Best Skiing Destinations and Resorts

As more than one million British holidaymakers head to the slopes this winter, Travel Tapestry has done some research to find out the World's Best Skiing Destinations for Ski lovers.

Whistler, CANADA

Top of the list is the well-known resort of Whistler in Canada, which now has the added buzz of getting ready for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler can offer skiing all year round due to supplementary artificial snow. Whistler has an excellent international travel links.Try http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm which is Official Alpine Skiing Venue for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Val D’Isere, France - EUROPE

Second on the list is the high altitude resort of Val d'Isère in France, another well-known ski destination, which had reliable snowfall and stylish shops and restaurants. Close to Chambéry, this French resort has some of the best skiing in the world on its doorstep. L’Espace Killy lift passes cover Tignes too, in case there is not enough to entertain you in Val for 48 hours. Tignes is also more snowboard friendly. Val has fabulous off-piste but is also ideal for cautious intermediates.Try http://www.valdisere.com

St Anton, Austria - EUROPE

This Austrian party town is closer to Zurich and Innsbruck than people realise. Possibly the best destination for a weekend of hard skiing and après-ski, it provides nonstop on and off slope action. You will need serious rest after a weekend here. Best for expert skiers; beginners should go elsewhere. Try www.stantonamarlberg.com

Flaine, Geneva, Switzerland - EUROPE

Close to Geneva. Do not be put off by the French resort’s concrete Bauhaus-style architecture. The ski area is fantastic, a number of more appealing, chalet-style four and five-star properties are springing up and you can always stay in prettier outlying villages such as Les Carroz or Samoëns. Nestled in the heart of a natural, tree-lined bowl, Flaine is a modern, car-free resort with fabulous views of Mont Blanc. The highlights for children include a go-karting track, indoor pool and climbing wall, while parents with an eye for art will love the monumental works by Picasso and Dubuffet on display in resort. Try www.flaine.com



Meribel, France - EUROPE

France’s Les Trois Vallées are almost ruled out for a quick getaway because of the lengthy transfer from Geneva. But Méribel has an altiport and a plane hop from Geneva can be cheaper than a taxi.See how many of the Trois Vallées’ 630km of runs you can manage to squeeze in. And stay in a chalet - this is chalet central. Try www.meribel.net

Courmayeur, Italy - EUROPE

The resort is not purpose-built and is full of charm and atmosphere, yet it also has some of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps. Prices are competitive in accommodation, ski passes, food and drink, and it has three international airports within easy reach. Just through the Mont Blanc tunnel in Italy, it is less than two hours from Geneva and is great for shopping. Top for people watching, particularly the finely clad Milanese, who descend at weekends. Perfect for piste-bashing intermediates. Chic Courmayeur has always been very popular with affluent Milanese. Courmayeur is awesome and highly recommended. Easy to get to from any airport in the UK and it is drivable also. Try www.courmayeur-montblanc.com

La Clusaz,France - EUROPE

Very French and relatively undiscovered by Brits, La Clusaz is less than an hour away from Geneva. It is also set in pretty countryside - the Aravis mountains are softer and smaller than the jagged Mont Blanc massif and dotted with gorgeous chalets.Lots of Gallic charm. The resort is great for intermediates. Try www.laclusaz08.com

Chamonix, France - EUROPE

The French Alpine mecca is a bit of a push for a weekend but it is non-negotiable for the die-hard ski fanatic.Chamonix the town is more than just another ski resort. It sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, is the mountain climbing mecca of the world and has been a tourist destination for more years than just about anywhere in the Alps. Chamonix is also an historic mountain town, as opposed to a purpose-built resort, and is a busy, bustling place. You will find it has a real soul. Chamonix is nestled in the heart of the Northern Alps at the crossroads of the three frontiers separating France, Italy and Switzerland. Out of this world skiing and off-piste make it well worth the journey. Stay up the valley in Argentière to be really close to the Grands Montets - the best mountain in Cham. It's less than an hour by taxi from Geneva so you can be on the piste a couple of hours after arriving in Geneva. Situated at 88 km from Geneva airport and linked with the European road network, Chamonix is an easily accessible mountain town. Try www.chamonix.com

Engelberg, Switzerland - EUROPE

This resort in Switzerland is strangely underrated. It is excellent for off-piste hounds and good intermediates and, crucially, is close to Zurich. A pretty, two-and-a-half-hour train ride, less by car, brings you to a resort with awesome off-piste and one of the longest verticals in the Alps. Try www.engelberg.ch

Alpe D’Huez, France - EUROPE

There is skiing and boarding for everybody at this French resort, close to both Grenoble and Lyons, although it is particularly good for beginners. The designated ‘slow zone’ is perfect for any first timer, or mini-skier. Not a classically charming resort but it is in the big league, offering a giant variety of slopes. It is also blessed with plenty of sunshine. Attractions include igloos, glacier tours, snow mobiling, and a sports centre with ice rink and heated indoor pool. Try www.alpedhueznet.com

