La Tania: A Top Option for Family Ski Holidays

There are a number of ski resorts in "Les Trois Vallées" ski area, and each has its own unique features. However, one of the best for families is La Tania, and it may be just what you are looking for if you are taking the kids along with you to the ski chalets. La Tania is one of the smaller, quaint resorts, and everything about it is geared up to making your holiday the perfect family ski break. Here are some of the main reasons why families should consider it for their getaway this year.

Skiing for All Abilities

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a pro skier, then you will have plenty to keep you busy when you stay here in one of the ski chalets. La Tania has a great selection of both on-piste and off-piste skiing options for the more advanced, so you won't have difficulty finding something to keep you challenged. However, you will also find a number of gentler options for anyone in your group who does not have as much experience, especially younger members of the party.

Peaceful Atmosphere

The resort benefits from a very peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families looking for a somewhat quieter holiday. Many of the runs are lined with trees, giving it a sense of privacy that some of the other ski resorts lack. All in all it has a wonderful ambience both day and night, and you won't have to worry about being disturbed by too much noise and partying!

Top Activities

Even though the skiing is top notch, there are still plenty of other activities on offer to keep the kids happy if they want to try something different. Some of the most popular ones include snow shoeing, snow mobiles, dog sledding and even paragliding for the older members of the family. What the children will be able to do will depend on their age and abilities, but there is certainly plenty of choice on hand.

Easy Access to Other Resorts

While you pretty much have everything that you need within easy reach of your ski chalets, La Tania is part of the Les Trois Vallées ski area, meaning you will have excellent access to all of the other resorts as well. If you fancy a change of scenery, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you want to book a ski holiday this year that is family-friendly, has fantastic slopes and an outstanding selection of ski chalets, La Tania should be first on your list.

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How To Enjoy The Winter Season In Another Country

In comparison to summer, the winter season is not that appealing to some people. One primary reason could be the limited number of places to visit and outdoor activities to do especially when huge amount of snowfall happens. Sounds discouraging right? But the truth of the matter is there are a lot ways you can enjoy it even when you are in another country.

If you are with your children or younger relatives, you can try interesting, at the same time, educational activities with them any time of the day. While the sun is up, you can all engage to animal tracking. Get into the snow and find animal tracks. Take pictures of them. When you get home play a guessing game using your animal track photos. At night, take the young ones with you around a campfire and lead them into stargazing. If you can, name the stars you will spot in the winter season sky.

Should you be spending this time of the year with your friends in another country, there are thrilling activities in the outdoors that you can try. Sledding, skiing, skating and trekking are just a few of these al fresco actions which you can do in snow-covered hills and parks and frozen ponds of your choice. Just be sure that you wear the right gears before you slither in the snow. In fact, some locals and tourists take advantage of this season to earn extra money while enjoying themselves in the cool outdoor weather. Do you have skiing or skating skills to share and the patience to teach? If yes, you can find yourself a winter job in ski resorts. English-speaking students who happen to be vacationing in non-English speaking countries, gain extra money by simply having conversation in their mother tongue with a few interested locals.

Perhaps, you cannot stand the cold weather outside. There are other things which you can do to kill the boredom you feel. Search the web for the whereabouts of libraries and museums in the country where you are staying. As not much people stay off the snow-covered streets, this may be a great time for you to learn the country's culture. Be knowledgeable of its history by reading relevant books in the library. If you find yourself a people reason, you can ask a few natives you bump into to share anything about their traditions or help you learn basic expressions in their language. Are they not great ways to gain a new friend too?

Lastly, you can spend the winter season by learning new arts and crafts and seasonal dishes. Scout for short art classes which you can attend while vacationing in the country of your choice. Have you tasted local dishes which you wish to cook on your own when you get back to your country? Enroll in a cooking class or ask a local friend to invite you in her house and teach you how to cook one or a couple of them.

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Heading to Chamonix for a Ski Holiday

If you're ready for your winter holiday and want the chance to get away somewhere that offers a great variety of winter sport but doesn't feel like you are going an entire world away, then take the trip via Geneva to Chamonix. In Chamonix you have an excellent chance to get away to a place where active winter holidays are a part of the history of the place, at least since the rise of tourism in the 19th century.

