Blog | MountVacation.com

More  Unique Adventures To Try in 2010

At the end of January I introduced you to some unique and even crazy pursuits to pursue and peruse this winter if :

A. You’re tired of skiing or snowboarding or the whole scene; or

B. You just don’t have the skills to be flailing down those impossible grades anyway. Now, I’ve got an activity for those with a problem.

C. You just aren’t into moving that much when on your ski holiday. Well, the kids aren’t the only ones who get to play from this day forward. Here are some other No Skills Necessary (not too difficult) Adventures (in their own way!) to try out this year.

Snowmobiling

If you like mounting a jet ski in the summer and riding over waves and pulling off 360s, then you’ll love snowmobiling; especially if you don’t want to have to do any work whatsoever. Snowmobiling gives you the chance to go out and about, cross-country style without the calorie-burning workout.

Everyone knows the Spanish love to get into a vehicle and go crazy, so odds are one of the best places to try snowmobiling this winter is in Spain or France. In the Sierras and near Malaga is where most Spaniards become suicidal adrenaline junkies. The area has some great inflatable tobogganing runs too—both unique minus the physicalness.

Dog Sledding

Though I’ve mentioned it before with horses, sledding with dogs can be one of the most No Skills Necessary approaches to having an exercise-free ski vacation. All you have to do is hold on and every-so-often yell, “Mush.”–Yep, that easy! If you want a romantic ride with a lover at sundown or organize an inter-familial race through the back country, both become possible behind a few mutts. They even make sit-down sleds that come with your own guide—talk about the ultimate of lazy leisure.

Ice Fishing

This does not mean you are looking for frozen fish. Ice fishing is probably the penultimate lazy leisure pastime, good for drinking hot cocoa, beer or other Russian-made mixed drinks containing 90% proof Vodka. The really cool thing about ice-fishing is you get your own little cabin, or you can share it with a couple friends. There’s not much to do but veg about when waiting on half-frozen fish to get hungry, so bring a book, a story-telling friend or a bunch of your favourite magazines and laze the day away.

Resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy and Kiruna in Sweden, along with anywhere that has lakes and ponds, but bring your own auger if you plan on going alone.

Igloo Building

If you’ve always wanted to see yourself huddled in your own snowcapped igloo, look no further this ski season. Igloo building may take a little more effort than ice fishing or snowmobiling, but if you take your time, you won’t work up too much of a sweat. Often, people carve castles out of the ice so it’s not too much to ask to construct your own dog-house size home in the snow is it?

The areas on the border of France and Spain in the Pyrenees is likely igloo central for some odd reason. Plus, your kids will really think it’s cool that you built them a snow fortress, even if it is just a pile of dug out snow. Snowball fights don’t exactly take too much energy as well. Make two igloos and use them as forts of protection during the snowball fight. I think it was Puy Saint Vincent in France that even has a igloo building competition each year, but I’ll have to fact check that for you. Have a happy No Skills, lazy leisure ski holiday this year!

The Littler Known Places to Go, Ski, and See

Just because a ski resort is little known (or not known at all) doesn’t mean that it is has no good outdoor winter activities. Quite the contrary: Some of the best kept secrets are that exactly—the places that not too many people think of going. Though the locals may know about their own best-kept secrets, it doesn’t mean that you can’t barge in for some serious skiing or boarding on your neighbors powder. I’ve come up with some out-of-the-way ski destinations and what you can do there this winter. It’s time to give up the crowds, expense and go native.

Andorra

Though you may have never thought of taking a visit to Andorra—that little speck tucked between Spain and France—there are some ski resorts you won’t soon forget. One that comes to mind is Vallnord Ordino, Arcalis. Arcalis is literally concealed between the main Cercle d’Arcalis, a valley with some snowy north-facing slopes with trees all around. Aside from some crazy locals and those living in the neighboring towns (across the borders), you won’t find this place overblown with tourists. The nearly 700 meter drop won’t leave you laughing except for the joy of being alive (OK, it’s not that bad) and  there probably more snow making machines per  hectare than any other European snow resort.

