Skiing has a reputation for being an exclusive winter pastime for those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. Most are also put off by their lack of experience on the slopes. Economy Car Hire is here to tell you that it is possible for everyone to embrace this winter sport. Whether you’re on a budget, a first time skier or are looking to escape the crowds, we’ve come up with a list of fantastic ski destinations to suit everyone’s needs!
Big name ski resorts in Europe, such as Val d’Isere, Verbier and Saint Anton, are renowned for their extensive amenities and first-rate skiing. However, we veer off-piste with a few specialised ski destinations you may not have considered.
For Beginners and Families
• Poiana Brasov, Romania
Situated on a plateau in the Postavaru massif, Poiana Brasov is Romania’s most popular ski resort. Nestled amongst snow-capped peaks and patches of conifer forests the resort offers a picture perfect introduction to the world of winter sports.
The resort itself is a manageable size and whilst the pistes aren’t particularly steep the wooded slopes are well- groomed and great for beginners and intermediates. Children will delight in the magical forest setting. The ski school is renowned for its friendly instructors and reasonably priced lessons making the winter sport all the more accessible.
The resort also has two ski jumps and a skating rink if you fancy a bit of variety. If you or your little ones fancy giving tired ski legs a rest, why not make the drive to nearby Bran Castle. This historic site was the setting for Bram Stoker’s Draculas castle. Its fairytale turrets are also home to intrigue and myth of their own accord.
For Tight Budgets
• Jahorina, Bosnia
If you can forgo the glitzy ski scene in order to enjoy some serious skiing then there are a wide range of resorts in Europe that can cater to your needs.
Mount Jahorina is just a 45 minute drive from the capital, Sarajevo, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984. At 1,916m tall, Jahorina is also the region’s second highest peak and offers a range of on and off-piste action.
Due to the Bosnian War which lasted through the start of the 1990s, Jahorina fell off the skiing radar. Due to recent investment, the resort has had a revamp making the accommodation, facilities and amenities worthy of any major skiing destination.
The pistes remain relatively empty and practiced skiers will revel in the tight tree runs and free skiing options.
For those looking ski hard and play harder, agents such as Ski Sarajevo offer packages including party stops in Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik.
For more ideas on where to ski on a budget check out our suggestions here.
Up & Coming Resort
• Andermatt, Switzerland
When it comes to skiing, everyone wants to be the first on the slopes. This guarantees fresh powder and untracked snow, making for a smooth ride down the slopes. In order to escape the crowds skiers often have to head to back door resorts with fewer amenities.
If you have a few extra pennies to spare, the once sleepy village of Andermatt is set to become the latest dream ski destination.
The storybook style scenery, quaint alpine cottages and steam trains chugging through the valley combine to form an image of ski holiday perfection… in the 1950s. Nowadays, after a hard day on the slopes, skiers want to have their every comfort catered for. Until recently, Andermatt has only been able to provide traditional but rustic accommodation.
Thanks to a considerable investment project, Andermatt has undergone a serious facelift. Careful planning and designs using sustainable material has ensured that the old-world charm of Andermatt hasn’t been spoilt but rather injected with a dose of luxury.
What did not need changing was the exhilarating terrain. Home to two mountains, Natschen and Gemmstock, Andermatt offers the chance to ski legendary pistes. Take in views of the village from the peak summits, hit the slopes and enjoy some of the most exciting skiing in Switzerland.
Best Kept Secret
• Engelberg, Switzerland
Engelberg is probably one of the skiing industry’s best kept secrets. Frequented mostly by hard core skiers who have been in-the-know for years, freeriding is the ski style of choice in this snow-sure corner of the Alps.
With mountain peaks that reach nearly 6,500ft the off-piste descents aren’t for the faint hearted but do offer a breath-taking ride. Navigate your way round cliffs and crevasses, and swoop down runs on glacial terrain. There is nowhere quite like it.
Although the slopes may be free of crowds, the social scene is far from quiet. When the sun goes down Engelberg boasts a night-life to rival the major resorts. The après-ski matches the hard core skiing, especially at weekends when locals from nearby Zurich and Lucerne arrive to take to the slopes.
Economy Car Hire’s Wildcard
• Indoor Ski Resort, Dubai
We know what you’re thinking, skiing in the middle of the desert?
Well, yes. It’s a little extravagant but then Dubai is renowned for being a luxury destination.
For those who prefer to spend the majority of their holidays basking in hot sunshine by the pool but would like the chance to try their hand at skiing, this couldn’t be more perfect!
The snow park is the largest indoor resort in the world and matches the size of roughly three football pitches. Take your pick of green, blue, red and black runs that reach 25 floors high. The resort also features tobogganing and icy bobsleigh runs. Just like any other resort all the equipment and clothing is available for hire and beginners can sign up to the ski school.
So, perhaps skiing isn’t as exclusive as you first thought. If you’re looking to book car hire for your skiing holiday and require the extra bits and pieces such as ski racks and winter tyres our suppliers can cater for this at most destinations. You can find further information on our help page under ‘Optional Extras’.
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