The idea of proper rest is different for everyone. For some, a tropical paradise with stretching white sand beaches and coconut palms are just what the doctor ordered. Choose a more dynamic recreation by conquering the icy slopes of other great recreational places.
Dozens of exciting winter adventures from Aspen to Zermatt are the best ones you can still find today.
Lech, Austria
A favorite destination for celebrities, bohemians, and royalty. Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and ecology – all buildings are heated exclusively with wood. In order not to spoil the appearance of the village, pipes are laid underground. In addition, in Leh, there is a ban on the installation of satellite dishes, and there are very few noisy parties here.
The resort is located at an altitude of 1500 m and has a unique climate, thanks to which the snow cover remains until the end of April.
Lech is part of the network of resorts located up the slope – Zürs and Oberlech. A lift can only reach them, but there are as many as 95 funiculars: cabins, chairlifts, drag lifts. The southern slopes are designed for children, beginners, and intermediate skiers, while the north is intended for professionals.
The total area of the ski resort is 230 hectares, on which 55 slopes are equipped, and the longest of them is 5 km. artificial snow cover occupies no more than 17-18% of the total area.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is at your service. If you need to enter a preferred circle of rich and influential people, then America is one of the most expensive ski resorts. Located in Colorado, the city is primarily known for its four unconnected mountain slopes, allowing skiers of all skill levels to ski and enjoy the local natural beauty. Both beginners and professionals can find the holiday of their choice. The only downside to all types of services is an extremely high cost.
Wengen, Switzerland
The main advantage of Wengen is considered to be an excellent snowboard park, where you can skate to your heart’s content on slopes of any difficulty. The village also has something to see: many attractions, cultural values, entertainment centers, and cinemas.
The village is located in central Switzerland and is enclosed by three mountains: Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger.
It is forbidden to travel by car here – only by train.
A moderately cold climate reigns here, the air temperature in January barely exceeds -3 degrees, and in April, it is +4.
The distribution of the runs is as follows: 30% blue for beginners, 50% red for intermediate, and 20% black for professionals. Also, in Wengen, there is cross-country skiing, carving slopes, and 19 lifts.
Stowe, Vermont, USA
It is one of the most popular and natural ski resorts on the map, connecting the old charm of New England with a vertical drop. There are two ski areas – Mount Mansfield, Vermont High, and Spruce Peak. The well-developed tourist industry in the form of at least 90 shops and 60 restaurants will not let you get bored in your spare time.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is located in the mountainous area of the Three Valleys and is a symbiosis of 7 different resorts. There are 102 slopes for skiers from green to black, but the slopes are either gentle and smooth or steep and undisturbed. Before the Christmas holidays, Russian Week takes place in Courchevel. At this time, the best models of the world, celebrities, and just people with substantial incomes come to the resort.
After mastering the trails, the tourist is offered to relax in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, recuperate in the spa, saunas or take a dip in the pool. Exceptional schools, kindergartens, and nurseries are organized for children, where you can leave crumbs from 6 months and have complete rest. To explore Courchevel from above, you can book a hot air balloon flight.
WHISTLER, CANADA
Once on the North American continent, any self-respecting skier will go to Whistler, a few hours from Vancouver. Whistler rightfully bears the title of the world’s snow capital: the height of the cover is more than nine meters (to be precise, 914 centimeters). Not surprisingly, this is where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. Experts estimate the scale of the resort itself, its diversity at four, but they go there not for a grand scale, but just for the snow. Go there in February, and you will be happy. Lift pass for adults per day – USD 75.
SIERRA NEVADA, SPAIN
The Sierra Nevada is not very suitable for champions and masters of the highest standard, for the rest – just right. When the weather is good (and this happens often), from here, you can see the Mediterranean Sea and even Morocco, more precisely the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is, of course, unforgettable. The Sierra Nevada is full of slopes for every taste, but the resort town itself is modest in size and is not of interest to shoppers. However, shops are abundant for obsessed skiers, dozens of cafes, and a few of our compatriots. Lift pass for adults per day – 45 euros.