the Travel Enthusiast
- 24 Oct
erato in Fun and Travel | 1 COMMENTThe world’s most unusual ski hotspots
©geograph.org.uk
Skiing and snowboarding are just two of the many sports enjoyed by people on a winter break. As such, there are a number of very popular resorts across central Europe or North America where you can ski on established slopes and enjoy après ski in the company of many other enthusiasts.
Occasionally, however, it is tempting to leave away the oft-frequented slopes in search of something a little different. Not just off piste, but also off the main skiing maps altogether. If you are searching for late ski deals and fancy a trip somewhere exotic, then listed below are some of the world’s most unusual skiing destinations.
1. Russia
Sochi in Russia will host the 2014 Winter Olympics, but it is still relatively undiscovered as a ski-resort; this will soon change as hundreds of kilometres of new runs are planned for the season 2011-12. With huge investment in the resorts, top of the range equipment and reliable snow conditions, Sochi is set to become the next must-visit place for skiing and snowboarding holidays. So why not beat the rush and visit this beautiful part of Russia now, before the crowds of winter sports enthusiasts and Olympians share this idyllic place with the world?
2. Spain
Snowticias.com/flickr
Are you considering heading to Spain for a ski holiday? It may sound fanciful given the Mediterranean region is well known for its warm year-round temperatures, but head up into the towering Pyrenees and you can experience some of Europe’s best skiing and snowboarding at Formigal.
The resort is Spain’s biggest and boasts an outstanding range of runs, as well as a wide variety of other activities including heli skiing and two snowparks. Best of all, once you have finished, you can drive down the mountains and head eastwards to enjoy warm winter temperatures in the magnificent city of Barcelona, or you can extend your holiday by heading north into France and staying at one of the many beautifully appointed ski chalets.
3. Finland
To experience skiing in a truly unique setting, a trip to the resorts of Ruka or Iso-Syote in Finland is an absolute must. Lapland may be best known for Father Christmas, but a trip here not only offers some of the most spectacular skiing in the world, but also a chance to glimpse other wonders including vast snowy plains and the majestic northern lights. Whichever resort you choose, Finland offers a truly unique skiing experience.
4. Japan
Après sushi anybody? For a truly exotic skiing trip, head to Japan to the island of Hokkaido where the resorts of Niseku and Rusutsu provide you with a truly magnificent setting in which to enjoy the crisp snowy runs. Set amidst the snow-capped peaks of mountains and extinct volcanoes, a winter trip to Japan is truly memorable and you can make your trip extra special by enjoying a city add-on in Tokyo, to learn more about the Japanese and their fascinating culture.
5. Bulgaria
©Klearchos Kapoutsis/flickr
Bulgaria may be gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s cheapest destinations for summer holidays, but the country also has a burgeoning reputation as being a fantastic and unspoilt destination for winter sports enthusiasts.The three resorts of Pamporovo, Borovets and Bansko offer outstanding skiing for beginners and intermediate skiers in particular, and the hotels offer outstanding luxury at fantastic prices.
With so many countries now exploiting the potential of their natural resources to offer skiers and snowboarders a brand new experience, now is the best time to consider asking a specialist company to organise your ski trip of a lifetime.Not only are there plenty of options in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France, but there are emerging markets in a host of other countries that offer the visitor a trip they will remember at a price that they can afford.
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Oh nice. Russian winters really offer a wide variety of activities that people can enjoy. And one of these activities is skiing. Skiing and snowboarding are activities that many tourists enjoy year round. Certain areas of Russia offer heli-skiing which is becoming increasingly popular.