Posts Tagged ‘whistler’
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
Making the Most of Whistler
Whistler is one of the most impressive ski resorts on the planet. It has an incredible snow record: Last season saw over 9.5m of fresh powder and 80 snow days. Combine this with amazing skiing in Whistler Blackcomb’s huge ski area, world class accommodation, and fantastic restaurants throughout the village – and you’re already halfway to the ski holiday of a lifetime.
View of the Peak to Peak from Blackcomb – Image: Mike Crane
To help you get the most out of your Whistler ski holiday, The team at Ski Independence have put together a few of our top tips to getting you on your way, both on and off the slopes. Read the rest of this entry »
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
Ski Resorts Go Green to Protect Our Winters
The growing impact of climate change has potential consequences for winter snowsports. But rather than dwell too long on the unthinkable prospect of a snow-free future, we think it’s important to act today.
The Ski Independence team are proud supporters of Protect Our Winters UK, partnering with them to help mobilise the snowsports world in the fight against climate change. After all, it takes a whole community of passionate climate heroes to meet a global challenge of this scale.
We can all take positive action to protect our winters. And supporting ski hotels and resorts that show a commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices is a great place to start.
Take a look at some of the eco-friendly resorts and hotels leading the way when it comes to positive climate action:
Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts’ portfolio of world-class resorts include Vail, Breckenridge & Beaver Creek in Colorado, as well as Canadian big hitter Whistler, have publicly committed to an ambitious set of sustainability goals, otherwise known as their EpicPromise.
Beaver Creek, Colorado (image: Jack Affleck)
The EpicPromise sets its sights on achieving a zero footprint. That means zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill and zero net operating impact to forests and habitat – all by 2030. They’re working towards their goal through a wide range of actions from sponsored employee volunteering to investment in carbon offset programmes, 100% renewable energy and environmental stewardships. Read the rest of this entry »
Fly like an Eagle – Zip Trek Eco Tour
Ziplining in the snow. Credit to: Tourism Whistler
Zip Trek Eco Tours are a hair raising pursuit come snow or sun, operating throughout the winter and summer seasons they provide the perfect après-ski activity for kids (6 and over) and grown-ups alike. My family, particularly my two teenage sons, were determined to try out this high flying adventure on our recent Summer holiday to Whistler – we weren’t disappointed! Read the rest of this entry »
A Season with Ski Independence
As another fantastic winter season draws to a close, the Ski Independence team share their highlights from winter 2014/15…
Dave, Reservations Consultant
Dave at Whistler Blackcomb
Inside Track – Ski Bucket List; Michael
Managing Director of Ski Independence, Michael, is the third generation to run his family business, Osprey Holidays. Originally named Bennett’s Travel, and started in in the 1950’s by Michael’s grandfather, the family travel agency grew and evolved into Osprey Holidays. In 1994 Ski Independence became an integral part of the business.
Michael has skied all over Europe and North America, starting when he was just 4 years old. In the late 80’s Michael completed a season in the Alps and he’s been hooked ever since. Read on for Michael’s Ski Bucket List. Read the rest of this entry »
North America Exchange Rate Savings Guide
Enjoy Great Exchange Rate Savings in North America this Winter
If you’re considering a ski trip to the USA or Canada this winter, you can expect excellent exchange rate savings as the Pound reaches a 5 year high against the Canadian and US Dollars (a 17% and 15% hike respectively).
The Canadian and US Dollars hit a 52 week low of C$1.56 and $1.48 to the pound last July but today stand at C$1.82 and $1.70.
So what does this mean for your ski holiday?
- A 6-day regular season Whistler adult Super Early Bird lift pass is now just £252. Before the Pound strengthened, the price would have been £295, meaning a saving of £43.
- An adult group ski lesson on Whistler Blackcomb would have been £94 but is now available for £80, a saving of £14.
- And over in Breckenridge in the USA, a 6 day regular season adult lift pass would have cost you £296, but is now available for £258, a saving of £38.
- You can make even big savings on the little things – a C$100 family lunch on the mountain is now nearly £10 cheaper and those C$5 après-ski beers are now 57p a pint cheaper!
For more great savings, check out guide below…
The Ski Independence Exchange Rate Savings Guide 2014/15
We have some amazing Early Booking Offers for the 2014-15 ski season – find out more here – or contact our reservations team by calling 0131 243 8097 for expert help and advice with your ski holiday plans this winter. Click here to request a tailor-made quotation online.
Inside Track – Ski Bucket List; David
Having started his love affair with winter sports on the slopes of Scotland (both real snow and dry slopes!), David spent several seasons living and working in Austria and he is a big fan of this small and charming country. A qualified snowboarding instructor, David knows all about the great slopes, pretty resorts and plentiful après-ski on offer in the Austrian Alps but he’s also ventured further afar in recent years and counts Whistler and Banff as two of the top ski destinations in the world. Read on for David’s Ski Bucket List. Read the rest of this entry »
Inside Track – Ski Bucket List; Gareth
Recently back from a week’s skiing in St. Moritz, the Ski Independence Sales Manager, Gareth, has been lucky enough to visit a huge number of our featured resorts – from humble skiing beginnings at Cairngorm Mountain to the heady heights of the Aspen Highlands Bowl. Here are Gareth’s recommendations and the top 5 experiences on his wish list. Read the rest of this entry »
