1. Now, a
great place to start off is at Les Deux
Alpes, France. This resort has been ranked amongst the highest in Europe,
with a great variety of slopes to choose from, suitable for all levels of
skier. When thinking about resorts for teenagers/intermediate skiers, you know
you want a challenge! At Les Deux Alpes,
you are given that opportunity - specifically for the more advanced skiers,
there are some exhilarating off-piste runs. It is recommended that hiring a
guide for a trip to the off-piste mecca, La
Grave is even greater of an experience! However, if after you have finished
your skiing for the day, and you just fancy going around the town to have a
look around, you will find that Les Deux
Alpes has a fantastic atmosphere, a great selection of shops, an outdoor
pool and ice rink, and a grand choice of lively bars and restaurants. We asked
AJ from Igluski which resort he
would suggest as an intermediate skier “Les Deux Alpes
is the king of the resorts for Teens. The whole place looks like a skater park.
There’s a world class Terrain Park that attracts all the youth who hang out all
day.”
2. Remaining in France,
at a snow range of 1550-3550m and a resort of 6069ft in height, Val d’Isère is considered by many to be
the world’s greatest ski resort, as many have found it very difficult to fault.
The resort offers some of France’s best ski runs with the best après-ski to
follow – just about perfect! The après-ski is hard to beat, and is renowned by
the great choice of lively bars and the famous ‘Dick’s Tea Bar’.
This resort being linked to another, Tignes, forming the ‘Espace Killy’, which is one of the most varied ski areas in Europe
and just happens to make this combination a true skier’s paradise.
3. Now over to both Morzine
and Avoriaz – still in France! These two resorts make up the
majestic Portes de Soleil area
reaching an enormous 650kms of high altitude slopes, however couldn’t be more
contrasting and similar all in the same. Morzine
is a picturesque old-style Savoyard town, with an unspoilt centre allowing the
town to be filled with character and charm. Then there’s Avoriaz; characterized by its stunning, modern architecture, having
no disruption from traffic, and offers doorstep skiing and has a brand new
swimming pool leisure complex which is said to be, “the most impressive Water Park in the Alps (Aquariaz) that attracts
the kids”, however not forgetting about the highly recommended ski park
which just happens to be in Avoriaz, the Burton Stash is said to be, “the best natural terrain park in France”.
– both quotes by AJ from Igluski.
And if you’re looking for great après-ski,
you have come to the right place! With its fun and friendly atmosphere, it’s a
fantastic resort to meet new people or to stick with the ones you came with,
and never fail to have a good time, whilst enjoying your stunning surroundings.
4. St. Anton, Austria
being centered within the Arlberg
Ski-Circus, has been highly recommended, as well as being one of the top ski resorts in Europe!
Daniel Robinson, aged 18, summarised St.
Anton, telling us, “there’s a lot
going on in the town, and it usually has really good snow conditions”. Many
others consider the resort to be firmly established as it has a large ski area with fantastic skiing
and runs for skiers of all abilities. As well as in St. Anton, these runs are spread onto the neighbouring villages of St. Christoph, Lech, Zürs, and now Warth resulting in a total ski area of
340km.
The ski area is known to have
unbelievable views, and the thing that is so great about this resort, is that
you are in for definite consistent snow every winter. Whether on-piste,
off-piste or cross-country skiing, you can be assured of a whole snow sure
winter wonderland. If you feel like you need to take a quick break from skiing
during the daytime, there are numerous non-skiing activities you may want to
consider. You can choose from the following: tobogganing, ice-skating, ski
shows (Wednesdays only), and even squash, climbing, tennis or bowling!
5. Last but not least, we head back to France, over to Flaine.
Phenomenal sights surround the resort as it is placed right at the heart of the
amazing ‘Grand Massif’, with over 265kms of fantastic ski runs. As a large,
varied ski resort of 5249ft in height, Flaine
is known for it’s fantastic snow conditions and promised sunshine along with the popular 'Jam Park' being the ideal place to practice your tricks and watch the pros too, with beginner through to advanced lines in a huge, open space.
This resort has everything to offer – everything being a fantastic skiing
experience, picturesque surroundings, and a lively nightlife, with the high
altitude ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
Other suggestions made on Little
Skiers' facebook page, include:
· Whistler,
Canada – renowned as the number one ski
resort in North America, sitting side by side with Blackcomb Mountain, combined
having a vast selection of 100 runs in total, averaging a whole 10m of snow
each winter season!
· Les
Menuires, France - situated between
Val Thorens and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and is just a great choice for
those skiers want 3 Valley skiing without breaking the bank! Go down to the
village and you will find a fantastic range of restaurants, bars, shops and
nightclubs.
· Châtel,
France – also another resort within the Portes de Soleil, is Châtel. With a mixture of ski runs for skiers
of all abilities, this resort is perfect when thinking of pushing yourself that
little bit more. With a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants and a good
après-ski atmosphere, ski holidays in Châtel are perfect for everyone!
Feel free to add your suggestions!
May Johnson, July 2014
