Ski Independence Blog

Archive for September, 2019

Bears, Moose and Marmots: Karen’s North American Wildlife Guide

Karen September 23rd, 2019

I love holidays. I love planning them, and I love going on them.  Over the years I have skied at more than 70 resorts worldwide and my trusty ski companion is my mum, who patiently acquiesces to all sorts of wacky plans to ski more resorts and cram in even greater experiences.

One of my favourite things to do is to combine a ski trip with my other passion – wildlife.  There’s lots of places where you can do that, particularly in North America.  Here’s a taste of some of the things I’ve seen on my ski travels.

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Why You Need to Visit Niseko

The Team September 19th, 2019

Japan’s outstanding success as a ski destination can be summed up in one simple word – snow. Our Ski Specialist Iona is one of our resident Niseko experts after spending a season there working as a ski instructor. Read on for her Niseko highlights, and why it’s a destination not to be missed.

Skiing in Niseko

Whistler and Niseko are two of the most popular ski destinations with Australians. So why have the British been so slow in exploring Niseko? Depending on flight connection times the journey can be only a couple hours longer than the journey from the UK to most North American resorts. Those extra couple of hours will offer you a holiday different to any other you have experienced before.

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Europe’s Hidden Skiing Gems

The Team September 16th, 2019

Our Ski Specialist Adam has put together a guide to our European Ski Gems, which all offer genuine and immersive winter experiences.

If you’re looking for somewhere different to experience this Winter, why not visit one of our hidden ski gems in Europe. Think crackling fires, friendly locals, great cuisine & quiet pistes.

San Cassiano

Nestled amid the spectacular and dramatic scenery of the Dolomites, San Cassiano is truly a hidden gem.

The well-tended, sun-facing slopes at the Alta Badia ski area contribute to making this an unforgettable outdoor experience, at the foot of the Dolomites. Image: Alto Adige Martketing/Alex Filz

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Ski Independence’s Silver Anniversary

The Team September 11th, 2019

This year we’re celebrating 25 years of Ski Independence!  As we look forward the ski season, we’ve put our heads together and have come up with 25 ski ‘silvers’.

Silver Star Ski Resort. Image: Blake Jorgenson

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Luxury and Innovation in St Moritz

The Team September 9th, 2019

Synonymous with old school glamour and historic mountain luxury, St Moritz conjures up images of fur coats, dinner jackets and cigar rooms. After enjoying a long weekend at the iconic 5* Badrutt’s Palace, I realised it was all these things but also much, much more.

After a quick transfer through Zurich Airport and onto the incredibly efficient Swiss Rail network, I settled in for a beautiful journey to St Moritz. Classic Swiss mountain vistas appear at the window only 20 minutes after leaving Zurich and these continue all the way for 3 hours 40 minutes. They say the best things in life take time…

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Our Top Tips for an Unforgettable European Escape

Catherine September 3rd, 2019

With a huge selection of resorts to choose from, you’ll find everything in Europe from chocolate box villages to purpose-built havens of convenience, all with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure. Narrowing down the choice can sometimes seem a daunting prospect, but read on for our selection of hand-picked properties and top tips to ensure you have an unforgettable European escape.

Hotel des Dromonts, Avoriaz

Image: V. Dupé – Avoriaz Tourisme

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Powder Highway: The Ultimate Ski Roadtrip

Nick September 2nd, 2019

The Powder Highway in Canada is a legendary circular ski road trip route through the interior of British Columbia and the Kootenay Rockies. It features up to seven of Canada’s best powder destinations: Panorama, Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Red Mountain, Whitewater, Kimberley and Fernie.  If you’re a good skier looking for the ultimate road trip, this should be high on your bucket list!

Revelstoke Mountain Snow Ghosts. Image: Andrew Strain

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