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Les Arcs/La Plagne

Les Arcs is one of the few French resorts directly linked by rail. Jump on the Snow Train, have a chunk of fun on the journey (its legendary!), get off in Bourg St Maurice and get straight on to the funicular, which takes you right in to Arc 1600. From there it’s an easy transfer to Arcs 1800, 1950 and 2000, where you can enjoy the hundreds of kilometres of pistes the Paradiski region has to offer. The ski train can also drop you off at Aime-la-Plagne, so it’s easy to get to La Plagne too!

Nevis Range/Cairngorm

This is a great one for the flexible weekend crowd – if there’s good snow (and there has been for the past 2 seasons!), jump on the sleeper train after dinner on Friday, hit Fort William and get yourself to the Nevis Range first thing on Saturday morning for some of the best skiing the UK has to offer. For the more adventurous, head to the Cairngorms for some fantastic Ski Touring.

Zermatt

The whole Valais valley has great train links from major cities in Switzerland, and the resorts there are awesome. Try Zermatt for great skiing and stunning scenery – can you beat skiing under the Matterhorn?! To get there, take the Eurostar to Bern, and then jump on the train to Zermatt. If you fancy more trains, then not only is there the stunning Nicolaital Valley to pass through, but also the world famous Glacier Express, linking Zermatt to St. Moritz/Davos too!

Morzine

Ok, so getting direct to Morzine isn’t possible, but we can’t leave out one of the biggest resort areas in the Alps from this list! With pistes to match any skier’s level, the Portes du Soleil is an area everyone should visit at some point… There are a range of great shared-transfer companies operating from Geneva airport, which handily is convenient for the train too… So get on the Eurostar and come to Morzine!

Meribel

With only 1 train change in Paris (which you can always make the most of!) and a wee bus journey at the end, Meribel is a high class resort which it possible to get to without resorting to a tin can in the sky… It’s not far from Les Arcs, but has a totally different vibe. Loads of lovely chalets there too, making it a picture perfect resort!

Short Transfers

Many people already know that finding ski resorts near Geneva airport opens a world of great destinations including the French resorts of La Clusaz, Chamonix, Avoriaz and Morzine, the Swiss resorts of Leysin, Verbier and Nendaz and the Italian resort of La Thuile, a mere 85 miles from the airport. However, it’s not just Geneva airport that can be a god send, have you thought about Innsbruck, Chambéry, Salzburg or even Sion airports? Why not check out all our ski airports across Europe and further afield to open up your options.

Ski Weekends

Another advantage of being close to the airport is the chance to go for ski weekends! A firm favourite for this is both Geneva airport as there’s a few great resorts on hand. However, ski resorts near Chambéry airport open up the Three Valleys resorts of La Tania, Courchevel and Meribel, making this ideal if you are able to fly there.

Other firm favourites for the ski weekend include Avoriaz and Morzine for boarders and Chamonix of course with something for almost everyone if you know where to be based.

Family Ski Holidays

We all know there’s nothing worse than screaming children in the back of the car! So what do all parents in the know do, they look for the ski resorts that are close to key airport hubs like Geneva or Chambery! That way the effect on the children is kept to a minimum when you’ve all had a long day.

Our recommendations are finding the ski resorts near Geneva airport if that is open to you. This includes Avoriaz, Flaine and Argentiere. Failing that, why not try and find ski resorts close to Chambéry which include the Three Valleys.

Summary

If you’re looking for the best places to go this winter and don’t mind a slightly longer transfer, then you’re likely to find a few more ski deals or at least more availability! For weekends, or family friendly ski resorts, there’s a large number of them located close to airports, ensuring if your flight arrives by lunch you can be on the slopes later that afternoon! Why not check out all our ski resort guides by heading to GoSki.co.uk now.

Inghams have announced new initiatives and improvements to their programme for winter 2011-12.

The company, one of the UK’s biggest operators, offers holidays to 86 resorts in 10 different countries with flights from over 20 UK airports.  For 2011-12 the company will add 9 new resort choices, 42 new chalet/chalet hotels and more.

The company has put an onus on high-altitude destinations and will also offer Friday departures in December so that guests don’t need to travel on Christmas or New Year’s Eve which falls on a Saturday this year.

“We recognise that times are still hard out there, and the new brochure responds to that overwhelmingly important issue by going all out to give skiers outstanding value for money.” said Inghams CEO Andy Perrin, “The new chalets are a key part of this drive, with so much already included in the price.”

www.inghams.co.uk

It’s been a while since I’ve been in Azerbaijan, around eight years to be exact. About two years back I heard of a development in the north east of the country, Shagdah mountain resort with the top elevation at 4243 m.

Now you may be asking yourself why you’d want to fly off to Azerbaijan for your holiday instead of just heading to France, for one Easy Jet haven’t opened up a route yet. Although you’d never know.

The resort hasn’t opened just yet, it’ll be welcoming tourists for the first time next season, but I wanted to bring this up in a blog post to gauge people’s inclination to ski in such places. The whole Central Asian group of countries, from Azerbaijan through to Uzebekistan and Kazakhstan have fantastic skiing, incredible culture and are welcoming places. With this seasons average snowfall across the Alps, would those who go on a ten day or two week trip have a desire to head off to these locations as an alternative?

