There is nothing like getting away from it all and rushing down the slopes with the wind in your hair and the sun sparkling on the brilliant white snow. It is a great stress reliever, a great way to stay in shape, and you will leave all of your worries behind you. Here are four amazing destinations in different areas of the world for ski lovers looking to hit the slopes.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital city in Tyrol, Austria and it is located in the Alps. There are nine ski hills to choose from and you can buy a pass that gives you access to all of them. You will find world-class amenities on the hills and first class accommodations in the villages. If you grow tired of skiing there are plenty of other things for you to do like ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, tobogganing, or you can even go on a horse drawn sleigh ride.
Whistler
Whistler, BC Canada is a great place for skiing and it recently hosted the 2010 Olympics. It is a world class destination that is roughly 8000 km spread over two mountains and it is the largest skiable area in North America. The runs are groomed to perfection, there is high end rental equipment available, and it is a great destination for families and people looking for a great place to party. Be sure to take the Peak to Peak Gondola and soar over the beautiful area that connects the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb and takes approximately eleven minutes. Be sure to try Heli Skiing and ski in the back country that very few skiers get to explore. The Whistler Village has fabulous accommodations, restaurants, and an exciting nightlife for your après ski experience. Check out the dos and don’ts of Whistler here. If you are really into your skiing, you can take a ski instructor course and spend the whole season teaching people how to ski.
Vail
Vail, Colorado, USA has been known as the winter playground of the rich and famous for years but this beautiful village has accommodations and amenities to fit everyone’s budget. The ski hill opened in 1962 and since then it has strived to offer a fabulous experience for people on and off the slopes. The ski hill offers many levels of runs that are sure to please everyone from the most inexperienced skiers to the experts. The mountain also offers snowshoeing, tubing and there are Kids Adventure Zone areas throughout the mountain. Once you have hit the slopes be sure to check out the village for fine dining, fabulous shopping (everyone needs a good pair of fxr snowmobile pants right?), and a vibrant nightlife.
Meribel
Meribel is located in Moutiers, in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps and it is easily accessible from Paris or London by train. The area is part of the world class interlinked ski system of Les Trois Vallée and the world famous ski hill of Paradiski is also nearby. These fabulous ski hills offer first rate lifts, peak snow conditions, and rentals and lessons for beginner skiers. There are plenty of first class accommodations available in the beautiful villages of Brides Les Bains and Les Allues and Meribel. If you are traveling in a group it would be worthwhile renting a chalet.
Oooh, I’m going to Innsbruck in a few weeks (during summer, not winter, but still). Any great recommendations for me in that region? I haven’t been to that part of Austria since 2003 and that was only to Salzburg!