There’s a ski resort for every level of skier and every type of traveller. Joanna Booth helps you choose with some tips from specialist operators
With new options popping up all over the world it’s no wonder people find it difficult to decide where to go skiing. The good news is that there’s a resort to suit every ability and budget.
We asked ski specialists for recommendations this season.
Perfect for…beginners
Where? Tremblant, Canada
Why? For those taking their first tentative slide, Tremblant is perfect. There is an excellent ski school and a ski-in, ski-out village with lots to do.
Ski Dream expert Michael Brabin said: “The North American ski experience provides empty slopes and reliable snow. On the east coast you don’t find the towering mountain ranges like the Rockies on the west coast, so the skiing tends to be less intimidating and more suited to the beginner/intermediate skier. Tremblant is always popular.”
There are 17 novice and 31 intermediate runs, and even sledding at the foot of the slopes.
Perfect for…families
Where? Serfaus and Fiss, Austria
Why? The lesser-known Tyrolean tri-resort area of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis have great facilities for families.
Inghams national sales manager Edwin Wilkinson said: “Quiet, convenient and just over one hour from Innsbruck airport, these three beautiful villages offer extensive snow-sure skiing on 115 miles of beautifully groomed pistes.
The Serfaus Kinderschneealm – just for kids – has its own cable car, restaurant, merry-go-round, bouncy castle, igloo, mini skidoos and toboggan run. In Fiss, Berta’s Kinderland has an Indian village and a fun park.”
Perfect for…experts
Where? Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US
Why? With 50% of the runs at Jackson Hole classed as expert, this is one for the confident skier looking for a challenge. Across two mountains – Après Vous and Rendezvous – there are 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain, with a vertical drop of 4,139ft.
Ski Independence sales manager Gareth Pilkington said: “Jackson Hole provides some of the steepest skiing and thousands of acres of backcountry terrain to test the very best skier.”
There is even a Steep and Deep ski camp, which runs a few times each year when you can tackle difficult runs and learn from some of the most extreme skiers in the world.
Perfect for…après-ski
Where? St Anton, Austria
Why? Ski hard, play hard types should head to St Anton. There are bars located on the home trail and more off the mountain in the pedestrianised village centre.
There are quieter venues to kick back and relax, but the resort is really famed for its hardcore partying, with a predominantly younger crowd dancing on tables and knocking back the drinks.
Thomson and Crystal Ski product manager for Austria Liz Danton said: “Après-ski St Anton style is hard to beat. Kick off in the Mooserwirt or the Krazy Kangaruh on the edge of the slopes and carry on into the early hours.”
Perfect for…luxury
Where? St Moritz, Switzerland
Why? Famed for its ‘champagne’ climate – with the 220 miles of pistes and an average of 322 days of sun a year to make the plentiful powder sparkle – St Moritz is also a frontrunner when it comes to deluxe credentials.
George Clooney, Kate Moss and royalty all enjoy the top-notch hotels, gastronomy and shopping that the exclusive resort offers.
Kuoni product manager for Switzerland Jane White said: “This upmarket resort has stylish restaurants, bars and luxurious hotels.”
Perfect for…budget
Where? Borovets, Bulgaria
Why? Eastern Europe offers value for money and there’s no need to compromise on the quality of the slopes.
Thomson and Crystal Ski product manager for Borovets David Whitehead said: “Borovets is Bulgaria’s most established ski resort and offers stunning scenery, great skiing and snowboarding on more than 25 miles of pisted runs. Lift passes cost from £89 per adult and from £58 per child. A three-course meal costs approximately £10.”
There are runs for every standard and a ski school, cross country tracks, après-ski and sightseeing opportunities in the form of the famous Rila Monastery.
Perfect for…non-skiers
Where? Ruka, Finland
Why? The skiing is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates, and there is loads for non-skiers to do.
Inghams national sales manager Edwin Wilkinson said: “Set just below the Arctic Circle, the resort has attracted considerable investment due to the reliable snow conditions. There’s also a selection of other winter activities. You can speed across glistening, frozen lakes on a snowmobile – the combination of exhilaration and this winter wonderland is unforgettable.”
Jump in a sled pulled by reindeer or huskies, go snowshoeing, have a relaxing sauna or watch the stunning Northern Lights.
