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Posts tagged ‘Snow Skiing’

LAAX in Switzerland

LAAX in Switzerland stands over 30 000 feet high, with skiing and snowboarding facilities that suit everyone’s needs – from beginners to world champions. LAAX has hosted all the big events in snowboarding and skiing, welcoming thousands of tourists from around the globe each week. LAAX was one of the first major skiing locations to get on the map, when in the 70s skiing holidays started to rise in popularity for western travelers – LAAX was right their, waiting to ride the wave. Millions of visitors later, LAAX are renowned for their 3rd slalom known only as “Death Mountain” by some. With glaring views down the steep, tangling mountain-side it is no wonder “Death Mountain” scares even the most resilient of skier. 

With excellent facilities for everyone LAAX recently hosted the snowboarding world open, in which over 10,000 people took part from 60 countries around the world. An interesting element of this was that over 100 entries came from south Asia and Africa showing the rise of the sport, and the exposure of the location on a global scale. LAAX was voted number 1 skiing location around the world, by “Ski Press Magazine” that also notes LAAX as having the third best Snowboarding facilities and, as being the best new comer to Freestyle snowboarding. The popularity of LAAX, has also lead to continued investment from the company operating the slope, building an amazing ski lift that can handle weights of over 80 tonnes as it climbs 30 000 feet up the mountain face. The ski lift’s unique attribute is its balancing technology that allows the ski lift to carry massive amounts of weight disproportionately whilst keeping a balanced angle and speed. 

The popularity of LAAX is not just shared by avid skiers and snowboarders. Top music names and DJs also come to LAAX to experience the amazing events first hand. With the rise of snowboarding many of these musicians feel they can appeal to a certain audience out on the slopes, especially under the cover of darkness, with only flood lights keeping the mountains alive. The DJs provide entertainment as the crowd snowboard and ski into the morning sunlight. The views and the experience are utterly amazing, and are a sure way to ensure top class entertainment for the young travelers who visit LAAX.

However it is not only the night-time DJ sets and fireworks that sparkle for the young skiers; there are also plenty of locations tailored to their needs off the slopes as well. With local pubs, clubs and even swimming pools the young ones are sure to enjoy themselves off the snowy mountains of LAAX. Despite being an amazing location for younger skiers the location also appeals to those who have never been skiing before. They have multi-lingual training facilities and indoor centres where they train first-time skiers up before taking them to the slopes. They also have amazing training facilities for advanced skiers, facilities that would undoubtedly be used by the world’s top skiers and snowboarders at the world events that are held at the slope almost every year.

 The local hotels and accommodation are amazing because unlike most skiing locations, they don’t limit the skiers and snowboarders to a single choice. There are youth hostels that are perfect for those looking to ski on the cheap; there are 5 star hotels for those looking to live the lap-of-luxury and there are many options in between. LAAX is home to more than just pubs, clubs and swimming pools, with banks and supermarkets also at realistic walking distance. LAAX is said to be at its peak during August, however this is said to be true for most of Europe’s top, skiing locations. That is why it is advisable to find a quieter time to visit, preferably a short time following the busy spell. The great thing about coming after the peak is that you are able to come for around half the price of another time of the year.

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Skiing In Italy

Italy has always been a consideration for those interested in experiencing the Alps for less.  Having said that, it is still considered one of the top European skiing countries today, and is a magnificent place to take a skiing vacation.  There is a certain romance about Italy that makes it the number one choice for so many skiers each year, and it is easy to see the attraction with the place.  From its northern snow-tipped peaks, you can also venture towards the cultural hotbeds of Rome and Turin, and experience Italy as it is intended, as well as its amazing ski slopes.

One of Italy’s smallest resorts, tucked up high, near Canazei in the North, is Alba.  Based on a tiny village, the Alba resort is the truest form of skiing escapism, with amazing off piste skiing to be had.  For the keen skier, this would make for an excellent day trip, or an excellent weekend away whilst staying at a bigger resort, and although it has only 5 lifts, it is a real Italian treasure, and something not to be missed if you like peaceful surroundings whilst you ski.  On top of that, if you enjoy cross-country skiing, Alba also offers a number of extensive trails for you to pursue, ensuring that you are likely to have a great time, whatever you skiing preferences and ability. 

