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.

The post Snowboarding Vs. Skiing appeared first on Europe Explored.

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!

The post An Apres Ski Guide to Meribel, France – What To Do After a Day on the Slopes appeared first on Europe Explored.

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 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.

The post A Beginner’s Guide To Catered Ski Holidays In Meribel, France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Mediterranean cruise ship / Thierry

Mediterranean cruises are perfect if you are unsure if you want a culture filled break of a relaxing holiday in the sun as you can take full advantage and do both. A western Mediterranean cruise can take you to locations such as Spain, Italy, Croatia, Monaco, Malta, Portugal and Morocco. You can visit over 17 countries, each with their own unique attractions as well as sailing around Mediterranean Sea.

Below are some of the best ports to visit along your Mediterranean Cruise to wetting you appetite and give you an idea of what you can get up to:

Israel is one of the most stunning countries and over the past few years many visitors have avoided this amazing destination. However, Israel is becoming popular again and may cruise companies offer port stops here. Haifia was built on the slopes on Mount Carmel and offers many tourist attractions such as the gold –domed shire of the Baha’I world centre, Mount Carmel national park and the nearby towns of Nazareth, Galilee, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

If you are after romance then without doubt you need to visit Venice. The city is extremely popular with cruise passengers and it’s easy to see why as the city overs plenty to see and do. You can experience a gondola ride along the many canals, or visit St. Marks Basilica or Piazza San Marco to name but a few famous attractions. While in Italy it would be a shame to miss out on Rome and visit its many iconic ancient sites such as the Trevi Fountain, The Vatican, The Colosseum and the many Roman art galleries and museums.

Set in a beautiful volcanic landscape is the beautiful port stop of Santorini in the Greek Islands. The Island offers amazing ocean views and postcard perfect whitewashed buildings. The Island offers interesting ancient ruins and an emerged volcano and interesting long black volcanic beaches.

If walking around and exploring is your thing, then a stopover in the Croatia’s port of Dubrovnik is right up your street. You can participant in the many walking tours that explore the Pearl of the Adriatic or discover the main pedestrian walkaway known as Place which offers an abundance of cafes, shops, churches, monasteries and museums.

If Glitz and glamour is more your thing than you’ll need to experience Monte Carlo during your Mediterranean Cruise.  Just off the French Riviera, the city is famous for its wealth and associations with Grace Kelly, the Grand prix and the Casino Royale. Monte Carlo offers a huge range of world cultural events and endless entertainment along with high end shopping, gourmet dining and luxury.

The post Mediterranean Cruises – One of the most perfect ways to see Mediterranean appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo published with a kind permission of its author Paulo Heitlinger

On the area of 105 hectares you can find incredible 700 kinds of trees, including giant Mexican cedar, giant ferns, cypress, plane, evergreen oak, cork, etc. Forest Buçaco is surrounded by a wall which is 5750 meters long and 3 meters high.

The climate is mild with few frosts and exceptionally snow. The annual rainfall is about 1500 mm, with 130 days of rain annually. The temperature ranges between 39-40 ºC in summer and 1 °C in winter. The fogs are very frequent and dense here, and less frequently in spring and winter than in summer and autumn.

Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a popular tourist destination – here you can walk through the forest paths, lakes, fountains and chapels. Beautiful is the local hotel Palácio Hotel do Buçaco, which was originally built in 1907 in an exuberant Neo-Manueline style by the royal family as their residence. Next to it lies the cork church.

View Mata Nacional do Buçaco – protected area in Portugal in a larger map

The post Mata Nacional do Buçaco – protected area in Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Those who are adventurous enough can make their way up to the Loch Skeen. The picturesque views of the area surrounding the peaceful loch are worth the almost hour-long walk it takes to reach.

Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland, UK by Leon Pettit

Within the park, you will also find an earthwork fortress that dates back to the Iron Age. Known as Tail Burnt, the old fort was built upon a hill that has become known over the years as the Giant’s Grave.

If you are really up for an adventure, then you will need to bring your hiking boots because the trip up the side of White Coomb is a treacherous one. You may need to make your way through a herd of wild goats that live along the slopes of the hill. But the adventure is worth the effort as you stand over Tail Burn Gorge and simply admire the beauty that is the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

Since not everyone is willing to take the long and tiring trek up to the top of White Coomb, there is a visitor’s center which comes complete with a CCTV system. From the center, you can watch over the nest of a Peregrine Falcon and even see the entire Tail Burn Gorge. Most of all is that the visitor center offers a state of the art interactive system that will help you to learn more about the nature preserve as well as its long and colorful past.

There’s a reason why so many people over the years have made their way to the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve. The picturesque views of the valley, gorge and loch are definitely one of the biggest reasons to visit the area. Enjoying a peaceful day in the wilderness and a chance to become closer with Mother Nature is another popular reason that so many have visited the park to date.

The post Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve in Scotland, United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.