Key to a successful snow-based holiday, especially if you plan to take lessons, is deciding where to spend most of your time and money. For those uncertain of what might suit them best, here is a quick look at what’s involved in snowboarding and skiing. Some of the main differences between the two sports are highlighted.

Photo by Skistar Trysil

Making a start

Skiing requires a bit of practice to enjoy and a lot of practice to master. Skiers require good co-ordination, sensory awareness and body control. A few days out on the slopes should be enough to grasp the basics, but longer is needed to progress to the harder runs.

Snowboarding, on the other hand, doesn’t require quite as much equipment and once the basic board techniques have been learnt it’s a pretty quick progression onto the mountain slope.

Fitness fanatics

When it comes to keeping fit while you’re away consider what type of workout is appropriate. Whilst both skiing and snowboarding can help to develop and enhance core strength, each sport has a different fitness focus.

Skiing offers a good lower body workout, targeting the thighs, bottom and hips. This is a great sport for toning the legs and will leave you feeling as though you’ve really made a difference.

Although snowboarding is a sport with an equal emphasis on fitness, the movement involved in boarding targets the whole body. The legs get a good workout as they shift the body weight from heel to toe, but the rotation required to twist and turn also works the back and abdominal muscles.

Pressure points

If you’ve got problems with your knee joints, skiing may not be for you. The torsional forces involved in the sport can put unnecessary strain on this part of the body, often leading to injury.

When you snowboard, however, both feet are attached to the same board, so there is less twisting from the knee and therefore less chance of injuring this part of the body.

In snowboarding the risk often comes from injuring the wrist, which is why many people learning this sport choose to wear wrist guards.

Centre and balance

For those people who already have a well-developed sense of balance, snowboarding is a good option and an excellent new challenge. It requires the body to be centred and under control at all times. Skiing, however, generally allows for a few more mistakes, with the task of centring the body a little easier spread between the skis.

Resort suitability

Although things are gradually changing, resorts have often been designed with the skier in mind. This isn’t to say that there aren’t places that are perfect for boarding, but sudden flat patches of snow often favour a skier who can push off and get going more easily. They are a range of places to choose from depending on whether you want value, luxury, relaxing and some resorts are much more suited to beginners to so it’s worth doing plenty of research.

Clothing developments

Whilst ski boots can be a little cumbersome, boarders’ boots are often just a little heavier and stiffer than normal winter boots. This makes walking to and from the start or end of a run far easier and much more comfortable.

For all the pros and cons, there’s little to suggest that being good in one sport doesn’t mean you can’t be equally successful in the other.

After all, it’s clear that although there are a few key differences between skiing and snowboarding there are many similarities too: a love of speed, action and adventure and a preference for the great outdoors to name but a few.

Higher, faster

Generally speaking, skiers can go faster, jump higher and fly further in the air. Although, it’s worth remembering that to do so skiers often use special skis and venues, so it’s not always an equal test.

This article was writen by Will a keen Traveller and writer at travelsupermarket.com. Over the years he has visited many of the ski resorts throughout Europe. Although he finds snowboarding fun, he still preferes skiing for the speed and excitment.

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Meribel has over 20 hot spots to help you celebrate a great day on the slopes. Be it your dance shoes that you wish to satisfy, your ears with some nice tunes, or if you just want to catch a drink or two with some buds – Meribel’s après ski activities are sure to fulfil you (if not your liver). So before heading back to your luxury chalet, enjoy an après ski hot spot of your choice in Meribel. Here is a guide to some of the best:

Apres ski activities in Meribel, France by Leo-setä

Le Pub

Le Pub is a large local bar, located conveniently in the centre of Meribel. Luckily for Le Pub, its spacious size makes for an area where live music is available. After a long day on the slopes you can easily walk right on over to Le Pub – it’s only a little away from the bottom of the pistes. Le Pub starts off its nights with live bands and shakes up the mountains through the night. It also offers pool tables where you can catch a game or two with your friends.

Jacks Bar

Jacks Bar is a newly established venue and most certainly one of the liveliest in Meribel. Jacks Bar offers various types of entertainment for après ski – pool, live music, parties, theme nights, and even stand-up comedy with new and upcoming comedians. If you want to get some air, but not the kind you were getting on the slopes, Jacks Bar has an open terrace that overlooks the mountain range.

Le Rond Point Bar

Le Rond Point Bar is known to mountain sports enthusiasts as one of the liveliest partying venues for après ski. Aside from its upbeat atmosphere Le Rond Point Bar provides the most exquisite a la carte dishes for skiers in all of Meribel. The bar also offers one of Meribel’s most popular drinks – toffee vodka, along with snacks to keep you munching your night away.