In fact, if you are a winter sports enthusiast and want to spend much of your time outdoors, then there are few better choices than going from Geneva to Chamonix, [which is the quickest way to get to this valley in the south-eastern part of France]. Chamonix offers some of the highest mountains west of Russia and, in 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held there. Today, you can breeze into the town and take one of the world's highest lifts to the top of the mountains and ski or snowboard your way back down. Of, if you are very adventurous you can try heli-skiing.

Skiing There is no denying that one of the main reasons that people go from Geneva to Chamonix is for the skiing. It has three extended ski areas that offer skiers 108 kilometres of pistes over 69 individual pistes with 10 black, 20 red, 28 blue and 8 green for your skiing pleasure. With the variety of resorts in the area, you have a great choice of places to stay while you spend your days on the slopes. If you are just learning to ski, you can take group or private lessons, or, if you are one of the brave ones who are always looking for something a bit more exciting read on...

Hel-iskiing If you are an old hand at skiing the normal pistes and have even come from Geneva to Chamonix to do the non-regulated areas that are beyond the ski slopes (going off-piste without expert knowledge is not recommended), then you can always take advantage of the opportunity to try out heli-skiing while you are in Chamonix.

When you book your heli-skiing, a guide will go with you and direct you as you ascend over the peaks in a helicopter. Once you are at the appropriate place, you leap from the helicopter and ski or snowboard back down the stunning, snow-covered slopes. Heli-skiing is not for the faint of heart, and there are inherent risks that come with jumping out of any helicopter, naturally! But the thrill of getting to ski down the powder-soft, virgin snow offers an allure that makes Chamonix one of the best places in south eastern France to do so.

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Tyrol, Austria - Tourist Information and Holidays

Tyrol is placed in the South West side of Austria, being easily accessible for tourists from all over Europe. As Austria invested massively in tourism, you can reach this location by plane, with your personal car, or even by train. With so many resorts and winter locations, there is no wonder that tens of thousands of tourists rush to Tyrol immediately after the first snow.

Another important advantage of this region is the length of the winter season. Unlike other regions that benefit of snow for a few months a year, the winter season lasts for six months or even more in Tyrol.

The climate is an alpine one, being defended against strong winds and attractive for tourists. During the winter season, the average temperature is situated between -4 and -23 degrees Celsius, and during the summer, the temperatures barely reach 15 degrees Celsius.

The main attractions in Tyrol are the Dekanatspfarrkirche Church, which was built between 1723 and 1728, the Central Market in St. Johann, which displays the interesting architecture of the passed centuries, and Cafe Rainer, which offers a pleasant atmosphere for almost a century now. This makes Tyrol a great destination not only for the fans of winter sports, but also for history passionate that want to visit interesting objectives.

However, the winter sports remain the main attraction in Tyrol, as this area offers numerous possibilities to spend free time. During the summer, tourists could hike around the area, and the summer sports and the interior sports can also be practiced in those resorts.

The closest airport is Salzburg, situated at 60 kilometers from Tyrol. This province is considered as the best when it comes to skiing in Austria, and this fame is consolidated by the fact that Innsbruck hosted the Winter Olympics twice since now.

Located in the middle of Europe, Tyrol has an interesting history, as it was claimed and disputed many times by French, German and Bavarian kings. For this reason, the area has many tourists' objectives, which are also interesting for tourists. If you are interested about those objectives, it is a good idea to find accommodation in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, as the majorities of objectives, as well as the skiing facilities are easily accessible from here. Don't worry about guidance, as the locals are friendly and supportive with the tourists, being ready to help them with any question. It is a good idea to come here for at least two weeks, as you won't be disappointed about the large number of options offered by this Austrian destination.

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What to Expect From a Ski Holiday in La Tania

So you've arrived at your chalet. La Tania and all its delights await you. What can you expect when you are settled in and you are ready to explore the resort itself?

Learning how to ski

This area is ideal for all manner of skiers. If you are going to strap your skis on for the first time you will be glad to know there are several ski schools that can teach you how to ski properly. They have classes for both adults and children, and they can also provide private lessons if you prefer one-on-one attention.

Take part in cross country skiing

The resort also promises a full 26km of challenging and spectacular cross country tracks to follow if you prefer this activity to regular skiing. You can go across country all the way to Courchevel if you wish, before heading back to your chalet. La Tania shuttle buses are waiting to give you a lift if you cannot make it there and back!

