Travellgear Ski Resort

Ski Holidays - A Resort Guide Part 1

2008-07-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

By Jay Tillotson

In Britain, we don't get an abundance of either sun or snow, so it stands to reason we'll go elsewhere for it. Ski resorts are a popular holiday choice amongst the British, and while not as great a variety as there is with sunspots, there's still plenty of choice to suit any taste.

Andorra

The miniscule principality of Andorra, nestled in between Spain and France, is known as one big ski resort, although it has 5 distinct regions. The largest of these is Grandvalira, which has over 160km of skiing and snowboarding reaching an altitude of 2560m. The smaller region of Vallnord is quieter and more picturesque but just as popular for ski holidays.

The other 3 resorts also have their own personalities. For brash, loud night-life visit Pas de la Casa on the French border. For elegant chic, Soldeu is the place to be, or try Arinsal for a family friendly village. English, French, Spanish and Catalan are all spoken and understood in Andorra, and although the official currency is the Euro, shopkeepers will often deal in other currencies too.

Austria

For veteran skiers, Austria is the place to go. It has long been established as the unequivocal ski holiday destination, and offers an alpine charm not found in the up and coming resorts in France, USA and the like. The resort of Mayrhofen boasts almost a third of its slopes as suitable for beginners, while also offering many slopes of intermediate and advanced levels.

Skiing is the national sport of Austria, so it's obvious that ski holidays in this country will be unrivalled. While the slopes aren't quite as high as the French or Andorran slopes, the Austrians have a reputation for après-ski that is famous the world over. From slap-dancing, Euro pop and table-dancing with your ski boots on, there's no shortage of the Austrian party atmosphere!

Canada

Canada is a relatively undiscovered destination for ski holidays, and has developed a reputation for being a quiet place with not too many skiers to spoil your views. Canadian ski resorts are very multi-cultural, like the rest of Canada, and while English is the main language spoken, the resorts in the Quebec regions also have a high volume of French-speakers.

Après-ski in Canadian resorts varies from quiet sleigh rides while sipping hot chocolate to nightclubs and rock bars. Each resort has a different feel to it, so do your research before booking to see which would suit you best.

(travelsupermarket.com)

Kicking Horse Ski Resort – 7 Shrewd Tips To Save Money On Your Next Vacation

2008-07-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

By Devon O'Malley

If you’ve never heard of Kicking Horse Ski Resort in British Columbia, it’s not surprising.

That’s because Kicking Horse Ski Resort (previously known as Whitetooth Ski Area) is the first, four season mountain resort to open in the Rockies region in 25 years. Over the past few years, the Kicking Horse Ski area has gone from modest ski hill to world-class resort.

Visitors to Kicking Horse Ski Resort can’t help but rave about the monumental powder season dumps, the massive vertical terrain, and laid back atmosphere guaranteed to have you wondering why it took you so long to find this snow haven.

Of course, paradise always has a price.

Luckily, I’ve collected a number of tips to help you save money on your next Kicking Horse Ski vacation.

Tip #1 – Avoid Booking Your Kicking Horse Ski Resort Vacation During Major Holidays

While it’s usually the most convenient to flee the cities on major holidays, it’s worth being flexible on your chosen days. That’s because accommodation prices usually skyrocket around big holidays, and drop right back down immediately after. Booking your Kicking Horse Ski Resort accommodation, flights, and lift tickets far in advance can allow time to surf around for the best times to go.

Tip #2 - Book Your Kicking Horse Ski Resort Accommodation Directly with Homeowners

Sure, you could stay in a hotel. But consider booking your Kicking Horse ski accommodation directly with homeowners instead and you’ll bypass unnecessary middle-agent fees and taxes, while often paying a cheaper nightly rate.

Plus you’ll experience the Kicking Horse Ski area from the comfort of a fully furnished condo, with a equipped kitchen, television, and other amenities included. And don’t forget, most owners have free parking, whereas most rental managers and hotels have additional nightly parking fees.

Tip #3 – Share The Cost And Invite A Friend (or two) to Kicking Horse Ski Resort

I’m sure you’ve heard that two is company, and three’s a crowd. But your total booking price drops dramatically if you decide to share the cost of your Kicking Horse ski accommodation with a few other friends. Getting a bigger property and adding an extra two people could save you a few hundred dollars by spreading the cost out. Plus, what’s a ski resort vacation without a few friends to experience it with?

Tip #4 - Pack the Entertainment

Keeping kids entertained in between hitting the ski slopes can be a pricey affair. Television and movie rentals are generally a fail-safe alternative to going out. But you should also pack a number of fun alternatives to help in the slow periods, such as a few classic board games or a deck of cards. After all, there’s nothing quite like an evening of Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit after a day of exploring the Kicking Horse ski area.

Tip #5 Prepare Your Own Meals

This one is a killer. Eating out is generally considered one of the fastest ways of burning a hole in your wallet. The easiest alternative is to book your Kicking Horse ski accommodation owner-direct, and use your fully equipped kitchen to prepare some of your meals ensuite. Not much of a chef? Not to worry, try searching a few simple recipes online before you go and you’ll surprise yourself. (In a good way).

Tip #6 Look for Promotions in Tourist Brochures & Flyers on Kicking Horse Ski Resort

While strolling the streets and browsing the shops in Kicking Horse Ski Resort, keep an eye out for tourist guides and helpful maps that often include discount coupons for various activities and restaurants. By the end of your trip, you could end up saving a worthwhile amount.

Tip #7 Buy A Snowmax Card

If you’re a resident of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, you can pick up a Snowmax card for some worthwhile savings. The card comes loaded with 4 free days at Panorama or Kicking Horse Ski Resort (you can split the days as you please). Then for the rest of the season you continue to score a $15 discount on future lift tickets.