Skiing in Meribel, France by Leo-setä

Evolution Bar

Evolution Bar is Meribel’s most popular and renowned bar. It is well known for its au courant bar and internet cafe making for an excellent après ski and chill out when you are looking to get warmed up. It is located right next to Jacks Bar so if you are looking to do a little bar hopping, this is where you will want to focus your night.

Barometer

Barometer is located in Meribel centre, and is mainly a bar for the chalets of Meribel. It is the bar you are looking for if you want a night out but want it to be relaxing and calming. This bar is a modern venue and serves some of the best wines that you will find in this winter wonderland.

Ski holidays in Meribel are guaranteed to be lots of fun – both on and off the slopes!

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1) Alpbach

Atmosphere is the name of the game at Alpbach, and boasts absolutely gorgeous scenery for beginners and pros alike. While Alpbach is more tailored for those new to the sport, good snow conditions will pose a challenge for skill sets of all levels. A nursery slope is a mere five minutes away from the main ski area, perfect for practicing snowploughs after a tough lesson, so bring the kids!

A view from Alpbach ski resort, Austria by mapryan

2) St Anton

There are a few reasons why St Anton is one of the top 3 ski resorts in all of Europe, but don’t be lured in by the beauty of this place. St Anton is primarily for serious skiers, and is not recommended for those new to the sport. However, there are a few resorts for the less-serious just a short bus ride away, so don’t let that stop you from encouraging a few of your beginner friends to tag along.

Skiing in St Anton, Austria by vuorikari

3) Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is known primarily for its beauty and charm. While the annual Hahnenkamm — one of the toughest downhill courses in all of Europe — is held here, what Kitzbühel is really known for is its charm. Warmly welcoming skiers of all skill levels, Kitzbühel is both gorgeous and family-friendly. Even the non-skiers will enjoy their stay here, as the streets are lined with quaint boutiques, luxury hotels, and other trappings that rarely show up at an Austrian ski resort.

Skiing in Kitzbühel, Austria by Mahmut

4) Ischgl

Ischgl is for all you party people out there that love the nightlife just as much as your pair of skis. While Ischgl is not the cheapest of ski resorts, the atmosphere from late afternoon into the early morning hours is electric. Jovial and amicable people dance around every corner, making Ischgl party-central as far as Austrian ski resorts go with some great Austrian ski chalets that you can stay in and recover after the nights activities.

Ski slope in Ischgl, Austria by Leo-setä

5) Obergurgl

Last on the list is the family-friendly Obergurgl, the best Austrian ski resort to take the little ones to. At an extremely high elevation of 1,930m, Obergurgl guarantees snow for a longer season that most ski resorts you’ll find in Austria. While the ski area is somewhat small which will likely irritate experienced skiers, this cozy resort will always have your children within eyesight.

Skiing in Obergurgl, Austria by BeardyRob

There you have it! The five best Austrian ski holiday resorts — now get out there and hit the slopes!

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Accommodation in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere offers a great selection of accommodation options, suitable for every budget; self-catering apartments offer a cost effective way to enjoy your trip, although food at the supermarket or eating out can be expensive. For the mid-range budgets the resort is home to more than 30 hotels, many of which are 4 and 5 star rating with a handful of lower spec options too.

But to do Val d’Isere properly luxury chalets are undoubtedly the way to go. This Alpine resort is the undisputed king of ski chalets with hundreds of luxury chalets replete with designer furnishings and mod cons such as LED televisions, first class en-suites, saunas and hot tubs. These chalets also offer breathtaking views and, due to the central locations boasted by many of them, easy access to the ski slopes, restaurants and nightlife.

Skiing in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere features hundreds of ski trails in the snowfields surrounding the resort. Ninety nine ski lifts capable of moving 135,000 skiers to the top of the slopes each hour also ensure that skiers are able to quickly access the pistes, which cater to every skill level.

Nursery areas with gentle slopes can be found towards the centre of the resort. Here, new skiers can practise and learn the basics of skiing. While experienced skiers can skip past the nursery areas and head straight to the Solaise and Bellevarde areas where leisurely trails can be found with plenty of variation.

Seasoned skiers will want to head to the Olympique area in Bellavarde which features a number of challenging black pistes and fast downhill runs, including the hair-raising downhill runs that were created especially for the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Famous for its high quality snow and reliable snow fall levels Val d’Isere is busiest around Christmas and New Year with thousands of skiers flocking to the area to enjoy the fresh snow. January is a quieter time to visit and the snow quality is arguably better than in December. February sees the slopes fill up with families – French and English (particularly over English schools’ half term week) families. While March quietens down as a result of the declining snow quality, due to the warmer days. April is often the snowiest month of the year and the snow can even keep falling into the month of May although with warmer air temperatures and faster melting snow skiing tends to be somewhat off the cards by this point.

