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Quickly outgrowing its beginnings as a sport for intrepid mountaineers, skiing is now a mainstream winter activity for everyone in the family. And around the world resorts have cropped up in skiing destinations to keep up with the demand, with more hotels, restaurants, après-ski entertainment, and all manner of indoor and outdoor recreation being offered for visitors. But when you are trying to pick the best destination for a ski holiday then it is the snow that counts, for serious skiers and the terrain of the mountainsides that it falls on. Although the world's most popular and well known ski resorts are situated in Europe and North America, there are a host of lesser known destinations such as Japan, and year-round skiing destinations such as the Andes that get a lot of visitors. While plenty of considerations go into choosing the best ski resort for your vacation, but the ski experience itself – the variety and challenge of the terrain, the snow conditions, and lift access should be the most important considerations while selecting destinations for any serious skier's bucket list. So come read about the best places to ski at with this list of the top skiing destinations in the world. France The area of eastern France is pretty well-known for snowsports, but that can be more expensive as France is one of Europe's top destinations for skiing. The Alps, Europe's greatest mountain range are situated in part along the French-Italian border and the French Alps have all of Europe beat in terms of the sheer range of skiing opportunities available. While the best known, the Alps are not the only mountain range in France with skiing facilities, and others include the Vosges, the Jura, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, all of which have fully equipped downhill and cross-country ski resorts. The Alps that offer the greatest range of resorts, particularly those where the snow conditions are most reliable due to the altitudes here. Les Portes du Soleil, the northernmost area of the French Alps sits at an altitude of 1000m, and has plenty of facilities for beginners and more experienced skiers including resorts that offer ski-runs for children only. Further south is the Chamonix - Megève sector, lying at the foot of Mont Blanc, where the first French ski resort originated, and which has for many years been extremely popular with skiers from all over the world. While quite expensive, the area around Chamonix and Megève has the fifth largest skiing area in France, attracting major crowds for a reason. Les Arcs or La Plagne in the Haute Savoie offers plenty of high mountain skiing, with the guarantee of good snow at most times throughout the year. It is also easily accessible by train, with direct Eurostar services from London to the closest station in season. Tignes or Val d'Isère is a high mountain area, with some 300 km of pistes, many of them over 2,500 metres altitude offering a good number of pistes for beginners and relatively inexperienced skiers, along with pistes for the more experienced skiiers. Val d'Isère is reputedly the most expensive ski resort in Europe but with the highest pistes at over 3000 metres, this is an area where skiing is possible almost throughout the year. The ski area of Les Trois Vallées, is the world's largest ski area accessible with a single pass. L'Alpe d'Huez is one of the largest ski resorts in France, and being the closest major ski area to the city of Grenoble, and attracts plenty of day trippers along with staying guests. The southern Alpine resort of Isola offering 120 km of pistes is reputed to be both one of the coldest receiving the most snow and also the sunniest ski resorts in France. All these options ensure that you can always plan a skiing holiday in France. Italy Italy has three large, interlinked skiing areas which includes the Dolomiti Superski, which covers some 1200km of piste in the UNESCO-protected mountain range. Over by the Milky Way, the 400km area has a vast variety of resort options ranging from the party enthusiast favourite Sauze d’Oulx to the more family-friendly resorts such as Sestriere. Finally Gressoney’s MonteRosa ski area is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe, with over 180km of piste and extensive off-piste. Skiing in Italy involves relaxed and easy-going Italian hospitality, delicious gourmet food, short lift queues, well-groomed pistes with great snowmaking and diverse ski areas where you can cover some serious miles. Canada The Canadian ski resorts are world-class thanks to their long seasons, unbeatable snow, quiet slopes and variety of terrain. The deep-powder runs in Whistler are great for experts, while thrill-seekers will love the heli-skiing in Banff, and those looking for budget options can look at Boler Mountain. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for skiers and boarders alike, famed for its vast immaculately groomed slopes and wide, tree-lined runs with plenty of snow. Some resorts are based in national parks, surrounded by spectacular scenery and wildlife, while all are known for their high-quality hotels and warm hospitality. Holidays here tend to have bigger budgets, as people usually stay for up to two weeks and the more flexible lift passes offer options such as helicopter rides over Banff National Park and ice canyon walks in Jasper. Zip-trek through huge mountain valleys, bobsledding in Whistler and silent outdoor spa days in Tremblant – there are many unique ways to experience Canada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. Done Argentina Argentina's ski resorts cater to all abilities and preferences, whether you’re a novice or a pro, want a full-service lodge