by 12 people |
Winter is the time to play....and ski! Whether you are learning how to ski or a regular enthusiast there are lots of options out there.
Hi everyone,
So are you a skier or just interested in trying? There are plenty of options out there nowadays on where to go. There are also plenty of bargains to be had so now is a great time to start booking or, if a beginner, to give a winter holiday a shot. With winter looming again keep an eye out and go for that ski deal and get to the slopes!
If you are trying to decide where to go then hopefully I'll be able to help you out. On this page I have tried to give you a general introduction to the slopes and some of my favourite countries and resorts. If there is something specific you would like covered just ask!
If you have not been skiing or snowboarding before it is a great holiday to take. It is a skill to be able to stand on one (or two) objects and stay upright while going downhill at an alarming rate. A real adrenalin rush the first time you get it right and EVERYONE would agree with that one. Then there's the nightlife....
Skiing is as well known for the Apres Ski that is offered in all resorts. Whatever the make up of your group there will be plenty to keep you entertained. This is almost as important when it comes to deciding which resort to go to :)
I have tried to give a bit of a mix where the listed ski options are concerned because not everyone is looking for lively but I will continue to add to this lens and hopefully give a great variety so that everyone will find something they like the look of.
As well as the apres ski be sure to try out some of the other activities available in ski resorts when you are there whether it's an exciting helicopter trip around the mountains, a romantic sleigh ride through the snow or a fun skidoo trip. There's loads of options available if you decide you would like to take a break from the slopes so don't let this stop you. Get out there and give it a go!
Angie.
My Experiences on the slopes in Andorra
and the bruises recieved :)
Well as advised in my bio I have been working in the Ski Industry for 10 years now and have had a mixture of experiences on and off the slopes. It's amazing the stories you hear about other peoples experiences. Helps make your own seem that little bit better....hmmm don't think this is quite the truth.
I booked a great ski deal through work to Arinsal in Andorra and travelled with a few friends. It was an experience to say the least. I spent more time on the ground than whizzing up and down the slopes - like all the 5 yr old kids were doing. What an embarrassment. I persevered though and by the end of my week I actually skiied down to the gondola - which I was happy with :)
So how many people have had this experience? Everyone I am sure because even the most experienced have to start somewhere! Personally I spent more time apologising to the other people on the mountain in advance of skiing them down :) Everyone was very understanding though and I didn't do myself (or anyone else) any damage. I would like to hear how others found their experience though and hopefully there'll be more out there to match my on piste experience.....
A quick aside though - I was excellent with the apres ski ;)
Angie.
What about Austria as a destination?
I love Austria
I have to say I love Austria. From the moment I first experienced it I felt at ease and enjoyed meeting the friendly locals and seeing the magnificent scenery. On one of my trips to resort we had to drive through fog and snow to get to Kaprun. That was an interesting experience. Although I've been driving a few years, and am not half as nervous as I was when I first started, I couldn't imagine tackling the roads in a hire car. I'm a coward really :)
Mind you if there is someone else to do the driving, and if you can't see much further than the front bumper, then let's go!
I've been to quite a few of the main resorts like Söll, Mayrhofen, Kitzbuhel and kirchberg to name a few others. I love the austrian architecture which gives the resorts a real traditional feel and makes them look so much nicer than some purpose built areas you can travel to. The resorts offer a variety of slopes so everyone can usually find something they are looking for and the cost of living is also pretty good. It's not duty free but the cost of food and drink will work out a bit better than at home.
Skiing or Boarding - which will win?
Which winter sports holiday do you prefer?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand bySkiing
mindsoul says:
beautiful places, you must try north Italy, Val Gardena or Cortina d'Ampezzo
Posted November 15, 2009
Kara says:
born and bred...and still love
Posted October 09, 2009
Snowboarding
BuriedKneeDeep says:
Boarding for me - nothing like finding a nice stash and bombing it. Just lay back and enjoy the ride. Skiing can be too much work...
Posted November 08, 2009
So what's skiing all about?
You've made it this far so what next? How do I book that perfect holiday?
