TRAVEL
The Best Skiing Holiday Destinations
Whether you’re an intrepid mountaineer or a family looking for a new hobby, there’s no better way to embrace the cold weather than to set off on a skiing holiday. After a scorching summer, the thought of carving through white powder snow, soaking up outstanding mountain scenery, and sipping Gluhwein in ski chalets certainly sounds appealing. From the world-famous Rockies to the picturesque Alpine landscapes here in Europe, we’re spoilt for choice on where to ski in the winter months. To help you decide, here are a few of the world’s most popular skiing destinations, and some of the best resorts to explore while you’re there.
Canada
A bucket-list destination for skiers and snowboarders alike, Canada’s world-class slopes are famed for their knee-deep powder,
immaculate tree-lined runs and unrivaled hospitality – not to mention their spectacular scenery and wildlife. Surprisingly, you can ski
in every single province in Canada, but the country’s biggest and most popular resorts are located in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. Repeatedly rated as North America’s top ski resort, Whistler in British Columbia is Canada’s pride and joy. With over 200 trails spread between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, linked by the famous Peak2Peak gondola, the resort sits at the higher end of the price scale – but it’s worth every penny. With an amazing snow record, fantastic beginner’s area, lively nightlife and array of off piste activities, it’s the perfect choice if you’ve got a mixed ability group. After a day on the slopes, kick back in the town’s mountain bars, indulge in some holiday shopping or soothe your aching muscles in a top-notch spa.
immaculate tree-lined runs and unrivaled hospitality – not to mention their spectacular scenery and wildlife. Surprisingly, you can ski
in every single province in Canada, but the country’s biggest and most popular resorts are located in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. Repeatedly rated as North America’s top ski resort, Whistler in British Columbia is Canada’s pride and joy. With over 200 trails spread between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, linked by the famous Peak2Peak gondola, the resort sits at the higher end of the price scale – but it’s worth every penny. With an amazing snow record, fantastic beginner’s area, lively nightlife and array of off piste activities, it’s the perfect choice if you’ve got a mixed ability group. After a day on the slopes, kick back in the town’s mountain bars, indulge in some holiday shopping or soothe your aching muscles in a top-notch spa.
The Alps
When you think of skiing, you probably think of the Alps first. Spanning Italy, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovenia and Germany, it’s here that the tradition of skiing was born. With some of the best skiing scenery in the world, picture-perfect chalets, gigantic ski circuits and a lively après-ski scene – not to mention the close proximity to the UK – the Alps are a top choice for skiers all across the country. Some of the top resorts include Val d’Isère in France, with its reputation for challenging black pistes, off-piste terrain and buzzing après ski scene, and Italy’s Courmayeur, a sophisticated ski town renowned for its mountain restaurants and glamorous shopping. Then there’s the Swiss resorts – Zermatt with its gorgeous Matterhorn views and gourmet dining, and the more relaxed resort of Obergurgl, perfect for those looking for short ski queues and a family inclusive après ski scene. And that’s just touching the surface! With 1,152 ski resorts to choose from in the Alps, there truly is something for everyone.
Bulgaria
Whoever said that ski holidays are expensive hasn’t discovered Bulgaria’s ski scene yet. With excellent ski schools, cheap drinks, buzzing bars and an abundance of blue and red slopes, it’s the perfect place for beginners to learn to ski on a budget. Borovets and Bansko are the country’s largest ski areas but with only 5km and 3km of black runs, advanced skiing is limited. Borovets is the oldest of the two, located on the northern slopes of the Rila mountain range with pistes reaching 2,600m high. Easily accessible from Bulgaria’s capital, the resort’s scenic snow-covered pine forests, lively atmosphere and traditional Balkan pubs make it a great spot for skiers looking to ski hard – and party hard too. Further south, at the foot of the Pirin mountains, lies Bankso, which has grown to become Bulgaria’s largest ski resort. Offering 70km of well-groomed pistes and impressive off-piste for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels, it’s popular with families looking for a more leisurely skiing holiday.
