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With the winter months upon us once again, you can’t escape the feeling that the days are only getting colder and the nights only longer. But winter doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom; there’s plenty to be thankful for during the festive season. In fact, if you’re a snow sports fan, this must just be your favourite time of year.
Whether you’re a snow bunny or an adrenaline junkie, the exhilarating feeling of speeding down those powdery slopes sure can be addictive – and finding the perfect spot to undertake a healthy dose of winter sports can be half the fun.
Forget Colorado’s Aspen or France’s Chamonix, there are plenty more fish in the (extra icy) sea when it comes to the world’s top snow sports destinations – and some of them are in the far reaches of the world where you might not even think to look.
So pull on your snow boots and grab your ski gear of choice; it’s time to hit the slopes, powder hound!
Show all 7 1 /7Best snow sports holidays Best snow sports holidays Québec City, Canada With Old World charm by the bucket load and an average snowfall of 400cm per year, Québec City is a magical place for snow sports fans to get their winter kicks. Whether you try your hand at Ice Climbing at Montmorency Falls or visit one of the two world-class ski resorts, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham Mountain, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Québec City. Don’t forget to catch a game of ice hockey whilst you’re there.
Best snow sports holidays Gstaad, Switzerland A true winter wonderland, Switzerland is synonymous with all things snow related – and nowhere does it better than the ski town of Gstaad. One of the largest and most diverse winter sports regions in the country, Gstaad offers 220km of pistes at 3000m above sea level – and the slopes are even floodlit by night time, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to experience a truly magical ride.
Best snow sports holidays Gulmarg, India When thinking of the world’s top snow destinations, India might not be the first place that springs to mind – or indeed, the second or third. However, you’d be missing a trick if you left it off your list, because Gulmarg is certainly a gem that deserves to stay polished. Sitting high in the Himalayas in the north of India, Gulmarg is a small hill station that is India’s leading ski resort. What’s more, it also boasts the second highest cable car in the world, offering truly spectacular views over the world below.
Best snow sports holidays Nuuk, Greenland If you’re looking for a snow holiday that’s a little off piste from the regular favourites, Greenland’s Nuuk could be just the place for you. With all the snow and slopes you could ever dream of, conditions are great for both cross-country and alpine skiing. What’s more, there’s a whole plethora of other activities available from dog sledding to climbing and mountaineering that will leave you wondering why you’ve never considered Greenland before.
Best snow sports holidays Corralco, Chile Just 50km from the exciting city of Temuco, Chile’s Corralco is a small but perfectly formed snow resort with tracks catering to everyone from beginners to experts. Situated in the middle of the Malalcahuelco Natural Reserve and on the Lonquimay Volcano, Carralco provides a breathtaking backdrop to your snow holiday.
Best snow sports holidays Rusutsu, Japan Considered one of the best ski resorts in Japan, Rusutsu is heaven for fans of off piste skiing. The ski area covers three mountains, offering a great mix of options for all levels and abilities. With excellent snowboarding and natural thermal springs to warm up at the end of a long day, Rusutsu is certainly the place to head for your fix of snow sports in Japan.
Best snow sports holidays Trysil, Norway The largest ski resort in Norway, Trysil is a hugely popular choice with families and offers a great ski school for beginners to find their feet before hitting the slopes. But fear not, because with over 40 lifts and 70km of runs, you can be sure that there’s something there to please every ability! If you fancy improving your winter sport skills in the heart of Scandinavia then Trysil is the place to head.
Josie Sampson writes for Expedia.co.uk
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