A purpose built resort

There are apartments in the main part of the resort, but many will choose to stay in a chalet. La Tania boasts a pleasant green forest to house the chalets, yet you are still close to the slopes when you are ready to go skiing. Everything is on your doorstep.

Explore the snowpark

This is another feature that the resort has installed for the enjoyment of families. You can also explore the Red Indian Park together and stay safe in the Evolution Zones. These zones are put together to ensure novice skiers and children of all ages can be safe and enjoy themselves at all times - the perfect introduction to a skiing holiday.

Is it noisy at night?

If you are planning a skiing holiday with your family you want to know you can return to peace and quiet in your chalet. La Tania can offer just this, since it is not the noisiest destination you could choose. Other areas in the Three Valleys region, such as Meribel, offer far more in the way of entertainment at night. This means you can enjoy a day on the slopes with your children and get back to your chalet to settle them down for a good night's sleep without any disturbance at night.

Are there other things to do except skiing?

Even the most hardened of skiers will want some time off from the slopes. There are some shops in town and plenty of walks to go on in the local area. There are also eight restaurants in total, offering a chance to sample some local dishes. Some have good views of the slopes so you can watch the world go by while you eat and relax.

In short, La Tania is an excellent choice for a family skiing holiday. But it is also ideal for adult skiers who want something a little more demanding and don't like the noisy entertainment at nights.

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School Ski Trips With Doorstep Glacier Skiing - A Reality?

Based in Folgarida, which has an excellent snow record due to its high glacier altitude of 1600 feet, doorstep hotels directly overlook the ski slope. The hotels are so close that pupils can walk out of the back door and onto the snow piste within thirty seconds. This fantastic geographical location has several excellent benefits, but most notably for safeguarding. No more delays in travel and queues at the lift.

The local ski school even pick up the pupils directly from the hotels' reception, delivering them back for a hot lunch later that day. Over the week this convenience of doorstep skiing is not only one less thing for the teachers to worry about, but it also adds considerably more time on the snow. This gives superior value for money for those pupils on school ski trips.

Folgarida 1300, Folgarida 1400 and Marilleva make up this skiing resort. With their 26 modern ski lifts, 62 kilometres of groomed pistes over 32 runs, and night skiing illumination, this ski area is a true paradise for school ski trips with both skiers and snowboarders. It is also possible to extend the ski pass to 180km at a supplement. The ski lift, ski school and other amenities are all centred around a town square, making the resort a natural choice for discerning schools. The resorts are some of the best in Europe for schools to visit. Snow sure pistes will challenge any school group and when the skiing stops there is extensive apres-ski on the doorstep.

When coupled with the resort, the quality of hotel is all important. The ideal hotel will be close to the slopes, have a large enough room to host discos and games sessions and yet be close enough to any central areas where apres-ski activities are hosted.

All too often 'doorstep skiing' hotels are publicised by unscrupulous tour operators as being literally on the slopes, and schools are bitterly disappointed when it's obvious that these descriptions do not match their given promises. It's imperitive that with today's innovative technology such as Google Earth that schools check these promises from often large, multi-staffed companies desperate to book up their quotas of beds irrespective of suitability for the schools concerned.

True doorstep skiing hotels can offer unlimited benefits to the informed school; quicker access to slopes, less queues and no transport issues. With Folgarida's unique selection of doorstep skiing hotels the resort offers outstanding opportunities, but only with a reputable tour operator that is small enough to offer you the bespoke package you deserve.

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The Top 10 Ski Resorts in Switzerland

It's ski season once again and people hit the slopes. When this happens, they'd often book a flight or take a road trip to the finest ski resorts. Still, for a truly one of a kind skiing experience, you might like to reflect on traveling to Switzerland. Nothing beats the experience of seeing the magnificent sight of the Swiss Alps while you go about skiing in the snow, and it proves to be quite the adrenaline rush for a lot of amateurs and pros. Below are 10 of the most excellent resorts in Switzerland.

Arosa - This is a summer & winter resort that frequently makes guests think twice about leaving. It has a lot to offer; specifically over 50 miles of snow-filled land which can certainly challenge the capabilities of even the most practiced skiers.

