10 Ski Holiday ideas for 2016/17

Despite the reliable and much loved ski resorts of the world offering exceptional value for money, superb slopes and extensive experience, skiers are often keen to embrace the opportunity to visit a new region or take on a new challenge. The following article offers suggestions for ski holidays for 2016/17.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is becoming recognised as one of the most attractive summer holiday destinations for UK travellers, enjoyed for it’s relatively low numbers of tourists, excellent weather and low prices. Bansko in Bulgaria is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the most favourable ski destinations for those on a budget. This lively resort offers first-rate schooling, with superb entertainment options for après. Bansko is one of three ski resorts in Bulgaria and arguably the most enjoyable thanks to the town’s excellent offerings, the superb scenery and excitingly low prices. Local beer costs around £1 for a pint and the town offers a host of accommodation options that are also reflective of these wonderfully low prices. The resort has modern lifts, first-rate instructors and extends an enthusiastic welcome to skiers of all ages.

Mürren, Switzerland

For those seeking a more sophisticated ski experience, Mürren in the Bernese Oberland resort, Switzerland is one of the most breathtaking and enthralling options. Ideally suited for skiers who want to embrace a challenge or prefer an adrenalin fuelled trip, Mürren guarantees to impress. The resort offers some of the most exciting runs alongside the new Thrill Walk, which is a free walkway along the cliffside which extends over a vertical drop and takes half an hour to complete. So impressive is this resort that it has been used as a setting for the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and the drama and cinematic splendour of the area is not escapable.

Valloire, France

Valloire in France is a more well-known resort that offers superb skiing at a fair price and without the frills and features of more opulent resorts. The slopes reach up to an impressive 2,600m and offer exceptional views to the surrounding areas. Valloire may be a more basic choice that is closer to home, but it ranks highly for its commitment to a warm welcome and family friendly atmosphere. This is a resort that is focussed on doing the basics perfectly and is an exceptional choice for new skiers, experienced travellers who want to minimise costs and those who require a reliable and impressive school.

Passo Tonale, Italy

Italy is one of the most loved ski country in the world, adored for its superb slopes, excellent apres offerings and charming traditions. Passo Tonale is a purpose-built resort that encapsulates all the benefits of Italian skiing with the convenience of superb access. Inclusive of a compact lift arrangement, the tree lined slopes of Passo Tonale are a welcoming environment for new and experienced skiers alike. This is a simple resort with basic facilities but it is a reliably enjoyable area that is closely linked to Presena glacier, which guarantees snow.

Breckenridge, Colorado

For those who are enticed by longer-haul trips, Breckenridge in Colorado o is an exciting option. The resort is highly regarded in the area and acknowledged as a high-value option for skiers near Denver. One of the most attractive features of Breckenridge is the superb nightlife and eateries located nearby. The high altitude slopes make for 3 exciting runs throughout the day and the variation of restaurants, bars and entertainment mean that visitors to the area will never be short of things to do.

Lyngen Alps in Norway

The wilderness and beauty of the Lyngen Alps in Norway is as breathtaking as it is invigorating. The peaks rise above 1,000m and elevate directly from sublime fjords, making this one of the most aesthetically exciting resorts. In order to access the slopes here, visitors arrive by boat and this serves to offer an additional memorability to trips as well as adding an anticipation not readily matched in alternative resorts. Ski holidays to this area offer fantastic runs, unique access experiences and the option of beach visits. With quaint lodges and Norwegian hospitality, a holiday to the Lyngen Alps is amongst one of the most memorable and entertaining trips that a skier will make.

Flachau, Austria

Flachau in Austria is one of the lesser known ski resorts of Europe but is one of the most varied and enthralling destination choices. The unassuming and traditional village setting proudly offers 200km of runs and offers some of the most exceptional views of the three-valley Salzburger Sportwelt lift network. Skiers to this resort are extended the offer of access to other resorts in the Ski Amadé region. Flachau is suited to those who want to indulge in extensive skiing whilst absorbing Austria culture and relaxation, without the requirement of lively nightlife or varied entertainment options.

Hokkaido, Japan

Japan may not be a country that is synonymous with skiing, but for powdery snow, Hokkaido, which is the country’s most northern island, is a skier’s paradise. The snow in this area is some of the lightest in the world and this offers a superb opportunity to enjoy ski experiences in a unique and fascinating country. Winter seasons see snowfalls of 14m to 18m on Hokkaido, making this one of the most reliably snowy and superbly enthralling destinations. Of course, a ski holiday here can be coupled with a stay in one of Japan’s tourist cities for exploration of this historic yet cosmopolitan nation. Of course, this is a more expensive choice but for those who want to experience a unique ski holiday, Hokkaido is the ultimate choice.

Trois Vallées, France

Skiers to the Trois Vallées, France are able to benefit from extensive skiing across a large area for a nominal cost as the competitive rates and excellent links make this a superb choice. The ideally situated and excellently linked Satellite Village provides access to a host of runs and allows for a relaxing stay at incredibly low rates. Holidays to this area benefit from a fabulous range of runs, excellent modern lifts, a wide variety of restaurants and a ski school that is recognised as being one of the best in France. This makes the Trois Vallées resort one of the ideal choices for families and inexperienced skiers.

Revelstoke, British Columbia,

Canada If heliskiing is your forte, Revelstoke in Canada is the ideal destination. Canadian terrain offers challenges and memorable opportunities and with a host of organised trips available in this region, skiers can benefit from new experiences and extensive travel around the area. With over 65 runs, Revelstoke is an ideal destination for ski enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy tubing and snowboarding. This resort is recognised as the most vertical in Canada, and indeed in North America, making it exceptionally exciting and a desirable location for experienced and well-travelled skiers.

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