Added: 08/03/2005 |
Mountain Resorts - Reach the Tops of the World!
Planning holidays in the mountains will involve making some choices. First, define what kind of a skier you are - beginner, intermediate or advanced - and then pick the region which is the most appropriate to your skills. The cost of the trip should also be taken in consideration. The pleasure of sliding downhill faster than the wind, savoring the victory of conquering a challenging trail and admiring a breath-taking view of the snow-capped mountains are not the only factors that attract tourists to mountain resorts. Most of them are looking forward to apres-ski - the time spent walking, hanging out in local cafes and bars and socializing. If the quality time off the ski trail is as important for you as the actual skiing, find out what recreational facilities your resort can offer (bars, restaurants, discos, fitness centers, swimming pools, saunas, etc).
Those who have never taken ski poles in their hands and not very confident skiers shouldn't worry - all ski resorts offer ski clinics and ski schools to their guests. You can train either in groups (which is cheaper) or take private lessons (which are more efficient). To attend such school you will have to provide the resort staff with some information: whether you would like to learn the basic skiing technique or to advance your skills, your fitness level, how long you would like to train and what goals you want to accomplish, and if you need a coach speaking your native language.
The most low-budget resorts are in Eastern European countries - Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia, Poland and Bulgaria. It does not mean they are uncompetitive with Western European ski resorts - it's just an instrument of attracting more guests. For beginners and intermediate skiers Eastern Europe is the best option: even the black trails (reserved for pros) are not too hard to ski on. Climate conditions in these countries are very favorable and you'll enjoy the sunny weather.
The best resorts in Bulgaria are Borovets and Pomporovo. Borovets is located 70 km. (43 miles) south of Sofia in the Rila Mountains. The resort features excellent trails and skiing equipment which was the reason why the World Cup was held there in 1981.
Slovakian mountain resorts spread across the Tatra Mountains rising to an altitude of 2655 meters. Service here is competitive with that of more expensive German or Austrian resorts, and the only disadvantage is the small height of the mountains. However, it does not discourage Hungarian, Czech and German tourists from choosing Chopoc, Donovaly, Jasna or Tatranska Lampa resorts in Slovakia for their ski vacations.
Recently, more and more tourists from all over the world choose Russian ski resorts in search of new adventures. The main resorts are located in the Elbrus Region. The Mount Elbrus ski area is on Europe's highest mountain (5633m.). There are about 500 skiers on the slopes daily. Lifts and accommodation there are ludicrously cheap. Elbrus and Cheget resorts located nearby offer medical service, restaurants, bars, cafes, movie theatre and a skating rink. Many skiers say that this place had given them the best skiing experience of their life and enchanted them with the magnificent landscapes. Russian Federation features over a hundred skiing areas.
Lots of unique attractions you can find in Finland. More than 120 Finnish resorts are located on hills offering facilities for alpine and cross country skiing, skating and snowboarding. Other outdoor activities include snowmobiling, ice fishing, reindeer safaris and ice golfing. Holidays at such popular resorts as Yllas, Pyha or Salla is also an opportunity to visit numerous inexpensive aqua parks.
Another country which welcomes skiers, although for a bit higher price, is Norway. Geilo will best suit beginners and intermediate skiers, while advanced skiers will enjoy the resort of LIllehamer (the site of the 1994 Olympic Games) which also offers skating and ski jumping facilities. The trails of Hemsedal are considered to be the best in the world for snowboarding.
The combination of reasonable prices and high-quality service is characteristic of Austrian mountain resorts. Kaprun, Obergugle and Obertauern are, according to British experts, among ten most popular and safest world ski resorts. They feature good service, excellent hotels, and home-away-from-home atmosphere.
However, Austria is becoming overshadowed by Andorra. Old traditions here rub shoulders with super modern facilities making the five local resorts very attractive. More than 12 ml tourists come there annually.
Italy is famous for its divinely beautiful mountains, but its resorts are still far from being the best due to rather middle quality accommodation and exorbitant prices.
German resorts (Garmish, Mittenwald, Oberstaufen and Reit im Winkle) excel in every aspect. The only problem is that there are very few ski resorts in Germany. Otherwise, this country would have become a leader in the international ski tourism long ago.
The first two positions in the rating of the best mountain resorts belong to France and Switzerland. For a long time these two countries have been competing for the right to be called "number one ski destination". Now, it is universally acknowledged that France is unchallengeable. Val d'Isere, Val Torans, Megeve, Chamonix are both luxurious and democratic, whereas in Switzerland (St. Moritz, Zermatt, Adelboden, Morgin) the gap between expensive facilities and cheap low rate equipment is unmanageable. So, if you can't afford Switzerland, you'd better go to Germany or Austria where you'll feel comfortable.
An option for those who like exotics - mountain resorts in Turkey, Lebanon, South Africa, Morocco, Argentina, New Zealand, Chile or India. New experience, new culture, new people...
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