Gstaad/Saanenland- If you are a starter in the sport of skiing, this might be an ideal location for you to test your abilities. The slopes are not as unpredictable to ski on, which makes it a well-liked attraction for those who're just figuring out the sport.

Murren - This proves to be one of the most scenic locations in Switzerland. It's positioned on top of the clifs of Lauterbrunnen Valley, and can only be reached by means of cable car. Not only will you have the capacity to ski here, but also take a hike with your buddies.

Davos/Klosters - Located in the eastern section by means of the Landwasser River, Davos used to be one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. Klosters, on the other hand, is a resort which features slopes that can pose enough of a challenge for newbies.

Laax/Films/Falera - This area is ripe for various winter sports, such as snowboarding. It spans over 130 square miles of terrain fit for skiing, and draws in many people all year round.

Saas-Fee - There's a lot of glacial activity to be found in this location, which is in fact home to Switzerland's tallest mountain, the Dom. You can find many training schools and slopes where you can learn how to ski.

Grindelwald - Located in the Bernese Oberland valley, you will find over 120 miles of snow to ski on. This comes about to be the only area in the whole country that can be accessed through helicopter.

St. Moritz- This proves to be a highly popular location for skiing in Switzerland, with such magnificent views to witness. Still, you might plan to have somewhat more in your budget, since this is deemed to be one of the higher end resorts in the country.

Verbier - When peak season arrives, you will see many individuals visiting this resort, mainly as a result of the pure condition of the slopes even during the spring. This makes it a great getaway when you would like to stay away from too many people during winter.

Zermatt - this is one of the top ski resorts in every aficionado's list, featuring several activities to participate in such as paragliding, climbing and ice skating. It has got a lttle bit of everything for virtually everyone.

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The Best Places to Ski Around Geneva

When you are flying into Switzerland for a holiday spent hitting the slopes, one thing you want to consider before you land is organising your Geneva airport ski transfers to your intended destination. But, don't worry if it seems like everyone seems to be headed off to the same ski slopes; there are plenty of places within easy reach of the city that provide an amazing array of activities, both on and off the slopes.

If you are contemplating where you may want to go skiing, from Geneva you have a couple of countries to choose from. You can go to the Alps in France at Chamonix, or head across the border to the Italian side to the resort town of Courmayeur before the Geneva airport ski transfers take you back to the busy Swiss, airport hub.

Skiing in Chamonix When you land at Geneva airport, ski transfers will be ready to take you to the heart of the French Alps, to one of the best-known, popular and oldest ski resorts in the Mont Blanc area, and all of France: Chamonix. Located in south eastern France, this commune was the site of the innagural1924 winter Olympics. Chamonix has three main ski areas that consist of 108 kilometres of pistes; the 69 pistes, including 10 black, 20 red, 28 blue and 8 green ones that will keep you busy all day. This resort is popular with snowboarders and you can now catch your skills on camera at the Grands Montets freestyle park! In addition, Chamonix is great for off-piste skiing and snowboarding for those who are a bit more experienced and want to really sink their skis into the fresh powder. And, if you find yourself a bit tired of skiing and want to try something new and different, in Chamonix you can give cross-country skiing and paragliding a go. But if all this seems a bit tame and you want to get a bit of speed under your wings, give the new sport of speed-riding a try! It combines paragliding with freeriding incorporating jumps, twists, turns and getting some air-time with a small parasail. Fun unlimited!

Skiing in Courmayeur If you have chosen to book your Geneva airport ski transfers to take you to and from the Italian side of the Alps, then you are in for a real treat in Courmayeur. Courmayeur is an Italian commune in northern Italy, situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe east of Russia.

Skiing at an altitude of up to 2,700 metres, the slopes are aimed at intermediate to good skiers with a variety of off-piste action for those who are real experts. If you are a very seasoned skier, and feeling brave, head up in the small cable car to ski the Cresta D'Arp, which is the highest point to ski at 8,954 feet; this off-piste skiing is only for the experts and in order to do it, you need to book a trained guide to go with you.

But even if skiing isn't your thing, in Courmayeur you can sled, slide, snowshoe and hike around the area - proving there really is something for everyone, on and off the slopes.

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Ski Holidays USA - Snowmass Family Paradise

Ski in, ski out

There are a plethora of ski in, ski out places to stay in Snowmass, which is so helpful for families with children, so mum and dad don't have to lug children & gear around after a long day's skiing.