by an urban centre or prefer remote backcountry huts. The terrain is diverse and the landscapes unbeatable with sights such as active volcanoes, widespread forests, massive snow peaks, and shimmering lakes are present alongside the runs here. A lot of the top places for winter sports lie in the Patagonia area, where the snow will be drier than on the Chilean side of the Andes. The winter sports season runs from the middle of June to the end of October every year, however the peak is between mid-July to mid-September. Slovenia With dozens of ski resorts spread across the countryside at Slovenia, having countless miles of slopes, snowshoeing trails, and cross-country skiing tracks, it is no wonder that it is a popular skiing destination in Europe. Slovenia ski resorts can compete with the best in the world in sheer range and quality but offer the option of more affordable skiing trips than many other skiing destinations in the Alps. Bulgaria Bulgaria may not be the first destination on your list for a ski holiday, but it is fast becoming a hot skiing destination. There are three main ski options in Bulgaria – Borovets, Bansko, and Pamporovo. Set right on the edge of the Rila Mountains, with pistes that are heavily forested with pine trees, Borovets, Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort, is situated closest to the capital city. There are 58km of slopes here, ranging between 1300 to 2560 metres in altitude, which are particularly good for intermediate skiers. Bansko, located in the scenic Pirin National Park, is another hour away. Offering a mix of UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic old town vibes and buzzing nightlife near the gondola, Bansko is the biggest and most up-to-date ski resort in Bulgaria. Situated 160km from Sofia, Bansko’s slopes are set at around 2000 to 2500 metres, ensuring it has the best snow record and offers the longest ski season among all of Bulgaria’s ski resorts. In the east lies Pamporovo, which is situated in the south-central Rhodope Mountains. Pamporovo gets a lot of sunshine due to its being situated in the southerly area however due to the same reason the pistes here are limited. With only 36km of pistes that are mostly blues and greens, it is best for beginners to the sport. Pamporovo is one of the quieter family-friendly resorts and has some very good ski schools. The area also offers extensive cross-country skiing opportunities through mountains and forests. Andorra A tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra is a duty-free, winter ski haven.This small principality relies heavily on its tourist economy to be supported by the skiing enthusiasts. A budget friendly ski destination that is welcoming to tourists having elevation around 1900m Andorra has a combination of 300km of piste trails, along with modern lifts & extensive freeride terrain spread over 3 varied ski areas— Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalis & Pal-Arinsal. All three are expansive & offer a world class ski experience. Grandvalira is the largest ski resort in Andorra, situated in the Pyrenees it consolidates six different base areas to take up much of the southeastern side of Andorra. The longest run here is just under 7km and the skiing trails run up to 210km qualifying Grandvalira as a large ski resort by any standards. However it lacks a certain diversity of terrains being resort with trails suitable for beginner & intermediate skiers with only a few quality pistes for advanced skiers, and some off-piste freeride options for adventurous folks. Ordino Arcalis has fairly small inbounds, with only five chairlifts or gondola and the 30km of piste trails on a skiable vertical of just about 700m. The ski area is better known by most for its vast range of fun off-piste, freeride & ski touring terrain. Austria It is a well known fact that Austrians are fond of skiing and the country has a plethora of options for skiing and snowboarding. Austria is dotted with amazing ski resorts, the larger, better-known of which tend to get quite busy. The Austrian Alps running through the entire country make it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts with resorts ranging from those having low elevations by village ski hills, to high alpine glaciers, which have huge interlinked mega resorts. There is a ski resort to suit the taste of any and every one at all times throughout the year. The Austrian ski resorts are most easily divided into their relevant states within the country – Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia. Further within these states it is simplest to consider valleys with good ski areas and some of the most well known valleys include the Paznaun, Otztal, and Zillertal. USA The USA has a number of skiing options across the country. . Utah having opened in 1939 is pretty famous for what they claim as the very best snow on earth and being located at a high elevation only skis are allowed for skiing here. The Montana ski resort is set at a rather high elevation only 30 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana, which is well-known throughout the world. They offerabout 105 runs over a 3000-acre terrain of skiing area that is exclusively available to visitors. Apart from skiing, the facility provides you with a pleasant stay as well as many other great winter activities. Colorado is home to iconic ski resorts located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains offering 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, with something for everyone from beginner to expert. However this area is best known for its intermediate terrain options. Other skiing destinations in the USA include those in California, Breckenridge, Wyoming to name a few.
