There are many winter sports destinations that offer something a bit different – Japan’s ski resorts in particular are enjoying increased popularity.
Some destinations, such as South Korea and Lebanon, don’t yet have sufficient infrastructure to be featured by tour operators, but all of the following have made it into ski brochures.
Yllas, Finnish Lapland
Lying north of the Arctic Circle in the midst of a Narnia-like landscape, Yllas has an almost magical feel. The skiing is limited but there are plenty of other activities away from the slopes, lots of restaurants and good après-ski.
Though it’s cold and dark in the depths of winter, the almost permanent twilight adds to the enchanting atmosphere, plus the slopes are floodlit until 9pm and the season stretches until May when the days are very long.
Who does it suit? Its excellent ski school with English-speaking instructors makes it ideal for beginners, while families are also attracted by other activities including dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides and ice fishing. It’s also great for cross-country skiing.
Sample product:Neilson has seven nights’ self-catering from mid-January from £239 per person, based on four sharing a one-bedroom four-star apartment. Price includes flights and transfers.
Bariloche, Argentina
One of the best ski resorts in South America, Bariloche is well known for its deep powder, extensive off-piste skiing and heli-skiing.
Slopes are often almost deserted but those who venture this far will be skiing or riding in breathtaking landscape through forests and round lakes, with the Callhuaco mountains as a backdrop. Lifts are modern and hotels are of an international standard.
Who does it suit? Experienced skiers and powder junkies; off-piste enthusiasts and keen skiers who don’t want to stop in the summer; good instruction is available in English from European instructors and guides.
Sample product:All America Holidays has seven days’ bed and breakfast in the Edelweiss hotel from £1,550 including flights from September to mid-December 2008.
Valle Nevado, Chile
Known as ‘the Three Valleys of South America’, Valle Nevado is part of the largest ski area in the southern hemisphere and at 3,668 metres above sea level you feel on top of the world, though beware of altitude sickness.
Situated only 90 minutes from Santiago, the resort has no village, just a handful of interlinked hotels, but the friendly Chilean and Brazilian clientele bring a party atmosphere to après-ski bars.
Who does it suit? Hardcore skiers and riders who need a summer fix; those looking for off-piste and powder.
Sample product:Crystal Ski has seven nights’ half-board in the hotel Tres Puntas, including flights and transfers from £1,345 for departures in June 2008.
Baqueira-Beret, Spanish Pyrenees
Famous for being the chosen resort of the Spanish royal family, Baqueira-Beret has a good snow record and is nice and sunny. Pistes are mainly wide open, uncrowded blues and reds; there are only four green runs.
Who does it suit? This is a good confidence-building resort for intermediate skiers with two to eight weeks’ skiing behind them. There is also some off-piste and heli-skiing for skiers and riders looking for more of a challenge.
Sample product:Inghams has seven nights from £451 based on four sharing a two-room apartment in January or £698 for a half-board stay in a three-star hotel.