Japan
Japan is often an underrated skiing destination, but one thing the 600 resorts here are renowned for are their abundance of incredible powder snow. Many average upwards of 600 inches of snow per winter – and this isn’t just any snow. The snow in Japan is super light and extraordinarily dry, making it great fun to ski or ride. The most popular ski areas are split across two regions – Hakuba on the southern main island and Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano in the northern island of Hokkaido. The resorts in Japan are worlds apart from the usual European and North American resorts. Sample incredible food, from sushi and ramen to fried chicken and potatoes, and hop between Japanese onsens, natural hot springs that offer a soothing and traditional après-ski experience. However you look at it, Japan offers a skiing holiday that you just won’t find anywhere else.
Mesmerising Morocco
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Mazes of medinas, saffron-scented souks, sweeping deserts and epic mountain ranges: Morocco is a country of dizzying diversity. The landscapes here spell adventure and the cities are easily some of the most exciting in Africa.
It’s not called the ‘Gateway to Africa’ for nothing. Just a mere three-hour flight away from London, a trip to Morocco is the perfect introduction to this mammoth continent, with a tantalising blend of adventure, culture and plenty of sunshine. There’s heaps to explore, so we’ve gathered together the most unmissable experiences to tick off while you’re there.
Lose yourself in Marrakech’s medinas
Marrakech is a city that sweeps everyone off their feet. Love it or hate it, it’s an assault on your senses, filled with enough sounds, sights and smells to keep you mesmerised for days. Trace intricate tilework, admire Islamic architecture, get lost amidst the city’s maze of power-pink medinas and stop for some retail therapy in Djemaa El Fna square – where shopping, street food and culture collide.
Then there’s the souks: if you’re a sucker for exotic treasures and a bargain, you’ll be happy to hear that Marrakech is one of the best shopping destinations in the world! Soft leather bags, beautiful carpets, colourful spices and a whole host of North African flavours to try: a trip to Marrakech’s markets warrants plenty of extra room in your suitcase – and your stomach!
Spend some time in the Sahara
Imagine falling asleep beneath a glittering tapestry of stars in the world’s largest desert. Sounds like paradise, right? That’s because few places on Earth compare to the Sahara, a sprawling expanse of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that occupy nearly all of North Africa.
You can experience the magic of the desert yourself in the south and east of Morocco, with heaps of tours departing from all of Morocco’s major cities. From camel trekking and quad-biking trips to sandboarding and immersive desert camping experiences, there’s something here for every type of traveller.
Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen
Nestled in the heart of the Rif mountain range, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed buildings easily make it the prettiest and most photographed city in Morocco. The reasons behind the blue aren’t entirely clear: some say the walls were painted blue by the Jews who settled there after World War II, while others swear they were painted this way to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Put your camera to good use in the narrow, winding streets of the old medina, and browse the souks for traditional Moroccan trinkets and treasures. The city has become a big hit with backpackers in recent years thanks to its artsy bohemian scene, but it’s still managed to maintain a healthy balance between ease and authenticity. To top it off, Chefchaouen’s close proximity to the Rif mountains also gives you access to beautiful hiking trails, whenever you need them.
Relax by the beach
Boasting 2,500km of coastline, Morocco offers its fair share of blissful beaches too, but the most popular are found in the resort of Agadir in the south. This bustling city is framed by a beautiful stretch of sand, and is also a popular spot for golfers.
Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’, Essaouira is another popular choice, particularly amongst windsurfers and kitesurfers looking to make the most of the port city’s gusty coastal winds. While the sands here are pleasant, Essaouira is more than just a beach resort. Despite a rise in tourism, the city’s culture and character have remained intact. Navigate the medina, admire the art galleries and watch the locals working on the electric-blue fishing boats that line the waterfront.
Trek the Atlas Mountains
Hiking a portion of North Africa’s highest mountain range is an experience not to be missed. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for almost 1,000km, spanning arid desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. The range is also home to Morocco’s nomadic Berber population, who have an indigenous history dating back to at least 10,000 BC.
With an elevation of 4,167m, Toubkal in south-western Morocco is the range’s highest peak and is well worth the three-day climb for the views alone. If you fancy something a little easier, don’t fear – there are scenic trails to suit every fitness level. The best time to visit is from spring through to autumn, although some may find it too hot to comfortably tackle the long-distance routes.
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