A romantic holiday is the perfect solution for spending some quality time with your partner getting to know each other while exploring an exciting new destination. Weddings are stressful for all those involved in the planning, with some being years in the making, in which fine tuning the details can leave you and your families feeling absolutely exhausted by the time they are done. There are many choices that need to be made from finding the perfect venue to selecting the right outfits and so much more the stress of which can leave you feeling burnt out after the event. That’s why the honeymoon is so important. After all that, it is time for you and your partner to unwind, relax and rejuvenate together and what better way can there be than to set out on a romantic honeymoon at a stunning picture-perfect destination? We bring you some of the best options to go honeymooning from Oman. France France is one of the most popular romantic destinations in the world and it is no wonder why, for its dreamy landscapes, languid culture and delish food makes it a favourite amongst couples to visit. Particularly the capital, Paris, the most popular Honeymoon destination in France is named so for good reason as it is a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, and cultural experiences. Paris, the city of light, the city of love may be a clichéd pick but is truly an idyllic destination for a romantic escape. Apart from Paris, France is home to amazing diverse historic wonders, romantic cities, and natural beauty making it an ideal honeymoon destination for those who love to travel and explore. Couples planning their honeymoon in France can go skiing or snowboarding in the Alps, climb the Eiffel Tower and visit Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and spend hours basking at the gorgeous beaches of Cote d'Azur or just wander the beautiful city of France like Les Quais. Best known for the Roman ruins that lie here, the city of Lyon boasts of a unique cultural heritage and culinary delights. Couples searching for the best France honeymoon package options should make sure they include Avignon on their itinerary as it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Palace of the Popes and Pont d'Avignon and is also considered famous for Cotes du Rhone wines and the best of Provencal cuisine. Other destinations to visit in France on your honeymoon include the capital of the French Riviera, the city of Nice with its idyllic sand beaches and a bustling city centre; The historic town of Bordeaux home to the Victory Arch, and famous for its wineries, music, fine dining experiences and shopping venues; Strasbourg and of course the Disneyland Resort in Paris that is a featured destination for visitors to France. So overall, a honeymoon in France can be the perfect place for newlyweds to enjoy a memorable vacation. Georgia Georgia has everything a newlywed couple is looking for, from luxurious beach resorts, thrilling adventure options, sophisticated venues for fun dates, to gorgeous landscapes, historic sites, a plethora of activities, and so much more. However, the reason why we recommend this beautiful country is not just that but also the fabulous food and friendly people of the region, along with the host of romantic destinations it offers honeymooners. The old town of Tbilisi is a must visit with its wooden houses, Georgian castles, and Grand fortresses such as Rabati. There are lots of popular experiences to enjoy on your honeymoon in Georgia – Taking the funicular ride to Mtatsminda Mount to enjoy a Ferris wheel ride; Exploring the beautiful lakes and paved streets of Kakheti; Looking at the stars in the observatory of Abastumani; Visiting the beautiful and mediaeval towers and castles of Khevsureti or Svaneti; Taking a dip in the Sulphur baths of Tbilisi; Visiting sites like the famous 4th-century Narikala Fortress, Mount Kazbek, one of the highest mountains in the region, and Uplistsikhe, Georgia’s oldest complex of natural caves. From indulgent beach stays to outdoor adventure orexplore natural and historic sites the country offers plenty of worthy options to plan your itinerary for a honeymoon in Georgia. Bali ‘The Island of Gods’ is a fabulous destination for honeymooners as it offers a range of colourful options from picturesque beaches, wonderful natural landscapes, ancient heritage to explore, and colourful ceremonies, and gifted artists. You get a huge range of options in accommodation, everything from simple beach huts to uber posh resorts, to some of the world’s most stunning holiday villas, where you can enjoy the beginning of your marriage in the privacy of the several hundred square metres of living space and large tropical gardens with discreet services. Bali is also a great place to pick up a water sport, go surfing in the outer reef