I’m not talking about those of you who are seeking an adventure, as despite there being no overload of information on these skiing locations you’d still head off. I’m talking about your family holiday, is it unthinkable that such locations could blend into the norms of Switzerland, France and Austria?

Perhaps I’m letting my imagination run away from me a little, for now at any rate.

The project in Azerbaijan will be costing the Azeri’s and numerous investors upwards of 700 million USD (and I’m sure this will be on its way upwards of a billion shortly.) Now for that amount of cash we can expect something pretty impressive and worthy of a vacation. I for one will be heading there next season to support this new resort, and hopefully ski a lot of untouched powder.

Russia are too, seeking investment for multiple similar developments in their cut of the Caucuses, although Russia are seeking a substantial amount more capital than the Azeri’s. With Sochi the next location for the winter Olympics in 2014 we could and should see a rise in these resorts appeal to those in Europe.

For more information on Shadag ski resort take a look at www.shahdag.az/eng

Oli Corkhill is a director at Alpine Guru, www.alpineguru.com – a fanatical skier who can’t seem to stay in once place for longer than a month. Connect with Oli on twitter @olicorkhill

In business since 1993, Snow Water has built a reputation as one of the best heli skiing resorts in North America. Located near Nelson in the Kootenay Rockies, Snow Water operates in three ranges in the Selkirk Mountains: the Bonnigtons, the Nelson Range and the Valhallas.

Aside from the 150,000 acres of snow, Snow Water is also well known for its great service and great food.

Of course, some days the weather isn’t good enough for a heli ski as it would be dangerous for the helicopter, but you can always jump in a Snowcat and have a great day on the peaks.

Snow Water’s good reputation is bolstered by some of the best riders in the world going to the resort to make skiing films. Check this one with Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and the Rossignol pro team.

This is why many of the best riders in the world come to Snow Water to make skiing films. Check this one with Sage Cattabriga-Alosa and the Rossignol pro team.

The Austrian landscape has been maintained to remain natural, pure and beautiful, providing a wonderful backdrop to any skiing trip.
Of course, no ski resort can fully satisfy everyone without a buzzing apres ski scene, and that’s another area that Austrian ski resorts really deliver in. With great beer, wine and simple but delicious food, Austrians really know how to show their guests a good time. Kitzbuhel in particular is famous for being a beautiful ski resort with a medieval feel to it.

I would definitely recommend that you visit it on your next ski trip and enjoy the natural scenery of this beautiful ski resort.

The chalet is an old building which has been renovated to a high standard to offer guests comfort and luxury as well as retaining traditional charming features such as dark wood beams, wooden floors and a beautiful log fire. Creating the perfect atmosphere and environment to relax with a drink and a cake in the spacious lounge after a great day on the slopes.

• Chalet Jora sleeps up to 14 guests
• 5 bedrooms – 2 doubles, 1 twin and 2 quad rooms
• 4 modern bathrooms, 1 with a bath tub
• Comfortable and cosy lounge with log fire
• Flatscreen TV with cable channels, DVD selection and Nintendo Wii
• In chalet laptop and free Wifi internet
• Heated boot room
• Chalet honesty bar in the lounge
• Separate dining room
• Fully catered with breakfast, afternoon tea and hearty 3 course evening meals on 6 nights
• Unlimited wine and soft drinks to accompany your evening meal
• Free use of Sauna and Jacuzzi at nearby hotel (just 20m away)
• In house massage available (payable locally)
• Chalet Jora is rated #1 Speciality Lodging on Trip Advisor

Owner run by Brits Jay and Laura, Chalet Jora’s home from home style makes the chalet the perfect choice for larger groups of friends or families wanting to relax together by the fire in the lounge and watch a movie, play games, or enjoy an after dinner drink from the honesty bar.

Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply crevassed glaciers and the highest peak in Europe of the Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc’s summit, which has postcard perfect views.

Chamonix is the perfect place to come for a weekend break, week’s holiday or even a longer, seasonal stay. This lively alpine town offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sport or a stroll, adventure or relaxation, you will always find something to do. Everybody experiences Chamonix in their own way.

ChamServe can provide you with a great range of holiday accommodation rentals from studio apartments to large family chalets. We will go the further mile to assist you with transfers and once you have arrived local advice, booking activities/sports and discounts for ski hire, guides etc.

Whether you are looking for excitement with shops, restaurants and bars on your doorstep or relaxing in the peace and tranquility of the surrounding valleys forests, ChamServe’s large selection of holiday accommodation rentals will meet your requirements for an unforgettable holiday!

Call us for any enquiry UK Phone: +44 845 8682006 or FR Phone: +33 450 533641 Email info@chamserve.com or visit www.chamserve.com

Keystone is located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, stretches seven miles along the Snake River, has three mountains, 3,128 vertical feet, 3,148 acres of terrain, and three vibrant villages with shops, stores, bars, acclaimed restaurants, first-rate conference facilities, and wonderful accommodations to meet any need.

