Europe Explored » ski holiday https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 7 Of The Best French Ski Resorts For 2013 https://europeexplored.com/2013/02/03/7-of-the-best-french-ski-resorts-for-2013/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/02/03/7-of-the-best-french-ski-resorts-for-2013/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 12:39:19 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=13590 France is the most popular tourist destinations in the world. According to the UNWTO, 79.5 million tourists arrived in France in 2011. From Paris and Versailles to the French Riviera and the Alps, France abounds in tourist attractions. For Britishers, France has been the traditional destination for skiing holidays. Each year, millions of British tourists […]

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France is the most popular tourist destinations in the world. According to the UNWTO, 79.5 million tourists arrived in France in 2011. From Paris and Versailles to the French Riviera and the Alps, France abounds in tourist attractions.

For Britishers, France has been the traditional destination for skiing holidays. Each year, millions of British tourists descend upon the slopes of the French Alps. Despite the burgeoning popularity of Austria and Switzerland, France remains the number one skiing destination for UK residents.

Courchevel Ski Resort, France
Courchevel Ski Resort, France by Matt Squirrell / License: Creative Commons

Part of the reason for France’s popularity as a skiing destination is the quantity and quality of ski resorts in the country. Eastern France is dominated by Alpine ski resorts, many of which date back to hundreds of years. Some of the most popular ski resorts in France are:

1. Courchevel, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise

Courchevel is where celebrities, royalty and multimillionaires go for their skiing holidays. One of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, Courchevel offers facilities like no other resort in France. There are 11 five-star hotels in the resort, and two hotels have even been awarded the rare and much sought after six-star, or “palace” rating. Further, there are a total of seven restaurants sharing 11 Michelin stars between them.

All these facilities come at a price, of course. Courchevel can be frighteningly expensive for the average holidaying family. But if you want the finest ski holiday possible, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Courchevel.

2. Les Deux Alpes, French Isere departement

The second oldest resort in France, Les Deux Alpes has a rich history, challenging runs and plenty to offer for beginners as well as intermediate skiiers. The resort is located at a height of 1,650m with chair lifts going as high as 3,600m. There are plenty of accommodation options, including a Michelin star restaurant. Les Deux Alpes also boasts one of the best nightlife scenes among French resorts.

3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie

The oldest ski resort in France, Chamonix has grown over the centuries into one of the central skiing destinations in Europe. Unlike many of the other resorts on this list, Chamonix is spread over a vast area and has extensive accommodation and dining options. Skiing in the town of Chamonix is very affordable and the views are breathtaking. You can take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi which has stunning views of the Alps. The skiing is moderately difficult with very rough terrain.

Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc, France
Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc, France by Cristian Bortes / License: Creative Commons

4. Montgenevre, Haute-Alpes

No resort can match Montgenevre for budget conscious holidayers. The little ski resort town is tucked away near the Italy-France border and offers plenty of challenging skiing opportunities for intermediate to beginner skiiers. The resort has plenty of cheap accommodation options, including all-expenses paid packages that run less than £400 per person.

5. St. Martin de Belleville, Rhone-Alpes

Another value-for-money ski resort nestled in the Rhone-Alpes region of France, St. Martin de Belleville is the quintessential Alpine town. Located at a height of over 3,500m, the resort has plenty of challenging ski routes and is a part of the Three Valleys ski area. Besides affordable hotels and challenging slopes, the resort is also well known for the 2 Michelin star restaurant, La Bouitte.

6. Val d’Isere, Savoie

One of the favorite ski resorts among British skiiers, Val d’Isere is famous throughout Europe for its challenging slopes. The terrain is rough and more suitable for intermediate to advanced skiiers. The accommodation is cheap and plentiful and caters to the British snowboarding/adventure tourist crowd.

7. Flaine, Haute-Savoie

Reasonably priced accommodation, good dining options, and moderately challenging slopes along with good beginner courses have turned Flaine into one of the most popular ski resorts among families. Add breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a French ski holiday.

Brad Chambers is a blogger and journalist at Sealskinz.com a centre for sporting apparel and waterproof ski gloves. Brad enjoys, running, climbing and travel and holidaying in the South of France with his two daughters.

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A Beginner’s Guide To Catered Ski Holidays In Meribel, France https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/21/a-beginners-guide-to-catered-ski-holidays-in-meribel-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/21/a-beginners-guide-to-catered-ski-holidays-in-meribel-france/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:36:46 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=12289 Situated in the World’s largest ski area, Meribel in France attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are activities that will suit everyone from the children who have never been skiing before to the adult professional skiers. If you are thinking of planning a catered ski holiday in Meribel then follow this guide to make […]

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Situated in the World’s largest ski area, Meribel in France attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are activities that will suit everyone from the children who have never been skiing before to the adult professional skiers. If you are thinking of planning a catered ski holiday in Meribel then follow this guide to make the best of your vacation!

