Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow...
Oh! the snow, the beautiful snow...
Few thrills match that of flying down a snow clad mountainside on skis or a snowboard.
Once the preserve of the rich, snow sports have become ever more accessible with the advent of cheap flights and increased demand.
Skiing was originally developed as a means of transport above the snow line in winter but during the twentieth century developed primarily into an entrancing recreational sport.
From the famous Gastein Valley to charming Salzburg, Austria has miles of tried and tested pistes. Nearly three quarters of the country is mountainous and in winter it is transformed into a picturesque wonderland of snow and ice.
France is regarded by travel writers as the best place to ski in the world. The country's vast ski infrastructure is such that if all its ski lifts were joined they would travel from Paris to Cairo, albeit an unlikely destination for snow.
Seven nights accommodation in the revered Courchevel 1850, part of the largest ski area in Europe, can cost as little as £43. The Frog and Roastbeef in the nearby Alpine village of Val Thorens claims to be the highest pub in Europe.
If you're not sure whether skiing is your thing, why not give it a try with a ski and city break in Salzburg. The three, five or seven night break includes transport to the slopes each day but also allows time to explore the historic Austrian town.
If you want to sample snow sports outside of the traditional December to March window, resorts such as Masella in the Spanish Pyranees have seasons which stretch from November to May.
Snowboarding sprang out of skateboarding and surfing during the 1960's in the USA and has grown to become an Olympic sport and serious alternative to skiing.
A top European snowboarding spot is Røldal, next to the Norwegian fjords in an area where fresh snow falls regularly providing ultimate powder conditions.
You should be healthy before taking part in snow sports and warm up before starting each morning, as it is a relatively high risk sport. Travel insurance should be taken before travelling as injuries can occur easily.
Before heading off should buy a ski jacket, water-resistant salopettes, gloves, ski goggles or sunglasses and ski socks. Most resorts will sell these.
Ab Editor
Skiing & Snowboarding
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Only:€650pp
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Only:€546pp
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Only:€348pp