Austria

It’s a little harder than you might think finding a “small” or “reclusive” ski resort in Austria that no one has ever heard of. One that I came across, however, is not as small and popular as it feels. Lech (Zurs am Arlberg) is one of those getaways that you won’t be disappointed I when you get here. There’s a few more than 100 ski slopes to choose from and a cool children’s park and a few times a day you can jump on a horse drawn sleigh. The 2800 meter vertical will take up plenty of your day perfecting.

Germany

The little-heard of ski resort of Wallberg in Germany is a recluses dream ski holiday. Though there is one great toboggan run around 7 km long and a ski slope meant for true experts, Wallberg is meant for those who come to do other activities in the snow. Those few souls looking for outdoor adventure away from the crowds during the ski season come to Wallberg for cross-country skiing, primo explorations around lake Tegernsee and Nordic skiing. Others come for the views and the unconventional panoramic views from the restaurant.

Switzerland

If you’re looking for a small escape in the land of plenty, then a trip to the 10 ski slopes at Kandersteg will keep you solo and happy. The number of km for the slopes is about 50 km, so there’s some nice diversity in the long runs. However, Kandersteg really only caters to intermediate and expert skiers, again, making it an escapist’s snowy dream. (There are some blue slopes, so don’t fret.) You can even get up to 3000 meters and head down the 1700 metered slope as many times san-lines as much as your heart desires. Kandersteg probably has the cheapest weekly rates, starting at around 115 Euro per week. Not too shabby, eh?

Classically Chic France

Courchevel, as much of the great skiing in France goes, is located in Savoy, walled in by the Three Valleys, or Les Trois Vallees. I’ve never personally explored all of the Three Valleys in France, but I have come to rely on Courchevel as my port of entry, so to speak. Even when the dollar  falls, I still got a chalet with two other families for something ridiculously low (around 150 Euros each for the week). Blues and reds dominate the landscape and there’s always deals to be found, from happy hour to hotel specials. If you’re looking for a snowy French escape, it doesn’t get much more classically chic than in Courchevel, that much I’m certain. To find more pictures, hotel or apartment in Courchevel follow the link

Italian Mountain Adventures

Madonna di Campiglio is about as close to the Dolomites as I want to be. Not that I can’t find suitable skiing, but I swear I had a dream that the shark-like jaws of the mountains in the backdrop were eating me on my last skiing vacation there. Madonna makes experts wish they tried harder and leaves us blue and red skiers black and blue for days. The one slope I really like lasts almost 4 km with another 60 interlinking slopes to choose from. If you’ve wanted to take the family to a place where you could all get away (and hide for the day) then Madonna di Campiglio is the place to do it. Plus, the gastronomy is everything Italian and more. To find more information about Madonna di Campiglio hotel or Madonna di Campiglio apartment, click on those links.

Spanish in Style

If you’re going to ski spain, then you must ski Spain right. That is, Formigal is probably one of the best ski resort stopovers in the Pyrenees. I’ve skied it in the winter and hiked it in the summer, and the views, slopes and resorts are well worth the visit. Formigal wasn’t really much before it turned itself into one of the most comprehensive skiing resorts, if not in Europe then in Spain. The place, then, was built for skiing—purpose built—so there is no bad pistes to be found. The ski lifts are well oiled and get you to the top lickety-split. Formigal fits in with the rest of Europe’s over 100 Club (over 100 km of slopes to access) and has plenty to do for those looking for a mixer or two.

Outdoors in Austria

Anything outdoors in Austria is going to be amazing—they seemingly set the standard, or at least the bar for how a resort ought to be fun. Molltaler Gletscher is no exception to the Austrian rule of fast, and efficient fun. I think it was here I got stuck on the funicular, though it was exceptional, and had to wait about fifteen minutes on the side of the mountain. I mean, Obertauern is nice too, but I chose skiing Molltaler Gletsher because of how easy it is to get there from the Klagenfut airport or from Vienna. Plus, there’s just more to do than can be done in just a week or more. The snow park, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and everything in between can’t be beat. If for no other reason, the ski season here is one of the longest till mid-April and the 50+ slopes offer something for all shades of skiing abilities. If you need some more information or looking for pictures, then visit Moelltal hotel and apartment page and check how easy it is to hit the slopes during the summer.

