Hit the Slopes

theHit slopes

The last couple of years have taught us just how important travel is for the soul. We all need a break from the everyday. The delight in being somewhere new, admiring spectacular scenery, sampling new food and exploring different terrain on your skis shouldn’t be underestimated.

It’s fresh snowfall, 'pinch me' views and feeling on top of the world. Bar time, spa time and snowy adventure time. Skiing, snowboarding or sitting back and socialising – it’s whatever you want it to be.

When to go.

The main ski season goes from December to April, and each month has its highlights – from festive fun and fireworks at Christmas and New Year, to family events for half term and spring sunshine around Easter. World-class skiing, wild west towns and some of the quietest slopes around – there are lots of reasons to ski the USA. Resorts in Colorado sit at high altitude, so there’s lots of light powder. And with over 300 days of sunshine, you’ll be going home with a great goggle tan. The resorts also have real American character, from swing-door saloons against breathtaking backdrops to high-end hotels and finger-licking cuisine.

The USA is home to thousands of acres of quiet slopes and big, fast chairlifts and gondolas. The mountains are packed with piste for all abilities, from gentle greens to back bowls and double-diamond black runs.

State side

Canada

Canada is a bucket-list destination for skiers and boarders alike, famed for its knee-deep powder, immaculately groomed slopes and wide, treelined runs. Some resorts are based in national parks, surrounded by spectacular scenery and wildlife, while all are known for their highquality hotels and warm hospitality.

Canadian ski resorts are worldclass thanks to their long seasons, unbeatable snow, quiet slopes and variety of terrain. The deep-powder runs in Whistler are great for experts, while thrill-seekers will love the heliskiing in Banff.

Canadian ski resorts are on both east and west coasts, with the latter home to big names like Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler.

Bulgaria is a great place to learn how to ski, with excellent ski schools and loads of tree-lined beginner and intermediate slopes. It’s brilliant value so your spending money will go a lot further here. And with cheap drinks and buzzing bars, the entertaining après scene is another draw, making skiing in Bulgaria a popular choice for younger groups.

Bulgaria’s ski resorts are best suited to first timers, beginners and intermediate skiers. Borovets and Bansko are Bulgaria’s largest ski areas but with only 5km and 3km of black runs, advanced skiing is pretty limited.

Take the kids to Bankso or Pamporovo – there’s a range of family-friendly hotels, with easy transfers and activities off the slopes.

Bulgaria

italy

Ski holidays in Italy are all about relaxed and easy-going Italian hospitality, delicious gourmet food for less and quiet slopes with great snowmaking technology. There’s a wide variety of scenic skiing and homely accommodation across over twenty resorts. So if you’re after an authentic European ski holiday with top-notch food, friendly locals and plenty of snap-worthy scenery, Italy's just the ticket.

Skiing in Italy is about short lift queues, wellgroomed pistes with great snowmaking and diverse ski areas where you can cover some serious miles. Or take it easy with scenic lunch stops in true laid-back, Italian style.

France is a firm favourite for ski holidays, loved for its excellent food and diverse, easy-to-reach resorts, from traditional to purpose-built, luxury to budget-friendly. It was the first country to link its resorts with lifts and is still home to most of the best-known ski areas, many of them at high altitude.

France’s big ski areas set it apart. They bring plenty of skiing for a week and lots of variety for different abilities. Its resorts are higher than its alpine neighbours and dotted with glaciers, so conditions are usually reliable.

France

I’m an independent travel agent, I work with leading tour operators and can help plan your perfect holiday.

01223 53 54 93 laura.wood@premier-travel.co.uk