Sure, lounging on a white sandy beach somewhere acround the around is relaxing enough; and let’s face it who would want to leave cold climate for another one. However you can find that a snowy adventure can be a spell of paradise. Whether you’re a beginner headed for the nursery slopes or a black run aficionado, here at StudentUniverse we have the low-down on the best places to go to; whatever your budget.
Les Gets, France
There’s more to a beginner’s ski holiday than house-trained ski instructors, gentle slopes and sore limbs. Finding yourself in a picture-postcard resort is a real bonus and Les Gets in France’s famous Portes du Soleil is as charming a ski village as you’re likely to find. This is one well-positioned resort with great instructors.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is Finland’s largest ski resort, totalling 61 slopes, the longest running two miles, with a vertical drop of over a quarter mile. This is the highest Finnish fell (aka mountain) with ski lifts, and there are 29 here in all. Also at Ylläs are 210 miles of cross-country tracks, 24 miles of which are lit. With so much to do such as sledging, fine dining and dear watching, Lapland is one place you have to visit. Its unique nature, diverse activities and fascinating attractions offer unique holiday experiences throughout the year.
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort; with most of the skiing here over 2000m, means the snow keeps cooler for longer and the lifts keep running until early May. This is one holiday that should be spent with friends and those with more experience. Additionally part of the huge Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens is an excellent bet for good snow conditions even late in the season.
Salana in Baqueira Beret, Spain
Located in the Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret is Spain’s most student friendly resorts with some great restaurants, such as the 5J Grill and Hotel Montarto. The ski area has a reliable snow record and 115km of pistes, best suited to strong intermediates. Let us take you away.
Krvavec, Slovenia
If short transfer times and maximum time on the slopes are your main criteria for a group ski weekend. Then Krvavec in Slovenia wins hands-down for having one of the worlds shortest transfer times from any city airport, at around 15 minutes by taxi, followed by a seven-minute gondola ride on to the mountain. Snow- making and wide-open, varied terrain will keep most people happy for at least a long weekend.
Innburk, Austria
Aside from hosting the Winter Olympics twice, this snowy Austrian town harbours nine ski resorts with slopes appropriate for skiers of all levels perfect for beginners and those with more immediate experience. Take some time out from shredding powder, take a stroll along Innsbruck’s historic streets or warm up with some hearty local cuisine.
Borovets, Bulgaria
Let’s face it, being a student means you have to stick to a budget. With this in mind there’s no place to ski than at one of the less expensive destinations where you probably won’t bump into the Beckhams,but the snow is the same colour and the skiing is good! Borovets in Bulgaria has some of the most amazing barbecues and wine tasting and with flights booked with StudentUniverse you may have a few pennies left over for luxury accommodation so check out our top deals on hotels and hostels.
Selvaval Gardena, Italy
With over 98kms of excellent trails, including some fairly testing terrain, Selva is high on the map for cross country skiers. Part of Sud Tyrol, Selva combines all that is best of Italian and Austrian traditions. Guided winter walking amid some stunning scenery supplements the cross-country for those who can tear themselves away from the skis. Pit stops include Laurin Keller for popular après ski and Miravalle for delicious pizzas. Pizza and skiing you cant go wrong !
Pas De La Casa, Andorra
Pas de la Casa is Andorra’s liveliest resort and best ski area, right on the French border at the foot of the most extensive ski area in Andorra. After dark, a wild and colourful night-life bursts from its bars and nightspots, where duty free pricing makes it an inexpensive place to party. Happy hours, discos, lively cafes and restaurants give Pas de la Casa its reputation as the most student hub resort in the Pyrenees. Mexican evenings at the Milwaukee Bar, long evenings at The Marseilles and The Mistral are rounded off by cool sounds at KYU and Billboard Disco.
There’s a world of opportunity out there just waiting to be explored, so make sure you don’t miss out! Remember, the only thing that’s limiting you is your imagination.
If you’re a student discount hunter, you can get student only rates on flights, hotels and tours at StudentUniverse.