The mountains of Europe are undeniably some of the best in the world for skiing and snowboarding. Plus, Europe’s long on-the-powder history gives them an edge in resort flavour and development. Though there are hundreds of resorts to choose from sprinkled throughout the mountains of Europe. I think there are some key resorts and mountains worth seeing before you kick the bucket. The next time you’re writing out your own Bucket List (list of things you’ll do before “kicking the bucket”), be sure to include some of these mountain ranges and mountainous resorts in your pre-death itinerary.

Of  Course, The Alps

I don’t really intend on giving you a Wikipedia lesson here, but the Alps in case you were wondering is the name given to several ranges, sub-ranges and sections that start in Austria and carve their way through Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, France and Germany (not necessarily in that order). Even without Wiki, you’d probably still know that Mont Blanc is the highest summit of the Alps, over 4800 meters.

Ok, so back to the resorts. Mountains (though beautiful), only becomes accessible with the resorts. If you must see Mont Blanc, then book reservations at Chamonix, with plenty of off-piste and groomed slopes. Other must-stay resorts in the Alps include Cortina in Italy, St. Moritz, Grindewald and Zermatt in Switzerland, and Kitzbuhel and St. Anton in Austria. You can click here to find most of my descriptions by country of each resort I’m talking about.

Ah Oui, The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees are the mountain range that split France and Spain up—something had to. The Pyrenees are quite long and reach east to west across the whole of each country. Two years ago, I backpacked for several weeks along the GR10 trail on the “French side.” The resorts I really like that are in the Pyrenees (Spain and France) are Les Angles nearby to Mont Louis (very full of nature activities), Bareges, La Mongie and Font Romeu, Formigal and La Molina. The Pyrenees also house Panticosa and Baquerira Beret ski resorts, though some of these are not intended for beginner skiers. One of the great things about staying at hotels or resorts in the Pyrenees is their proximity to the stunning European cities, like Barcelona, Spain and Toulouse, France. If you get sore and tired and want a day’s escape (as I often do), it’s not hard to drive down and back up the mountains in one day or less.

Duh, The Dolomites

Though these might be considered by some as part of the Alps, they are situated in Italy, starting in Brenner Pass all the way to Monte Croce Pass. You may have also heard of Marmolada, the highest peak reaching almost 3350 meters. Even if you’re a beginner or intermediate skier, the Dolomites are great because you can always see the jagged scenery around you. Even while whimpering down a kiddy slope, you’ll still feel like you’re skiing some rugged terrain.

The Dolomiti Super Ski area is arguably one of the best skiing deals in Europe, with resort after resort offering some great high-season deals. Don’t miss out on such top-rated resorts as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Madonna di Campiglio, Val Gardena or San Martino di Castrozza. The Dolomites has something for everyone, of every ability. There are over 400 linked lifts and if those can’t get you where you want to go, there are inter-connective buses careening the mountain roads all day long. I love it here for all the choices.

There’s tons of other resorts and at least five or six more mountain systems, so do your research and get out there this year while the snow keeps falling and falling.

If you are from or have ever skied in the US and in Europe, then you perhaps innately know some of the differences between the slopes of both places. I won’t gear this article to the Americans per se, but I do want to talk about some of the contrasts that those never skiing in Europe or even Europeans might run into. So, even if you’re used to the European way of life, here’s what to expect when you finally make that skiing holiday to the Alps, the Pyrenees, Massif Central or any one of the great ranges.

Eating on The Slopes

As you may already know, Europeans take their time when it comes to enjoying the midday meal. Many a time, outsiders find themselves heaved into a slower pace of eating, sitting, chatting, talking and light drinking. If you are the loner type, then one of the best times to hit the slopes of Zermatt, Les Arcs or Val di Sole for example is when everyone else is getting their lunch on. There will be no lines, no waiting and no crowded pistes. If you want to make some European friends, however, you should eat lunch with the “group” at least a few times per week.

Gotta Be First!

Another big difference one may find on the slopes of those jagged European mountains is the morning deadness or doldrums. In the US, for example, skiers and boarders line up in the early morn to get the best powder possible, often sacrificing a night out late for early-bird slope specials. In the EU, I don’t think anyone in their right mind would sacrifice a night out with friends to hit the slopes early the next day. If you arrive early to even the biggest resorts, say Jungfrau, Chamonix or the like, you’re most likely going to be out there alone with all the other “foreigners,” which isn’t a bad thing at all, just lonely—something not remotely understood in most European cultures.

