The five newest skiing hotspots
19th December 2011
This may be one of the mildest winters on record so far, with many ski resorts struggling to keep all their runs open, but that doesn’t stop the great British public from heading for the slopes.
Skiing is no longer the exclusive reserve of the rich and famous either. Pretty much anyone can now afford to escape to the mountains for a week of flying down a steep slope.
So where are the newest skiing hotspots you should be heading for this winter season?
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bulgaria has been offering ski holidays for years, but has really come into its own recently.
Bansko, Bulgaria’s biggest ski resort is the best of the bunch and has seen popularity boom. Thanks to multi-million Euro investment, the resort now offers new ski lifts, luxury hotels, and over 70km of pistes. While this is less than many French or Italian resorts, the snow conditions are often much better and are almost half the price.
Solden , Austria
Austria is still one of the most popular ski destinations in the world, offering fantastic skiing combined with picturesque villages.
With its extreme ski runs and famous après ski culture, Solden has become a real hotspot for younger skiers in recent years.
This extensive resort has 148km of pistes and three peaks over 3,000m above sea level, meaning snow is pretty much guaranteed.
Glenshee, Scotland
Skiing in Scotland? It may sound like an exercise in futility, but skiing north of the border has seen a boom in popularity.
As people try to save money while still enjoying their favourite extreme sport, many are heading to Scotland for a cut-price ski break. But don’t let the price and the fact it is in the UK put you off.
Glenshee, situated between Aberdeen and Dundee, is the UK’s largest ski resort, covering 2,000 acres across four mountains and three valleys.
There is an impressive 36 ski runs covering 40km of pisted snow, all accessible via 21 ski lifts and tows. Just remember to check the snow conditions before you head away.
Lillehammer, Norway
Norway has been an underappreciated ski destination for many years, but that is changing. Traditionally a destination for cross-country skiers, Norway is fast becoming the country of choice for thrill-seeking, downhill skiers.
Lillehammer is one of Norway’s most popular resorts, offering something for everyone: from beginners right through to advanced freestylers. Having hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer knows what it’s doing.
At 34 runs, the resort is fairly limited. But a huge ski park, extensive cross country, and a seemingly endless amount of off-piste mean you will never be short of things to do.
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Like Bulgaria, Andorra is an underrated ski destination that has been plodding along for many years now. People are starting to wake up to the excellent ski opportunities the country offers though.
Pas de la Casa is one of the country’s most popular destinations, offering a huge ski area and a wealth of pubs and bars for the ultimate après ski experience.
Situated on the French border, you won’t find much in the way of beauty here, but the large ski area more than makes up for it.
If you are thinking of taking a ski holiday this year, remember to check out whether your cover includes winter sports cover.
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