Looking For a Ski Resort Near Denver? Read On!

The Loveland ski area is one of the closest Denver area ski resorts. Loveland Ski area receives around 400 inches of snowfall each year, and it's very popular for the locals. With all of the fluffy white snow, awesome ski slopes, and natural beauty surrounding the area, what more could you ask for in a ski resort?

If you're a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or simply want to give it a try, Denver ski resorts have something to suit everyone's taste. Loveland lies about 53 miles away from Denver and is located in the Arapaho National Forest. As the locals know the best places to go, you might try to tag along with some!

This ski resort provides 1,365 acres, all of them skiable. It is the 10th largest Denver resort which caters for skiers and the season generally starts around late October, which is much sooner than most ski resorts in the US. Man made snow provides a minimum of an 18" base and as soon as the natural snow starts to fall fresh coverage is provided. The man made base snow minimizes the chances of ice patches.

If you've always wanted to experience the snowy wonder of the Rocky Mountains, you will find that Denver ski resorts are the perfect place to fulfill that dream. Loveland, in particular, would be a terrific place to visit, even if you aren't very experienced at snow sports. There are mild trails to the south of the resort, good for beginners and intermediate skill levels, and the north side offers aggressive tracks for the more experienced, thrill-seeking skier.

The double-black diamond and black diamond runs provide a death defying ski ride for the daredevils, while intermediary skiers will also find the ideal challenge. You will be able to find a map and directions to this resort online at the Loveland site. The resort offers different skiing programs for adults and kids, and tots and teens are encouraged to enjoy the pleasures of snowboarding. They also have an All Terrain All Conditions clinic available for skiers with advanced capabilities, and there is nothing better than enjoying a mouthwatering barbecue at the Basin Deck after a hard days skiing.

Top 10 Best Places in Europe to Learn to Ski

Learning to ski is a great way to spend a winter holiday in Europe. With the right resort and good instruction you'll be flying down the slopes within days of arrival -and best of all you'll take home a skill that will last a lifetime. (It's a bit like learning to ride a bike, except the falls are a lot softer.) Children make great pupils too, and will have great fun learning the ropes - giving parents a solid morning or afternoon time out from the little ones!

Make the right choice of destination for your first ski trip and it could be the start of a lifetime's addiction to this healthy and exhilarating sport! So if you've got the winter gear and are ready to roll, here are 10 ideal resorts in which to learn how to ski while still having a great holiday.

Cortina, Italy

Just because you're learning to ski doesn't mean you can't enjoy Europe's very best slopes. Case in point is Cortina, pride of Italy's resort offerings. It offers astounding scenery and majestic views over the Dolomites. There are very good beginner slopes and plenty of long, gentle gradient cruise runs, just what recent ski school graduates need. Another plus in Cortina's favour is that the instructors are skilled with kids and jittery adults.

Wengen, Switzerland

Wengen takes pride in having one of Europe's best known and most highly regarded ski schools. That means you learn faster, have more fun in the process, and pick up the right technique from the start. Wenger is positioned under the awesome north face of the Eiger, which has long held magnetic fascination for Alpinists. The learner slopes are right in the heart of the village and there are lots of long, gentle runs to move onto when one's confidence allows. The only negatives are that with a relatively low altitude snowfall can be unreliable, and the après ski scene is a little subdued, so youngsters in a group will need to make their own party.

Kranjska, Slovenia

For those wanting something a little different from their ski learning experience the pretty town of Kranjska Gora might be the answer. Slovenia's top resort is close to the both the Italy and Austrian border, at the foot of the Julien Alps. The resort is small and unpretentious, and the runs long and undemanding making Kranjska an ideal destination for beginners and those wanting to get off the beaten track. Slovenia is also more affordable than its more affluent neighbours so ski costs are markedly cheaper.

Lech, Austria

Lech is for those that want to learn in style, at one of Europe's most chic and expensive resorts. The price barrier has preserved Lech as a classic alpine resort with a small village atmosphere despite plenty of lively nightlife. The ski schools are excellent with experienced, English-speaking instructors and plenty of suitable runs for the learner skier. The position of the slopes also maximizes chances of snow cover and sunshine - perfect conditions to seduce a rookie. The snow season is also one of the longest in Europe, and at either end of the ski season 'Snow Crystal' weeks mean ski passes are halved in price.