Lift Ticket Prices

I was in Podunk, Connecticut (podunk here means little, or not much going on) this winter and wanted to hit the slopes after work. I picked up my fiancée and drove the one hour to the ski slope. For that one single night (in the middle of no where, though the slopes were fine) we each paid over $100 USD for no more than a few hours of skiing. In Europe, at least, the lift ticket prices are more reasonable, getting cheaper the longer you stay—not true in price-gouging America (I can say this because I’m American). In European skiing resorts, I often pay anywhere from $35 USD per day to no more than $60 USD or so. The savings over a week of skiing are phenomenal. Even during the high season (starting NOW by the way), you can get some great walk-up-to-the-window deals in places like Rogla, Cormayeur, Livigno, Saas Fee, Bad Gastein and Bormio to name but a few.

Bigger, Faster Slopes

It’s not that the Europeans are that much more adventurous than their American (or whatever) counterparts, it’s just that they have quite a bit more bigger mountains to choose from than we have in the US. Though some of the slopes are longer, the longevity makes the ride seem smoother and gives you (at least for me) more time to get used to it. In the US, we have on average descents around the 2000 foot mark. The longest in the US is around double this. In Europe, the average (that means the mean, norm or standard!) is this doubled, around 4000 feet. In places like Les Arcs in France and Cortina in Italy, you’re looking at verticals ranging from 6000 to 6600 feet, give or take. This doesn’t necessarily make Europe’s slopes better, but gives you a very rough idea of what you’re in for on your European ski vacation.

Some Cultural Extras

In Europe, going off-piste and on your own is more rare, so there’s plenty of time to commune with nature if that’s your cup of spiked Joe. Drinks are drunk after skiing and then people eat din-din before taking to the après ski venues. Après ski parties start late and end early morning.  It’s easy to make friends, especially if you’re the loner at the bar—plenty of people will invite you over to share a table. In the US, for some reason, we think everyone who sits alone is a weirdo or serial killer and leave them be. This is not the practice in most European skiing resorts, so if you come alone, you’ll leave borrowing a new friend’s shoulder while walking to your hotel. It’s all about friends and family in Europe, so come prepared to open up your social butterfly wings for some major flight time.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend to know what you’re interested in doing with your ski holiday. Just as much as the next guy (or not), you would rather rub elbows with international crowds or ski down crazy slopes or snowboard in amazing snowparks or simply get wasted every night or find solitary in a reclusive cabin. To each there own and may each find there own version of happiness or something like that. At any rate, what I can do for you today is tell you two reasons to visit one or more of these next five resorts. Consider this a free highlight of what a popular place has to offer you.

Italy:

Cortina d’Ampezzo or Cortina as it is often abridged is a good place to come to if you like to avoid the applesauce feeling in your legs from skiing or boarding all day and rather confront local coffee shops, chocolate shops and fine dining. It’s more about sunny alpine days and less about getting sweating (no glistening) on the inclines.
Hypocritically, however, Cortina is the bomb (that’s a good thing) when it comes to skiing. The whole of the Dolomiti region is accessible by the affordable Dolmiti Superskipass, with over 500-some lifts in the Italian Alps.

France:

Chamonix in France used to be a farming community—can you imagine looking up at those Alps (Mt Blanc) and staying in the pastures? Didn’t last long. Today, Chamonix is one of the topmost adventure skiing areas in Europe. There is always snow, super-long runs, cliffs, chutes, headwalls and hundreds of slopes.
Oh, I have to give you another reason. There are other things to do like tobogganing, paragliding, dog sled rids, sleigh trips and things a-flurry for the whole fam.

Switzerland:

Switzerland and the Jungfrau skiing region houses some of the most common mountain peaks in the Alps. From the Jungfrau and the Eiger to the Schiltohorn. Try resorts Grindelwald, Wengen, Interlaken and Murren. ’nuff said.
The town is historic, picturesque and full of history. If you’re the camera-happy-clicker-person of the group, then bring extra memory cards for the scenes at sunrise and sunset. The mountains tend to glow a purple hue come nightfall.

