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Saturday, June 28th, 2008

AITO?s 10 Top Ski Resorts

Working for AITO (the Association of Independent Tour
Operators for those who don?t know) has some unusual
benefits, the most exciting of these is the in depth
specialist knowledge that our members can offer. In the
field of ski holidays, for example, we represent over 30
independent tour operators who deal predominantly in ski
packages and winter sports ? that?s a lot of knowledge that
I have ready access to.

And from dipping into this resource, I?ve been able to
compile a concise list of ten ski resorts that 10 of our
members endorse on their websites. The immense combined
expertise these ski operators boast means that I, despite
not being a huge winter sports buff, feel confident to take
their word and promote these as AITO?s favourites.

So here are AITO?s top ski resorts. Narrowing the list down
to the 10 best ski resorts was a real challenge, given that
AITO members offer over 175 between them!

1 St Anton ? Austria:

Skiworld recommend St Anton as one of the best ski resorts
in the world, and their endorsement seems to be matched by
the World Alpine Skiing Championship organisers, who gave
the resort the honour of hosting the event in 2001. The
peaceful village nearby is a stark contrast to the buzzing
internationally renowned ski slopes, but the two seem to fit
together perfectly despite their obviously different feels.
As the resort attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the
world, there is a real cosmopolitan feel to the resort,
although English remains the dominating language on the
slopes.

Off of the slopes, St Anton's main street provides plenty of
distractions, giving shoppers opportunity to search for
jewellery, music, antiques, clothing and local crafts. The
latter are worth a special mention, as traditional
woodcarvings from the region are exported all over the
world.

But what of the slopes themselves? Well, they?re not for
beginners, that?s for sure. It?s been said that in St.
Anton, a blue run is a red, while a red is a black - they?re
pitched at experts and ambitious intermediate level skiers,
but those that have the ability are sure to find the slopes
endlessly rewarding. The only downside to it is that unless
there?s been a fresh snow-fall, conditions are sometimes
less than perfect, because of the south-facing aspect. That
said, if you?re in luck with the snow-fall, then you?re
guaranteed to have one of the best European ski holidays of
your life.

2 Courchevel ? France:

No list could be complete without mentioning Courchevel ?
with its stunning reputation, the only downside is the
premium price point often bandied around by ski operators
when dealing with this most exclusive resort. Regarded as
many as the best ski resort in the world, Courchevel offers
some of the best ski holidays in Europe ? albeit at a high
price! One of the best things about the region is that the
600 kilometres of pistes offer a challenge for all abilities
? beginners need not leave their comfort zone on the ample
green pistes, while those of intermediate ability can ski a
challenging selection of red and blue runs. Those feeling
particularly daring can head straight for the secret powder
stashes that await experts on the black runs ? some of the
steepest in Europe.

The resort itself lives up to its exclusive reputation with
some of the most exciting and expensive nightlife on the
European ski holiday circuit. Courchevel 1850 attracts some
of Paris? top cabaret acts and DJs as well as a variety of
other entertainments from places to be pampered to bowling
and a cinema. The more traditional village centres of
Courchevel 1300 and 1550 have a lower key atmosphere with a
selection of lively pubs and traditional mountain cuisine.

3 Aspen & Snowmass ? USA:

There are 4 mountains in this region, offering a skier over
5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 341 trails allowing
everyone from beginners to experts to find an exciting
variety of routes on their holiday. This is one of
Colorado?s most attractive resorts, and the fact that all
the four mountains are covered by the same lift pass means
that this ski resort can offer excellent variety ?
especially if you are experienced enough to take on some of
the more challenging runs in Aspen Mountain and Highlands,
with their exciting mix of tree runs, gullies and chutes.
Beginners and intermediate level skiers are well served as
well though, with a large selection of wide cruisers at
Buttermilk and Snowmass.

The town was originally defined by its mining trade, but
with the ski traffic it has developed into one of the finest
ski communities in North America. There are 100 bars and
restaurants competing for your attention and an eclectic
selection of boutiques and galleries to explore while you
take time off the slopes.

4 Verbier ? Switzerland:

One common complaint that people used to have with this
famous ski resort was its long queues and poorly planned
lift transport. Nowadays, things have improved considerably
and the reputation of the resort should improve alongside.
Verbier is still considered one of Europe?s top ski resorts,
and manages to attract skiers from all over the world every
year ? courtesy of its excellent skiing opportunities for
experts and a legendary nightlife. There are over 410
kilometers of pistes and it has an excellent snow record.

The downside to the excellent ski opportunities offered to
experienced skiers is that it offers little in the way of
entertaining runs for beginners, with just a handful of blue
runs at Bruson. And while there is a variety of off-piste
entertainment available including a sports centre, swimming
pool and skating rink, beginners are still better served
looking at other ski holidays in Europe or further afield..

5 La Rosi?re ? France:

This child-friendly ski resort offers a range of slopes for
skiers of all abilities, as well as options for non-skiers.
This accompanied by the ski school meeting point (a
development with catered chalets, bars, restaurants, shops
and a bowling alley) and an excellent snow record ensure
that La Rosi?re is a great choice for keen skiers.

