Top 5 Ski and Snowboarding Resorts on a Budget

By Raj Sidhu

1. La Tania, France

Need to know: Quiet, good value, purpose-built resort with nursery slopes and gentle sledging at village level. Attached to the Three Valleys area, off-duty parents can get in some proper ski time, but as it's also below the tree line, on-duty parents can take the kids on activities such as woodland walks.

Good for: Anyone worried about altitude. La Tania is one of the lowest resorts at only 1,350m high. And at under 600 miles from Calais, you can drive there from the UK.

Bonus: Geneva airport has a good nursery - useful in the case of flight delays.

2. Flaine, France

Need to know: Purpose-built, car-free and architect-designed in the 1960s. All of the pistes lead back to the same nursery slopes, so ideal for a group of mixed ability as everyone can regroup between laps. The nursery slopes are well kitted out, and the main slopes have something for everyone, from cruising slopes to challenging black runs, and easily accessible off-piste between the runs.

Good for: A quiet holiday. The traditional chalet-loving French aren't big fans of the architecture, so Flaine can be quieter than you'd expect in the village and on the pistes.

Bonus: It's one of the closest resorts to Geneva, which makes for an easier-than-usual transfer.

3. Mayrhofen, Austria

Need to know: At 630m, Mayrhofen is low but has three spectacular gondolas that whisk you up to the slopes on either side of the valley. Beginners will enjoy the gentle slopes of the Ahorn mountain. The other mountain, Penken, is great for intermediates, with a variety of red runs, and a valley called Tappenalm, dotted with good cafes.

Good for: Getting to by road or rail from budget-airline-friendly Salzburg and Munich. Once in town, there's a range of decently priced accommodation, and supermarkets for self-caterers or picnic fans. The cafes and coffee shops will keep a non-skiing parent or grandparent entertained, too.

Bonus: Aspiring freestyle skiers or snowboarders will love the park at the top of Tappenalm.

4. Avoriaz, France

Need to know: Purpose-built, car-free and built high up on the cliffs, Avoriaz is attached to the gigantic Portes du Soleil area and boasts 650km of piste, half in France and half in Switzerland. Accommodation is mainly self-catered apartments in ski-in, ski-out blocks run by big tour operators.

Good for: A family keen to try some more advanced skiing. Good black runs and challenging reds in Portes du Soleil, for the piste-lovers - three snowparks in Avoriaz for freestylers. Those looking for off-piste will find tree runs, powder bowls and cliff drops.

Bonus: Great for beginners, too, with loads of space for the first-timer. And the resort is so compact, you can send the kids out to get the morning croissants.

5. Cervinia, Italy

Need to know: This resort is over the Italian side of the Matterhorn (or Cervino, in Italian). The high, sunny, snow-sure pistes are laid out over a valley head - wide runs that all lead back down to the village. The area links up with the pistes of Zermatt at the top, making a massive 350km of runs.

Good for: Hearty Italian food that won't break the bank at the mountain restaurants in attractive chalets (try the Chalet Etoile), and lots of good pizza joints, as well as some treats like the Baita Cretaz restaurant - only accessible by skidoo once the lifts are closed.

Bonus: Runs all stay wide, gentle and consistent right to the bottom. And the village is small enough to let older kids go exploring the shops on their own.

Raj has been writing articles online now for quite a while. Some of the subject he like to write about include holiday destinations. You can also check out his latest websites on the Kitchenaid 4 Slice Toaster and the Weslo Cadence Treadmill.

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Skiing - Some of the World's Best Ski Spots

By Michael Russell

Many of us have had holidays spent breathing recycled air in "luxury" coaches, watching bad television in hotel rooms, eating beyond our capacity simply because meals were included in the "package" and there was little else to do. Yawn! But not if there's snow on the ground; don the long johns and get at it .

1. Austria: skiing for amateurs - So maybe you're not the athletic type. You don't have to be to take advantage of the world's best sporting havens, particularly if you take a few professional lessons. St. Anton, in the Arlberg region of Austria, is the best place to go for ski instruction-the Arlberg School ski technique originated here and the area's 300+ instructors are all well-versed in the method. In the hands of these pros, you'll look like an expert after a few days on the slopes.

2. Chile's best skiing for mamas' boys (sorry.we mean "cautious athletic types") - If you've got nothing to prove and just want some sane, safe skiing, La Parva, located just minutes from Santiago, allows you to ski from your lodge to the lifts. If you're afraid of getting hurled into a tree, there's no need to worry here: the mountains are treeless. The slopes also have wind-curled cornices, so snowboarders can afford to try out a few new stunts. This is also a perfect spot to try heli-skiing in a friendly, nurturing environment.