Austria:

It’s time to get your snowboarding on with a ski holiday trip to Zell Am See Kaprun. There’s a boarder park up on the glacier with half-pipe, jumps, slides and boxens.
This is also a place to try the 20 km of skate or 20 km of cross-country skiing. If you like snow but prefer booty-down style, then try sledding, sleigh rides, snow tubing or hanging out at one of the 60 restaurants, 20 pubs or 3+ discos.

Germany:

Brauneck-Wegscheid in Germany makes my list because I like the options to try other snow-related pursuits. In addition to late night skiing and a snowboarding fun park, you can hike for over 30-km on marked trails.
And, secondly, there are over 100 cross-country and skating tracks for those who like pain with their pleasure. There are purportedly some nice views of the surrounding mountains and not a lot of crowds in your way should you choose to go backcountry.

While most of Switzerland’s ski resorts are located along the Italian, French or Austrian border, Engelberg stands alone in the centre of the country. The picture perfect village counts about 3500 inhabitants and is nested in the Obwalden Alps. In its early days, Engelberg’s activities revolved around its monastery, established in the 12th century, which was considered a great place of knowledge. Winter sports started to develop in the late 19th century, shortly after the first hotel was built.

In summer, the Engelberg-Titlis mountain cable-ways don’t stay still! In fact, they allow skiers and boarders to enjoy their sport even in the heart of summer, on the Titlis Glacier. All kinds of sport lovers can also enjoy their favourite summer activities, and there are plenty: Mountain bikers of all levels will find suiting challenge on one of the 14 mountain biking trails (from beginner to expert level). The Via Ferrata network offers five routes to choose from, and one has been designed for the whole family to be able to discover this alpine activity. While the Via Ferrata demands a good overall physical shape, the Seilpark (rope park) is accessible to most, given that they are not afraid of heights. The six trails are comprised of hanging bridges, Nepal walkways and exciting Tyroleans. For those of us who prefer having both feet on the ground, numerous opportunities of Nordic walking as well as hiking are offered and the Golf Club Engelberg-Titlis (18 holes, 5505 m, Par 71), with its fantastic panorama, is the perfect spot to combine sport, nature and well-being.

In winter, ski at an altitude ranging between 1000 and 3000 metres above sea level. The resort of Engelberg-Titlis has 82 kilometres of runs and 24 transport installations to offer, so one can expect perfect skiing enjoyment on blue, red and black slopes. Engelberg is definitely the place to be for snowboard enthusiasts, in winter or summer, since the offer is very complete here: a fun park on the Joch Pass during winter, on the Titlis glacier in summer and all of its runs. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, all winter activities usually found in European ski resorts are also found here: telemark, cross country skiing, sledding, Nordic walking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. For sport events enthusiasts, the FIS ski jump world cup is held here in December and the Swiss Snow Walking Event in March. During both this events, think about booking your accommodation ahead because Engelberg hotels and apartments fill up quite quickly.

The impressive Benedictine monastery is still operational today, with more than 30 monks in residence. Visits are possible Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 4PM and typical regional cheese (ladled by hand into a mould by the monks) can be purchased in the boutique (open daily) located in the monastery.

Bad Kleinkirchheim is known as a place to relax and get spoiled at every turn, on and off the slopes. Since the Alpine Skiing World cup is regularly held there, the resort has nothing to prove when it comes to skiing and Bad Kleinkirchheim is also famous for its numerous thermal spas (the German word Bad means bath). Wellness connoisseurs will appreciate that the resort has been awarded with a certificate from the Alpine Wellness International association. Also, the nearest airport to easily access Bad Kleinkirchheim (Klagenfurt) is only 50 km away, making stress-free mini ski vacations possible.

