Where is Skiing Most Popular?
Skiing is a great way to get out in the winter sunshine at a time of year that can often leave people depressed. It also provides some Vitamin D essential for boosting your immune system and improving overall health. Skiing is a physical activity that engages your entire body, helping to strengthen muscles and improve core strength. It also boosts your balance, reducing the risk of injury from falls and strains.
Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia, is one of North America’s most popular ski destinations. This resort town draws over two million visitors annually with its stunning mountain vistas.
Besides skiing, the area is also home to various other winter activities. There are a variety of mountain biking trails and mountain hiking opportunities.
As well as its stunning natural surroundings, the resort is also home to a charming pedestrian village. This charming Euro-style village, located at the base of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, is a major draw in both summer and winter.
The main draw for non-skiers is Whistler Village, a bustling place where endless shops and restaurants exist. It’s a good idea to stay here to be close to the action and not worry about walking long distances to get to the lifts.
Zermatt
The picturesque Swiss mountain town of Zermatt, located in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, is famous for its skiing and other activities. The bustling Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants.
The village has a distinct ambiance with old farmhouses and small shops on cobblestone streets. Pedestrians, miniature electric taxi vans, and bicycles share tiny roads more appropriately sized for herding animals.
Away from the slopes, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, including hiking, sightseeing, and ice skating. There is also a museum dedicated to the Matterhorn.
Zermatt is a combustion-engine car-free zone to prevent air pollution that could obscure Matterhorn’s views. Almost all vehicles in Zermatt are battery driven and silent.
Val d’Isere
Val d’Isere is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world, with a great choice of slopes and plenty to do. It’s also a lively, cosmopolitan resort with plenty of shops and bars.
Skiers have a big choice of terrain here, from Olympic and World Cup runs too long blacks and plenty of off-piste opportunities. It’s one of the best places in France for off-piste skiing and snowboarding, too, with many areas to explore.
It’s also an excellent resort for beginners, with two nursery areas and plenty of free lifts. As well as these, there’s a brand new area at the top of the Solaise gondola, which caters to beginners and has a lively Folie Douce bar at its heart.
Spain
The nation’s political and cultural achievements, including the masterpieces of Velazquez, Goya, and Picasso and the globally famous novel Don Quixote, foster a sense of national identity. However, separatist movements challenge Spanish unity, particularly in Catalonia and the Basque region to the north.
The Spanish peninsula straddles the Atlantic Ocean and North Africa, exposing Spain to various climates. Spanish is the official language, but regional languages such as Catalan and Valencian are recognized as co-official alongside Castilian. Euskera (Basque), a local dialect of Spanish, is also protected and promoted by the Basque government.
Andorra
Andorra is one of the smallest nations in Europe. Yet, it’s one of the most popular ski destinations on the continent, as its fantastic slopes and family-friendly atmosphere make it ideal for families and groups. The country is based in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain and boasts plenty of snow, with a ski season running from December to April.
The largest ski area in Andorra, Grandvalira, encompasses six villages (Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Encamp, and Canillo), interconnected by 11 resort links.
Another big draw for Andorra is Vallnord, which boasts 63km of tree-lined slopes. It’s a good spot for beginners, intermediates, and those who are into freeride skiing and snowboarding, with 45% of the runs covered by snow cannons.