3. Ski Whistler Blackcomb before the next Olympians do! When it comes to skiing and riding, Whistler Blackcomb with its 8,000 plus acres of terrain on both mountains, has variety and then some. Choose from steeps, deeps, chutes, high alpine bowls, glades, superb corduroy, long cruisers and gentle rollers. Riders and skiers will revel in the Parks and Pipes on both mountains plus natural launch pads, hits, wind-lips, cornices, cliff drops and ridges - the place is like a huge, natural terrain park! And the night-life is great too! This is the site of the next Winter Olympics.

4. World-class skiing for coupon clippers...in the Italian Alps - Sure, you'd love to go on a ritzy ski holiday but you're - well, how can we put this? ...broke. No worries. We appreciate a good bargain ourselves and have found that the deals in life are often a mere stone's throw away from the pricey stuff. Such is the case in the Italian Alps: Mount Livata and Pescasseroli are located very near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy's most popular resort, but offer affordable accommodation and similar access to facilities. Same goes for Val d'Ayas, which is located near pricey Courmayeur and Cervinia and offers lower lift prices, more challenging runs and fewer crowds.

5. And if that's not cheap enough, there's skiing in Spain - You can ski in Spain on a busker's budget. While there is a certain aura about the Alps resorts in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, the Spanish Pyrenees area keeps up with the best of them (and certainly surpasses them with respect to value.) Baquiera-Beret, in Lerida, boasts a lengthy ski season (November through April), numerous slopes of varying difficulty, plenty of chair lifts, professional ski instruction and - this is the best part - far fewer crowds than the pricier resorts. A good place to stay is Hotel Montarto which offers spectacular views and easy access to lifts.

6. If you think you're a good skiier, try heli-skiing in the Purcells in British Columbia - Rk Heliski in Golden, welcomes you to 1,500 square kilometres/ 930 sq. miles of incredible terrain in the spectacular Purcell Mountains, on the edge of the legendary Bugaboos. Heli-ski/boarding tours are led by some of the world's best mountain guides to access wide open alpine slopes, scenic glaciers and gladed forests dusted with annual snowfalls of up to 1,100 cm/36 feet. Some of this is extreme skiing, definitely not for the novice, but hey, who wants to live forever?

7. Austria's least-known sport that'll make you feel like a kid again - Austria's Lake District boasts excellent ice-skating and skiing during the winter as well as water sports during the summer. The area around Wolfgangsee offers a little-known sport that'll take you right back to your childhood. Mountain tobogganing involves carting a metal saucer-of-a-thing up a hillside (we recommend the chair lift as opposed to a hike) and descending on a metal track to the bottom. It'll be the most invigorating five minutes of your life. Next step? Do it again!

8. And after lots of lessons and a stiff drink...Canadian daredevil's dream - Canada's ski-jump champs practice in Thunder Bay, Ontario, regarded as the world's biggest jump. You've seen the Bond films - now it's your turn. Mind you, there are also cross-country trails for beginners if you need to get up your confidence. The area includes four major Alpine areas. Daily flight service can be arranged from Toronto, Winnipeg and Minneapolis. This place can be crowded during peak season--who knew there were so many daredevils around?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Tourism [http://tourism-guided.com]

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Romantic Ski Resort Getaways in Utah

By Jia Tan

Actually, there are three alpine ski resorts in Park City, Utah, but The Canyons is the largest one and an excellent choice of all the romantic ski resort getaways in Utah. If you buy a package, you'll find that the prices for a stay are competitive. You'll be able to choose from a catalog of lodging venues from The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel, a Four Diamond resort that has an outdoor heated pool, gourmet dining, and warm areas where you and your friends can gather to several world-class lodges. The hotel is one of the closest lift access ski-in, ski-out hotels in the country.

Child care is available for all children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age at this romantic resort getaway in Utah on the second floor of the hotel.

The Summit Hotel has a business center on the ground floor. Stocked with individual internet-accessible PC workstations, a print, copier, fax machine, and anything you need to keep up with your business tasks. In fact, if your business wants to hold a conference, you can't do better than the Summit Hotel. The Conference Center has 18,000 square feet of space. You'll get excellent help planning outdoor group activities from your conference guests. So if you want to share your romantic ski resort getaway in Utah with others, you can't do better than The Canyons.

If a lodge is your preference for your romantic ski resort getaway in Utah, you will have several choices including one that is only steps from the slopes. Even the lodges provide extraordinary amenities.

A spa is available for guests' enjoyment and the dozens of places to eat will satisfy any food preference. To make your romantic ski resort getaway in Utah complete, there are many shopping opportunities on the historic main street. However, if you've forgotten a personal item or just want to shop, there's a general store in the Summit Hotel. Canyon Mountain Sports is a good place to shop for clothes and ski equipment.