If you’re looking for something bigger, why not consider Italy’s highest resort, Passo Tonale.  An ideal family resort, Passo Tonale is focussed more around beginners and intermediates, and provides a friendly atmosphere that is just simply lacking from some of the bigger resorts.  Passo Tonale is also home to a top class ski school, employing some of the region’s most talented skiing instructors.  In addition to that, the staff pride themselves on the conditions of their slopes, which are groomed frequently.  From the peak of Passo Tonale, you are faced with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole region, which is truly breathtaking, and it has been known for skiers to spend hours simply analysing the view.  Passo Tonale is a great resort if you are looking for a busier, more down to earth ski resort for you and your family.

Selva Gardena is one of Italy’s largest resorts, and if you are looking for some great scenery and excellent, consistent snow coverage, you could do a great deal worse than here.  A great value for money resort, Selva Gardena is also child friendly, making it another fantastic resort to take the family.

Italy has a diverse range of ski resorts to cater for all different tastes and abilities.  In general you will find all the resorts welcoming and friendly, not to mention the amazing hospitality you will experience in some of their restaurants and bars.  If you are looking for a good value for money trip, and you enjoy skiing, the North of Italy is ideal for you, and can provide any skier with an adequate challenge of their abilities.  Additionally, with some of the best skiing instructors in the world, Italy is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy skiing without paying an absolute fortune.  Italy truly is a great skiing location for anyone looking to experience the Alps in all their glory, amidst the wealth and depth of culture and history right around the corner.

Skiing at the Big White Resort

The world-famous Big White resort in Canada is home to some of the nation’s greatest skiing.  Renowned for its high quality snow, and simply breathtaking scenery, Big White is an ideal resort for skiers of any age or ability.  In the shadow of the Monashee Mountains, the Big White is a world-class ski resort, with a reputation to back it up.  With over 20 feet of fresh snowfall every year, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Big White was unpleasant climate wise – more often than not, the sun is shining, the ski is fresh, and everyone can have a great time.

And what’s more, staying at the Big White resort couldn’t be more comfortable.  With so many different types of accommodation, you can find a place that’s ideal, right on the doorstep of the fantastic slopes.  British Columbia is recognized as one of the world’s greatest skiing regions, and if Big White is anything to go by, that really isn’t a surprise.

With 16 ski lifts, and a total capacity of over 28,000 skiers every single hour, Big White has the feeling of a small resort whilst still catering for a diverse range of visitors.  This means you’re sure to meet new friends on your stay, but you can also find some privacy if that’s what you’d prefer.  The Big White has it all when it comes to keeping you happy, and that is why its visitors just keep coming back for more, year on year.

The Big White resort guarantees quality skiing for all visitors.  With its innovative ski lifts, and its simple dedication towards standards, you’ll feel like Royalty on their pristine slopes.  The fine, powdery snow is amazing for anyone to try out, and it can be a real novelty for those inexperienced skiers and experts alike.  But if there is one thing overall that you’ll take away from your visit, it is the simple attraction of the place.  A winter scene that could so easily be the product of fiction, the Big White resort is a stunning location for any vacation, and a resort that consistently earns its place within the top 100 resorts in the world.

And if you have a family, relax!  Big White is fully equipped to handle the needs of family skiing vacations, and the friendly staff make for a completely relaxed atmosphere.  At Big White, you’ll feel right at home in any of their comfortable gourmet restaurants, or indeed any of their high quality family themed diners.

Big White also offers expert tuition for those who are just beginning to ski, or indeed for the cubs!  Not only is this a great way to get the kids out of your hair for a few hours, but you can also help them maximise their enjoyment of the vacation, by improving their abilities on the slope.  Whatever you choose to do at Big White, and wherever you choose to stay, you can rest assured that you will love every single minute, and you’ll surely recommend it to your friends and family.  So why not consider the Big White for your next skiing vacation, and visit one of the world’s most acclaimed ski resorts?  With such top-notch facilities, and a growing reputation, the Big White can only go from strength to strength, and is something definitely not to be missed.