Ski trip
A holiday full of relief
Fresh air, wide open spaces and a breathtaking view ... What do you like? A ski trip is without a doubt a memorable way to discover, or rediscover, what our beautiful nature has to offer. Rolling down snow-capped mountains is a way for many people to focus on the present moment and rejuvenate, so what better way than doing it in a breathtaking location? Here are some suggestions for ski vacation destinations that will be forever etched in your memory.
Canada
Whistler, British Columbia
On the Canadian west coast lies Whistler and its Blackcomb Ski Resort, with all the might of its scenery, towering mountains, crisp air and sparkling snow. This place has a real power of attraction and anyone who has already conquered the peaks has been able to feel the full force of this magnificent nature. The possibilities seem endless in Whistler. Skiers and snowboarders alike feel the world is theirs when they hurtle down the long, snowy slopes, where sky and earth are one. The 200 or so pistes are designed for all levels, beginners or experts, and are spread over 3,200 hectares of practicable terrain.
Some go to Whistler for the invigorating vibe, others for the Pedestrian Village, but many go for the famous après-ski, fine dining, spas, shopping and nightlife. The largest mechanized ski area in North America, Whistler is constantly evolving and facilities are constantly being improved.
You can't get to Whistler without stopping at the famous Peak 2 Peak gondola. Cabins traveling between two mountains and floating over 400 meters above the Fitzsimmons Valley are a delight for thrill seekers! In addition, winter activities are numerous, whether it is snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or sleigh rides.
Banff National Park, Alberta
The Canadian Rockies: still a must-see ski destination! Renowned worldwide for its spectacular scenery, Banff is home to pure and majestic rugged beauty, along with long runs and descents carpeted in powdery, light snow, enough to make winter sports fans dream. The three ski resorts, Mount Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, are equally impressive. Whether you spend a weekend or several days there, outdoor activities are popular.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the splendours of this part of the country attract nearly 4 million visitors each year, both in winter and in summer. As far as accommodation + is concerned, the choice is just as wide. Among others, the Fairmont Banff Springs, for an exceptional stay worthy of royalty, and the Moose Hotel And Suites, for its warm welcome with a Scandinavian atmosphere.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
For a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Tremblant resort is still a popular destination for Quebecers, but also for many visitors from all over the world. In the heart of the Laurentians, you don't have to travel far to forget the worries of everyday life.
Its pedestrianized village and its velvety atmosphere make an excellent complement to the splendor of the ski slopes that the mountain offers. The 96 trails found at Tremblant will appeal to all skill levels of skiers and boarders. To ensure the best snow quality, the resort is equipped with no less than 1,000 snow cannons, one of the most powerful artificial snowmaking systems in North America. The site also includes 3 snow parks to meet the needs of daring snowboarders. In order to accommodate all visitors and make their stay enjoyable, the site has a ski school and a beginners section, as well as a Ski Shop and an equipment rental service.
Mont-Tremblant is host to many events throughout the year, both sporting and cultural. In addition to being charmed by the vast mountainous landscape, visitors love the luxurious touch of the facilities, the fine cuisine and the unbeatable shopping experience. If winter lovers go there with joy in the cold season, golf is a safe bet during the summer. It is therefore twelve months a year that Tremblant, a world-renowned Quebec treasury, welcomes thousands of visitors who return there again and again.
United States
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Located in the scenic Roaring Fork Valley in west-central Colorado, Aspen Snowmass is actually a collection of four ski resorts, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, all of which are linked by a system shuttle. Grandiose and imposing, the site is larger than life. Each of the ski resorts offers a different experience, tailored to your level of expertise. No matter which mountain you choose, you will always have the option of taking a course and renting equipment, as well as having an incredible gourmet experience in one of the many restaurants. Accommodations are sumptuous at Aspen Snowmass and you can be sure to find a room that will meet your needs, whether you are staying with family or romantic. It is also possible to purchase an all-inclusive ski vacation package and thus only have to worry about the choice of slope you want to descend.
Park City, Utah
Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, is located in the heart of Park City, Utah, about a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. Park City Mountain is full of activities offered all year round, in addition to housing nine hotels and twenty restaurants. With nearly 3,000 hectares of passable terrain, 348 trails, 41 ski lifts and 8 snow parks, Park City Mountain offers a variety of adventures for all skiers and boarders. As a novelty, you can uncover the secrets of the past and learn about Park City's rich mining history by taking part in the Silver to Slopes Guided Ski Tour. On this free hike, you'll explore the mountain with an expert guide and discover the historic mining buildings and hidden relics scattered throughout the resort.
France
The Alps
You can't plan a ski trip without thinking of the French Alps. Emblematic and timeless, the Alps are home to the highest point in Europe, Mont-Blanc, and many ski resorts. This mountain range is divided into two, namely the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps.
The Northern Alps
The Northern Alps are crisscrossed by wide valleys and there are as many large international ski resorts as there are charming little villages. The region has three departments, Haute-Savoie, Savoie and Isère.
It is in Haute-Savoie that the first major ski resorts were created in France: Chamonix, Megève and Saint Gervais. With four major ski areas alone, the Chamonix Valley welcomes skiers from all over the world to test their skills on the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif. Savoy also has very beautiful resorts. This is where the prestigious Courchevel resort is located, located in the Three Valleys. It is the largest ski area in the world, with 600 km of slopes. As for the Isère, it is characterized by an elevation in altitude and it is there that the Auris en Oisans resort has found refuge, at an altitude of around 1,500 meters.
Southern Alps
Here, alpine culture meets Mediterranean warmth to give these places a special character. You can ski in the morning, then sip a cool cocktail under the warm rays of the sun in the afternoon. In the Hautes-Alpes, you can find resorts like Serre Chevalier, the largest resort in the Southern Alps and one of the largest resorts in Europe with 250 kilometers of slopes. The latter are suitable for all types of skiing, not to mention off-piste which gives this resort a sporty and fun character. Whether you pass through the Northern or Southern Alps, your ski vacation in this region of France is sure to charm you.
The possibilities are great when it comes to choosing a destination for your next ski vacation. Your decision should be based on your budget, of course, but also on your level of expertise. If you are just starting out, or if you have children with you, be sure to choose a mountain and resort with a corresponding drop. Also, remember, traveling with skis comes with some additional procedures at the airport, so allow extra time for travel or, consider renting equipment. Then, when it comes to travel insurance, it is always wise to choose one suitable for this type of activity, so that you can face the mountains with as much enthusiasm as you want!