Poiana Brasov, Romania

Looking for great value and uncluttered slopes? Go east! The former eastern Europe republics have some excellent and underrated ski resorts that are rapidly catching on in popularity. Good value means beginner skiers can try out the sports without breaking the bank. Poiana Brasov has two nursery areas, and the sport's friendliest instructors. There is plenty to do in the area as well, such as a trip to Dracula's castle.

Gurgl-Obergurgl, Austria

Despite its cumbersome name, the resort of Gurgl-Obergurgl is great for beginners and intermediates, with some of Europe's most reliable snow, and a small village atmosphere that is undeniably charming. This resort gets a very high rate of returning skiers which is generally a good sign. The nightlife is quiet though, and the more experienced skiers in the party will quickly run out of challenges.

Soldeu, Andorra

Andorra is one of the most popular places for learner skiers wanting to master the sports in a low-profile, good value environment before hitting the slopes in Europe's more fashionable destinations. Soldeu has sacrificed challenge and variety in favour of abundant beginner and intermediate slopes. The ski schools are decent and the weather and nightlife both reliable and cheerful. Andorra offers the additional draw of being a duty-free shopping destination with simply the cheapest shopping on the continent.

Chatel, France

Chatel is part of the Portes du Soleil in France, the world's biggest ski area. That means there are plenty of runs for skiers of all abilities. Access is convenient and cheap given the resorts close proximity to Geneva airport, and can even be driven to via Calais. There are plenty of beginner's slopes and well regarded ski instructors too. A big plus of this area is the range of accommodation, including chalets for rent right on the slopes, close to the ski lifts.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Beautiful Bankso attracts budget-conscious skiers who like a bargain and relaxing skiing conditions that are perfect for the first-time skier. The lift system is excellent and the green slopes, to which beginners graduate after a few days, have gentle runs of up to 16km in length. In total 65% of the ski runs are for beginners and intermediates. The town itself was founded in the 10th century so has plenty of history and interesting attractions to explore. Don't expect sophisticated dining and entertainment options though, this is a more down-to-earth scene.

Glenshee, Scotland

Glenshee boasts the largest ski lift system in the UK, and its 36 runs are ideal for beginners and intermediates. The top of the Cairnwell Chairlift offers the best panorama of the Cairngorms to be seen from any Scottish ski area. The resort is conveniently situated, but snow cover can be unreliable and the slopes congested with day-trippers.

General Tips:
- Get some lessons before you leave. Snow domes such as the Chill Factore in Manchester provide a realistic preview of the real thing.
- Try to get a beginner's package with your booking which includes lessons, gear rental and a lift pass if needed.
- Rent gear to start with - find out how much you like skiing before spending money on expensive equipment.
- Get insurance that covers ski-specific injuries.
- Make sure your accommodation is conveniently located to the nursery slopes and ski school.
- When someone goes skiing, you don't say 'break a leg!'

Fernie Alpine Resort Guide

Fernie is an alpine ski resort nested near the town of Fernie, British Columbia in Canada. Despite it being less known as some of its counterparts like Blackcomb and Whistler it's a fabulous resort well worth considering as your destination for your next ski vacation. It has a wonderful reputation as being a great summer destination too for the scenic biking routes, rock climbing, and river rating. The resort it quite small is comparison to some other resort however it has some of the highest annual snowfall on record in any of the resorts in the Canadian Rockies, great for the fresh powder skiing and riding.

The resort itself has a base elevation of around 3,504 feet and a top elevation of 1,925 feet. That's the vertical change of 2,812 feet, so expect some great downhill alpine skiing and riding! The resort has a total skiable area of 10.1 Km squared. And with all that skiable terrain it should tickle your fancy that it receives nearly 28.7 feet of fresh snowfall a year. Fernie Ski Resort has 112 trails all-accessible by a fairly convenient lift system. There are a total of ten lifts, 6 chairlifts and 4 surface lifts.

When you're looking into a package try to find one that include airfare, lodging, lift tickets, and ski rental gear. The most important thing to remember is to check a map to find the relation of distance from the ski rental store, lodging to the resort. The closer the better however the more expensive. Try to come up with a cost ratio that works for you with how far your willing to travel in regards to how much you want to spend. Above all relax and have fun. Skiing is the best way to spend you well earned vacation time!

Colorado Ski Rental Blues

This is the typical scenario faced by many skiers and ski hire snowboard blues, which have the '.

You wake up to a powder skier dream.Fresh reveal dumped during the night and the sky opened up to a beautiful sunny day. You think, how could your first day of skiing, but there are no small problem that you have organized your winter vacation on the beach again.

No problem, it is still early, you have the time to rent skis and make themountain before it's all tracked out, right. Wrong!