Perhaps some members of your party want to do some sightseeing on your romantic ski resort getaway in Utah or prefer not to ski every day. There are tours of Salt Lake City. There are also other sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, even fly fishing.

For a romantic ski resort getaway in Utah, you won't beat The Canyons. The lodging is excellent, the slopes are outstanding, food is diverse and satisfying, and you can go shopping or sightseeing when you're not on the slopes. In the gathering places you will build memories for a lifetime.

Resort Getaways Ski Resort Getaways ------------------------------------------------------------ For more on Utah Skiing, see www.bestskisource.com.

"Truth in Motion" Documentary Available As a Free Download

By George Hanson

Skiing has long been recognized as one of the most prized Olympic sports. It requires a combination of speed, stamina, control and sheer determination to win a medal and leave your name in Olympic posterity. Now you can watch what it takes to compete at this level with a simple push of a button.

A documentary commissioned by automobile manufacturer, Audi, is available for free download at the iTunes Store. The film is titled "Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver." Available in high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) versions, fans of Olympic sports will be able to watch this exciting documentary on their PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod and television using an Apple TV.

The film presents a unique look at the sport of skiing, which tests the limits of human endurance, stamina and will-power. With the consent of the U.S. Ski team, the filmmakers were able to capture powerful images and breathtaking video footage of athletes who dare to chase their dreams of competing at the Vancouver Olympic games.

This documentary was made possible with funding from Audi of America, which has been a long supporter of the U.S. Ski Team. The film contains state-of-the-art camera techniques that capture ultra slow motion images. This makes it appear like time is at a standstill and it captures how skiers are able to manipulate different techniques within a fraction of a second.

You will come out with a better understanding of the pains and sacrifice Olympic skiers encounter. But, you will also discover and appreciate what hard work and determination can accomplish.

George Hanson writes about automobiles and consumer tips. You can find more information at audittsline.com. Follow his blog at: audi tt sline ------------------------------------------------------- For more on Olympic Skiing, see www.bestskisource.com

Cheap Ski Trips - Find the Best Deals This Olympic Year!

By Steven Magill

The Internet is a great resource for ski trips, especially cheap ski trips. These days you don't need to know a friend of a ski operator or a cousin who works winters at a ski resort if they know of any deals on cheap ski trips. They can all be found online. These days with the opening of Eastern Europe, there are a lot of inexpensive ski packages, almost like backpacking ski resorts. Added to the situation is that this being an Olympic Year means that some resorts are experiencing temporary dips in their occupancies during the season and with a prolong season at that, some tour operators are giving great deals in order to fill up their quota for the year. It's an interesting process for until the last minute; let's say a week or five days before the trip itself, there may be last minute offers too good to pass up. In this instance, hedging a bit helps out a lot. But then again, this is just possible for this year as it is an Olympic Year.

If you are an experienced skier and a bit adventurous, then why not go and try skiing in new resorts that are out to make a name for it. These resorts offer great discounts and may even have long term packages or loyalty programs as they want to promote themselves as the next best thing. A lot of these resorts may be found in Eastern European countries so it's best to contact them to see what packages they offer and to see how their English is. You may get a good deal on a resort but if the people aren't very fluent in English, there may be a communication problem. The solution to this is to do your research and if needs be, bring a translation book that can quickly teach you words or phrases on that language. You would have to be a bit adventurous for this but then again, it may be worth it as you are introduced to a new culture. Don't forget to try the local cuisine as well.

But if you like going back to your old haunts and favor being pampered by the ski resort that treats you like you are their only customer, email them and see if they have great rates for you. More often than not, they may have emailed you already in anticipation of the Olympics. See if you can get an upgrade to your rooms for the price you are paying. One thing good about such resorts is that you are already familiar with them and I am sure that a few freebies will be thrown in your way.

Finally, some useful information on how to find cheap ski trips. Check out the offers and get ready to hit the slopes with cheap ski packages! Imagine how much fun is waiting for you and your friends on your next vacation when you play in the snow!

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Ski Jacket - 7 Secrets From an Industry Insider to Keep You From Getting Ripped Off

By Denise Street

If you are interested in purchasing a ski jacket, you should know the 7 secrets from an industry insider to keep you from getting ripped off. There are many different manufacturers that produce and sell ski jackets. Unfortunately, not all of these companies work to deliver jackets that are appropriate for skiing activities. In the same respect, not all companies produce ski clothes that are high in quality. In this consumer guide, you will be introduced to the 7 secrets as noted by an industry insider on what to look for in a jacket so that you can avoid being ripped off.

1. The first step to choosing a high quality ski jacket is to ensure that the fabric used on the jacket is waterproof. It is important to ensure that moisture will not soak through the jacket onto your body. When skiing, you experience many different environmental conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. You will want to know that your jacket will protect you from these elements.