In Bad Kleinkirchheim, the skiing and snowboarding start at 1100 meters and rise to just over 2000 meters. There are just over 100 km of ski runs with 32 total ski slopes, and children get their own slope and lift. The longest slope, 4 km long, will keep most guests content. In fact, it is an ideal destination for intermediate skiers who want challenge, and families of good skiers. To get off the slopes and still be active, there are about 60 km of winter walking paths, a curling rink, a 500m² ice-rink and two toboggan runs: 4 km of floodlit toboggan run on the Kaiserburg and the 4 km Falkerthaus run. Couples can go on horse drawn sleigh rides through the romantic winter countryside, or forget all about skiing and treat themselves with a thermal spa package.

In summer, the spa complexes of course don’t close and there’s is a lot to do for those who wish for active vacations. If tennis is your thing, you can play in simple or double on one of the 25 tennis courts of the resort. If you are a golfing enthusiast, the 18-hole golf course Kaiserburg, designed by Don Harradine, is one of Austria’s most prestigious ones, and horse lovers will be glad to know that there are 2 stables in the resort. Last,  but not least, Bad Kleinkirchheim offers to its visitors 1,000 km of well-marked and well-maintained excursion trails, and 43 trails specifically designed for mountain biking.

Accommodations in Bad Kleinkirchheim tend to fill up quickly during special events, such as the open-air music festival in January, so book early if you want to participate in one event of if your vacation dates aren’t flexible.

Isola 2000, in France, is part of the Domaine du Mercantour. It is located in the southern section of the Alps (Alpes maritimes), less than 100 km from Nice. Since the Mediterranean is so close—you can see it atop the summit of Sistron on a clear day—it is plausible to ski during the morning and have tea by the sea in the afternoon.

The resort might not be very big but offers all activities usually found in bigger resorts. During summer, visitors can go on different hikes (with or without a guide), rock climbing, horseback riding and fishing. The resort’s swimming pool caters for families and beautiful cycling paths allow the discovery of the resort. The more adventurous can go mountain biking or try the «Isoliane» adventure course.

The resort of Isola 2000 lies at 2000 meters and has 2000 hectares of skiable terrain to offer during winter. You’ll warp down the longest run for a nice two kilometers on over 120 km of pistes. There is one snowpark and 40-some combined runs. The breakdown of these is 30 beginner runs, 4 advanced and a dozen intermediate. See plan. There are 22 lifts to keep you chugging down all day long and if that’s not enough, there’s also snowmobiling, ice-skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and heliskiing and many more activities to keep everyone busy.

Isola 2000 can really be considered a discount family ski destination: there’s more beginners’ and bunny hill options here than in many bigger resorts, and no lack of ski schools. Plus, the resort never feels overcrowded, as the crowd almost always stays below what can be handled, and holiday apartments, the ideal accommodation for families, abound.

Because of all this, a family skiing holiday in Isola 2000 is really an affordable option in the Alps, even during high season.

Since here, at MountVacation, we have an incredible quantity of information about more than 400 European ski resorts, I decided to share it on this blog. From now on, once a month, I will post a short text about a resort, with relevant links, and our regional specialists will be available to answer any questions you may have about that destination. You are also invited to share your personal travel and skiing experience with other readers.

So here we go with our first Destination of the month: Courmayeur.

Very centrally located in Europe, Courmayeur is right at the border of France and Switzerland, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc (or Monte Bianco). See map

In summer, activities are countless and include everything for every taste. Rafting and paragliding will suit the adrenalin freaks, while hikes and strolls will please others. Swimming is possible in one of the three swimming pools of the resort, indoor or outdoor. Of course, mountain biking, canyoning and tennis are also all classics here. If climbing is your thing, then Europe’s highest mountain will certainly satisfy you, whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner. And if you prefer to keep your feet on the green, Courmayeur has its nine-hole course set in a breathtaking location.

In winter, skiing and snowboarding are possible to an altitude of 2,700m (the village of Courmayeur lies at 1,200m) and the real action begins on Plan Checrouit at 2,200m. If plenty of green slopes for skiers are available, the majority of the slopes are best suited for intermediate skiers. Expert skiers will also find their share of challenging slopes in selected areas, and some off piste ski going on around the resort, Courmayeur having a couple of cable cars serving high mountain ski areas.

So, tempted? You should know that the price of apartments and hotels in Courmayeur can be reduced up to 50% during lower seasons so, to save money and avoid crowds, you might want to plan ahead to avoid taking your next mountain or ski vacation during the high season.