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Chamonix

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

A skiing vacation in France offers a choice of seven different mountain ranges, most notably the Alps. Each has its unique attractions so it is a good idea to decide what you want out of your vacation before you choose a resort or region. Make a vacation plan based on you level of skiing and other preferences such as après-ski, family-focused ski schools or proximity of slopes to chalets.

Chamonix offers a mix of everything you may be looking for in a vacation destination: challenging and varied terrain and lively nightlife and après-ski. In fact it is worth visiting just for the spectacular views. Chamonix lies nestled in a steep-walled valley, surrounded by Europe’s highest mountains, the most notable being Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Chamonix offers skiing between December and May.

Chamonix Mt-Blanc at 3,396 ft is in the heart of the French Alps, very close to Mt. Dolent where the French, Swiss and Italian borders meet. The skiing and snowboarding options are numerous, accommodating all levels of skill along the valley. One can vacation at the resort town of Argentière where there are innumerable hotels and chalets to stay. Les Grands Montets looms above the town and offers steep, long, and ungroomed terrain. You have the option of skiing or boarding the face of the mighty Mont Blanc itself at either Point de Vue or Pylanes. You may find that the slopes are rather challenging, but they may not be as terrifying as you may have imagined. The access, though, is riddled with cornices and crevasses and an adventure by itself.

Chamonix is selected by many as a vacation spot for the après-ski as much as for the slopes. Bars, restaurants and clubs are filled with boisterous skiers and most often there are leading DJs of Europe in action here. Bars like the immensely popular Cantina, and nightclubs like BPM, have live music and performers rocking through the night. There is even a casino at Chamonix. Restaurants offer excellent cuisine and spectacular views of the Mt Blanc massif. A vacation here is an unforgettable experience quite unlike any other.

Davos

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:00 +0000

Davos is a large town in the southeastern corner of Switzerland, two hours away from Zurich. It was one of the first skiing venues and health spas in the Alps, and even today it offers slopes on a scale that few resorts can better. This original mega resort comprises of two parts, Dorf and Platz and is the highest city in Europe, set in a beautiful valley dwarfed by mountains on both sides.

Davos may not be a particularly attractive town, but skiers are drawn by its distinctive, long intermediate runs in the Parsenn area, the ability to visit a different sector every day and the considerable off-slope potential. Davos is known for the length and quality of its runs and has access to 325 km of pistes in five ski areas including Klosters. There is something for every type of skier, though not much for beginners. Intermediates have numerous long blues and reds to exploit, while advanced skiers have some good off-piste. The new Parsennbahn railway has made access to the slopes simpler and quicker.

Snowboarders have a designated park and plenty of off-piste options. Cross-country skiers also have much territory to cover, with several slopes spread over different mountains. Cruise as far as you wish and return by train or simply descend through small villages to Klosters. Though Davos does not possess the charm of Klosters it is better placed for exploring all the mountains. The longest run is 12kms and the slopes are accessed by 50 ski lifts, consisting of nine cable cars, three gondolas, two funiculars, nine chairlifts and 27 T-bars.

Apres-ski is lively with numerous bars and restaurants, as well as five nightclubs. Children are welcome here and kids are offered a special lunch that is included in the price at the ski kindergarten. There is plenty to do in Davos off the slopes. You can take a scenic train ride; skate on the largest natural ice rink in Europe; visit the winter sport museum or watch an ice hockey match. You can also take a daytrip to the elegant 16th century town of Chur, the oldest settlement in Switzerland and capital of the Graubunden region.

Ski Mountaineering – An Amazing Outdoor Adventure

Editor — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:30:09 +0000

As the name suggests, ski mountaineering is a combination of the techniques of snow skiing and mountaineering. As is the case with traditional mountaineers around the world, ski mountaineers enjoy the challenge of conquering a mountain. Unlike, traditional mountaineers, however, ski mountaineers then take on the challenge of skiing down the mountain they have just climbed.

Although similar in some respects, ski mountaineering differs from the popular sport of ski touring in that ski mountaineers have the goal of traveling over any part of a mountain, which may include enormous rocks, ice or sections of broken glaciers, regardless of the conditions. Ski mountaineers use skiing techniques for much of their journey, but climb slopes that are inaccessible to skiers. They do this by strapping their skis to their backpacks, and using a range of mountaineering equipment, including ice axes, crampons and ropes. Making use of these mountaineering techniques allows ski mountaineers to traverse extreme slopes and other terrain in order to then continue their journey on skis.

Ski mountaineering is popular in the European Alps, where participants enjoy traveling from hut-to-hut through the mountains. These adventurers will often cross difficult terrain where mountaineering skills are required. This sport is also popular in the Tatra Mountains between Slovakia and Poland, and the Pyrenees between France and Spain. A number of North American mountain ranges offer exciting ski mountaineering opportunities, including the Sierra Nevada, Tetons and Wasatch, as well as the Pacific Rim volcanoes of Mt Shasta, Mt Rainier and Mt Lassen. Ski mountaineering is also gaining popularity in New Zealand and the South American Andes.