For example is your idea of perfect lively, quiet, ski in ski out or maybe somewhere that will offer a mix of skiing as well as alternative more relaxing options? So many questions!! Keeping in mind everyone is different here are a few examples that I think are worth looking at:
Andorra
Arinsal - Back to my first experience :)
I like Arinsal because it is perfect for everyone. It's great for beginners because the slopes are gentle and easy. It's great for families because the kids learn in their own area near the adults. It's great for groups because the prices can rarely be beaten. A benefit for everyone is the fact that it's also duty free so you can pick up some excellent bargains!! France
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is, yet again, great for everyone. The slopes are right by the village centre so you can take advantage of doorstep skiing (if weather permits!). It's a popular and lively resort that offers access to the 2 Valley Ski Area in France. As a result all levels of skiers are taken care of. There are plenty of bargains to be found here. Austria
Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein offers you a good selection of on piste and off piste activities. You can ski all morning and then, when tired, take advantage of the great Spa facilities in the resort. Then again maybe you will like it so much that you will decide to forgo one of the days on the slopes and just relax and unwind by pampering yourself.....sound perfect Italy
Livigno
One of the other great things about Angie, Livigno is that it's duty free. Great skiing teamed with great prices! Livigno has something for everyone with a wide mixture of people going back again and again. Not only does it attract groups but couples and families are equally happy with it as a resort and the surrounding ski area. The prices for places to stay are excellent with great bargains to be found - especially in self catering accommodation. The resort offers lively apres ski and there are plenty of other activities to keep even non skiers busy! So now what?
You have an idea of the type of holiday you would like to go on so what's the next step?
Hotel Arinsal
Andorra
In Arinsal there are a few good options to look at when it comes to where to stay. If you would like a good 3* hotel close to everything then the Hotel Arinsal is worth taking note of. Ideally the hotel is right in the centre of town and you will only have to walk a couple of minutes and you are at the Gondola.A great bargain combined with a great location!
Temple du Soleil
France
In Val Thorens there are plenty of self catering options for anyone looking at skiing on the cheap. In the Temple du Soleil Apartments you can fit any number of people sharing from 2 in a Studio to 7 in a 2 Bedroom Apartment. Ideally these apartments are right beside the slopes so all you need to do is slip on your skis and get going. Val Thorens is a great resort with great night life so book in and enjoy! Pension Laura
Austria
The charming Pension Laura is well located in Bad Gastein and offers its guests value for money. It's a great place to stay if you want somewhere to lay your head whe you finally come off the slopes or come in after a hard night on the town enjoying the Apres Ski :) Garni Moon
Italy
If you are thinking about going to Livigno then there are plenty of properties you can look at. One of them include the Garni Moon. It's a lovely family run hotel that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to its guests. To make things easier for you it's also near the ski lifts! The more convenient the better :) Now what do I need to wear on a Ski Holiday?
Other options include:
- Most high street retailers stock wintersports clothing
- The usual well know Outdoor stores will stock this clothing also but may charge a higher price
- Go to second hand outdoor/ camping shops where you can pick everything up at a great price. This is where I picked mine up in Dublin!
Obermeyer Switch Reversible Ski Jacket Toddler Boys
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 12/29/2009) 
Avon Quilted Ski Jacket Silvertone 2x
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Bonfire Particle Pant - Women's - Stone - S
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
So How do I Ski???
If you really want to read up about what to expect before you end up skidding down the slopes on your backside then there is plenty of information out there to help get you informed. Try any of these options....
The New Guide to Skiing: A Step-by-Step Guide in Color, Revised Edition
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 12/29/2009)
Go Ski: Read It, Watch It, Do It (GO SERIES)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Harald Harb's Essentials of Skiing (Includes Free DVD)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009)
Some Other Bookmarks
Some Popular Blogs
Don't be shy - say hello!
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- kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Oct 28, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
- I never learned to ski, but it's something I've always wanted to do. I wouldn't mind learning on one of the bunny slopes of the destinations you listed. Excellent work, Squid Angel blessed!
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- pkmcr pkmcr Oct 24, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
- Super lens with some great information and I love the very personal take on things. A few more pictures would help to convey the magic of skiing :-) But 5 Stars for you
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- SnowAngel77 SnowAngel77 Oct 22, 2009 @ 10:47 am
- Thank you everyone for your lovely comments :) Glad you like the lens and I hope it makes ye think of your next holiday!!!
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- Spook Spook Oct 22, 2009 @ 9:55 am
- A lovely lens, looks so beautiful and I love your personal insights. Blessed by an Angel.
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- AppalachianCountry AppalachianCountry Oct 22, 2009 @ 7:43 am
- Beautiful places to ski. Thank-you for all the info. Wonderful lens. 5 stars*****
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- joe75 joe75 Oct 22, 2009 @ 5:27 am
- Loads of info here - thanks!
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- jaja23 jaja23 Sep 29, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
- Terrific lens! 5*
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- jjmc0990 jjmc0990 Aug 13, 2009 @ 2:30 am
- Awesome lens, Angela. Thanks for sharing your experiences in skiing :)
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by SnowAngel77
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