bask in the glow of a roaring log fire. Find your perfect ski winter wonderland resort happy skiing!