(alluradirect.com)

Choosing the Right Ski Resort

2008-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

By Mark Hammond

Choosing the right ski resort can make all the difference in the kind of ski vacation you end up having. If you love skiing and you are looking to book your next ski vacation, but you have no idea where to go skiing, here are a few tips you can follow to help you make the right decision in selecting the perfect ski resort for you, your preferences, your experience, and your skill level.

First, find possible ski resorts through which you can enjoy skiing to the fullest. Look online and search for “ski resorts” in your area, or in the area you’d like to travel to. Write down all the ski resorts that capture your interest.

Next, review all the ski resorts in which you’re interested. Make sure you find out all you can about each resort. Ski resorts should have websites clearly providing information such as location, direction, contact information, prices, types and number of trails for each level, availability of ski lessons, current conditions, base snow, vertical height, and other activities and amenities, as well as available accommodations. Also, find out if you can purchase your lift ticket in advance through their site, which is not only convenient but can also save you quite a bit of money. Review each resort, and then start making comparisons.

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind as you’re reviewing each ski resort is your skill level. If you’re just a beginner at skiing, stick to a ski resort with a smaller mountain and that includes a wide variety of beginner trails for your ease and enjoyment, as well as a large area specifically designed for skiers who are just learning. You may also want to find out if the ski resort includes lessons for beginners, and whether they come cost-included.

If you’re a more established skier, look for a top-level, highly advanced ski resort with a high vertical and plenty of black diamond trails and exciting terrain to challenge you. You will be hard-pressed to find advanced-skier-only resorts, as most will include trails for skiing beginners as well as intermediate skiers; however, choose a ski resort that offers a high percentage of advanced trails.

If you have children, choose a ski resort that is family-friendly or, better yet, family-focused (some resorts are actually specifically geared toward families). These resorts should have kid-friendly skiing trails, accommodations, restaurants, and winter activities like ice skating and tubing. Look for a skiing resort that includes children’s programs and a day care.

Another tip is to avoid the weekend in planning your skiing vacation and choosing a ski resort. You will first of all avoid the large crowds—which is especially beneficial if you’re a beginner or you have a family—and you will also likely save more on your lift tickets. Finally, choose a resort that includes both ski lessons as well as equipment rentals for free along with your lift ticket.

(nationalhotels.co.uk)

Ski Resorts Around the World for Families

2008-07-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

By Steve Miers

Whether you like to ski the slopes, catch air with your snowboard or simply enjoy taking in the breathtaking view of snow covered mountains, vacationing at ski resorts has a little something for everyone. From beginner to novice and everywhere in between, you will find a ski resort that will meet your vacation, relaxation and outdoor fun needs.

You can find ski resorts all over the world from Lake Tahoe and Colorado in the States to the mountains in Italy, Austria and Switzerland. You can take a long weekend or a long holiday overseas. The beauty of so many different ski resorts is that you can ski with family, friends or children or take a romantic holiday to a ski resort.

When searching for ski resorts, check out the packages that each resort has to offer. In addition to just booking a room, you can book your whole vacation itinerary. They typically offer ski lessons, discount lift tickets, other activities at the lodge and often include breakfast and other meals. Packages are often the way to go since they save you money and may include activities that you would not have done otherwise.

If you have children who like to ski, you can take a family vacation to a ski resort. There are many resorts that have activities that are geared towards children and slopes that parents and children can ski together. Since smaller children don't always want to spend a long time out in the cold, they have crafts, games and other things for young children to do at the lodge.

Just about any ski resort can be romantic. What is more romantic than snuggling up by the fireplace with the one you love? Many ski resorts have honeymoon packages that will include champagne and strawberries in the room and other things to make your stay memorable. You can ski during the day and snuggle in the lodge by night.

With ski resorts all over the world, you can travel to different lands to ski the slopes and learn about the local customs and cuisine. Families, friends and honeymooners alike will be able to find a ski resort and customize it to their ideal vacation.

Ski Resorts

2008-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

By Ross Bainbridge

When the weather turns colder, skiers around the world wait in anticipation for the first good snow of the year. Once it snows, they flock to the nearest ski resorts, even if it means they need to travel far.

There are some topnotch ski resorts in different places throughout the world. Where you go will depend on how much money you have, your level of expertise, and your preference. Here is some advice on booking your ski trip, including information on ski resorts.

Your first step to planning your trip is to find out which destinations interest you the most. Do you love Colorado or would you rather go to Utah? Are you interested in a charming New England town or would you rather fly to the Swiss or German Alps? Each destination has its own charm.

Once you choose the location, you can figure out when the best time is to go. Since most ski resorts are busy throughout the season, you may need to plan your trip well in advance. Unfortunately, this doesn't give you a lot of flexibility. Some places may not see a lot of snowfall at certain times. To help increase your chances of getting good snow conditions, research what the conditions are typically like in a given area for the time period you would like to go.

The next step in planning your ski trip is to purchase your plane ticket or decide if you are driving. If you do need a plane ticket, you can either ask your travel agent for advice or book the trip yourself online or by calling your favorite airline. You can also use frequent flyer miles or opt to take a train or bus.

Once you have all those details set, you will need to pick your ski resort. Ski resorts offer a wonderful way to experience the slopes. They often have activities for kids, ski rentals, and lessons. Others offer rooms and cabins with fireplaces and many have a restaurant.

So, to enjoy your ski trip, make sure that it is well planned. Go when the snow conditions are right. Shop around for your different transportation options, and find the ski resorts that best meet the needs of those you are traveling with.

(i-skiresorts.com)