Food and drink in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere features a number of eateries where a quality meal can be enjoyed. From cafes and delis offering tea, coffee and croissants throughout the resort to gourmet restaurants such as ‘La Table de l’Ours’, Val d’Isere’s only Michelin starred restaurant, serve fine gourmet delights. Mountain restaurants, such as the Bellevarde restaurant located at the top of the Bellevarde Mountain, serve food and wine to weary skiers looking for a relaxing recline over lunch. Featuring stunning views and warm fireplaces, these mountain restaurants are the ideal place to relax before indulging in some afternoon skiing.

Nightlife in Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere is famous for its vibrant nightlife offered among its array of bars, pubs and clubs, with such a large après ski community the partying beings from around 4pm everyday – even earlier on bad visibility days – and shows no signs of stopping until well into the early hours.

Probably most famous place for après ski is La Folie Douce, on the piste with a live DJ every day you won’t want to leave. Located towards the centre of Val d’Isere, Café Face, Le Saloon Bar and La Belle Etoile offer chic and comfortable surroundings to enjoy a drink and meet other skiers after a day on the slopes. Partygoers looking to dance the night away will want to head to Dick’s Tea Bar, Le Graal Nightclub and Doudoune Club. Featuring guest appearances from major DJs from around the world, these clubs offer loud music, huge dance floors and relatively affordable drinks.

It’s easy to see why Val d’Isere is known as the world’s best ski resort. With fantastic skiing, exquisite accommodation, world class restaurants and a vivacious nightlife, Val d’Isere is the ideal location for a holiday – and to enjoy some excellent skiing at the same time.

This post is from VIP SKI, the specislists in luxury ski holidays, providing chalets in Val d’Isere and many other Alpine resorts.

Photos courtesy of VIP SKI: https://www.vip-chalets.com/

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Cervinia Zermatt, Italy / Joao Maximo

1. Cervinia Zermatt

Located in Italy, Cervinia Zermatt is a great option for those who wish to ski even when the summer sun is in the air.  The slopes are open all year round and they can be utilised by skiers from top to bottom all year round.  This venue is open to other activities as well.  Of course skiing can be completed on the mountain, with unique events being held to entice the consumer to the panoramic views that are gorgeous at any time, but there are other things as well.  Mountain biking is a common activity with races being held in the summer months for those who want to mix up their skiing efforts with another fun extreme sport.

2. Grande Mott Glacier

The Grande Mott Glacier in France offers a great option for those looking for a summer ski getaway.  There are several different options for skiers no matter what time of year it is.  Located in Tignes, the ski resort offers a choice of sixteen lifts and an amazing seven-hundred and fifty foot drop for the vertical enthusiast.  There is also a snow park open year round.  This includes activities like pipes and rails as well as bumps courses and jumping options making it a perfect choice for those who are seeking raw skiing and snowboarding without the frill of some of the higher end resort options.

3. Zermatt

Located in Switzerland, just near the Italian border, a hidden gem in skiing is located.  Zermatt is a beautiful location for summer skiing.  It has a history of great runs and many find it to be a great option for a skiing holiday during the summer months.  There is a lot of beauty in this location as well.  The Matterhorn is the background music to this skiing location making it both a popular and quintessential European skiing beauty.

4. Italian Peaks

Another great option for summer skiing in Italy are the Passo Stelvio and Passo Tonale glaciers.  These skiing locations offer summer skiing between June and July. The courses vary and can be limited by the summer weather however they offer great options for those who are looking for a summer ski getaway.

5. Stryn

Stryn is located in Norway and has a limited summer run, but a summer run none the less.  This course is available to skiers from May until July, making it limited but no less useful for those seeking a European ski course.  It is among the most popular in the country when it comes to summer skiing and offers many great events.  Beyond the skiing, there is a community of activities that are held around this location.  Included in this are the great partying adventures. (The activities that take place when the lights go down and the slopes close for the evening.) For this reason, it has grown not only in popularity because of its skiing but for the overall experience that can be had.

Luxury chalets can be found at all of the destinations listed above so if you want to head to a fun filled ski destination this summer, you have a lot of options to choose from.

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Photo by oetztal.com

Ötztal Valley Resorts have a total of more than 300 km of ski slopes, which lie at an altitude ranging from 1377 to 3340 meters above sea level and thus can boast an elevation of nearly 2,000 metres. The most famous ski resort of Ötztal is exclusive Sölden, which offers about 150 kilometers of ski slopes, spreading partially on two glaciers and three peaks with a height exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level. This makes Sölden really a unique ski resort in Austrian Alps. More than 100 kilometers of slopes has another luxury resort Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. But Ötztal is also suitable for cross-country skiers as you can find here around 185 kilometres of cross-country trails.

Ski pass prices and opening hours
Lifts in the Ötztal runs from 8:30 to 16:30. One-day ski pass costs €45 in the most popular resorts like Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, and six-day ski pass costs about €230.