Children's ski school

Many accommodation options are based around Snowmass base village, where you can also find the new "Treehouse" children's ski school, making it very easy for families to drop the children off at ski school, close to their accommodation & then ski off.

Privacy & safety

Apartments can be a good idea for families with children, as the children can go to bed & the parents can be in the living room just like at home. Parents get some privacy without having to worry about the children being in a separate hotel room.

Less rush in the mornings!

Also it's often helpful to have a kitchen with a few simple items for breakfast & snacks, to feed hungry little ones without needing to go out to find a restaurant and you can get them things they like! Plus having breakfast at home usually makes it quicker & easier to get to ski school on time.

"Crestwood" for example is ski in, ski out and just down a few steps to the base area & ski school."Tamarack" is even closer just across the road from the base area & ski school & a good affordable option for families.

If the kids can already ski a little, there are great ski in, ski out options at the top of Snowmass Village, including "Top of the Village", which has washer / dryer in the condos, very handy for families & pool, hot tub, sauna & exercise room to keep everyone entertained. "Timberline" has a restaurant on site offering affordable meals with other dining options within walking distance or of course you can cook in your apartment if you prefer. "Laurelwood" has studio suites, perfect for the budget conscious small family.

Children's activities

Snowmass offers plenty of kids activities in case they need some time off from skiing or need even more entertainment: Story telling at the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Centre in the mall, "Sing-a-long & S'mores" by the campfire with a guitar strumming cowboy & a "Winter Wild Things" free interactive nature programme.

Family memories

On top of these children specific activities, there are also the traditional winter wonderland things to do with all the family including Snow tubing, Snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh & dog sled rides, giving plenty of opportunities for family photos.

Quiet

There is a selection of restaurants etc. in Snowmass, mostly based in the village mall, so the accommodation generally doesn't incur too much noise, perfect for getting those kiddos off to sleep.

Skiing for all

Snowmass is one of the big 4 mountains comprising the ski area of Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk & Aspen Highlands. The largest of the 4 ski mountains, many people can spend all their time skiing at Snowmass, although the lift pass covers all 4 areas.

Snowmass has a huge variety of runs from the bunny hills of Fanny Hill, great for beginners & children alike. For those intermediates in the family there are cruisy blues on Elk Camp, Sams Knob, 2 Creeks & Alpine Springs. The famous "Big burn" (which I skied last December) is 1 1/2 miles long & a mile wide & certainly makes those thighs burn if you ski it top to bottom! Black runs abound for advanced skiers off Sam's knob. For expert skiers who want double black diamond terrain, the Cirque is a great place to go on powder days & Hanging Valley Glades have steep chutes & headwalls.

Hassle free transport for people & ski gear

If you want to venture further afield, there is a wonderful complimentary bus system providing quick & easy service between the 4 mountains. You can even leave your ski gear at one mountain & ask for it to be delivered to another ski area ready for the next morning!

Buttermilk is a great beginner mountain, whereas Aspen Highlands specialises in more advanced terrain. Aspen mountain has some good intermediate skiing and the slopes come right down into the world renowned town of Aspen.

World famous Aspen on your door step

Aspen is only about 15 mins on the bus from Snowmass and definitely worth a day out to see the fur coats, boutique shops, galleries, coffee shops & restaurants for which Aspen is famous. There is an ice rink and even a rugby pitch in the centre of Aspen, perfect for the kids to let off some steam. And of course if mum and dad do want a hip night out in Aspen, there are babysitting services available in Snowmass.

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Spring and Summer Outdoor Fun in La Tania

Winter isn't the only season to be booking a ski chalet- La Tania, in particular, offers holiday-makers ample reasons to come here, even after ski season is over. In fact, even when the weather turns mild, the gondola ski lifts are often full of visitors. With a spring or summer stay in a chalet, La Tania and the rest of The Three Valleys are open for exploration, where one can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery - vastly different from the way it looks during the height of snow season.

Walks

At this time, the flora and fauna appear delightfully in a way they don't during the winter period. Beautiful wildflowers dot the surroundings as you spend balmy days walking outside your chalet. La Tania, being situated in the midst of some magical woods, gets even more picturesque in these seasons, with the fauna adding life to the surroundings. This is the time when one gets the chance of seeing red squirrels, marmots, chamois and more on nature hikes all around the area- something that you'll hardly experience during winter! Trail maps are available in chalet and hotel information desks, or at the town information centre.

