Skiing in Europe has some perks, as the mountains, especially the Alps, the Pyrenees or any one of the great ranges, are big and have greater challenging vertical drops. It is in this that the European slopes differ from the number of ranges in the US. Also the atmosphere varies in both these continents with the European holidays being the choice for the ones seeking a more relaxed holiday.
Skiing holidays in Europe has its own charms. Unlike the US ski resorts where the pistes are crowded in the morning, most of the times the skier or the boarder would encounter the morning deadness or doldrums on the jagged slopes of the ranges in Europe.
First timers don’t have to worry about safety in both the continents. Most European ski resorts has the best ski schools and professional instructors to learn from. Also the other main difference is the pricing. Holidays in Europe are cheaper in comparison; also the tickets for the ski lifts too are priced better in Europe resorts even during high season.
Most mountains in Europe open in the end of November and close in mid to late April, providing some intrinsic period for the purist or the beginner to plan and enjoy the slopes. In addition to enjoying the sport one loves, Europe resorts generally have some après ski parties. Après skiing in French means “after skiing.” Though the Europeans warm to outsiders slowly, they do become fast friends when they get to know their fellow lodgers better.
Arab News cooperated with Manaf Al-Mugait, founder of VIA, a sister company of AlMousim Travel and Tour, to come up with some choicest places in Europe where people can enjoy winter sports in luxurious settings.
In no way do we claim that these are the best ski resorts; the only reason these hotels, chalets and lodges are recommended is because they are all luxurious and have good access to ski lifts.
Skiing in Austria means homely mountain huts and chalets, warm home cooking and lively après-ski.
Chalet Hotel Bentleys House consists of three individual luxury chalets: one chalet with two bedrooms and two chalets with three bedrooms. Chalets can be reserved individually or together to cater for up to 18 guests.
Centrally located in Zürs at an altitude of 1,720 meters, snow is guaranteed during the entire season and you will find ski slopes and three major lifts adjacent to the hotel, creating the perfect setting for your winter sports holiday.
Hidden Dragon is a privately owned exclusive alpine lodge situated in the heart of Switzerland’s 4 Valley regions.
Nestled in fir and pine forests, this secluded mountain retreat is discreetly located in its own extensive grounds and accessed by a private road.
Perched at 1,500 m, its position offers enchanting and uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rhone Valley and offers skiers the luxury of ski-in/ski-out access. Away from the crowds, the queues, the noise and the chaos of urban life, Hidden Dragon is an idyllic mountain hideaway.
This resort is perfect as a family destination, as they offer children under 15 years of age free lunch and evening meals, full board accommodations and free access to the Kid’s Resort. Your children can also enjoy five half days of skiing from Monday to Friday, taking their “stars” test on the Friday.
There are two options depending on their age. The piou piou club is for children ages four to five years old. It is an introduction to skiing in a snow garden, designed to allow children to have fun discovering the first joys of winter sports. For children aged six and up, group lessons, supervised by instructors from the ski resort, are offered.
Let your children discover endless exciting activities and make new friends at the Kids Resort or at the Royal Rider while you enjoy a little bit of freedom.
Sir Richard Branson’s stunning mountain retreat, perched high in the Swiss Alps in Verbier, is a perfect year-round escape.
Verbier, one of the world’s most popular winter resorts, is part of the “Four Valleys” so there are numerous runs challenging beginners through to experienced skiers. The main ski lift is a mere 250 m (or a one minute van ride!) from the chalet and experienced skiers can ski directly into the Lodge. There’s also cross-country skiing, sledging, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
In the heart of one of the most beautiful winter sports resorts in the Dolomites, the village of San Cassiano (700 inhabitants) is a truly exceptional and charming setting. It is here, at an altitude of 1,535 meters, that the Hotel Rosa Alpina welcomes you for a stay devoted to fitness and relaxation. Its spa offers treatments worthy of the best beauty centers, and the panoramic views of the Dolomites are unmatched. After a day on the slopes, a hike or a climb, you can enjoy the cuisine of chef Norbert Niederkofler. Cuisine is his passion and his joie de vivre, and he creates dishes featuring local produce that artfully marry tradition and modernity.
The hotel offers golf, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, rafting, skiing, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as fitness, an indoor pool, a spa, sauna, Hammam and solarium.