breaks of the southern Bukit Peninsula,or in the lagoons, explore the vibrant underwater world of Bali with Scuba-diving, and try snorkelling, white water rafting, Sea Walking, jetpack flying and much more. Bali is all about beaches from the palm-fringed white sand coasts towards the south such as Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur, to the cliff-guarded mysterious coastlines of places such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Dreamland, and Bingin. Visit Bali’s artistic villages and communities of craftsmen like Pakudui village in Tegallalang or or the smithing communities of Celuk and Mas, south of Ubud. The country is a haven of fine art and handicrafts, and visitors can find everything from antique and semi-antique furniture, paintings, delicately carved jewellery, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics, and whatever else they wish to get customised at the local markets. In Bali you will find shops selling international world-famous designer brands right alongside others selling local handmade curios. Visitors must also try some of the fascinating Balinese cuisine which offers a variety of delightful dishes made from traditional Balinese ingredients. If you’re up for some adventure, you can hike to any of Bali’s mountains. While you’re at Bali, watch the lively Barong dance, which uses ornate costumes, traditional dancing, and unique musical instruments or the Kecak dance where the seated men create the backing sounds with their mouths and move and sway their outstretched arms to accompany the drama or modernised contemporary Devdan Show, a fusion of traditional Indonesian and contemporary dance,along with aerial acrobatics, where the dazzling costumes and hi-tech special effects will take your breath away. There is an incredibly wide range of accommodation, restaurants, world class activities, spa and shopping options in Bali making it a popular honeymoon destination in South East Asia. Turkey This gorgeous country is a dreamy destination for honeymooning couples, with turquoise waters, colourful bazaars, hundreds of historical sites and unforgettable landscapes. The country’s vast cultural heritage, adds flavour to these destinations, with Turkey having been home to diverse civilizations like the Assyrians, Thracians, Greeks, and Armenians, to name a few. Turkey is listed by most as one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world making it an amazing choice for those who enjoy culture and are looking for a unique honeymoon. Home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Turkey is undeniable, one of the most fascinating countries in the world and a must-visit destination for all. From the ancient capital of Istanbul, the gorgeous cotton castle at Pamukkale, the golden sands at Antalya, to the cities of Oludeniz , Fethiye, Kusadasi, and Marmaris, the adventure never ends in Turkey. Enjoy a natural spa at Hierapolis, lounge at the resort town of Cesme, or take a dip at the hot springs in Yalova, the experiences are endless and you will never be bored in Turkey. Cappadocia is a region of mysterious rock formations, troglodyte villages, underground churches and ancient fortresses, while Ankara is a cultural delight and Uludag, the skier's paradise. Here you will find delicious dishes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and warm welcome from locals making it an unforgettable honeymoon trip to Turkey. Spain Known as the country of passion, Spain is an undoubtedly romantic destination. Its culture, beauty, and scenery will take your breath away. Spain is rich with art, architecture, wine, and cuisine with elegant boulevards, manicured parks, and breathtaking sandy beaches sprawled throughout this country, making it a memorable destination for a honeymoon. The experiences you will encounter in Spain will speak to your soul; Whether you're enjoying a fine Spanish beverage or watching a captivating flamenco dance, discover the passion that is unique to SPanish culture. Spanning across the country, Spain is home to romantic cities, each one with its unique charm and spin. So couples have plenty of tempting options to choose from and not just in cities. The country’s vast geographic spread leads to a variety of landscapes that go from green rolling hills to rocky beaches and snow-dusted mountains. A honeymoon in Spain can be planned on any budget as not only is it one of the most affordable countries for a honeymoon in Europe with affordable accommodation options and vast plethora of budget-friendly experiences, but it is no stranger to uber luxury vacation options with an unrivalled selection of plush beach resorts, sleek modern restaurants, and posh rooftop bars for a select upscale experience. Maldives You would definitely have seen photos of the Maldives before with