Meribel, France - 2
Meribel, France by Leo-setä

What is a catered ski holiday in Meribel?

A catered ski holiday will normally mean that everything you need is covered on your holiday. A little bit like an all-inclusive vacation you can expect flights, accommodation and most of the time, food!

Due to Meribel being such a large ski resort, you will find a range of different types of accommodation to suit your needs. From gorgeous little chalets to 5 star hotels. What you choose is completely down to you, but for the full skiing experience it is recommended that you stay in a chalet for at least a few of the nights!

In a catered chalet in Meribel you can enjoy the luxury comforts of wood burning fires and fur rugs to keep your toes warm at night! Staff will prepare meals for you in many catered accommodation packages so you do not have to worry about cooking on your holiday!

Some packages may also include your lift tickets and entry to various entertainment venues located on the resort. It is best to speak with your ski holiday provider to find out exactly what is included in your catered holiday.

Meribel itself is situated at the centre of the Trois Vallees which is the World’s largest ski area. There are several neighbouring small towns and villages nearby that you can explore when taking a break from the slopes. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants away from the resort, for a truly French gourmet experience.

If you have time then you simply must visit the Vanoise National Park, which offers a wide range of scenery, wildlife and plants to experience.

Meribel, France
Meribel, France by Leo-setä

Skiing in Meribel

Whether you are a complete beginner in terms of skiing, had a few lessons, or are an expert; there is a slope, chute or piste to suit your level of skill.

Altiport is the area you should start with if you have never been skiing before, or are rusty on the slopes! You will find a range of blue trails that will help you get to grips with this fun and intense sport. There are plenty of guides, schools and teachers that can assist you with any questions or queries you may have when it comes to skiing.

Saulire is a mixed use area, meaning that it caters for all types of skiers. There are a few blue and black trails but mainly a lot of reds that are suitable for intermediate skiers.

Tougnète is another mixed area that will give everybody the opportunity to shine. A number of blue, red and black trails, chutes and slopes are available here. As well as on-piste and off-piste terrains that you can try out your moves on!

Mont du Vallon is the area that attracts the most expert and professional skiers. Although intermediate levels are welcome here, you may find the steep runs a bit too advanced for yourself. Mont du Vallon provides one of the most gorgeous backgrounds for skiing, so check it out if you can!

Meribel in France is not only one of the World’s largest ski resorts, it is also one of the most popular. This is due to the amount of different types of skiing opportunities which appeal to beginners and experts alike.

If you are planning a catered ski holiday to Meribel then ensure you take a few days break from the slopes in order to explore the neighbouring towns and villages. There is also plenty of entertainment available in the form of shopping, restaurants and night-life!

Author Bio:
An article by Nathan Griffiths who tries to ski as often as possible and particularly enjoys the slopes of Meribel.

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Plan a trip to a winter wonderland | Finland https://europeexplored.com/2011/11/23/plan-a-trip-to-a-winter-wonderland-finland/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/11/23/plan-a-trip-to-a-winter-wonderland-finland/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:34:23 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5522 If you’re looking to make the kids’ Christmas extra special and as magical as they could possibly imagine, you probably can’t beat a trip to a winter wonderland in Finland. There, amidst the snow and ice, it’s so much easier to believe in Father Christmas. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Heather Sunderland […]

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If you’re looking to make the kids’ Christmas extra special and as magical as they could possibly imagine, you probably can’t beat a trip to a winter wonderland in Finland. There, amidst the snow and ice, it’s so much easier to believe in Father Christmas.

Wonderland Finland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Heather Sunderland

There are a huge range of tour operators offering winter wonderland holidays in Finland. Go onto different travel review sites to see which hotel and tour operator gets the best recommendations before booking your magical family holiday.

The Finnish hotels are usually set in perfect backdrops of frozen fairy tale forests, adding to the wonder of it all for you and your children. There are lots of activities that you can combine with your holiday. And of course, there’s the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves.

If you’re not sure what to pack, then think of it in the same way as you would prepare for a ski holiday. Don’t forget – you can be too cold, but it’s going to be difficult to get too hot. If you do get too hot, you can always take layers off – better to carry an extra jacket than be wishing you hadn’t travelled so light. As well as having great ski outfits, make sure you’ve don’t forget to pack essentials like thermal underwear.

It’s not just about meeting Father Christmas; you’ll have the chance to do things like take a ride on a skidoo, go on a sled pulled by Huskies or ride a reindeer. Just don’t forget to have your thermal gloves with you at all times when you go outside. It’s probably worth taking a spare pair for the kids, as they’re the most likely to lose them as they’ll be so breathlessly excited.

Holidays like these don’t come cheap, but the memories will last a lifetime.

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