5 places to extend the winter
Not enough winter to go skiing or snowboarding? We offer a selection of resorts located on glaciers or in northern latitudes, where the chances of catching good snow in April or even later are highest. And in order to have enough money for the trip, it is worth considering various types of credit cards and issuing one of them.
Stubai (Austria)
Recommend to go: October – June
The largest glacier in Austria is known as a great place for a family holiday. Guests are waiting for a comfortable ski area for the elderly, a ski school for children, tours of the ice grotto and much more. In addition, the skipass for children under 10 years old is free. In the high season, it is too crowded on Stubai, but by April the skiing becomes more comfortable.
But do not think that at a family resort lovers tickle your nerves will be boring. They have 7 red and 3 black slopes at their disposal, including a 10-kilometer descent with a height difference from 3210 to 1750 m, as well as the Downhill track, whose slope reaches 60%. For the most desperate, there is a free-ride zone where you can ride at your own risk. Snowboarders will appreciate the springboards in the snowpark, where Olympic prize-winners Sage Kozenburg and Mark Macmorris come to train.
Ore (Sweden)
Recommend to go: December – April
Ore is notable for its affordable prices on the background of the Alpine resorts, as well as its convenient location for St. Petersburg people and Muscovites. In addition to skiing, there are other opportunities for active recreation – from dog sledding races to ice fishing. The main part of the public are Scandinavians who get up on skis in early childhood – these guys always have something to learn.
Prepared trails start at an altitude of 1274 m, and all of them at the resort are 89, not counting the racetracks. The most widely represented are blue (34) and red (30): respectively, the most diverse skiing expects skiers of average and above average levels. An interesting trick: some of the slopes are equipped with video cameras, and with the help of a mobile application, you can share in social networks videos about your skating.
Ylläs (Finland)
Recommend to go: December – May
Although the slopes of Ylläs are not mountains, but Lapland hills, experienced athletes like to come here: most of the slopes are rather difficult. Ylläs also will appeal to lovers of chamber furnishings: large influxes of visitors occur rarely, there are no queues at the ski lifts, the crowds on the tracks are even more so. But fans of nightlife will be boring: the variety of clubs and discos location can not boast.
The highest point of the resort is 719 m. It does not sound very impressive until you get to know the most important information for skiers: 63 slopes (6 green, 27 blue, 24 red and 6 black), 53 km of prepared slopes, including the longest slope in Finland 3 km. Places for freeride and snowpark with jumps of varying complexity are also available. In short, the emphasis on intense skiing and the sea of adrenaline.
Saas-Fee (Switzerland)
Recommend to go: November – April
Saas-Fee is always fun and lively: during the season there are many sports and cultural events. For example, in April you can get to the Schneegaudi snow party – a festival with the participation of pop and rock stars in the open air at an altitude of 2400 m. What about a rope route over a deep gorge or an evening toboggan run along an illuminated highway with a slope of 55 degrees? In Saas-Fee there is fun for literally every taste. But, alas, not on any wallet: the resort is not included in the budget category.
The snow economy is also at the level: 150 kilometers of trails, which start at an altitude of 3600 m. And the panorama of 18 four thousand meters around makes skiing not only sporting, but also aesthetic pleasure.
Kirovsk (Russia)
Recommend to go: November – May
As many as five areas for skiing with routes of all kinds of relief and complexity – a real paradise for fans of skiing. Add to this the lack of the need to obtain visas, excellent rail and air connections, affordable prices, and you will understand why the resort on the Kola Peninsula is so popular. Of the minuses, there is a poorly developed infrastructure: there are clearly not enough hotels and catering establishments in Kirovsk.
In fact, Kirovsk is just two resorts. Big Vudyavr has 23 tracks with the highest point of 1047 meters. 15 of them are illuminated, which allows you to ride even on a polar night. Kukisvumchorr is more modest: 6 tracks, including a training one, and a height of 960 m. But here that year the Freeride Khibiny Open Cup is held – an event that has already become a cult among extra-track fans.