Swimming

Hardly an activity one expects to be doing in the Alps, but right outside the chalet, La Tania surprises people unfamiliar with the area with this option. With an outdoor swimming pool, where one can swim and sunbathe during the season of mild weather, the sports complex also offers facilities for other activities such as tennis, basketball, table tennis and more. This is a perfect site for family activities.

Mountain Biking

Next to skiing, this family-friendly resort seems to be tailor made for mountain biking. Right from the woodsy location of many a chalet, La Tania's mountain bike paths offer great views of the ranges with all their spring or summer glory. There are many different bike paths to enjoy, with different levels of difficulty, and all offering their own distinct charm. There are maps available of the best paths or check out the town's information office for alternative routes.

Paragliding.

Whether solo or in tandem, the best view of the Alpine landscape is easily from beneath the wings of a paraglider! This resort is known as one of the best places to paraglide from in the whole of Europe. So if you're looking for something truly memorable to do while here - you've found it!

Skiing (Of Course)

Just because it isn't winter anymore doesn't mean there isn't any skiing or other snow activities to be had. Even in mid-April, in fact, should you wish to look for some fun skiing or snowboarding not too far from your chalet, La Tania may surprise you with some fresh powder on many slopes higher up.

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Argentina Holidays: Top Ski Resorts

Summer in the Northern Hemisphere does not mean the end of the ski season. The peaks of the Argentine Andes offer excellent skiing opportunities from July to October. First-class ski resorts include Cerro Catedral, Cerro Chapelco, and Las Leñas.

Cerro Catedral is 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the center of San Carlos de Bariloche and within the boundaries of Nahuel Huapí National Park in Patagonia. The ski center here, known as Antonio Lynch, is one of the largest in South America, with a ski-able area of 600 acres; it has over 75 miles (120 kilometers) of ski runs spread over 50 tracks and a lift capacity of 22,000 skiers per hour. Cerro Catedral also has a Terrain Park with jumps, rails, boxes, barrels, and stairways. The slopes of Cerro Catedral were initially covered with forest, and were cleared with assistance from the national army. The first ski lift was installed in 1965. The highest track is at 2100 meters above sea level, and descends 1070 meters. The town of Bariloche has a complete infrastructure that offers first-class accommodations and dining.

Cerro Chapelco is the Neuquén Province 12 miles (19 kilometers) from San Martin de los Andes and is located at 1,980 meters above sea level with a drop of 730 meters. This resort's tracks were designed in 1946 and gained notoriety in 1970. Today it offers a ski-able area of 140 hectares and 22 tracks of varying difficulty, opportunities for alpine, extreme, and cross country skiing, as well as a Snowboard Park. The longest track is 5.3 kilometers. The complex is equipped with artificial snow machines, and 12 ski lifts with a capacity to carry 18,000 skiers per hour.

Las Leñas, in the foothills of the Mendoza Province, has been gaining increasing recognition as a ski and snowboard center since its construction in the 1980s. Its slopes range from easy to extreme, go up to an altitude of 3,430 meters with a vertical drop 1,200 meters. There are 13 lifts and 27 runs, the longest of which is 4 miles (7 kilometers) and can be made longer with run alternatives. The Terrain Park offers jumps, and rails. Because of its distance from large cities, Las Leñas is usually less crowded that Cathedral or Chapelco. The ski resort has a hotel with 300 beds. The closest city with an airport is San Rafael, and Mendoza is also within easy driving distance.

Other ski resorts in Argentina include Caviahue, cerros Bayo and Castor, La Hoya, and Vallecitos. It is fairly easy to jump over to Chile from the Argentine side of the Andes. Ski resorts in Chile include Portillo, Antuco, El Colorado, Valle Nevado, and Chillán.

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After Innsbruck Airport - Where to Next?

For many flight simulation enthusiasts, the dubious distinction of having one of the most difficult approaches due to weather and terrain belongs to the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck. For those in the know, the starting airport of the X-Plane 9 Flight Simulator and one of the hardest missions in Microsoft's Flight Simulator X is Innsbruck airport. Transfers to many destinations are, on the other hand, extremely easy once you've arrived in real life. The question is, however, where do you want to go from here?

