Minicountry Skiing. Hello, Andorra!

by Iva Skoch on

Some people say that Spain is the California of Europe: you can beach it in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Not that Spaniards would ever try to attempt such a packed schedule…

While you can ski in the Spanish Pyrenees, some people say that skiing is better in Andorra, one of those tiny countries in Europe, stuck between France and Spain. It only has 60,000 people (and the world’s highest life expectancy). You could probably meet all of them on the slopes. Everyone else will be in the stores…Andorra is a tax haven and tourists like to come here to buy booze and cigs.

This site offers good information on skiing. Sounds pretty affordable, too. Plus, it adds another easy country to your list. Not that you care about lists, of course.

The End of Alps Skiing?

by Iva Skoch on

I just got done sobbing uncontrollably. More strange climate news. The NY Times has an article today, noting a recent study that said that the Alps are the warmest they’ve been in 1,250 years (that’s 800 AD, folks), which signals very, very bad things for the skiing industry there.

While I haven’t yet planned any of this year’s skiing, I can tell you that Europe has been really warm so far. Prague’s been experiencing 50 degree F days recently. A number of big skiing events in the Czech Republic were canceled this month for lack of snow and good weather.

My beloved Kitzbuhel is particularly threatened, since it’s only 2,624 feet above sea level. Apparently, the Alps have been so warm this year so far, that even snow making machines aren’t able to run.

Skiing in Japan

by Iva Skoch on

A recent NY Times article has peaked our interest. We’ve brought Niseko, Japan’s largest ski area, to your attention before, but the new article does a great job of presenting other skiing opportunities in the country.

As it turns out, Japan actually has many more, perhaps a hundred more, ski areas than the U.S., according to the website Snowjapan.com.

While the vertical drops aren’t quite what some have come to expect in the Alps or the Rockies, due to Japan’s unique climate, with winter winds blowing in from Siberia, ski areas can get tons more snow than comparable resorts in the U.S. For example, Niseko gets over 600 inches of snow, while Vail only averages 348. And the powder is supposed to be incredible.

Americans will benefit from the increased traffic from Australian skiers, who have gone to Japan in droves, blazing a skiing trail. Japanese businesspeople have responded by putting up more signs in English and catering to English-speakers. The Times suggested contacting Australian-run tour operators, like Skijapan.com, for more help.

And an additional feature that really intrigues us: the large number of available hot springs (“onsen“) for apres-ski.

Is It Skiing Time Yet?

by Iva Skoch on

Perhaps the only good thing about the summer ending is that one can start planning a ski vacation. My favorite place to ski is still the Alps. Granted, I have only skied in a handful of places in the US and Canada, but I still prefer Europe.

It’s not that the quality of snow is an order of magnitude better, but it has got two “C’s” going for it: cost and character. Especially in Austria, you can find pleasant chalet accommodations for as little as $30/person, including breakfast. I took this picture in Dachstein, a ski resort in Austria, just a hour away from Salzburg, last December. Sun and powder heaven. The beautiful thing is they still charge only 32euros (about $40) for a day pass. In the US, you can’t even ski the Poconos for that kind of money, sadly enough. If you have ever tried skiing the Poconos, you will understand exactly how sad that is.

Which brings me to my next point: character. Villages in the Alps are just so damn cute. I don’t care how accurately they try to replicate this quaintness in Whistler, it just doesn’t work.

Ski Cheaper

by Erik Olsen on

Guess I’ve got skiing on the brain. I’ve been posting a lot
about skiinig lately. maybe part of the problem is that I’ve been living in New York City now for six years, and
getting out of the city to ski is so damn hard. But when I was living in Seatle and Colorado, well, I skied all the
time. I even worked at Squaw Valley for a winter way back when. Well, the good folks over at National Geographic Traveler magazine have a piece on how you
can cut your ski-trip expenses. Always a good idea .

What do they suggest?

First, take a look at cheaper
booking opportunities in what is called the "hidden low season"…that is, January to mid-February, after the
Christmas/New Year blowout and before winter break. With the exception of Martin Luther King weekend, you can get deals
up to 25% lower. Then consider spring skiing when rates come down but you can still get some dynamite freshie.
According to the piece  Alta had 77 inches of snow in April. 

Book your condos with friensd or
other groups.Even poeple you can find online at Craigslist or such. You can drop your room mate significantly..and even
make a few new fiends….um, friends.

Next, buy yourself those multiday and early-purchase lift tickets.
These can reduce your daily ski cost significantly. And fnially what about Canada! Canadian ski destinations can be
much cheaper (and some are not) because the exchange rate is lower. Take a look here for some ideas.