Europe Explored » vanoise national park 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 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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Gran Paradiso National Park, Valle D’Aosta in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/01/gran-paradiso-national-park-valle-daosta-in-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/06/01/gran-paradiso-national-park-valle-daosta-in-italy/#comments Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:08:15 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=567 In the Graian Alps situated in the Valle D’Aosta you will find the Gran Paradiso National Park. The park is named for the mountain which is found within the borders of the park. While originally created to protect the Alpine ibex, today the Gran Paradiso National Park is also responsible for protecting many different species […]

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In the Graian Alps situated in the Valle D’Aosta you will find the Gran Paradiso National Park. The park is named for the mountain which is found within the borders of the park. While originally created to protect the Alpine ibex, today the Gran Paradiso National Park is also responsible for protecting many different species of flora and fauna.

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy by Lexe-I

The Alpine ibex was a popular animal to hunt throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. As a result of this hunting, only 60 of them were said to have been left. People hunted the ibex for sport as well as for their various body parts. There is a cross-shaped bone that can be found in the ibex which has been used as a means of protecting people from dying a violent kind of death.

It was Victor Emmanuel who would first make steps to prevent the further decline of the ibex population. Set to become the king of Italy, Victor designated the area as the Royal Hunting Reserve of the Gran Paradiso back in 1856. Then in 1920, King Victor Emmanuel III set out to make the area the first nation’s park. Today there are more than 4,000 ibex living in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy by SNappa2006

There are 57 glaciers in the Gran Paradiso National Park as the area includes more than 703 square kilometers of land. Some of the park is used today for agricultural purposes and much of it is for leisure. The Gran Paradiso Mountain stands 4,000 meters above sea level which makes it one of the tallest mountains in Italy. From its peak, you can see both the Matterhorn as well as Mont Blanc. When combined with the Vanoise National Park just across the border in France, you have the European Union’s largest protection area. The French park is also dedicated to the Alpine ibex.

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