Italy Snow

What to Expect in the Winter Olympics for Skiing?

The Winter Olympics have already concluded on February 28^th, 2010. They were held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at some turly stunning ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. The forthcoming Winter Olympics will take place starting February 7^th 2014 in a not so highly famed place near the Black Sea in Russia at a place called Sochi. Skiing is one of the most admired winter sports and is a rage at the Winter Olympics with five different More

Stein Eriksen

Among all biographies of ski competitors, one is particularly interesting and quite impressive - the one of the Norweian skier Stein Eriksen. Born on the 11th December 1927 in Oslo, Norway, he became one of the most significant and influential figures in the world of skiing, his career became an inspiration for many ski sportsmen and during his active life he significantly contributed for the development and spreading of this sport.

The Olympic games achievements of Eriksen remain among the More

Aspen

First established as a town of miners in 1879, Aspen has become a major tourist destination and is among the top 10 ski resorts in the world. Located between four mountains that are not directly linked, the city itself is a beautiful spot for not only the sport fans, but for those who are on a sightseeing and want to see the best mixture urban life and nature.

With population of 5,400 people Aspen is not a major city and More

Exploring Abruzzo - an emerging Italian tourist region

Abruzzo is not a name that many people would be familiar with when thinking of Italy. For most people, the regions of Tuscany and Lazio are traditionally some of the most popular tourist areas in this country. However, Abruzzo has recently experienced an increase in tourism as large numbers of holidaymakers take advantage of the substantially cheaper prices on offer here.

Abruzzo is one of the most rural regions in Italy. It hosts the tallest mountain south of the Alps, More

Skiing: Not All Boots Are The Same

While someone who is not an avid skier may believe that all ski boots are the same, this simply is not true. The first difference is that items are varied for men, women and children. Other basics involve a variety of colors and styles. There are boots that are better for beginners and those made to withstand the wear and tear of a professional.

So before you boot up for your ski chalet holidays, keep in mind that even More

Switzerland - a haven for the older skier

Switzerland is the perfect blend of picturesque snow-capped peaks and cosmopolitan ski resorts. The country evokes classic impressions of Julie Andrews singing in the glorious valleys of this small, mountainous nation and is host to some of the world’s most prominent international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation.

Historically, Switzerland has often attracted slightly older visitors who are drawn to the country’s distinctly conservative outlook, especially in regards youth-orientated nightlife. While some premier ski resorts such as St Moritz remain very expensive, many others offer cheaper holidays than those found in neighbouring France.

For those used to France’s notoriously efficient ski areas like Trois Vallées and Paradiski, some may find Switzerland’s Verbier’s Four Valleys resort rather difficult to navigate. However, there are thousands of acres of off-piste terrain which cater to the most advance skiers. The resort is one of the trendiest and most exclusive in the Alps; its luxury chalets, vibrant nightlife and elegant boutique hotels a testament to its glamorous prestige.

Another excellent resort is Zermatt, which is situated near the Swiss-Italian border. While the quality of skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers is among the best in the Alps, the resort is perhaps more widely noted for its outstanding dining. The dining at Zum See, Chez Vrony and Fran & Heidi’s offers some of the finest food to be enjoyed at any ski resort in the world.

The Val d’Anniviers resort is also perfect for those in search of a retreat from the crowds. While catered to intermediate skiers and limited in terms of nightlife, those who prefer the peace and quiet will feel right at home as they witness the stunning Alpine scenery here.

A first time skier

I can still remember the first time I put on a pair of skis. Having anticipated a full day with some sort of attractive Swiss guide, we were sent out onto the slopes to fend for ourselves after what can barely be described as a lesson. It was part of a multi-activity holiday, and I think because it was towards the end of the fortnight, the instructors were a bit fed up with teaching; they wanted to go off in search of some black run adrenaline for themselves.

So they pointed the few of us who were new to skiing down a gentle slope, showed us the ’pizza wedge'method, which we should employ when we waned to slow down or stop, and left us. My best friend and I stumbled along doing this for a short while, before deciding that we were perfectly proficient and we would be fine to tackle some of the proper slopes.

The trouble was we weren’t entirely sure about the grading system, and got confused between green (easiest) and red (almost hardest).

So we glided off gently from the ski lift, at the top of the longest red route on the piste. We clumsily made our way round the first corner, where the gradient was still very gradual, and before we knew it were faced with a terrifyingly steep slope. With a sort of giggly panic we both made attempts at the pizza wedge. Realising that there was no other way down, we watched the other passing skiers - the faster ones taking more direct lines, and the slower ones making more pronounced zig-zags. With our basic corner-turning ability, we decided that slow zig-zags were the only way to avoid certain death, and started to make our way down the slope. Left. Right. Left. Right. With skiers zooming past us at every turn we made our descent in what we were told was a record time of 1 hour and 20 minutes! I have never been happier to see Val Thorens accomodation in my life after that.

A Brief Overview of Some Basic Ski Gear

Skiing has become a favorite sporting activity of many people irrespective of where they live. Today, going on a ski vacation has become a popular vacation slogan. It is due to this fact, that there are many ski resorts located in different parts of the world.

Since its inception, there have been many changes in the design and style of the skis. You can find skis meant for every age group, sex, and brand and also for the novice to More

Zermatt The Best Place To Ski in Europe

Not many people will disagree, but many more will, that the best place to go on ski holidays in Europe just has to be the Zermatt located in Switzerland. It has a massive history, breathtaking scenery, and it was the first resort where everyone arrived by train or other means, as it was car free. With 365days of snow, how can you go wrong? It is a ski fanatic’s dream destination! Everyone from beginners, to professionals, you’ll find them all More

Naples Travel Guide

Naples, the capital of Italy. This place has a rich cultural, art, historical and musical heritage. And, this very reason makes Naples. Palaces, castles, churches, piazzas, and other architectural splendors, you will get to see them all here, not to mention when you get bored of the city, More