You arrive at the ski rental store greeted by what could only considered a ski renters nightmare - a bus load of beginners and they are all in the line before you. Your visions of catching the best of the mornings fresh tracks is slowly fading away.

At least a half hour passes and it seems like you have hardly moved, when you notice a couple moving quite quickly from one collection point to another with the assistance of a ski attendant. It takes all you can to resist shouting out at them but you have now, finally reached the front of the queue and you are adamant nothing else is going to spoil this potentially amazing day ... or at least you thought.

The attendant greets you and ask for your rental form, which you had just waited ages in line to fill out. His puzzled look offers a hint of trouble but the meeti with the manager was dead giveaway. You start to think of your oversize feet and wonder.

"Sorry" the response comes back "we just ran out of your boot size, unfortunately for you, the couple over there just took out the last pair."

"No not them! It's the couple you saw before queue jumping. As the thought of wasting more of your going to another ski store you scream out "Hey I was here first, I should have been served before them!"

"Sorry but It wouldn't have made a difference anyway " ... comes the ski attendant's reply.... "those boots were on hold for them when they pre-booked their ski rental online"

Don't let ski rental blues ruin the first day of your snow holiday.

Snowbird Discount Lift Tickets - Tips For Finding Cheap Ski Tickets

Purchase Tickets Snowbird Ski in advance and save money when planning your ski vacation in Utah. Simply, Snowbird has the largest vertical drop of Utah and is among the top ten in SU The resort has super easy access from Salt Lake City , which makes him like a favorite for visitors to residents of Utah and international. Handy is also the Alta Ski Resort, he enrolled at the time, too. Snowbird offers a challenging brand of skiing and snowboarding,along with enough terrain to entertain beginners and expert skiers alike. Snowbird contains 2,500 acres and 11 lifts to explore some of Utah's best terrain. The area is 29 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport; making powder turns before lunchtime a reality.

Snowbird Resort Profile:

Season dates: Nov. 22, 2008 - April 12, 2009 (Weather Permitting)
Hours of operation: 9am - 4pm
Acres of Terrain: 2,500 acres
Lifts: 11
Runs: 89
Average Snowfall: 500 inches
Difficulty of Terrain: Beginner 27%, Intermediate 38%, Advanced 35%

Here are tips for finding cheap lift tickets for Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah.

1) Book Online In Advance
For those eager skiers who plan there ski trips in advance, you are definitely on to something. As they say, "The early bird gets the worm". This is definitely true for booking Snowbird Lift Tickets and vacation components. Book in advance and you are more likely to find early bird specials for not only Snowbird lift tickets, but lodging, airfare, car rentals, ski rentals and more. You will also have the ability to can choose which dates you would like to ski, thus allowing you to ski during off-peak times. Here's a breakdown of the average season dates for most resorts.

General Off-Peak Seasons:
Mid November - Mid December
Mid January - Beginning of March
April - Close
General Peak Seasons:
Mid December - Beginning of January (Holiday Season)
Middle of February (Presidents Weekend)
Mid March (Spring Break)

2) Book Multi Day Ski Passes
Snowbird Resort often bundle lift tickets together. This makes it hard to get discounts on single day passes. The good news is, if you plan on skiing more than one day, you can save good money with the purchase of a multi day lift ticket. Depending on what season you choose, lift ticket discounts can equal as much as 10% to 40% off. That's a lot of savings if you add up the total cost.

3) Ski Groups Visiting Snowbird
If you are coming with a big ski group don't wait until the last minute to get ski tickets. If you have 20+ people, you can save big on group discount lift tickets. Call or check online before making the trip. You can sometimes find ski rental deals as well for groups.

4) Combine Tickets with Lodging
Some savy online ski vacation shoppers book Snowbird lift tickets with their lodging to save on both components. If you book your lodging in tandem with your rentals and tickets you can often times ski for FREE. Snowbird sometimes offers stay free - ski free packages that promote lodging and lift ticket bundles. It doesn't necessarily mean that your entire ski trip will come with free lift tickets. It typically means that if you purchase 3 or more nights of lodging and lift tickets, you can sometimes get a free night and a free day of skiing.

5) US Military Ticket Discounts
Are you a member of the Armed Forces? Snowbird Resorts sometimes have special arrangements with active duty military, reservists, National Guard and dependents. This allows for great deals for those serving our country. Check online or call around for more information.

