TRAVEL ARTICLES
Friday, 31 August 2007
Our pick of this year's best ski resorts
As the summer comes to a close and thoughts of sun, sea and sand recede it might be time for the skiers amongst us to start considering where the best ski destination for the winter season is. We've compiled the following list of this years hot ski resorts:
Whistler, Canada
Canada's most famous ski resort Whistler is likely to be buzzing in anticipation of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics and is considered by many to be amongst the finest ski arenas in the world. Whistler, two hours north of Vancouver, offers a complete package with great skiing for all abilities, good facilities and lively apres-ski.
Termas de Chillan, Chile
The Andes may not be a particularly well established destination for European skiers, it's certainly a bit off the beaten path, but if you're after a change of scene Termas de Chillan is well worth investigating. Located on the slopes of a volcano, it's the biggest ski resort in South America and has a lot to offer - 29 runs stretching across 20 miles of quality pistes, South Americas longest run, a comprehensive choice of accommodation from 5-star luxury to more affordable options and world famous hot springs.
Aspen, Colorado
One of the best known ski resorts in the world and with good reason; Aspen has it all - 4,500 acres of slopes across 4 mountains with great skiing for all levels, the famous Snowmass which boasts the longest lift -served vertical rise in the US and a legendary apres ski scene. If you fancy a bit of Hollywood-style glitz with your skiing and aren't put off by prices to match then there really is no other choice.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Situated in Slovenia's Zgornjesavska Valley a few miles from the Austrian and Italian borders, Kranjska Gora boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery and world-class skiing - as its hosting of last years skiing world cup testifies. The resort has everything you could want in terms of amenities and skiing opportunities for all skill levels and makes a particularly good choice for family holidays.
The most convenient airport for Kranjska Gora is Ljubljana. We found a good range of flights from as little as £92 from Gatwick.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This picturesque resort in the Dolomites offers a unique combination of dramatic mountain scenery, chic Italian sophistication and plenty of varied skiing. Cortina is undoubtedly amongst Europe's classiest ski destinations and whilst the pistes (145km of ski runs) are great this is a resort as much about apres ski with plenty of opportunity to mix with the beautiful people in 20 bars, 5 nightclubs and 40 restaurants.
Flights to Venice, the most convenient airport for Cortina can currently be found on Cheap Flights for as little as £75.
If you're heading off for the pistes don't forget insurance! Your best bet is to find a specialized winter sports policy (AA Travel Insurance or Ski-insurance.co.uk offer good deals) that ensures you're covered for any Skiing related injuries.
Whistler, Canada
Canada's most famous ski resort Whistler is likely to be buzzing in anticipation of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics and is considered by many to be amongst the finest ski arenas in the world. Whistler, two hours north of Vancouver, offers a complete package with great skiing for all abilities, good facilities and lively apres-ski.
Termas de Chillan, Chile
The Andes may not be a particularly well established destination for European skiers, it's certainly a bit off the beaten path, but if you're after a change of scene Termas de Chillan is well worth investigating. Located on the slopes of a volcano, it's the biggest ski resort in South America and has a lot to offer - 29 runs stretching across 20 miles of quality pistes, South Americas longest run, a comprehensive choice of accommodation from 5-star luxury to more affordable options and world famous hot springs.
Aspen, Colorado
One of the best known ski resorts in the world and with good reason; Aspen has it all - 4,500 acres of slopes across 4 mountains with great skiing for all levels, the famous Snowmass which boasts the longest lift -served vertical rise in the US and a legendary apres ski scene. If you fancy a bit of Hollywood-style glitz with your skiing and aren't put off by prices to match then there really is no other choice.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Situated in Slovenia's Zgornjesavska Valley a few miles from the Austrian and Italian borders, Kranjska Gora boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery and world-class skiing - as its hosting of last years skiing world cup testifies. The resort has everything you could want in terms of amenities and skiing opportunities for all skill levels and makes a particularly good choice for family holidays.
The most convenient airport for Kranjska Gora is Ljubljana. We found a good range of flights from as little as £92 from Gatwick.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This picturesque resort in the Dolomites offers a unique combination of dramatic mountain scenery, chic Italian sophistication and plenty of varied skiing. Cortina is undoubtedly amongst Europe's classiest ski destinations and whilst the pistes (145km of ski runs) are great this is a resort as much about apres ski with plenty of opportunity to mix with the beautiful people in 20 bars, 5 nightclubs and 40 restaurants.
Flights to Venice, the most convenient airport for Cortina can currently be found on Cheap Flights for as little as £75.
If you're heading off for the pistes don't forget insurance! Your best bet is to find a specialized winter sports policy (AA Travel Insurance or Ski-insurance.co.uk offer good deals) that ensures you're covered for any Skiing related injuries.
