Many people consider skiing to be one of the most beautiful sports in the world. The powder, the fresh air, and the spectacular views all contribute to making this an unforgettable experience for those who take part in it. However, if you’re not from Canada or Europe, where most of the ski resorts are, the idea of spending hundreds of pounds on a season pass may seem like an unrealistic luxury.
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Where Can I Ski In Europe?
Although there are many luxurious resorts in Europe, where you can truly make a splash at the top of the mountain, most of the continent’s ski resorts are a bit more humble in nature. If you want to really test your skiing skills, you should head to the smaller and more traditional ones, which are just as appealing as the big ones.
You can start your European ski holiday in the Italian Alps, for example, and continue with a trip to France. The largest of the Italian Alps is the famous Portofino, where you can take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire coastline, as well as get a sneak peek at the famous Italian Riviera.
The French Alps are home to some of the most famous ski resorts in the world. The biggest one, Courchevel, is situated in the French province of the same name and has more than 120 kilometers of slopes. The resort takes its name from the famous writer Andrรฉ Gide, who is known for his book The Counterfeiters, in which he describes his experience of skiing in Courchevel. If you visit during the summer, you can take a dip in the lake at the bottom of the mountain.
Further south, in the Spanish province of Andora, the resort of Aranjueques has been named after the famous novelist Juan Carlos Onetti, whose works include La Regiรณn, which was made into a film by the renowned Italian director Lina Wertmรผller. In Aranjueques, you can take a ride on the Telefรฉrico, a cable car that gives you a panoramic view of the entire resort. You also get to experience the charming Andalusian village, where residents lead a peaceful life.
You can continue your European ski holiday in the Greek Islands and rent a yacht to explore the Aegean Sea. The next stop on our list is Ireland, where you can purchase an individual or family pass at many of the country’s famous ski resorts. The biggest and most luxurious one is arguably the Royal County Wicklow, which has the title of Europe’s best ski resort. Tourists from around the world flock there every year to take a dip in the famous Liffey Valley.
How Much Does A Season Ski Pass Cost?
The cost of a season ski pass depends on a variety of factors, including the length of the season, the resort’s popularity, and your travel companions. In general, you will find that passes range between ยฃ25 and ยฃ50 a day, with the more expensive ones, typically for the top resorts, running up to ยฃ100 per day. If you stay midweek and visit smaller ones, you will find that the cost is significantly lower, around ยฃ10 per day.
The most expensive season passes are usually for the larger resorts, which attract a higher number of visitors and offer more attractions. The best way to enjoy a less expensive season pass is to travel during the off-season.
Do I Need A Ski Suit?
Yes, you should definitely rent a ski suit. Even if you are going to a luxury resort and dress accordingly, you will still feel more comfortable if you are wearing some ski clothes. Even if you are not planning to spend much time on the slopes, it is still advisable to rent a ski suit, just in case.
On the other hand, if you are going to a smaller or more remote resort, you will most likely be staying there all day, so you will not need a jacket. Another important piece of equipment to rent is the snow goggles, which are also called ski goggles. These help protect your eyes from the whipping wind and the snow, which can cause you to lose your eyesight if not properly protected.
If you want to purchase a season pass, you have to decide beforehand whether you want to join a club and get discounts or whether you want to pay full price. If you are joining a club, you have to decide whether you want to join the NCC (National Climbing Centre) or the ACA (American Alpine Club) affiliate. Finally, you have to decide whether you want to ski black, which is the option for experienced and professional skiers, or white, which is the option for beginner skiers.
Is It Worth Traveling During The Off-Season?
Yes, it is absolutely worth traveling to a destination during the off-season. Most ski resorts are open all year round, but the off-season is usually between October and March, so make sure to plan your travel during this period. If you stay at a nice hotel and eat at reliable restaurants, you can have a great time and not lose a penny.
Is An Airbed Available At The Resort?
Mostly, yes, airbeds are available at the resort. Even if you are staying at a hostel, you will be able to make use of this amenity. In addition, if you stay at a higher-end hotel, you will have access to a wellness center, which has a pool and a few racquet courts, where you can work out or rest in the afternoon.
If you want to truly save money, you should travel during the off-season and stay at smaller resorts that are more affordable. According to the Foreign Office, the best time to visit Greece is between June and October, and the same goes for Spain. If you do not mind the cold, you can visit the smaller and more remote resorts, where the atmosphere is more affordable.
Do I Pack The Right Equipement?
Yes, you should definitely bring the following items with you to the mountain:
- A warm jacket
- A pair of ski pants
- A pair of ski socks
- A hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A swimsuit
- A pair of gloves
- A flashlight
- A whistle
- Dry bag
- A backpack
- A camera
- A windproof jacket
- A raincoat
- A travel pillow
On the other hand, you should avoid bringing the following items to the mountain:
- A laptop computer
- A liquid cooler
- A hair dryer
- A curling iron
- A hot-tub
All of these items are very common and necessary at home, but they are not at all practical or suitable for traveling. In addition, if you bring any of these items, you will upset the locals and likely create more work for them. If you follow these simple tips, you will have a wonderful time and not break the bank.
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The Most Expensive Cruise Line To Visit Antarctica
Travellers on a budget should avoid cruising to Antarctica in future. The most expensive cruise line to visit the icy continent is planning to increase the price of their cruise this year because of increased fuel costs and government levies. According to the Associated Press, Crystal Cruises will begin charging more for ice cream and souvenirs so that they can stay afloat financially. The line’s parent company, Roth Family Holdings, stated that they will try and keep the increase in fuel costs to a minimum and plan to freeze the prices of most of their catalogue items. This is great news for those looking for a cruise without the hefty price tag.