The city proper

The Tyrolean capital itself is, of course, the most logical place to go. Innsbruck airport transfers are fairly short, taking 10 minutes at most, depending on your destination within the town proper. If your destination is one of the ski resorts in the surrounding areas (as with most visitors to the airport) transfers can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

What to do in the town? Once you've taken the Innsbruck airport transfers and stowed your luggage within your lodgings, there are a great many sights to see in this great city. Visit Schloss Ambras, the legendary medieval fortress built on a hill above the city, and turned by the Archduke Ferdinand into a Renaissance castle for his wife. Wander through the main street of Maria-Theresien Strasse- the entrance of the city's historical centre, where one can see fascinating buildings with original Gothic lines, Tyrolean Renaissance architecture, and Baroque facades. Sit at the cafes to rest- then hike through the Old Town and enjoy the old world charm.

Of course, for many ski and winter Olympics aficionados, the Olympic Museum is a must-see stop. Aside from its golden roof, there is plenty of Olympic memorabilia on display here - souvenirs of the two Winter Olympics hosted by the city. Another famous stop is the almost-magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds- where one can also shop for souvenirs.

Igls, Mutters, Tulfas, Seefeld and Other Ski Resorts

If you are like majority of the arrivals to Innsbruck airport, transfers to the various ski resorts in and around the region will most likely be your concern. There are many of those around, such as the popular Igles, Mutters and Tulfes - which have slopes and runs for skiers of various levels from the absolute beginners to the most experienced, as well as snowboarding facilities.

Seefeld, a charming Alpine resort some 20 minutes away by Innsbruck airport transfers, is popular for cross country skiers and is the location of one of the largest and most popular ski schools in all of Austria. Some other popular resorts that are accessible within one hour or less, using the Innsbruck airport transfers, are Fulpmes, Westendorf, St.Anton, Kirchberg, Going, Hopfgarten, Brixen Im Thale, Oberau, Stubai Glacier and Scheffau - among others.

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Les Menuires: Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly

If you're looking for an unparalleled skiing holiday with the family that affords the flexibility of activities both with and without children, then a catered chalet in the ski resort area of Les Menuires may be precisely what you're looking for.

Accessibility: The Les Menuires Secret

If there is any one word that defines Les Menuires, it is access - both in economic and geographic terms. A luxurious catered chalet in this charming resort town can be highly affordable, as are services that allow for entertaining both children and adults. With its beginner slopes, ski schools, and even a children's toboggan run, it is a great choice for families on ski holidays.

For families, a catered chalet in the area is the best choice - not only will this option be probably the most forgiving on family budgets (without sacrificing the luxury expected in an Alpine holiday), the altitude (at 1850 metres) is also more forgiving on younger skiers and those who are not in top-skiing shape than, say Val Thorens.

Of course, many visitors who are after highly expert slopes, or a high-end, ultra-modern experience complete with a bustling night life may wish to choose for a trendier resort, but the fact is, a catered chalet in Les Menuires is a great place to start exploring everything the Three Valleys have to offer!

Skiing In All Directions

What's more, in Les Menuires, the opportunities for skiing extend practically in all directions from your catered chalet! Where to head for great skiing really depends on you - and whatever type of ski pass you opt for.

As part of the largest ski area in the world, the Les Menuires area boasts 77 pistes and 33 chairlifts linking directly and quickly to the skiing of Meribel, or over le Mont de la Chambre to Val Thorens, or back down to Saint Martin de Belleville on long pistes.

Specially Made For Beginners

If there are more beginners than advanced skiers in your family or party, the "beginners village" established by the ESF or Ecole de ski Français is where to go! This is an enclosed area of around 5000 square metres, especially reserved for new skiers and designed to suit the needs of adult beginners. It is complete with at least 200 ski instructors available to give lessons not just in regular skiing, but competition skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. Beginners also have six free ski lifts around the resort alone, plus the option for a special beginner's pass at a very low price. This will allow access to a specific circuit of 11 key lifts throughout Les Menuires, for worry-free transport to and from your nearby catered chalet.

