It’s only October but did you know there are places in Europe that you can already ski or snowboard? Yes, that’s right, you don’t need to wait until December or later and you don’t need to take a long haul flight. Did you know there are other resorts in which it is possible to ski in the morning and then pop to the beach to sunbathe all afternoon? Read on to find out more.
Zermatt; the ski slopes are open all year!
Switzerland has some of the highest ski slopes in Europe so they tend to get some of the best and earliest snow falls. The majority of lifts and slopes usually open at the end of November but it can vary depending on the weather. However, from Zermatt there are lifts that are open all year round that take you up to the Theodul Glacier where there is a summer ski park!
There are a variety of runs open at different times of the summer but there’s always blues and reds. The runs lead from the Klein Matterhorn (3,899 metres) down towards Testa Grigia/Plateau Rosa and then down to Trockener Steg station (2,929 metres). There are 21km of high-quality slopes that are so good international athletes use them for their summer training. As with any new resort, even if you are an experienced skier, it is a good idea to use a knowledgeable local instructor who will ensure you get the most out of the resort while you are there and who can guide you through any safety issues on and off-piste.
What is perfect is half your group can enjoy the skiing whilst the non-skiers can hike in the sun and you can all spend the evenings in the beautiful car-free resort of Zermatt. The range of accommodation is good and high quality but this isn’t a budget resort. For example, you can get a beautifully decorated apartment in the centre of the resort with views of the Matterhorn, transfers from the station and concierge service for £140 per night over the summer and Autumn season. There is plenty to do in and around the resort for nonskiers and there is a fantastic selection of restaurants including some spectacular mountain lodges.
Sierra Nevada; Ski and Sea!
30 minutes above Grandad city on the Southern coast of Spain is the Sierra Nevada ski resort (Pradollano) which is on the northwestern slopes of the Pico del Veleta. You may not have realised there was a ski resort in Southern Spain. However, although smaller than many of the best-known resorts it is a perfectly respectable place to ski – the 2017 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships were held there. The season usually runs from the end of November through to May. There are 105km of pistes for you to go at; 7.8km of Green (18 runs ), 41km of blue (40 runs ), 48km of red (50 runs) and 4.9km of black (8 runs).
The great thing about this resort is its location. It is only 30 minutes drive from the fantastic city of Granada which has many spectacular cultural highlights including the world-famous Alhambra Palace (word to the wise book well in advance). You can also quickly visit some completely un-snowy interesting places very easily. Fantastic unspoilt beaches are only 50 minutes drive from Granda city or 1h 10mins from the ski resort. Much nearer is the beautiful and lush Lecrin Valley where you can drive over lemons’ and stop for a glass of something refreshing and tuck into some tapas. Pop to Rio Frio for some locally farmed trout or visit the spa town of Lanjaron. If you fancy a two-centre holiday then drive 1h 30 mins to the fantastic city of Malaga. Enjoy the city and arrange a day trip to the amazing natural wonder that is the ‘Camino del Rey‘ (again you must book well in advance).
Oslo; City Break and Skiing!
A short 40-minute subway ride from the centre of Oslo is the ‘OSLO VINTERPARK’. All of Norway’s ski areas are small and low altitude but they get a good layer of snow so they are great for beginners and intermediate skiiers. This resort has 18 runs, 11 lifts and a vertical fall of only 381 metres. The slopes are open early December to April and they have the added benefit of being floodlit so you can safely ski late.
If you find yourself in Oslo for work or along weekend holiday then it’s great to know you can squeeze in some skiing while you are there. Because the transport links are so good you can stay in the centre of Oslo and enjoy this fantastic city. This makes it a great place to go with a group where only a few of you want to ski. The rest of the party can fill their days investigating Oslo and no hire car is needed.