Dercum, the main mountain, is home to long green and blue runs and perfect groomers to keep you cruising all day. North Peak, rising to 11,660 feet, is for skiers and riders that love long steep trails or lots of bumps. The third mountain is Outback and peaks at 11,980 feet. Here you’ll find long Blue intermediate and black expert runs. Plus, there is some of Colorado’s best tree skiing in the North and South Bowls.

If you’re a bowl skier and want to test the waters, head over to the top of Outback and pay the $5 to ride the Kat to the north/south bowls. They run every 15 minutes and whisk you in a Kat to the summit in about 7 minutes. If it’s a fresh powder day, both the North and South Bowls will be in top shape. But, if not, the North Bowl will probably be a bit wind blown and bare. For $225, you can reserve a spot with Keystone Adventure Tours and in the comfort of a heated snow cat, travel above the tree line to 12,000 feet for a full-day of back country skiing within Independence Bowl, complete with guides to show you the best runs and lunch in their warming hut catered by the five-star Alpenglow Stube.

For lunch, be sure to check out The Outpost at the top of North Peak. Here your choices include award-winning cuisine at Alpenglow Stube, Family fun at Der Fondue Chessel, or a variety of delicious options at the Timber Ridge Food Court.

My recommendation would be to stay at River Run. From these affordable accommodations, most with kitchen units, you’ll be within easy access to the vibrant shops and restaurants and just a couple minute walk to the lifts on Dercum Mountain. If you’re looking for accommodations with a decent spa, Keystone Lodge & Spa is the closest you’ll get for luxury spa accommodations. But, it’s located within Lakeside Village, which is not within walking distance to the lifts.

Oh, and make sure you check out the Snake River Saloon just outside the resort on U.S. Highway 6. The food is really really good and it’s a fun place to hang out!

onlySkiing.com – your adventure starts here…

Situated in the heart of the French alps, Tignes is home to some of Europe’s best ski and snowboard terrain. It is separated into five villages, with 300km of varied pistes, a glacier and access to a huge amount of breathtaking backcountry riding throughout the Vanoise National Park. The selection of off-piste skiing and boarding in Tignes is unbelievable. It’s extremely easy to go off and find fresh lines for the day. As the host of the first ever European X Games in March 2010, Tignes has also well and truly placed itself on the map of extreme sports. The Oakley Val Park attracts skiers and riders from miles around, who perform amazing tricks on the well-crafted kickers and jibs, although there are also a vast selection of progressive hits for those who are still learning! The Val Claret Tignes snowpark under the Grattalu chairlift has been modified for 2010 so that there is no longer any need to hang onto a button tow! Small rails, medium-sized boxes and kickers all lead up to an impressive airbag and the newly-shaped halfpipe. If it’s the off-slope activities that you’re interested in, then Tignes also has plenty to offer the non-skiers, thrill seekers and families alike, and the action continues throughout the summer, making Tignes an all-year round resort.

Where to Stay?

There is a vast selection of accommodation available in Tignes, with most tastes and budgets catered for. From self catering apartments to chalets and decadent hotels, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. Each of the five villages offers a different atmosphere but it is not difficult to get from one area to another, as free buses frequently travel between all villages. Les Brevieres is linked by a free chairlift for both skiers/boarders and pedestrians. Val Claret , Le Lac and Le Lavachet, as the highest of the five villages, are perched at 2100m, around the frozen lake, and tend to be busier due to the large number of bars and restaurants that are in close proximity. Les Boisses and Les Brevieres, lower down the valley, have their own distinct charm and the prices are generally cheaper.

Where to Eat and Drink?

There are restaurants for all budgets in the different villages of Tignes but the biggest choice is by far in Le Lac and Val Claret. If you’re looking for something less pricey, look out for pizza restaurants or the English bars that offer budget meals. Check out our extensive guide of the bars and restaurants in Tignes. The bar scene in Tignes is a lively affair with plenty of space on sunny terraces for weary skiers and boarders to sing along to the many live bands… whilst drinking at après prices!

If You Get the Chance…

Pamper yourself and avoid the rental shops by having your ski and snowboarding equipment delivered to your accommodation for an affordable price. There’s no need to buy your ski clothing either, simply hire stylish ski clothing and protective wear while you’re in Tignes and have your equipment serviced upon your arrival. Party the night away at the New Year’s eve party in Val Claret if you’re around, with spectacular fireworks and dj’s at the huge outdoor stage. Dare-devils should test their nerves by ice-diving under the frozen lake in le Lac and give para-gliding a whirl from the top of the Toviere mountain.

Don’t Miss…

Dancing on the tables at the Folie Douce or eating waffles in the sunshine at the Alpage Restaurant at the top of the Chaudannes chairlift. Take some lessons with Alliance Snowboarding who are guaranteed to pimp your ride and make sure you set some time aside to sip demis in the sunshine on the terrace at the Loop Bar in le Lac. Strutting your stuff and showcasing your skills in the all-new snowpark under the Grattalu chairlift is also a must!

This guest article was kindly provided for us by Tignes Spirit – ski accommodation in Tignes and many more ski related services.