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Gulmarg Mountain, India

High up on Apharwat Mountain, is India's premier ski resort, Gulmarg. With over 1300 vertical metres of picturesque snow riding terrain, this resort sits on top of the world's highest mountain range, the Himalayas. This amazing mountain is home to both incredible alpine ski runs and superb off-piste powder runs, which are all accessible from Gulmarg's famous Gondola ski lift, which ascends to a jaw dropping elevation of almost 4000 metres above sea level, the highest ski lift in the World!

Gulmarg's village, is actually quite small and isolated, and still largely underdeveloped. Gulmarg is part of the Indian state 'Jammu and Kashmir' which sits amongst the peaks of Pir Panjal, on the western side of the Himalayan Mountains.

Gulmarg's history dates back to the 19th century, when it was just a small hill town that provide the wealthy a place to escape the heat of the summer, it wasn't until 1927 that Gulmarg became a ski resort through the vision of two British Officers. Today Gulmarg's close proximity to the Pakistan border makes it one of the more interesting places in the world to ski due to the tensions that exist between both India and Pakistan. Although at first you may be a little startled by the presence of Indian soldiers in and around the village, this does happen to make Gulmarg one of the more interesting destinations for the adventurous traveller.

Perhaps one of Gulmarg's best attributes, at least for the moment, is it's relatively few visitors, reportedly receiving only about 500 visitors a year. Riding the gondola up, you notice the untracked powder runs right underneath the lift, leaving one to wonder why they would even consider riding out of bounds. Finding your way down is incredibly fun, as so few places in the world permit such easily found powder runs. Which ever direction you choose, you come across tempting ridges, faces and bowls perfect for the adventurous advanced rider.

The weather in Winter is characterised by snow storms and relatively comfortable winter temperatures not too cold but not too warm either. The best months to come being January and February as these offer the most reliable snow coverings and freshest powder. After the snowstorms Gulmarg will usually bask in clear skies with beaming sunshine, making for very pleasant skiing conditions. In the Summer the temperatures range between 24C and 32C, perfect conditions to take part in Gulmarg's excellent summer activities, like fishing, hiking, mountain biking and playing golf.

Accommodation in Gulmarg, is still quite undeveloped, however there are new hotels in planning. Getting Accommodation in Gulmarg is becoming more and more difficult as more people are starting to visit. So like anywhere, it is important to book in advance to get the dates you want. When searching for accommodation in Gulmarg you should always book through a reliable booking agency to ensure only pre-approved hotels are visited, and your booking is honoured.

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3 Top Attractions to Visit in Innsbruck

When you are arranging your Innsbruck airport transfers, you may want to know a bit more about some of the things that there are to see and do in the city whilst you are there.

There are many attractions apart from the ski resorts for which the region is known, and choosing the ones that you want to see can actually be quite difficult, especially if your time in the city is limited. Here, then, are three of the top attractions you may want to put on your list of things to visit whilst you are in the city.

1. The Hofgarten

When you are arranging your Innsbruck airport transfers, one of the things that you might want to make time to visit is the Hofgarten. This is a park in Innsbruck, designated protected, and it is a very relaxing and peaceful place to spend some time. It is located near to the Old Town, and in total there are about 25 acres to explore. One of the amazing things about this park is that it has been here for six centuries, making it one of the most important features of the city.

Over that time it has undergone a number of stylistic changes, but it is now in an English style. This was a change first conceived of by Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, although the changes were not made until a few decades later. In the Hofgarten you will find lots of trees, plants, a play area for children, a restaurant and more, making it an excellent way to pass a few hours during your time here.

2. The Bergisel

Another place you might want to consider visiting when you are organising your Innsbruck airport transfers is the Bergisel. This is a high hill situated south of the city, and it is historically important because it was the setting of the Battles of Bergisel in 1809. The Bergisel was also the setting for the ski jumping in the 1964 Winter Olympics and was also used during the games in 1976, although a newer ramp was then built in 2003.

3. Ambras Castle

Yet another top attraction of this beautiful region is Ambras Castle, located above the city in the hills. It used to be a residence of Archduke Ferdinand II during the 16th century, and it is historically and culturally important to the city. When you visit you will find a number of collections of art and armour, as well as some impressive architecture.

When you start first start planning your holiday to Austria, and your Innsbruck airport transfers, make sure you start to think about the best places you can visit during your time in the city. It is a fascinating city to discover full of art, culture and history and you will have no trouble filling your time - but it pays to have a plan.

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