Ski Breaks

VAL THORENS, FRANCE
At 2,300m Val Thorens is the hightest resort in Europe (slopes 1,260m-3,230m) – and with 99 percent of its ski area above 2,000m, the white stuff is guaranteed.  It’s part of the vast 600km Three Valleys area, but Val Thorens offers skiing for all levels across a 150km pistes.  The majority of runs are intermediate blues and reds; there is also some fantastic off-piste to be found. The powder is reliably good here, too. Try the famed Lac du Lou, 1,400m of vertical easily accessed from the Cime de Caron.

Innsbruck is unlike any other European cities, located deep in the Inn valley it is encircled by soring, jagged mountains. The city sits on the banks of the Inn River, which flows from the Switz Alps and into the Danube.  Behind the quaint, colourfully painted houses that line the cobbled streets stand the Alps offering a captivating backdrop.

Not all of us can and want to visit the European type ski resorts; we want to enjoy the sports without the fashion show.  Heading further east to Slovakia is one of our recommendations. Slovakia home to some untouched and quietly hip ski resorts.  The country has five main ski areas in what is called the High Tatras and Low Tatras, an hour by road separate them.  The Low Tatras is the better of the two, although its considered low, the area is 2,000m above sea level.

Jasna is the Low Tatras is one of the better ski resorts in Slovakia.  It has over 90 snow cannons covering a 12Km area of slops and allowing skiing on both the north and south of the Chopok mountains, guaranteeing snow for five months).  Parts of the slopes are illuminated for night skiing as well.

Ski Resorts across the world are doing more to woo us to their resorts.  They are adding more to the usual winter sports, now there is a combination of festivals, celebrating music, food and comedy.  Starting in November, there are ski festivals through out the winter until April, when the season closes.  So if you want to add a bit more to the usual skiing on your next ski break we have collated a list of resorts drawing the crowed.

Chef’s Cup, Alta Badia – Italy
The Chef’s Cup is a high altitude celebration of haute cuisine in the heart of the Dolomites, it was created by Michelin-starred chef, Norbert Niederkofler.  It is the perfect destination for culinary enthusiasts who want to improve on their culinary skills along with their skiing. The Chef’s Cup combines the best of skiing with the best of food. The event attracts up to 400 of the world’s finest chefs; to show of their dishes and share their expertise with visitors. The Chef’s Cup - Alta Badia, takes place in the last week of January (chefscup.it).

Austria is well-known as a skiing destination but not a lot is known about the ski resort of Ischgl in tyrol.  Tyrol is a lovely mountainous are in the western parts of Austria near the Alps and bordering with Italy, Germany and Switzerland.  In the spring and summer months it offers an excellent landscape for hiking and mountain biking.  But come winter, the area is changed, drawing a different set of trill seekers (the snow worshipers).

Ischgl is also known for its free open air concerts, which have featured headline acts like Elton John, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart and Tina Turner; attracting over 20, 000 people. The concerts are staged as part of its opening weekends late November, so you never know who you will see from one season to the next.

Most of us associate India with warn sunshine, delicious foods and Bollywood. Unknown to many of us the town of Gulmarg is a skiers paradise.  This small Himalayan town is 52km south-west of Srinagar in Indian Kashmir and stands at an altitude of 2,850m.

Gulmarg has the world’s highest gondola ski lift which takes you nearly 4,000m up Mount Apharwat - with extremely beautiful views.  According to the Gulmarg.org website Gulmarg was originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Gulmarg also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650m.