Zell Am See, Austria - EUROPE

This Austrian destination is extraordinarily pretty, located beside a lake and very close to Salzburg. Kaprun is just up the road, with its glacier offering snow-sure skiing and more slopes. Zell, itself, is slightly limited, certainly for the adventurous expert. Try www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

Saas Fee, Switzerland - EUROPE

The Swiss resort of Saas Fee is famous for family friendly facilities and great skiing. Mighty four-thousand-metre-peaks, touchable glaciers, deep blue sky is how we would like to describe sunny Saas Valley. Try http://www.saas-fee.ch

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia - EUROPE

Kranjska Gora in Slovenia is "a great destination for beginners".The lively adventures of the Julian Alps are waiting for you in Kranjska Gora. Try www.kranjska-gora.si/

Termas de Chillan, EUROPE

Much further away and more likely to appeal to more affluent skiers is the Termas de Chillan in the Chilean Andes. As well as excellent skiing away from the busy slopes of western Europe, Termas de Chillan also has thermal springs recommended for arthritis and rheumatism sufferers, so may well appeal to older skiers. Try http://www.termaschillan.cl/

Beaver Creek, America

Beaver Creek in the US state of Colorado makes the top 20 as it has excellent accommodation and is so close to the slopes that you can ski from your doorstep. Another family-orientated resort, Beaver Creek's slopes are "well-groomed" and it has a "first class" ski school. Try http://www.beavercreek.com/

Bansko, Bulgaria - EUROPE

The only other eastern European resort to make our Best Skiing Destinations is Bansko in Bulgaria, which is being developed around its World Heritage status town centre, making it a great way of skiing and seeing historical Bulgaria. Try www.bulgariaski.com/bansko/

La Rosière, France - EUROPE

At number ten is La Rosière, France, which has great views of the iconic Mont Blanc. It is also well-connected with another resort just over the border in Italy - La Thuile -which means skiers can take advantage of an 11-kilometre run, crossing the border on the way. Try http://www.larosiere.net/

Avoriaz, France - EUROPE

One of the biggest, most beautiful and innovative ski areas in the world, the bustling resort of Avoriaz also boasts pristine eco credentials. This car-free ski heaven is home to ‘Le Stash’ – Europe’s first environmentally friendly snow park, and the fabulous Children’s Village, created by top skier Annie Famose, who is also a mum who understands the demands of kids on holiday. There is also a skating rink, a fully equipped sports centre, and sleigh rides to get you in the Christmas spirit! Try http://www.avoriaz.com/

La Plagne, EUROPE

Comprising a network of ski villages, La Plagne is well-connected until midnight by an excellent system of lifts and buses. The ski area is an intermediates paradise with long reds and blues to explore making it a great choice for more experienced skiers and families with snow-mad teenagers. There’s an excellent ski school and crèche, too. Try http://www.la-plagne.com

Niseko, Japan

Niseko brings together three main resorts on one mountain on the island of Hokkaido, with an average of 14 metres snowfall through the winter. It is known for its high quality and an abundance of powder, and is fast becoming a destination for skiers and boarders looking for that something extra. Try Try http://www.avoriaz.com/

Vaujany, France - EUROPE

Vaujany is a hidden gem - it's a village resort with world-class skiing, having direct access to the entire Alpe d'Huez domain. It is still small, but has one of the largest cable cars in the world and skiing from 3,300 metres down to 1,100m. An hour from Grenoble airport, it is also ideal for children. Vaujany is very a popular with younger families due to the inexpensive prices and links to larger resorts. Try http://www.vaujany.com

Puy St Vincent, France - EUROPE

Regular guests describe Puy St Vincent as skiing's best-kept secret. It has an enviable snow record due to its favourable micro-climate. It is incredibly convenient and has a safe layout which families love and, for an unlinked resort, it also boasts a varied range of pistes. Puy St Vincent is a ski resort similar to La Joue du Loup, except it is a village around which a resort has been built, rather than a man-made resort. Try http://www.paysdesecrins.com/

Lech, Austria - EUROPE

Lech is a picture-postcard Alpine village, set in a high wooded valley in the Austrian Tyrol. The resort is at the centre of the vast Arlberg ski area, offering expansive skiing for all abilities, coupled with stunning scenery. Try http://www.lech-zuers.at/

Zakopane, Poland - EUROPE

A venue which offers a chance to try various winter sports - downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, winter walking. Zakopane is a classic winter resort on the northern edge of the stunningly beautiful Tatra mountains. Try http://www.zakopane-life.com/

Riksgransen, Sweden - EUROPE

Its greatest attraction is the chance to ski under the midnight sun, as there is guaranteed quality snow until late June. All ski lifts are in easy reach of accommodation, and heli-skiing is also available. Try http://www.stromma.se/en/Riksgransen/

Thanks for your time and we hope that you found the above information useful. We would like to hear your thoughts. Send us mail on ukmail@traveltapestry.com. If you are interested in advertising with www.TravelTapestry.com then click here. If you advertise with us we would give your company a miximum exposure to our various high Search Engine(Google) Optimised pages.

Print article  ©2006 Travel Tapestry www.traveltapestry.com