Posts Tagged ‘panorama’
Our Favourite Quieter Resorts
Avoriaz, France. Credit: Avoriaz Tourism
You might be looking to spend your time on the mountain in a slightly quieter resort with fewer lift queues this year, or for a resort where you can avoid using enclosed lifts like gondolas and cable cars. So here are a few of our suggestions for our top recommended quieter ski resorts: Read the rest of this entry »
Family Friendly Ski Holidays in Canada
If you’re thinking about your next family ski holiday, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with these family friendly Canadian resorts. All of which have convenient villages, friendly service, and a range of accommodation options to choose from.
Whistler – Image: Mike Crane
Ski Holidays 2019 with Ski Independence
Best Ski Holidays in 2019
The 2018/19 winter season is upon us, so what better time to let us plan your 2019 ski holiday?
As the UK’s leading tailor-made ski specialist, our experienced team will take the time to fine-tune every element of your ski holiday, from flights and accommodation to ski schools and restaurant reservations. Choose from hand-picked ski destinations around the world and make 2019 your best year on the slopes yet. We’ve carefully chosen an outstanding mix of world-class ski resorts to appeal to British skiers in:
- France: home to some of the most extensive ski areas in the world, it’s no surprise that France is Europe’s number one ski destination.
- Canada: superb skiing, an enviable snow record, staggering scenery and ski resorts with something for everyone.
- The USA: uncrowded slopes, amazing powder snow, first-class lodging and unparalleled customer service, wherever you ski.
- Switzerland: Switzerland exudes charm and our clients love the laid-back yet refined atmosphere of our featured resorts.
- Austria: excellent hospitality, a warm and friendly welcome, lively après-ski and luxurious spa centres.
- Italy: extensive terrain, good snow records, fabulous food & drink and some of the most stunning scenery in Europe
- Japan: Japan’s outstanding success as a ski destination can be summed up in one simple word – snow. You really have to ski it to believe it!
“The booking of our ski holiday for 2019 was handled very efficiently by the Ski Independence staff and we look forward to our winter break. The staff were very friendly, welcoming and obviously knew their ski centres!” Steven, November 2018.
La Clusaz (image: David Machet)
Featured Ski Destinations for 2019
Monster Terrain Expansion at Panorama, BC
During a road-trip across British Columbia in Canada last winter, I had the opportunity to test myself in Taynton Bowl, Panorama’s signature high alpine terrain offering some of Canada’s most legendary inbounds adventure skiing. On the same trip I learnt a little about the terrain expansion Panorama has recently announced for winter 2017/18.
The obligatory photo at the Summit
Panorama Holidays and Heli-skiing
Our reservations consultant Nikki shares her amazing holiday and heli-skiing experience in Panorama, BC, Canada…
Our journey started with our flight from Heathrow to Calgary on Air Canada which took around 9 hours. The on-board service was great and everything ran like clockwork. On arrival at Calgary, we quickly located our bags and cleared customs.
We took a transfer from Calgary to Panorama which took around 4 hours including a short stop off in Banff. The driver was happy to let us stop at the grocery store in Banff, which was a good idea because the general store in Panorama is smaller. They still have everything you need for your stay in Panorama, just a little less choice and it was good to arrive at our condo with some basic supplies.
Ski Trip Gold Condos
It’s Snowing!
As resorts across the southern hemisphere close their doors to skiers and boarders it’s now the turn of Europe, the USA and Canada to get in on the action. After a week of newsletters bombarding my inbox with “It’s Snowing” in the subject line I’m in no doubt we’ve now seen the first significant snowfall of the 2011/12 season on both sides of the Atlantic.
In Europe, the Swiss Alps were the winners with up to 80cm of fresh snow falling. In France, Les Menuires in the Three Valleys also fared well with up to 40cm and Chamonix, Courchevel and Meribel awoke to a moderate covering of snow on Sunday morning. After a month of no resorts being open in France, Tignes re-opened the Grande Motte Glacier which will now remain open all the way through until May 2012.
Monday morning in Chamonix under the Autannes chairlift. Photo: Compagnie du Mont-Blanc
Fact Files: Gareth
Over the years we receive superb feedback on the knowledge, passion and experience of team here at Ski Independence. So we thought it would be an idea to give you a bit of an insight into who’s who..
To start things off, here’s Gareth, our Sales Manager:
For the benefit of our readers could you explain your role at Ski Independence and what you’re responsible for?
I do a bit of everything which keeps my days varied. The bit I enjoy the most though is booking the most amazing holidays for our clients (and myself). Another enjoyable aspect of my job is working with a great bunch of hotel, transfer and on mountain suppliers from all over the world. You get to meet some fantastic people and I think they like working with us too – hence the reason we get some of the best ski deals in the market! We have a fantastic team here in the office and the job wouldn’t be the same without them – I love every minute of my working week with them. Don’t quote me on that over the busiest parts of the season please…! Read the rest of this entry »
Insider guide to Panorama
If you’re heading to Panorama this winter, here is an insider view Hayley Wilson from Panorama Mountain Village
Where do you head for fresh tracks?
On a powder day, Heli-High is usually the first run in Taynton Bowl to open after a storm. Stick to the ridge as long as you can for wide open trees. The bottom is tight and technical but well worth it!
Looking for that cruiser that will take your breath away?
Early in the morning, head over to the Sunbird Chair to Little Dipper, which could also be named Little Ripper. It’s a wide, rolling run that’s off the beaten path, so you might just have it to yourself!
Breathtaking scenery in Panorama
Where should we head if we need an energy boost?
Head to the Summit Hut at the top of the mountain for excellent views, special coffees, and the best homemade brownies around!
Where’s the ultimate lunch stop?
The Elkhorn Cabin on Rollercoaster is the place to go for amazing views of Mt Nelson and delicious all-Canadian fare. I recommend the homemade meat pie; an old Bilodeau family recipe and a classic French Canadian dish.
We need to take some top shots, where’s the best place for a Kodak moment?
Anywhere on the mountain where Mt Nelson acts as a backdrop, such as Top of the World, Picture Perfect or World Cup Way.
After a day on the slopes, where’s the best place for beer ‘o’ clock?
The T-Bar for a great atmosphere, live music on weekends, and a great local crowd.
Other than skiing, what’s a unique après ski activity in Panorama?
Book the Summit Hut with a bunch of friends for après ski fondue. Take the last chairlift up; enjoy great B.C. wines, cheese fondue, and chocolate fondue. Once you’re done, ski down the mountain just before sunset and have it to yourself!
Head to the Summit Hut for some après ski fondue
Final Words of Advice…
Go heliskiing and experience Panorama’s backcountry! It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you don’t have to be an expert!
The Best Value in Canada
We’ve just had an extension to one of the best offers in Canada – save 50% on accommodation when you book 7 nights or more in Panorama.
I’ve been lucky enough to ski Panorama a number of times now and the skiing there is great – wide open groomers, trees, steeps and extreme skiing in the famous Taynton Bowl will keep everyone in your group busy all day long. And if anyone wants more skiing at the end of the day, Panorama will now be open for night skiing until 9pm seven days a week! I’ve usually had enough by 4pm though and think the very best way to end the ski day is by paying a visit to the Panorama Hot Springs – a great outdoor hotpool area (there is a sauna too) where you can relax and soak those tired muscles. Read the rest of this entry »
