|
Variations on a ski theme |
|
|
|
Written by Gillian Thomas, 2006
|
|
Page 2 of 2  Pic credit: Ski Club of Great Britain
The opportunity to clock up as many ski miles as possible in a huge ski ‘domaine’ served by a network of linked lifts such as the Three Valleys or Val d’Isère/Tignes in France or Whistler in Canada is one kind of winter sports holiday. But it’s not the only one. The holiday will provide much more variety when other activities are on offer, too, like skating, tobogganing and snow-shoeing.
The Scandinavian countries cannot compete with the Alps by way of extensive lift-systems but they are strong on winter activities. Cross-country skiing has long been a way of life for the local people and now there are miles of special trails for visitors to take advantage of too.
Dog-sledding, also a traditional activity, is an unforgettable holiday experience. In Finnish Lapland you can go on a sled ride and even learn how to drive a team of huskies, which is definitely no less of a challenge than skiing down a steep mogul slope! Saunas are also part of the experience, followed by a roll, preferably naked, in the snow. It’s guaranteed to be good for the circulation!
Over-nighting in a hotel made of ice is another exhilarating winter experience on offer. In Canada, the new Humber Valley Resort, which spreads over a wooded hillside
beside Deer Lake on the west coast of Newfoundland, offers a particularly exciting range of winter activities. You can fly there from London in just over five hours followed by a transfer of only 20 minutes.
In winter the locals use snowmobiles to get around and for winter outings, zooming across frozen lakes and up into the forests for barbecues and snow-shoe walks. There is a network of mapped trails and visitors can go on guided tours. Kite-skiing is another interesting activity there.
After a morning learning to fly a power-kite on a frozen lake, you put on your skis and endeavour to get the kite to pull you along. This is even more tricky than it sounds but great fun. The actual Humber Valley skiing takes place on the nearby Marble Mountain, a small area with reliably good snow mainly suited to intermediates and beginners, particularly children, with the big advantage of English-speaking instructors.
For more of a challenge there is ‘cat skiing’, which is becoming increasingly popular in North America, being a cheaper alternative to heli-skiing. An exciting ride up the mountain on a ‘snowcat’ piste-bashing vehicle enables you to ski off-piste on open bowls of powdery snow.
Fact fileSki Club of Great Britain Membership Offer 18 months for the price of 12
Membership to the Ski Club of Great Britain can offer skiers and snowboarders of any standard benefits, which include discounts on holidays, equipment and travel, skiing with Ski Club reps and the most up-to-date information and snow reports you will find anywhere. For more information on how you can benefit from being a member, check out the website www.skiclub.co.uk
The Ski Club of Great Britain is offering readers of Woman’s World 18 months’ membership for the price of 12 months. Membership prices are £49 for individuals and £75 for families. Tel: 0845 45 807 82 to take advantage of the membership offer.
*The prices are on the condition of signing of a direct debit mandate. Subject to availability.
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