Also an offer of après-ski activities is on a high level in Ötztal. In addition to restaurants, bars, shops, you can try out all sorts of winter sports and the icing on the cake is a luxury aqua park situated in the town Längenfeld.

For further info visit oetztal.com website.

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Photo by stuben.com

Resort St.Anton-St.Christoph-Stuben offers a total of 115 km of ski slopes, which are located at an altitude ranging from 1304 metres to 2811 meters above sea level. 49 kilometres are ski slopes of blue difficulty, 53 km are of red slopes and 13 kilometers of tracks boasts black level. Additional 100 kilometres are off the groomed slopes.

There are a total of 38 lifts in operation here (5 cabins, 17 chair lifts, 16 poma lifts). They can transport over 58,000 skiers per hour. Of course there is a number of snow parks and a ski schools and you can even use approximately 40 km of cross-country ski trails.

Lifts in St.Anton-St.Christoph-Stuben runs from 8:45am to 4:15pm. Adult daily ski pass costs €45.50, and six-day ski pass costs €219.

An offer of après-ski activities in the village of Stuben can not even compare to the well known and famous St.Anton, the legendary town, which is the main site of an area. But anyway Stuben is still very nice and suitable for all types of skiers and offers really nice skiing in Austrian Alps with great view of the surrounding peaks.

For further information visit an official site of Stuben ski resort.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by raffaele sergi

Area of Via Lattea boasts in total 400 km of ski slopes, which are situated in the mountains at an altitude of 1350 – 2823 meters above sea level. There are 200, mainly red, interconnected pistes, from which you definitely should not miss the Olympic slopes located in Sestriere or Sansicariu. Another resort of Pragelato is a place of the Olympic cross-country trails. You can try a total of 79 lifts here that are able to transport more than 105,000 skiers within an hour.

Via Lattea offers several snow parks, ski schools and have over 30 restaurants directly on the slopes. An offer of après-ski activities in the area of ​​Via Lattea is fully sufficient thanks to shops, bars and restaurants where you can taste the specialties of delicious local cuisine. Those, who are even after returning from the skiing day still full of energy, can skate on ice rinks in the areas of Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx and Claviere.

One day ski pass costs €20, if you are coming for more days, it is better to buy a ski pass that can be used on all of the 400km of slopes. For such 6-day ski pass you should pay €231.

For further details visit official site of Via Lattea.

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This alpine lake is one of the most visited places in the Austrian Gletscherpark area (the area south of Innsbruck). Rifflsee Lake is accessible only by cable car from the town of Mandarfen. The cableway takes you to the height of 2300 meters, where is a magnificent view of the lake itself and the surrounding Austrian Alps. In the building of the final station there is a restaurant with a renowned panoramic terrace.

Austria is ideal for mountain hikes, and Lake Rifflsee is the famous starting point. It is ideal for young cyclists but also for the older people. There are many tracks of various lengths and complexity. All the tracks definitely have one thing in common – great views of the Alps! Rifflsee is well-known also among skiers and this area belongs to one of the best skiing destinations in Austria.

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Sella Ronda is rare, about 37 km long ski slopes around the circuit on the Sella massif and the Kronplatz. It offers not only the great skiing but also breathtaking views of the most beautiful parts of the Dolomites, and therefore great opportunities for photography. You can pass the circuit in both directions. Following Orange mark in a clockwise direction (senso orario) – a route is 36.6 km long. Or the second option is to go in the opposite direction (senso antiorario) following green mark. This route is 38.7 km long. Each of these two destinations offer something else. Orange one offers a range of challenging slopes and is therefore suitable for more experienced skiers. Sella Ronda route takes all day to an average skiers, including the breaks for refreshments and relaxation. The circuit can be passed also within 3 hours, thanks to the local Express lifts.

Sella Ronda ski area offers in total 550 km of slopes, for all levels of skiers. There are many opportunities for the curving, freeride, alpine skiing and cross country skiing. Transport is provided by 215 lifts, whose carrying capacity is 240 000 persons per hour. Starting point to the Sella Ronda area are: Campitello and Canazei from Val di Fassa, Arabba, Colsfosco, Corvara and Val Gardena. There are also many amusement parks for children and snowboarders. You can also enjoy night skiing – in Val di Fassa (Pozza di Fassa).

In Sella Ronda there are ski school, nursery school, you can rent or buy ski equipment here. There are lots of accommodation possibilities and refreshments. There is also a range of other activities like skating, tennis, squash, bowling, paragliding, tobogganing, and much more. High season usually lasts from December to April. If you go to the Sella Ronda ski area, you must buy a lift pass Dolomiti SuperSki because special pass only to the Sella Ronda does not exist. SuperSki Dolomiti Ski Pass is wider and offers a total of 1,200 km of slopes.

Sella Ronda ski area is also famous for the race Gardenissima, which is the longest giant slalom in the world. The race was attended to not only professionals but also amateurs.

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