2. If you want a real ski jacket, it is important to select only those that have multiple layers. Flimsy jackets with only one to two layers simply are not enough. You will want to make certain that the layers are composed of high quality fabric that will keep moisture away from your body.

3. The next factor that you will want to consider prior to purchasing a ski jacket are the seams of the clothing. You will want to focus on only closed seams. These types of seams will lock out wind and moisture. If you do not purchase closed seams, you will find that the jacket does not have as high of a lifespan and is not nearly as durable.

4. When choosing a ski jacket, it is absolutely important that you pay special attention to the construction of the sleeves. It is best to choose those that have elastic sleeves. It is also important to seek out only those that have an outer-cuff that is considered to be "straight".

5. When buying your ski clothing, it is important to ensure that there is a hood on the jacket. This hood will help in keeping moisture away from your head and face area. It will also help protect you from the wind. If there is no hood at all, you may find it to be distracting while on the slopes.

6. When buying a jacket, it is important to have both a button enclosure and a zipper enclosure. This offers many different levels of protection. In addition to this, the double enclosure level allows you the ability to move freely on the slopes without having to worry about your buttons popping open.

7. Last, but not least, it is important to ensure that you select a jacket that contains sections where you may place your belongings while skiing. There are different compartments that are created for cell phones, wallets, and more. If you want a truly functional jacket, choosing those that have these compartments will prove to be highly beneficial.

As you can see, there are many different factors to consider when shopping for a ski jacket. If you follow the steps contained in this guide, you can successfully avoid being ripped off.

Denise Street is a fashion consultant/adviser and avid skier and snowboarder. Since she spends a lot time outside doing these activities she knows the importance of wearing the appropriate clothing. She strives to provide you with her expertise and experience to help you choose the right apparel so you can focus on having fun, not on the cold. For more consumer advise about purchasing a ski jacket, visit http://www.squidoo.com/ski-jacket --------------------------------------------------- For more information on Ski Clothing, see www.bestskisource.com.

Colorado's Top Five Ski Resorts

By Christopher Bradford

Colorado is ski country USA with twenty eight ski resorts that include some of the most famous names in the ski business. Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs just to name a few are all in this fabulous state of Colorado. With twenty eight, how do we widdle it down to the top five?

Everyone has their own little perspective on what makes a great ski resort. Great night life, lots of snow, easy access to on hill lodging, celebrities walking around, high end restaurants are all aspects of what make a ski resort what it is. My perspective is from the skiing side. I like lots of snow, great runs, a mountain that spreads different abilities across different parts of the hill, smaller crowds and did I mention lots of snow. So here goes my top five Colorado ski resorts and why. These are in no particular order as I had enough of a hard time working it down to five.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort: In the southern part of Colorado sits in a great location to catch the best of Colorado's winter storms. It's also is a bit warmer than the other top four resorts on this list with an average daily winter temperature of 30F. The mountain is about 50% expert and most of the other 50% is intermediate. This is an old skiers hill that will test your ability. The town is nit overly developed but you can find something for almost everyone here.

Steamboat Ski Resort: In the northwest part of Colorado the mountain is comprised of six peaks, 165 trails spread out over 2,965 acres served by 20 lifts, including four high-speed quad chairlifts and an 8-passenger gondola, rising 3,668 vertical feet. Gladed areas of Sunshine and Storm Peaks are Steamboat's claim to fame, with Champagne Powder snow in the trees for the most avid powder hounds. If the snow is falling there is not a better place in the world to ski. A great town with working cattle ranches and an old west feel make this a can't miss destination.

Telluride Ski Resort: Surrounded by the highest concentration of 14,000 peaks in the US this is a skiers paradise. The small town of Telluride is out of the way enough that you feel as the whole mountain is yours. No lift lines at all and lodging that is almost all slopeslide. Great late season snow and again in southern Colorado where if the weather is right you talk of snow in feet not inches.

Copper Mountain Resort: The oly resort on the list that sits on the I-70 corridor but the mountain is worth dealing with I-70. This is the perfect ski mountain. From skiers left is beginner, middle is intermediate and right is expert. The expert terrain in the Far East area is breath taking. looking down at the valley below the terrain is perfect. Snow is usually very good also.

Winter Park Resort: Only 67 miles from Denver and the best and most snow in the state. Winter Park is as they say Colorado's favorite. Snow averages over 350 inches a year and it is sunny 70% of the ski season. That must mean some big storms!! The Mary Jane side of Winter Park has the best bumps in North America and there is great powder and great tree skiing. Winter Park is the place to go if you like snow so I would have to say WP is the favorite here.

So there is my top five Colorado ski resorts. What are yours lets here in the comments below.

For your Colorado ski vacation Christopher Bradford invites you to visit http://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com to find the best lodging in Winter Park, Colorado.

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