Skidoos and don'ts
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Skiing, to the unenthused, might conjure images of lycra-clad Italians in queue-jumping competitions, boots that have evolved little since the era of deep-sea diving, sliced cheese with holes in it, pine trees and snow, lots and lots of snow. Of course there are elements of truth in this, especially the snow part, but it doesn’t have to be this way. For me skiing is the fastest, most fist-in-the-mouth-exciting way to get some fresh air and take in landscapes that would turn even the most knuckle-headed thug into a meadow-frolicking romantic. It is an excuse to grow a beard on which I can nurture baby icicles, go as quickly as gravity and my own knee cartilage will allow, lose bodily fluids through eye-watering exhilaration, and replace them later in front of a roaring fireplace with local beer wearing inch-thick jumpers with reindeers on. I am not of the espresso-fuelled, neon swim-wear school of Euro winters, but prefer to spend my afternoons on the semi-deciduous American slopes of resorts like Stowe in Vermont. Here skiing is regarded as a casual weekend past-time, like taking the dog for a walk or going for a jog. Jeans and a t-shirt are preferred over the static conducting nylon get-ups encountered in places like Chamonix and Val D’Isere, and when the weather’s a few clouds less than perfect, there are no queues to jump- sorry Johnny Ferrari. Of course there is some merit to the larger ski resorts; more runs, more jaw-dropping views, wider slopes, but with these benefits come the inevitable bus loads of holiday makers, unless you go off-season when you risk having either new wet snow, icy snow or no snow at all. So if it’s the autobahn style of skiing you’re after, the European Alps are a must, but if, like me you prefer to wind your way through country roads with the top down, sighing like a schoolgirl at passing vegetation, then a smaller resort might be more suitable. |
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Best skiing » I'll ski you later...
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WhistlerSkiing in Whistler, Canada Re-named Whistler Mountain in 1965 (after the cry of the ubiquitous western hoary marmot, or Whistle Pig) the pleasantly car-free village centre was purpose-built, quite attractively, on the site of an old garbage tip, a favourite haunt of bears. It is now an attractive but sprawling village, dominated in the Upper Village by the imposing neo-gothic structure of the splendid Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel, and some truly terrific skiing on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains which have the largest vertical drop in North America: both are about a mile high. Vancouver, the gateway city, is one of the most beautiful in the world. Then comes the two hour "Sea-to-Sky Highway" (99 North) drive, the early stages along the magnificent Strait of Georgia coastline, with misty views of Vancouver Island. One of Whistler's few snags is its low elevation. At 675 metres (2,214 feet), close to the maritime influence of the Pacific seaboard, it tends to attract more than its fair share of rain. Although this nearly always results in fresh snowfalls higher up the mountain, the prospect of going out in the rain to start a day's skiing puts a slight dampener on things. But keen skiers and boarders will hardly give it a moment's thought. Superficially, the two mountains are quite similar. Each has more than 100 trails, many of them long cruising runs through pine forests. But Whistler has more bowls (Symphony, Glacier, Whistler, Harmony and West Bowls) while Blackcomb has glaciers: Blackcomb and Horstman. It also has more couloirs, such as Couloir Extreme and Pakalolo.
Review by Photo by flickr user Andre Charland |
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VailSkiing in Vail, United States Excellent for the back bowls and the customer service. The snow is always kept well groomed and the low temperatures mean it’s quite powdery.
