Eye On Travel: Steeps, Deeps, Bumps, Dumps and Après. Hello Winter!

Non binding contract: Blame the skis!

If you like snowy weather, crowded public transport and strenuous exercise whilst hungover then you are probably very much looking forward to winter. Because that means it’s time to go Skiing and Snowboarding.

You may then be interested to know that by the end of October, there will be 7 resorts open in Europe so you don’t even have to wait! Here’s a preview of the season with four of my personal favourites.

More Zine: Is 650km far enough?

FRANCE is the home of purpose built ski in ski out resorts: vast convenient lift linked areas with self catering apartments modelled on sinkhole estates. Food is good, après ski variable and the music ideal for fans of the work of Phil Collins.

My pick is the traditional style town of Morzine in the huge Portes du Soleil area (just the 650km of runs). It is well located for access to Les Gets and Avoriaz and has a good range of hotels and chalets.

The GOOD: Big lift linked area; The BAD: Low altitude; The UGLY: Neighbouring Avoriaz
APRES TIP: The Cavern Bar for shots. It stays open late if you can.
GET THERE: Via Geneva. It’s a short 90 minute road transfer so ideal for short breaks

Zermatt: Scenery takes your mind off the bill

SWITZERLAND is the archetypal alpine county. High mountains, high standards and unfortunately high prices. But you do get what you pay for and the scenery is unbeatable. Verbier has a cult following, Davos is superb but if you only go to one place, make it Zermatt.

Dominated by the Matterhorn and with a top height of 3,820m, snow cover is never a problem. Long runs go back into town or over to Cervinia in Italy. Just make time for lunch with some of the Alps’ best mountain restaurants.

The GOOD: Big and snow sure; The BAD: Slow mountain access; The UGLY: The prices
APRES TIP: The Hennu Stall for live music and throwing snowballs at gondola competitions
GET THERE: 3-4 hours from Zürich or Geneva. It’s car free so expect to end up on a train.

St Anton: Now easier to get back to the Moosewirt

AUSTRIA is made up of traditional villages with comfortable hotels, state of the art lift systems (with heated seats!) and raucous après ski fun. This year, the Arlberg region of St Anton-Lech-Zürs will become the largest lift linked area in Austria (310km).

St Anton is for the enthusiasts whether it is the off piste from the Valluga to the new Run of Fame circuit covering 65km and 18,000m vertical. You might just need a drink after that which is fortunate as there are plenty of places for the day and night time.

The GOOD: Fully linked now; The BAD: It can be busy; The UGLY: Leaving the Mooserwirt
APRES TIP: The on mountain Mooserwirt is legendary as is the pitch dark descent home.
GET THERE: 2 hours from Innsbruck or Friedrichshafen, 3 hours from Zürich. Road or rail.

Whistler: Welcome to Twin Peaks

North America offers something quite different from Europe such as less crowds, more snow and compulsory hot tubs. At current exchange rates, CANADA offers the best value and the place to go is Whistler, BC (British Columbia - it’s not that old!)

With a long season and plenty of snow coming off the Pacific, the largest area over the Pond has plenty to offer and the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are now linked by Gondola. The resort itself is purpose built with lively bars and restaurants.

The GOOD: Lots of snow; The BAD: Not lots of sun; The UGLY: Rain on the lower slopes
APRES TIP: Get an Instructor/Guide and go where they go. Don’t expect an early night!
GET THERE: It’s only 2 hours by road from Vancouver. But that’s 10 hours flight from the UK.

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Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website.

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you.