Looking for somewhere for a big gang to head off to? Then check out these ski options
Looking for a spot of magic? One that offers gentle beginner’s slopes and top-notch tuition, yet will keep the most extreme skiers and boarders of the group, happily hucking their way through the week?
Fear not noble ski trip organisers. There are actually places where you can bring an eclectic gaggle of off-piste gurus, piste bashers and never-even-seen-a-mountain-before beginners and all meet up for lunch in a post ski glee.
• Alpe d’Huez
One of the French big guns where intermediates can clock up mile upon mile of effortless carving, mixing it up with the occasional black or gentle off-piste.
Meanwhile, beginners can find their ski-legs on the sunny bunny runs and have-a-go-heroes can try their luck on the longest trail in the Alps (which just happens to start with a very gnarly mogul run.)
• Val Thorens
Ahh VT, you high-altitude temptress.
Part of the biggest piste network in the world, one of longest snow-sure seasons in the Alps and some truly heroic hills. Novices and powder hounds are equally well catered for.
Val Thorens is a haven for freeride, with long lasting freshies and one of the best terrain parks around. So much so that Crystal have made it home to one of their two Riders’ Lodges right in the town centre (the other’s in Tignes). Think laidback ski pants and Blizzard of Aahhh’s on repeat. Plus access to the powder, park and that all-important après.
• Les Arcs
Woodland trails, plenty of vert and some serious cols – you could be forgiven for thinking Les Arcs is experts only.
But factor in the well-groomed cruisers, beginner specific zones and link to La Plagne and it’s clear Les Arcs is an all-round favourite.
• Tignes
A free nursery run and gentle greens await first-timers, but Tignes still holds its own as one of the greatest off-piste resorts in the world.
And the pistes are never-ending, especially if you make it over to linked Val d’Isere. Crystal is offering free lessons for first timers in Tignes, Val and Les Arcs too.
Crystal Ski Holidays , 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 have fantastic packages: Book a 7 night package to a selection of Crystal Ski Holiday resorts, before 21st October, and when you buy one lift pass you will get another one for half price!
Call 01 433 1010 or www.crystalski.ie for details.
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