For outdoor activities away from the crowds: Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Lying close to the border of Austria and Italy, Kranjska Gora sits majestically below the dominant peaks of the Julian Alps amongst a vast forest which stretches from Mojstrana to Ratece offering excellent skiing and outdoor sports opportunities.
Other than taking to Kranjska Gora’s favourable slopes, many come to the area simply to soak up the surroundings through mountain biking or hiking. The variety of sports on offer is matched by the number of different ski slopes around the resort which enable skiers of all abilities to get the most out of their stay. Notably, the Podkoren trail is internationally famous for hosting the annual Vitranc Trophy, which sees some of the world’s best skiers compete in one of the planet’s most demanding slalom races.
The resort prides itself on being family friendly with special children’s events such as the arrival of Father Christmas and specially designed courses at the ski school. For tiny tots there is a Ski Kindergarten and there’s also a popular ice skating rink in town.
For more adventure there are plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow mobiling, snow shoe trails, ice skating, reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice climbing and torchlit hikes.
For a variety of slopes, doorstep skiing and family friendly atmosphere: Claviere, Italy
Although a small in stature, Claviere is a resort big on charm, adventure and, of course, skiing.
Claviere forms part of the Milky Way ski area which takes in some 400km of runs, with a pass available to visitors which will let them visit the neighbouring ski resort of Cesana.
With that 400km of skiable terrain in mind, skiers of all abilities are well catered for, with an excellent multi-lingual ski school also on hand to help guide beginners through their first time on the slopes. Intermediate skiers will find beautiful runs which guide them through the trees, with some stretching for as far as 6km in length.
Snowboarders will also find much to engage them, with 35km of cross-country runs available which stretch across the Italian/French border.
The après-ski in Claviere is also noteworthy, with a mix of good restaurants on hand to suit all budgets and tastes as well as a number of bars and clubs.
For more adventure, take a drive to nearby Montgenevre where you will find an ice rink, skidoo rides, tobogganing, a sports centre and also paragliding!
For fantastic slopes and a breathtaking location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Stunning Alpine scenery, breathtaking views, incredible skiing and fabulous dining are all to be expected for those lucky enough to be heading for the slopes of Zermatt this winter.
Should you be looking to ski, Zermatt is ideal for the more experienced skier, with many slopes on hand to provide a thrill for intermediate and advanced skiers. However, the magnificent Matterhorn Mountain, après-ski scene and outdoor activities mean that there is enough for everybody to get their teeth into.
Snowboarding is particularly popular with ‘non-skiers’, with ample facilities laid on for first-timers.
As night falls, those that have exerted themselves on the slopes head for one of the 100 restaurants dotted around the resort or take in a spot of shopping at the handful of fine boutiques and stores.
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