Your choice this winter: Snow v Sun
This winter are you searching for frosted skylines, snow capped mountains, ice-skating and hot toddies or would you prefer to sun yourself on a beach, help yourself to an iced cocktail and take a dip in the pool?
If you’re still undecided, take a look at these popular winter destinations.
Or choose now: Winter Sports or Sun Drenched Beaches
For deep snow, varied terrain and great atmosphere: Copper Mountain, Colorado
The seemingly endless ski slopes and spectacular views around the resort of Copper Mountain make this the ideal getaway for skiers and snow enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, whether it be your first time on the slopes or your one hundredth.
Lying just 75 miles west of Denver, people from around the world are seduced by the resort’s mighty 960 hectares of skiable slopes, activity-packed ski village, vibrant nightlife and formidable dining.
In total, you will find 125 ski slopes at Copper Mountain, which combine nursery runs suited to beginners, to immediate slopes, right through to particularly challenging terrains for the more seasoned skier. However, skiing isn’t the only outdoor activity to get your teeth into. Snowboarding is also massively popular at Copper Mountain, thanks to an impressive 26km of prepared routes and dedicated snowboarding park.
As night falls, the resort truly comes to life thanks to the large variety of après-ski options available to suit all tastes and ages. Nightclubs and bars are aplenty for the more energetic; however, if you are simply looking to unwind and take in the incredible surroundings on show, there are a number of excellent mountainside eateries that gaze out upon this true winter wonderland.
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For guaranteed skiing and family friendly facilities: Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada
It’s no wonder Whistler attracts almost two million visitors every year; 200 trails, three glaciers and some of the most formidable alpine scenery in the whole of North America are waiting for those fortunate enough to be heading there.
The resort of Whistler enjoys an average of 10 metres of snow per year that, when combined with the diverse terrain, makes for great ski runs for all abilities. Should you not wish to partake in any outdoor snow-related activities, the scenery alone is worth the trip - just ask anybody who has been on the Peak to Peak Gondola. This unforgettable experience takes you to the resort’s highest points, staring the stunning glaciers straight in the face.
Other activities away from the slopes are also numerous with snowshoeing, ice climbing, snowmobiling and dog sledding high on many traveller’s agenda before nightfall. By night there are a number of excellent dining options and also a variety of nightclubs for those that want to keep their spirits high into the early hours.
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For picturesque surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere: Galtur, Austria
Ernest Hemmingway once described Galtur as “an Alpine Ideal” as he sat, 5000 feet above sea level, looking out over the incredible Silvetta Region.
Words cannot describe however, just how incredible the picturesque village of Galtur truly is. The 600 year old Tyrolean style buildings and old pilgrimage church make for a picture-perfect setting for those ready to immerse themselves in the beauty of the area and hit the slopes.
Although the skiing terrain at Galtur is somewhat modest in comparison to some of the ‘super-resorts’ around Europe, there are still a number of slopes to cater for all needs and abilities. What it may lack in ski runs however, it makes up for in undeniable charm thanks to the beautiful accommodation quarters that have kept in keeping with the village’s ornate fashion. The handful of fine, traditional Austrian restaurants also help to make this the perfect resort for those looking for a relaxing and tasteful ski getaway, without the aggravation of overcrowding that is so fervent in larger resorts.
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