Ski mountaineering racing is also becoming increasingly popular. This timed event follows a pre-determined, established trail through extremely challenging winter alpine terrain. Racers are required to pass through a series of checkpoints as they climb and descend unassisted, using backcountry skiing techniques and equipment, along with mountaineering techniques and equipment.

Although only categorized fairly recently as a sport, ski mountaineering goes way back in history. One of the pioneers of ski mountaineering was John “Snowshoe” Thompson who, beginning in 1855 and continuing for 20 years, delivered mail approximately twice a month to remote California mining camps and settlements. Thompson’s ninety mile, five-day journey took him up and over the steep, rugged eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada – not an easy task, especially as he was carrying a pack of mail weighing around 100 pounds. As impressive as Thompson’s achievements are, however, they were work related, and German Wilhelm von Arlt is generally considered to be the founder of the sport of ski mountaineering. Von Arlt made history when he completed the first unassisted ski ascent of over 10,180 feet by climbing the Rauris Sonnblick in 1894.

Certainly, the demanding sport of ski mountaineering opens up exquisite terrain that is seldom seen, and ski mountaineers consider it a challenge to conquer the path less traveled.

New Zealand’s Snow-skiing Temple

Editor — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:18:44 +0000

Temple Basin is one of the greatest places to go skiing in New Zealand. The ski area is situated at the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, which is at the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. It boasts a truly alpine environment with plenty of snow and great facilities – the perfect vacation destination for the outdoors enthusiast!

If you enjoy a bit of variety, Temple Basin in New Zealand has a lot to offer you. The ski area is spread out over four separate basins, which means that there are suitable skiing areas for skiers and snowboarders of every level of expertise. While beginners navigate the more gentle slopes, experts can hurtle down the most challenging runs at breakneck speed. Of course there is plenty on offer for those who are in-between the two extremes.

One of the great things about the Temple Basin Ski Area is that you do not have to belong to the area’s official ski or snowboard club in order to use the facilities or stay in the lodge. However, being a member does give you added advantages, so if you plan to frequent this great resort, it is worthwhile becoming a member. As far as accommodation goes, there are two lodges which provide bunk-room accommodation for 120 people. The lodges are modern and very close to the actual skiing facilities. However, they are communal lodges so you will need to do your part to ensure that the running of the lodges continues smoothly. Those that are short of a board or who need some instruction will find that they can easily hire gear or a qualified instructor.

It is also advisable that you pack light when setting off for the Temple Basin Ski Area. The parking for this wonderful facility is about a 45 minute walk from the lodges so you don’t want to have too much luggage to weigh you down as you enjoy the spectacular views along the way. You’ll find the car park just 4 kilometers west of the Arthur’s Pass Village on State Highway 73 and there is almost always someone around to help you carry your luggage. So book your stay at this great, low-cost family destination and make the most of your winter in New Zealand this year!

The St. Moritz Bike Gourmet Tour

Editor — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:34:15 +0000

Most people don’t think of visiting ski resorts during summer. However, a number of snow ski resorts around the world, including those in Switzerland, offer a wonderful program of summer activities and events. So why not head off to the renowned St. Moritz ski resort this summer. One of the major activities hosted at St. Moritz during summer is the fun-filled Bike Gourmet Tour.

The Bike Gourmet Tour St. Moritz is a marvelous way to explore the wonders of nature as well as to indulge in several culinary delights created by some of the most outstanding chefs. The tours begin in July and wrap up in October each year. The Bike Gourmet Tour will guide you through the stunning Swiss National Park, as well as the World Heritage Site of Mustair Monastery. The network of pathways winds though some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps, taking in the Bernina range, Upper Engadin lakes, Balposchiavo valley, Val Mora and the quaint villages of Lower Engadin. This cycling tour is a true blend of nature, sports and culture.

Whilst on this remarkable journey you will be able to enjoy some of the most amazing cuisine to ever touch your palate. The four chefs who participate in the Bike Gourmet Tour of St. Moritz boast 5 Michelin stars and a total of 66 Gault Millau points. The famous chefs are: Roland JÃ¶hri, Eduard Hitzberger, Rudolf Wanninger and Ivan Gotfredsen. These remarkable individuals will tempt you with exceptional meals after a day of cycling, as well as a truly impressive lunch box of goodies.

The St. Moritz Bike Gourmet Tour includes the following: a warm VIP welcome, 2 guided tours, 2 gourmet dinners, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, a daily lunch box, luggage transfer, laundry services, bike servicing and a delightful ride on the Bernina Railway. Indeed, this is an amazing experience you won’t want to miss out on this summer.

Of course, St. Moritz ski resort offers a host of other exciting summer activities that you can enjoy while in Switzerland. These include hiking, Nordic walking, golf, inline skating, sailing, tennis, windsurfing, alpinism, adventure sports and more. So take some time out this summer and visit the wonderful holiday destination of St. Moritz.