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As the snow inches start to fall, ski season kicks into action and thoughts turn to getting away for some on piste action. The travel experts at Cheapflights.co.uk, leading website for travel deals comparison, have picked out the Top 10 Best Ski Resorts around the world based on different levels of expertise.
The resorts are grouped by what’s best for beginners, intermediates, advanced and the all-rounder accommodating all the different levels in one place. The list features destinations in Europe, the US and Canada.
“Although snow is just starting to fall in European destinations, now is the time to book before prices shoot up and crowds move in,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.
“For those looking to find the perfect slope, we have just the ticket with destinations off the beaten path to act as the perfect match according to level of expertise,” adds Hallak.
Here the top five destinations grouped by ski experience:
Best for beginners
Geilo, Norway: Located between Oslo and Bergen, Geilo is known as one of the most "snow secure" destinations in Norway. The charming mountain village, which dates back to the latter years of the 19th century, is perfect for those who have never skied before. Among Geilo’s 39 slopes are a plethora of beginner and intermediate runs. There are also plenty of other winter sports such as snow-shoeing, glacier hiking, dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and guided nature adventures. Closest airport: accessible from Oslo.
Obergurgl, Austria
Snow is guaranteed at Obergurgl. In fact, it has been snowing on Austria’s highest village (elevation of almost 2,000m) since August. At this charming Alpine resort, there are 16 gentle slopes for the absolute beginner. The skiing area lies across two separate peaks and the views of the local glaciers are – like Austria’s apres-ski reputation – second to none. Closest airport: accessible from Innsbruck.
Best for intermediaries
La Plagne/Les Arcs, France: The areas of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne in the Tarentaise Valley in the heart of the French Alps offer more than enough for the intermediate skier with 79 red runs (although beginners will be kept busy – and upright hopefully – with 152 green/blue runs). This heavenly space is a hub of world-class skiing. The best-known neighbour systems are Espace Killy (Val d’Isere and Tignes) and Les Trois Vallees (Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens). The Vanoise Express double-decker cable car links La Plagne and Les Arcs, a better mode of transport we have yet to see. Closest airport: accessible from Geneva.
Best for advanced
Red Mountain, British Columbia, Canada: Deep in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia is Red Mountain, a resort with backwoods charm that is praised by Ski Canada Magazine and Frommer’s as among the best resorts in North America. It has beginner slopes but this is a resort for the grown-ups. Ski Canada Magazine rated it best for "Steeps", "Powder" and "Trees". There are nearly 90 runs stretched across two mountains; 1,700 skiable acres and 880 metres of vertical terrain. Red will keep you occupied for days. Closest airport: accessible from Spokane.
The all-rounder
Val D’Isere, France: Without a doubt, the best skiing – for all levels – is to be found at Val d’Isere. This French resort is high, high up in the Espace Killy, a snowy locale that includes Tignes too. Its features are impeccable: 300km of piste, 10,000 hectares of off-piste, two glaciers, a vertical drop of almost 2,000m and 100 lifts that means there is rarely any queuing. Due to its topography, Val d’Isere is snow-sure, getting early snow and occasionally continuing well into May. Closest airport: accessible from Chambery.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
