There are many questions that may need answering over the next few months but with the ski season looming surely the most important one is, where will I ski?
For first timers and experienced skiers alike, the decision of which resort to choose is often more time consuming than the actual holiday itself. With this in mind we’ve put together a shortlist of three must visit ski resorts for the coming season.
Ischgl, Austria
Situated in the Pauznan Valley in Tyrol, Ischgl ski resort has something for everyone.
It is a popular destination for young and old alike and offers excellent skiing for the beginner as well as the seasoned skier.
The village center has been pedestrianized so taking a stroll while shopping at the many ski shops or fashion boutiques is a leisurely affair and with many award winning restaurants and cafes to choose from, eating out is almost as exciting as the skiing.
Skiing
There are over 238km of pistes catering to skiers of all levels. Whether it’s classes for beginners or off-piste runs for the more experienced all are available within easy reach of the village. There is only one ski school in Ischgl but it is very well run with extremely helpful and highly trained instructors. All equipment can be rented in the village from one of the many ski shops.
Entertainment
Ischgl is fast gaining a reputation as a great place for enjoying Après-ski entertainment. The open air concerts marking the beginning and end of season have certainly done a lot to heighten Ischgl’s profile as a party place, and with many bars open late this is a village that knows how to have fun.
Accommodation
There are over 400 landlords in the Ischgl area with many types of lodging available. Luxury hotels, ski chalets, serviced apartments, and traditional bed and breakfasts are dotted around the ski resort.
Chamonix, France
The ski resort of Chamonix in the heart of the French alps provides stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding area. With attractions such as the Aguille du Midi cable car and Lac Blanc there are plenty of activities besides skiing to keep you busy in this beautiful ski resort.
Skiing
Chamonix offers many pistes to suit any level skier. There are great runs through trees and many off-piste locations to choose from. There are 108km of pistes and two areas for new snow sports. The ski school offers a wide range of services with families in particular taking full advantage of the classes for young children. The instructors at the resort are known to be both highly skilled and very helpful.
Entertainment
Chamonix has a bustling nightlife with many bars or pubs to choose from. There are quiet cosy pubs, night bars playing live music, and even clubs for the more energetic reveller. But if bars and clubs are not your thing then a night out at the cinema or a few hours in the casino can keep you entertained. If you get bored of ‘boarding or skiing, you can try out numerous exhilarating non-ski activities in Chamonix such as ski-jouring, ice-climbing and helicopter tours, to name but a few.
Accommodation
With 16 hamlets and villages, the choices for accommodation in Charmonix are numerous. Hotels, chalets, gites, and apartments are all available with many offering easy access to the slopes and panoramic views of the mountain.
Verbier, Switzerland
Being one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, Verbier is a very popular ski destination with wonderful skiing for all to enjoy. The alpine village is quaint and charming with very friendly locals and a really nice atmosphere. There are many attractions in Verbier such as the cable car to the top of Mont Fort or extreme ice karting.
Skiing
Verbier is often ranked as one of the top five ski destinations in Europe and its 410km range of pistes is one of the main reasons why. The skiing is predominantly suitable for intermediate skiers but with many off-piste opportunities, advanced skiers can find something a bit more challenging. There is also a “Jardin de Neige” which is a flat area for very young children to learn how to ski.
Entertainment
With many bars and restaurants to choose from, Verbier comes alive as the sun goes down. Whether you prefer dancing with friends or a quiet romantic dinner with a loved one, it’s all available here in Verbier. The cuisine and service in Verbier restaurants are among the best of any ski resort and the bars and parties are gaining legendary status.
Accommodation
As with our previously mentioned resorts, Verbier has a wide variety of accommodation including chalets, guest houses, residences, and even a few budget hotels. In this beautiful setting, no matter where you stay you will enjoy the hospitality of the local residents.
The resorts of Ischgl, Chamonix, and Verbier would rank highly in any skiers list of top ski resorts. Skiing, entertainment, and accommodation alike, are all of an extremely high quality so you simply can’t go wrong with any one of these three must visit ski resorts for 2012/13.
Alicia Is a ski holiday sales advisor working for catered ski chalets – a UK ski company focusing on delivering package ski holidays in Europe.
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