Review by Photo by flickr user laszlo-photo |
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Skiing Snowbird and AltaSkiing in Mountain States, United States Snowbird, the brash, jet-set destination, and Alta, Utah’s “grande dame” resort, are strange bedfellows. Only a mile of Little Cottonwood Canyon road separates them, yet although linked, they remain very different animals. But the skiing is equally exciting. Their combined terrain has created one of the most exciting prospects in the Rockies: the dryness and quantity of Utah’s snow is so celebrated that the state proclaims it ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ on car licence plates, and it is claimed that 500 inches falls each winter. The link between the two resorts was achieved thanks to the construction of lifts in Mineral Basin, a large bowl owned at the back of Snowbird's Hidden Peak and Alta's Sugarloaf mountains. Alta, once a busy mining community, opened its first lift as long ago as January 1939. There is no doubt that Alta's best terrain is more suitable for strong skiers. The area is dotted with all kinds of gullies, chutes and cruising runs – some not on the trail map. Snowbird’s ‘tram’ (cable car) – one coloured blue, the other red – takes 125 skiers and boarders quickly to the top of Hidden Peak, at 3,352m (11,000ft). There is one fairly easy way down: Chip’s Run, which returns all the way to the base - a fairly accommodating blue. Big Emma is one of the finest – and widest – upper beginner/intermediate trails in the Rockies. A new high-speed quad, the Peruvian Express, carries skiers and riders to the top of Peruvian Gulch, emerging next to the bottom of the steep Chip’s switchbacks. After offloading, skiers and boarders can now hop on a conveyor belt travelling to Mineral Basin through a new 600ft tunnel. Some 12ft wide and 15ft high, the tunnel is claimed to be the first of its kind in a US ski area.
Review by Photo by flickr user SPM435 |
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Dizin Ski ResortSkiing in Iran The ski resort of Dizin is located two hours north of Tehran in the Alborz mountain range. Surprisingly, it is one of the highest ski resorts in the world with the highest lift reaching 3,600m. It is recognised as a centre for international competitions thanks to its long course slopes, great recreational facilities, high altitude, excellent snow and long season (usually November to May). Most of the slopes are for beginner or intermediate skiers but there are opportunities for the more advanced skier. There are various facilities nearby including two hotels, 19 cottages, and 5 restaurants. The accommodation facilities are plentiful and thousands of people choose to stay in villas. The proximity of Iran's capital means that you don't have to stay on site. Iran travelling centre offers great package deals for a variety of tastes.
Review by Photo by flickr user saital |
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HemsedalSkiing in Hemsedal, Norway With some of the best snowfall and even better après ski, the resort of Hemsedal in Norway is definitely giving alpine resorts a run for their money. The area is a charming idyll, located in the Hallingdal Valley between Bergen and Oslo. The whole resort has grown massively in popularity thanks to the good snow and wide range of activities. The town itself is burrowed between the massive, rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains and is characterised by the log buildings, jovial atmosphere, historical interest, and the clear Norwegian feel. The 34 pistes themselves are very well maintained and they cover around 35kms with a wide range of levels. There are opportunities to try challenging off-piste runs and over 130kms of cross-country skiing. Additionally, the resort itself offers other activities to keep everyone amused from dog-sledding to kite-skiing.
Review by Photo by flickr user Pål Berge |
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Nepal SkiingSkiing in Mount Everest, Nepal For adventurers who want to discover their own private place to ski, there is no better place than Nepal. The country itself has no ski or snowboard resorts and so any skiing you may want to do will be of your own making. There are several companies that offer package adventure tours that enable you to ski around the Everest region. There are also some fantastic opportunities for Heli Skiing. The vast, open spaces and breathtaking heights mean that the sport has gained immense popularity in the region. 'Responsible Travel' offer a 22 day trekking holiday through the back country of Nepal with plenty of time for one-of-a-kind skiing experiences. Highlights include a visit to the Everest base camp and a trek through the highest wildlife reserve in the world as well as visits to Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries.
Review by Photo by flickr user Mr. Negative |
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Arefjallen Ski ResortSkiing in Norrland, Sweden Arefjallen Ski Resort boasts the best skiing in Northern Europe and is host to various international competitions as well as the Skutskjutet, which is the world's largest downhill race. The high elevation ensures great snow cover and a high sunshine average. With over 100km of superb runs, the resort is popular among the country's elite due to the excellently maintained facilities and convivial après ski. The resort is made up of five villages so there is no shortage of places to eat, drink, or sleep and the atmosphere is lively and exuberant. The area has some really dazzling views, especially of the huge frozen lake nearby. It’s a great place for families and the resort offers lessons to suit varying abilities. As well as skiing there is also the opportunity to try your hand at a wide range of activities as diverse as windsurfing on snow and ice climbing.
Review by Photo by |