idyllic picture-perfect private villas situated over stunning azure waters, shining white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets that dip over into the horizon. The spectacular beauty of the Maldives is quite something to behold, a beauty that you cannot understand until you have seen it there in person. This island nation is very popular with honeymooning couples who are searching for seclusion and also among adventurers looking to explore the depths of the ocean on scuba diving and snorkelling excursions. Those who are just here to enjoy a relaxed vacation can unwind at one of the island's many spas and all visitors should definitely spend a day exploring the capital, Malé. The hotels here are stunning and range from underwater hotels to overwater bungalows to incredibly beautiful resorts. Greece Greece with its many stunning islands is pretty much a honeymooners paradise as it seems designed for island-hopping newlyweds who crave jaw-dropping scenery, warm sunshine, mouthwatering cuisine, and the possibility of easy adventure. Thailand Thailand has it all – spectacular landscapes, serene beaches, extravagant resorts, thrilling adventure options, delectable food and mind-blowing parties– making it the complete package for a honeymoon. Is there anything like spending time in the warm water of the crystal clear ocean. Adventurous couples can try watersports like snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding. The abundance of beautiful coastlines, ancient heritage, amazing resorts, and warm hospitality makes Thailand a great option for honeymooners. So which of these will you pick for your honeymoon?
One of the hottest months in the northern hemisphere, vacationing in July offers a plethora of incredible destinations around the globe to see, with each of these destinations offering unique experiences and adventures. Here’s a guide to some of the best countries to visit in July. Canada July marks Canada's peak summer season, making it an ideal time to explore. From the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks to vibrant cities like Vancouver and Toronto, you can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and breathtaking natural beauty. Norway With mild temperatures and long daylights hours a July vacation to Norway is the perfect time for exploring its fjords, including the iconic Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Experience the midnight sun phenomenon in the Arctic Circle and explore cities like Oslo and Bergen. Peru A highly underappreciated destination Peru is a must visit in July as it is a great time to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The weather is generally dry, allowing for a more enjoyable hike amidst the stunning Andean scenery. Explore the Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in Peru's rich cultural heritage. Japan While Japan can be hot and humid in July, it's a fantastic time to witness traditional festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Explore Tokyo, visit historic temples, and savor delicious seasonal cuisine. Tanzania The area sees the start of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti during this month. Witness this awe-inspiring natural spectacle as millions of animals traverse the plains in a time-honored tradition. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater and relax on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. New Zealand With winter coming to New Zealand around this time, the season offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps. Explore the South Island's stunning landscapes, including Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Croatia July marks the peak of summer in Croatia. Enjoy the picturesque coastline, visit historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and experience the vibrant nightlife on the Adriatic coast. Each of these destinations offers something special in July, whether it's natural beauty, cultural experiences, or unique seasonal events. Depending on your preferences, you can find a diverse range of adventures to embark on during this time of the year.
Switzerland is truly a winter wonderland with diverse winter experiences that guarantee plenty of fun for the whole family.
The Eid holidays coming up soon and we suggest that you plan your vacation getaway from Oman quickly to make the best of this long break. With the Coronavirus scare holiday planning can be tough especially with the travel restrictions so we're here to save the day. \Zahara Holidays’ bring to you the complete guide to the best Eid destinations to choose from this year whether you are looking for a cozy romantic getaway for two, adrenaline pumping adventure holidays or a family friendly destination with plenty to do, there are plenty of options to choose from.
