As winter rolls around, it’s time to start gearing up for winter. I’ve been traveling a bit more out of Canada recently and figured I’d mix it up and include some other places I’ve been researching for potential snowboard trips. When the time comes to choose your next skiing experience, there are more than 90 destinations in the world. However, what is so amazing is the fact that there are mountains with snow on them, waiting to be ridden by you. Let’s check out some popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders.
Heli-skiing in Canada
Heli-Skiing, like this from NEHeliskiing.com is one of those experiences you just have to try. Firstly, you and your equipment are boarded onto a waiting helicopter and whisked off into the white snow-covered mountains where the experienced pilot will land at a designated site. There the guide will take over and, depending on the ability levels of skiers in the group, will determine the route taken down the mountain. The guide will fit you with the special powder snow equipment required for the descent. To heli-ski you need to be a competent piste skier but you will certainly experience a real thrill.
Skiing in the Mystical surroundings of Finland
If you wish to make your skiing trip a more cultured affair then there is no better place than Finland. If you are a novice or intermediate skier then Finland is the place to be. Unlike the usually crowded alpine destinations, Finland offers you the chance to see the iced over lakes and snow covered forests while getting to know the wildlife of the area. As well as skiing and the various ski runs available, you are also invited to take in other activities such as Husky dog sledding trips or Reindeer safaris. For those of you who need to raise the adrenalin levels then try the snowmobile ventures, as they will certainly get your pulse racing. It is possible to take your children around Christmas time to visit Santa in Lapland while spending a few hours on the ski runs. In the evenings when it is time to relax sit outside with a warm drink and watch the Northern Lights – one of the wonders of the world.
Val d’isere Luxury Skiing
Everyone deserves to be pampered sometime in their lives and that is exactly what Val d’isere has to offer. This picture postcard resort offers accommodation to suit everyone and anyone. The Chalets offer private world-class luxury in an exclusive area. There are Chefs, Chauffeurs, private cinemas, gourmet meals and of course superbly well stocked wine cellars. We must not forget Val d’isere also has one of the world’s best ski areas in Espace Killy. There are over 300 Km of downhill skiing taking in 150 individual pistes. If it’s energetic fun in the lap of luxury, using a world renowned skiing facility you’re after, Val d’isere is the place for you.
The Japanese Niseko Powder
It is a little known fact that some of the best snowfalls in the world settle on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Niseko is regarded as one of the best ski destinations in the whole of Japan with a snowfall averaging 11 metres a year. Niseko is made from the joining of four surrounding areas, Niseko Annapuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Hanazono & Niseko Village. Snowfall in Niseko does not mean bad visibility, as there are countless tree runs and off piste forestry to explore whilst skiing through the waist deep confetti like snow. This place is a hidden gem and the views on a clear day are spectacular, with the sea and Mount Yotei in the distance. Head to the land of the rising sun for your next ski trip, you will not be disappointed.
Chamonix
Chamonix was the first mountain resort to host the winter Olympics in 1924 and it has remained at the top end of the skiing resorts ever since. Situated in between Switzerland and Italy it is overlooked by the fantastic Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain range, which reaches up to the peak of Monte Blanc. Chamonix has five separate ski areas nestled above the 20 Km of valley floor. The resort skiing is often talked about as being challenging. However, there are slopes for skiers of all abilities. Most of the pistes are above 2000 metres, which means snow is guaranteed. Most of the pistes are classified as red or black as they tend to be long steep and very fast descents.