The most popular ski resorts in the world
Chris Moran, an undoubted authority among boarders around the world and a champion in this sport in foggy Albion, has compiled his list of the best ski resorts in the world, where skiers and fans of boarding on a snow-covered slope have something to do with all their hearts. In his humble opinion, the list of places to visit includes ski areas in the Old and New World and in Japan..
Canadian Whistler
It is called the Mecca of skiers and snowboarders. Indeed, 110 tracks, of which almost half are for true pros, attract thousands of fearless people to the town 120 kilometers from Vancouver. The climate in this place is favorable for the long season and abundant snow cover. Only two mountains - Blackcomb and, in fact, Whistler - are served by 24 lifts, the highest point of the exit from which is located at around 2240 meters. The resort is considered the largest in area on the continent.
French Le Arc
Every 20 minutes from 7 am until dark, a comfortable funicular takes ski lovers from the town of Le Arcs to the skiing spots. The resort is considered one of the most worthy in France, and experts from the world of winter sports call it a role model for the entire Old World. The snowpark, set up between heights of 1600 and 1800, boasts excellent pyramids and fan boxes. 180-meter half-pipe is artificially illuminated for up to 20 hours.
French Chamonix
Just 88 km separates Geneva International Airport from Chamonix, a resort where you can get a fair share of adrenaline on 13 routes for advanced and more than 40 - try your hand at novice athletes. In addition to the well-executed snow park in Chamonix, there is a great opportunity to unwind in the trendy clubs in the evening and taste the best wines. And what else does a skier need to be happy? Only great weather, which is the norm here.
Mount Mammoth in the States
This Californian resort has a particularly long skiing season, which kicks off in late October. Until the beginning of June, you can meet real gurus of winter slopes on the local 63 tracks for the pros. Another 82 tracks are great for beginners and intermediate athletes. The advantages of Mammoth include inexpensive rental of excellent equipment..
Canadian Lake Lodge
More than a hundred slopes of the resort are located three hundred kilometers from the city of Calgary. This place is called one of the most beautiful on the continent - the picturesque mountain views take your breath away, as well as the descent along the extremely difficult trails for the most risky skiers. It is possible to spend time with benefit in Lake Lodge from November until the end of spring, and some of the high cost of its hotels can be avoided by limiting itself to more democratic living in the town of Fernier nearby..
French Morzine
The fan park of this French resort has not had worthy competitors in the country of croissants and good wine for several years. The local slides are more suitable for professionals, although beginners have a place to roam: 150 «green» pistes are ready to welcome those who are just trying to make friends with a board or skis. It's easier to get to Morzine from Geneva, which is just an hour's drive away..
Austrian Mayhofen
As many as 22 tracks for real pros, 90 - for those who are confident in their abilities, and 45 - for penguins: in Mayhofen everyone who cannot imagine their vacation without mountains and free flight will find use for snowboarding and skiing equipment. There is also a well-equipped fan park and areas for freeriding. Meichorfen has a huge selection of hotels and guesthouses with attractive prices for accommodation and meals. Another important bonus for local guests: if you have a ski pass, you can get by buses to neighboring resorts located in the Zillertal valley, completely free of charge. A significant difference in altitude at the resort makes skiing interesting and especially exciting..
Italian Livigno
As many as 10 tracks for experts from alpine skiing and snowboarding, a huge territory and a superbly equipped snow park make the Italian Livigno one of the best winter resorts in the world. Beginners will be happy to be put on the slope at local ski schools, and duty-free shops will allow you to purchase professional equipment at very reasonable prices. The nearest airport to the resort is Milan, it is located 240 km.
French Tignes
Located in the Isera Valley, this resort offers its guests 131 trails, of which 16 are for the most adventurous. Snow lies here for a long time, thanks to the proximity of the glacier, which allows you to hone your skills in the fan park until mid-summer. So far, Tignes is not very well known to the world sports community, and therefore they do not know what the queues for the lift and high prices for accommodation and equipment rental are..
Japanese niseko
Siberian cyclones bring snow to this resort on the island of Hokkaido. The fun park here is not just good, but excellent, and the ski areas are open until late at night. Japan's snowboarders and skiers consider Niseko the best in the world, and everyone who has visited the resort does not even try to argue with them - local hot springs and a volcano a few kilometers away add exotic and oriental flavor to skiing..