The Must-See Ski Resorts in USA

Skiing is one of the best winter sports and there is nothing greater than sliding down the snow-covered mountains for the winter sports enthusiasts. To satisfy the passion for an outdoor venture, especially skiing, we present here a list of some must-see ski resorts in the United States.

Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, covering 2,358 acres, has 155 trails. The longest track Four O'clock is 3.5 miles long and the resort extends over more than ten peaks. Out of the 155 trails, 36-percent are known for the most difficult slopes for experts only, and 13-percent have the easiest slopes. The Aspen Mountain Ski Resort is located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado. One of the smallest ski resorts, it covers 673 acres and extends over Aspen Mountain and Bell Mountain which has an altitude of 11,212 feet.

Killington, Vermont is the biggest resort in the eastern part of the United States. Covering Vermont's second highest mountain, Killington Peak, this resort has 200 tracks and 33 ski lifts expanding over 7 mountains. About 17,000 people come here on a fine day. Another famous tourist place having three different ski resorts is Park City, Utah. The three resorts are Park City Mountain Resort, the Canyons Resort, and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain Resort having 104 trails, covers 3,300 acres. Canyons Resort, covering nine mountains with 3,700 acres and 155 tracks, is the largest of the three. Deer Valley Resort has been renovated recently including 200 acres and nine new slopes.

Heavenly Mountain Resort is sitting on Lake Tahoe, situated on the Nevada-California border. Its main features are its 4,800 acres area, 95 slopes, and its height of 10,067 feet. It is the largest ski resort in California. Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania have more than 10 various ski resorts. Out of the ten, the biggest one is Camelback Ski Area. It has 33 slopes, 139-acre area, and 2,133 feet height. Its steepest slope is 800 feet. In the vicinity of Camelback Ski Area is Jack Frost Big Boulder Resort which has two resorts united into one having about 30 different ski slopes. All the above-mentioned ski resorts are very popular with skiing-lovers and a must-see ski resorts in USA.

Holidaying In The Bulgarian Ski Resort Of Borovets

The climate here is mild in winter with snow cover from December to April but there is plenty of snow around. The Bulgarian government has recently committed to developing the resort further under a scheme called 'Super Borovets', with the aim of turning it into a world-class, year-round resort.

Skiing in Borovets

Although a well established resort, Borovets has all the facilities and comforts of a modern winter sports centre. The resort has hosted the Alpine ski World Cup twice and offers visitors a wide range of world-class ski runs to suit all abilities from novice to expert. Skiers here can also take part in cross-country skiing, ski-doo, ice skating, snowboarding, biathlons and ski jumping. The biathlon track here is held to be one of the best in Europe.

The resort's ski facilities are excellent and will be improved further during the 'Super Borovets' initiative. The resort has around 19 ski runs split into three areas (Sitniakoyo, Markoudzhik and Yastrebets). International signs and markings are used across the resort which well maintained and serviced. There are a range of lifts including a gondola, chair lifts, drag lifts and baby drag lifts.

Accommodation in Borovets

The resort offers a full range of accommodation both for people who wish to go self-catering and for people who wish to stay in hotels. The hotels in Borovets include high-quality luxury hotels and mid-range and smaller options. There are plenty of hotels here due to the size and popularity of the resort. People looking to rent accommodation are also given plenty of choice. Self-catering options include chalets, bungalows, houses, villas and apartments. Visitors can choose to rent new properties or older, traditional homes and there are options available for all size of party.

Entertainment in Borovets

The resort offers all kind of options for eating-out and night-life. There are many restaurants, bars, cafes, discos and clubs in the town to suit all tastes. Many visitors like to try out local cuisine but restaurants also offer a full range of other options here from simple snacks through to classic modern European cooking.

Local attractions

Many visitors describe Borovets as being like a big friendly village. Although the town isn't large it is still full of local charm and tradition. The countryside in the area is lovely in both winter and summer and many people choose to spend their spare time walking and hiking and horse riding is also available. Taking a trip up Mount Musala is a popular option for many. Visitors should also make sure to visit the Bistrista Palace. This old royal hunting lodge is worth a trip in itself but make sure to take a look at the local woodcarvings there which are a local tradition.

Those looking for attractions further afield can visit Sofia which is around an hour's drive away. There are a lot of museums and churches worth a look here including the National History Museum and the St Nikolai Church.

Conclusion

It's not surprising that so many people choose to return to Borovets after their first ski trip. The resort offers high quality skiing and facilities, the locals are friendly and there is plenty to do in the town. Although the most popular resort in the country, costs are still relatively low compared to the UK which makes it even easier to enjoy a stay in Borovets!