The ski runs are divided as follows: 6 green ski runs, 23
blue, 32 red and 12 black runs for the experts. All of these
take in the imposing vision of Mont Blanc, and you can even
see the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa in the distance, making
for some excellent photos and memories that will ensure you
come back time and time again when looking for a European
ski holiday.

6 Les Arcs ? France:

With its breathtaking views of the French, Swiss and Italian
Alps, an excellent snow record and ski slopes for those of
all abilities, it?s no wonder that Les Arcs has quickly
established a world class reputation amongst ski
aficionados.

Although the resort is well served with ski runs for
beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, the highlight
here is the off piste options. One of only two European
stops on the world freeride circuit, the terrain is steep,
amazingly varied and long and a must for skiers who have the
ability to enjoy it!

The resort is one of only 40 in France to have earned the
?Famille Plus? badge. The accolade is awarded only to those
who offer outstanding childcare and family services, so
those with children can be sure of safe and welcoming
surroundings on their ski holiday in Europe.

7 Val d?Is?re - France:

Describing the ?typical? visitor to Val d?Is?re is a near
impossible task, which says a great deal about its universal
appeal. You get everyone from dedicated ski enthusiasts, to
off-piste lovers to families and ?ladies who lunch?. The
majority of the skiing is above 2300 metres and the snow
record is, unsurprisingly, excellent.

The choice available is the biggest problem facing visitors
to this top ski resort. Visitors have the difficult decision
of whether to stick to the ample ski opportunities on the
doorstep of the accommodation, or take the trip to the top
of Grand Motte ? at over 3600 metres high, the view is
simply outstanding and well worth the trip.

Once the skiing is done, there are plenty of ways of
entertaining yourself. There?s live music at the Folie
Douce, while there is a wide selection of bars, pubs and
clubs in the town. Those who are looking for something more
low key will perhaps be more interested in the pampering
body treatments or shopping options however.

8 Klosters ? Switzerland:

Arguably the most charming and aesthetically pleasing ski
resort in this list is Klosters. Located in the Prattigau
valley, the village offers charm and history at every turn.
The chalets are a traditional timber fare adding to the
idyllic atmosphere of the place, and it?s all part of the
experience that you can come off the piste to a cosy chalet
to relax.

The experience offered is unique to each skier, with 97 snow
runs catering to all abilities. And although the resort has
been popularized by Prince Charles? patronage, it is still
the kind of resort that offers a unique experience to each
skier, giving them much to discuss in their cosy chalet in
the evening, over a reviving hot drink.

9 Zermatt ? Switzerland:

Nestled in the foot of the imposing Matterhorn, Zermatt is a
top ski resort with an image built on exclusivity ? the town
is littered with gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels and
expensive shops.

While this could indicate a reputation not built on the
skiing experience, the options available at Zermatt are
actually world class ? especially for intermediate and
advanced skiers. There are 313 kilometres of some of the
highest north and west facing slopes in Europe. Expert
skiers should be sure to check out the heli-ski trips as
well for the experience of a lifetime.

Off the piste, the village is worth a visit ? car free (with
only electric and solar powered vehicles and horse-drawn
sleighs allowed) with a handful of excellent restaurants.
For the best restaurants though, the mountain steals the
show with 40 dotted throughout the range. Some of them are
truly world class and threaten, without ever managing, to
overshadow the splendid skiing experience and become the
focus of the European ski holiday.

10 Whistler ? Canada:

The best ski resort in Canada, and one of the most highly
rated in North America, Whistler is an outstanding winter
sports location. Last year it recorded record levels of
snow, with 45 feet adding to the crisp piste! But it?s not
just the 8100 acres of fabulous skiing which makes Whistler
one of the best ski resorts in the world ? it has an
atmosphere incomparable to others.

Whistler caters for every skier from beginners who barely
know how to put skis on, to experts looking for a challenge.
There are steeps, deeps, chutes, high alpine bowls, glades,
long cruisers and gentle rollers ? essentially something for
everyone. Around half of the ski runs are aimed at
intermediate users, with over a quarter devoted to experts
and the rest for beginners. The excitement of some of the
tougher intermediate runs and the expert runs provide the
perfect incentive for skiers to improve, while the beginner
slopes offer the facilities to do so.

But I mentioned the atmosphere didn?t I? It?s about the
off-slope activities as much as the on-slope, and there are
spas and shopping opportunities aplenty, with Vancouver
nearby if it isn?t enough. The Apr?s Ski at Whistler has won
numerous awards, however, and visitors will find some
wonderful dining experiences ? whether you?re in the mood
for fish, steak, sushi or gourmet cuisine. For those who
have the energy, some of the clubs in the region offer the
best nightlife on the world ski circuit.

Narrowing it down to just the 10 best ski resorts was always
going to be tricky, but if you?re a skier who wants to make
sure they?ve seen it all and if you haven?t visited all of
these, then what are you waiting for?

Becky Craig of AITO lists the organisation's member's top 10
ski resorts in the world.

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