LAAX in Switzerland stands over 30 000 feet high, with skiing and snowboarding facilities that suit everyone’s needs – from beginners to world champions.

LAAX has hosted all the big events in snowboarding and skiing, welcoming thousands of tourists from around the globe each week. LAAX was one of the first major skiing locations to get on the map, when in the 70s skiing holidays started to rise in popularity for western travelers – LAAX was right their, waiting to ride the wave. Millions of visitors later, LAAX are renowned for their 3rd slalom known only as “Death Mountain” by some. With glaring views down the steep, tangling mountain-side it is no wonder “Death Mountain” scares even the most resilient of skier.

With excellent facilities for everyone LAAX recently hosted the snowboarding world open, in which over 10,000 people took part from 60 countries around the world. An interesting element of this was that over 100 entries came from south Asia and Africa showing the rise of the sport, and the exposure of the location on a global scale. LAAX was voted number 1 skiing location around the world, by “Ski Press Magazine” that also notes LAAX as having the third best Snowboarding facilities and, as being the best new comer to Freestyle snowboarding. The popularity of LAAX, has also lead to continued investment from the company operating the slope, building an amazing ski lift that can handle weights of over 80 tonnes as it climbs 30 000 feet up the mountain face. The ski lift’s unique attribute is its balancing technology that allows the ski lift to carry massive amounts of weight disproportionately whilst keeping a balanced angle and speed.

The popularity of LAAX is not just shared by avid skiers and snowboarders. Top music names and DJs also come to LAAX to experience the amazing events first hand. With the rise of snowboarding many of these musicians feel they can appeal to a certain audience out on the slopes, especially under the cover of darkness, with only flood lights keeping the mountains alive. The DJs provide entertainment as the crowd snowboard and ski into the morning sunlight. The views and the experience are utterly amazing, and are a sure way to ensure top class entertainment for the young travelers who visit LAAX.

However it is not only the night-time DJ sets and fireworks that sparkle for the young skiers; there are also plenty of locations tailored to their needs off the slopes as well. With local pubs, clubs and even swimming pools the young ones are sure to enjoy themselves off the snowy mountains of LAAX. Despite being an amazing location for younger skiers the location also appeals to those who have never been skiing before. They have multi-lingual training facilities and indoor centres where they train first-time skiers up before taking them to the slopes. They also have amazing training facilities for advanced skiers, facilities that would undoubtedly be used by the world’s top skiers and snowboarders at the world events that are held at the slope almost every year.

The local hotels and accommodation are amazing because unlike most skiing locations, they don’t limit the skiers and snowboarders to a single choice. There are youth hostels that are perfect for those looking to ski on the cheap; there are 5 star hotels for those looking to live the lap-of-luxury and there are many options in between. LAAX is home to more than just pubs, clubs and swimming pools, with banks and supermarkets also at realistic walking distance. LAAX is said to be at its peak during August, however this is said to be true for most of Europe’s top, skiing locations. That is why it is advisable to find a quieter time to visit, preferably a short time following the busy spell. The great thing about coming after the peak is that you are able to come for around half the price of another time of the year.

If you enjoy skiing, there is nothing more exhilarating than the prospect of skiing through France.

Whether taking advantage of some of the world’s best downhill runs, or heading cross country, France is a skiers paradise, and somewhere definitely not to be missed for any winter sports enthusiast.  Amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, the fresh alpine air and magically contoured runs are truly a once in a lifetime experience.  It really is no wonder that France is highly regarded as one of the best skiing nations in the world.

When skiing in France, you’d be mad not to go to the alps.  Famous the world over for their excellent ski slopes, the alps also border on Switzerland, so you might also like to pop over and visit while you’re in town.  And don’t worry if you don’t have your equipment – there are simply thousands of dedicated ski shops to serve the tourists, and some stock some pretty good bargains!

France is also home to the world famous Val d’Isere resort.  A huge scenic expanse, the resort was made famous by top French skier Jean Claude Killy, and is a magnet for tourists all year round, with a near guarantee of absolutely perfect conditions.  Additionally, the resort caters for all levels of experience and ability, and so you’re sure to find a challenge somewhere!  To top it all, the resort boasts amazing facilities, from its ski lifts to its hotels and refreshment areas.  The Val d’Isere really is a skier’s heaven.

