The holiday season is here and everyone is planning a trip! The New Year’s is around the corner and what’s a better way to bring in the New Year than going on a holiday and indulging in some winter sports. Have you planned your biggest holiday of the year yet? If not, here are the best international destinations for an adventure-packed winter holiday:
Aspen, United States
With four mountains to choose from – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass – at Aspen, you never run out of options to explore. There’s plenty of terrain for snow bunnies, and it also has a reputation of being the winter playground of celebrities. Aspen has a very happening night life too and the scrumptious food is a delight.
Nearest airport: Aspen, Colorado, United States.
Vancouver, Canada
Just outside the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Grouse Mountain, offers the chance of skiing and snowboarding on 26 runs for varying levels of experience, as well as the chance to take old fashioned sleigh rides through snow-covered forests. The view here is spectacular and the destination also offers beautiful parks, museums, world-class eateries and a host of shopping opportunities.
Nearest airports: Vancouver, Canada
Val d’Isère, France
If you’re looking for a destination that takes care of the après-ski as well as the action out on the course, France is the destination to be. The king of all the ski destinations has got to be France and Val d’Isère is consistently rated as one of the very best Alpine France has to offer. With the vast ski that spans 300 km and soaring views of the Alps, the resort is a must destination; not to mention a great selection of cocktail bars, fine restaurants and cosy, fire-warmed cabins.
Nearest airports: Lyon, France or Geneva, Switzerland or by rail to Moûtiers Salins.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Considered to be the snowmobile capital of the state, Grand Lake, is a winter sport terrain that spans about 300 miles of, and is a perfect destination for all – from the beginner to the expert. Here, you can ride your snowmobile through town, right up to the historic boardwalk lined with over 60 shops, eateries, bars and art galleries. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you can also try motorised riding here.
Nearest airport: Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
St. Moritz, Switzerland
This is a perfect destination for adrenalin-junkies. You can try the popular Cresta Run here – a toboggan run exclusively for daredevils where the top speed can hit 140 kph. The Bob Run is another option, which is the world’s last remaining natural ice run from St Moritz to Celerina (1,722 meters).
Nearest airport: Engadin, Switzerland or rail to St. Moritz.
Club Med, Worldwide
An all-inclusive resort with no extra charges, Club Med, has various locations in France, Switzerland, Japan and China. This skiing resort is another family-friendly destination that also offers childcare for babies as young as four months old. For older kids, there are tailored programs for different age groups – from skiing to snowboarding classes.
Various locations in France, Switzerland, Japan and China
Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada
The perfect destination for a winter family getaway, Whistler Blackcomb is a destination for all –Beginners, experts to even toddlers can try ski and snowboarding here. Many of the resort’s facilities have been designed to ensure a great learning experience for young children. There are also the “Go Slow” and “Family” zones, which makes the destination a perfect children’s or families’ adventure park.
Nearest airport: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Dolomites, Italy
In Italy, you must first shred the cheese and then shred the slopes. This is a perfect destination for Foodies, as Dolomites offer amazing Italian cuisine and skiing. After a tiring day on the terrains, refuel yourself with the popular dishes of the region such as – casunziei or bombardino.
Nearest airport: Venice, Italy
Jammu and Kashmir, India
This is not the destination for faint-hearted. The high altitude (above 4,000 meters) would definitely raise your anxiety levels but if you are an adrenaline junkie, skiing here is exhilarating; not to forget the spectacular view of snow-covered mountains and beautiful parks.
Nearest airport: Srinagar, Kashmir, India.