France is fortunate enough to benefit from great wine, great food, great culture…as well as great skiing!  If you decide to opt for France for your next skiing trip, don’t spend all your time on the slopes – get out there and experience a different style of living.  Sample the delicacies, and experience the delights of this highly metropolitan European nation.

Why not look online for great French skiing deals? Thanks to the internet, holiday prices have really come down over the last few years, and you can find some real bargains with a bit of research.  Additionally, there is no need to consider booking each individual element separately, given the sheer number of top quality package deals, which will come included with your skiing, accommodation, flights and lift pass.  You might even be lucky enough to find a deal that includes some exotic French food to fill you up after a hard day on the slopes!

Alternatively, you could just pop in to your local travel agents to see what they have on offer.  Although the travel agent will usually inflate the price to cover their commission, you can still find some real bargains that aren’t available elsewhere.  And what’s more, the travel agent can recommend where to go and what to see, and there is nothing quite like that personal recommendation.  Additionally, he can help allay any fears or worries you may have about your holiday, and can answer any questions you might have.  Again, it is important to shop around for the best deal, and this will also help you get a better idea of what your chosen resort is like as a whole.

Before leaving for France it is important to make sure you have a valid passport, with over six months before expiry.  This will be absolutely critical for passing through French customs.  If you need a new passport, you should allow around eight to ten weeks before leaving, given the lengthy application process.  Make sure you plan well in advance – the passport is vital if you’re to set foot out of the country.  Without it, you won’t get to experience the magic of French skiing, and additionally, you will lose the money you paid for your holiday, so this really is a vital consideration.

So why not consider France for your next skiing trip?  The real home of skiing, France is waiting, and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think!

If you are looking for a more exotic skiing trip, why not consider Chile? One of the world’s finest skiing regions, Chile is a great place for skiing enthusiasts of any age any skill level. Why not consider Chile as an alternative skiing destination with international appeal, and pick up some of the Andean culture along the way!

One of the best resorts in my experience is the La Parva resort, located near Santiago. The La Parva resort is often underrated, billed as second to its higher brother, Valle Nevado. However, if you are more into skiing across uninterrupted, unspoilt terrain, with more variety and depth of ski, I would most certainly recommend La Parva as the resort for you. With a total of 14 lifts, the resort is of a medium size, and is comparatively popular, although still free from the depth of tourists covering the more popular, more accessible slopes. One factor to consider is that the snow coverage is not always as consistent as with other resorts, and this may pose a problem for some skiers, although if you take the time to research the conditions before you go, you should be able to experience La Parva in all its glory.

La Parva also prides itself in a well-equipped training academy, which attracts some of Chile’s best skiing talent. As well as Olympic training, they also offer public lessons, and have an excellent track record when it comes to improving performance. The friendly and helpful training staff pride themselves on their heritage, and take great pride in the condition of their slopes the quality of their training, which really shows in their instruction.

An important word of advice – it is important before setting off for Chile on your skiing trip that you ensure you have your passport in place. If you don’t have a passport, or if your last passport has expired, it might be a good idea to apply early so you don’t avoid disappointment. The application and issuing processes can take up to 14 weeks, so it is vital that you budget for this time allotment when booking your skiing vacation.

Similarly, South America can be a dangerous place to visit, and there have been several high profile instances of kidnap by rebel and terrorist organisations in the area. On this note, it is perhaps best to consult the internet for any government warnings which may be issued, and to keep track of current affairs, although thankfully these instances are becoming rarer in these modern times.

Why not consider Chile as an ideal candidate for your next skiing vacation? Ok, so it may be slightly more adventurous than the other locations you thought about, but you really have to wonder why so many people swear by Chile and the La Parva and Valle Nevado resorts, and why the area has become such a hotbed for skiing over the last few decades. One visit to this amazing country will surely change anyone’s mind, as you begin to understand exactly why Chile is seen as one of South America’s best skiing locations for experts and beginners alike. With the extended appeal to the culture-vultures among us, Chile is also the ideal place to vacation with your family, and you don’t have to spend all your time skiing to enjoy your vacation.