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Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) is one of the largest skiing areas in the French Alps and is a popular choice for people booking ski holidays. It is one of the largest ski areas in the world, with over 600 km of ski slopes and a further 120 km that is perfect for cross-country skiing. The area has 183 ski lifts, easily capable of carrying 260,000 people per hour. Les Trois Vallées has over 1,500 skiing instructors during the season so, whether a beginner or an expert, Les Trois Vallées caters for everyone’s needs 

Les Trois Vallées has now been extended into a fourth valley, accessible via a gondola. There are eight main resorts in Les Trois Vallées with eleven sub-resorts so there is plenty of choice when looking for a skiing holiday. One of the valleys, Tarentaise Valley, has the largest concentration of world-class ski resorts in the world.

Les Trois Vallées is one of the most popular skiing destinations in France and quite possibly the world. Offering world class slopes, equipment and internationally recognised accommodation, this is definitely an area to look out for when looking at ski holidays in France. With the 2011-2012 season coming, there soon will be hundreds of deals available. An area as famous and as well-equipped as Les Trois Vallées will fill up quickly, and for good reason. Do not miss out by waiting too long.

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When searching for a holiday, everyone wants to try and get the best skiing holiday deals. This 2011-2012 season is no different. There are a few things you can do to stay on top of the deals that will come your way.

Pick a destination

When searching for a ski holiday, try to pick out a destination before looking through the deals. Many countries you may not have thought of as offering affordable skiing holidays may actually have some good deals on offer and it could prove to be an unforgettable trip. While Europe is the standard, look outside the box and see what else there is on offer. Remember to check out individual resorts as well, as one resort may have a particular offer you simply can’t resist.

Where to look

A ski holiday in France may be what you want, but either way you have to find a deal that will get you there. Travel agents are a good first stop to get more information but if you want the really good deals for 2011-2012 check the internet.

What to look for in a deal

This part is up to you. Full package deals can be located that will arrange everything for you including accommodation, or you can piece your holiday together from multiple separate deals.

The 2011-2012 season is coming so take advantage of the best ski deals you can find.

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Many ski resorts regard their peak time as the two weeks after Christmas, encompassing New Years and the week that follows.  However many resorts, especially those with a higher altitude, open at the very start of December.

For skiers who cannot wait until the peak season of January 2012, it is still possible to secure skiing deals – 2011 dates are available.  Travel times may be a little longer and further flung since all but the highest altitude French resorts often do not open until mid December.  The USA and Canada are popular choice for early snow seekers.

Saas Fee in Switzerland has the advantage of a high altitude glacier and is guaranteed snow at the start of December.  The glacier is in use in summer for skiing and features a renowned freestyle park.  With an altitude of 3,500 metres, a lack of snow is not going to be a problem here.

Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, on the Swiss border, also benefits from a high altitude glacier and is dominated by the Matterhorn, or Cervino Mountain.  With slopes up to 3,480 metres, this is another resort where its altitude ensures a glut of snow early in the season.

For longer haul trips, skiing holidays in the USA can provide early season skiing with resorts competing to open first.  Keystone in Colorado is fully open and snow-sure at the start of December, and nearby Breckenridge benefits form the highest ski lift in the world, at 3,915 metres above sea level.

When looking for the best skiing deals in 2011, the higher the resort, the earlier it will open.

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No longer the exclusive domain of the rich jetsetter, skiing is becoming increasingly accessible to those who are on a tight budget.  With travel companies becoming highly competitive, prices have been forced down.

So can skiers economise whilst still enjoying the thrill of a glacial run?  There are several ways to secure good value skiing holiday deals.

Firstly, avoid booking between Christmas and late February.  Later in the ski season is often cheaper and the snow is still plentiful.  The recommendation is to go for high altitude in the spring months.  For example, Zermatt in Switzerland has an average snowfall of 99 cm as late as April.  St Anton in Austria has an average April snowfall of 51 cm.  Both ski passes and accommodation are cheaper in the lower end of the season.  School holiday dates do not seem to affect prices at the actual ski resort since dates vary so much across Europe.  However, travel to and from your resort may be hiked up if booking from the UK during school holidays.

Secondly, choose a smaller or less fashionable resort.  Bulgaria is rising in popularity but has none of the exclusivity of the high end, traditional resorts.  Borovets in Bulgaria is excellent for skiing as well as snowboarding and has a young, lively vibe to the après ski scene.  Some resorts are smaller but none the less well equipped for skiing and they are often part of a larger skiing region; for example, St Anton in Austria is part of one the largest ski areas in the world and is cheaper than other ski resorts it is linked to.

For the best skiing holiday deals, see your travel agent.

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Mittenwald, Germany, on the border with Austria, is an hour from Innsbruck Airport and easily accessible from Munich.  For skiing deals 2011, Mittenwald has a lot to offer.

A relatively small resort and ski area, the picturesque town of Mittenwald has a charming Old-World Bavarian atmosphere while still offering all the necessary amenities for a great ski holiday.  Worldwide, this town is recognized for building violins, cellos and violas. 

Cable car rides up the mountain offer stunning views, and there are a variety of ski runs for beginners and intermediates.  A couple of black runs are available to challenge the more experienced skier.  Mittenwald’s Dammkar ski area has the longest slope in Germany at 7 km, so even though the beginner and intermediate slopes make up the majority of runs, an impressive vertical descent of 1,311 metres makes Mittenwald a great ski region for everyone.    

There are 8 ski lifts and 15 individually marked trails.  Snowboarding and tobogganing round out the many outdoor activities available.  Beginners can develop their skills at the two ski schools.

There are hotel choices ranging from a 4-star resort with an indoor pool and spa, to self-catered apartments.  With approximately 30 restaurants, there are plenty of dining choices offering a variety of cuisine and price points.

For skiing deals 2011, Mittenwald would be a perfect option for those looking for easy access and a beautiful small town setting for their winter ski holiday. 

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Ski holidays in Sierra Nevada, Spain, located near the city of Granada, are guaranteed for an exciting winter wonderland getaway.  The resort is one of the highest in Europe with an elevation of 2,100 metres, but it also considered to be the sunniest resort in Europe, so bring your sun tan lotion.  With its high elevation, snow is guaranteed all year round.

Skiing in Sierra Nevada offers some of the most wonderful, high-altitude powder skiing for any experience level.  With 400 deep valleys having high sides, it also offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean and Morocco mountains from the top of Veleta Mountain.

This skiing area has access to some 45 ski runs, with the longest being at 6 kilometres, serviced by over 19 ski lifts, 12 chair lifts and two cable cars while boasting a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Advanced skiers will love the challenge of the trying the men’s downhill world cup run.  Sierra Nevada offers ski classes for the beginner skier, and there is also a half pipe and board park for the snowboarding enthusiast.

The experiences to enjoy off the slopes include indoor swimming, solarium and aerobic rooms, ice skating, taking a day trip to Granada, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snow biking, sleigh rides and of course, there’s dining on first rate cuisine in the many Spanish restaurants and tapas.

With all that ski holidays in Sierra Nevada, Spain has to offer, it is no wonder it is considered a great ski holiday.

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Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is the premier ski resort in France and offers some of the best skiing 2011 that Europe has to offer to travellers from around the world.  Ski holidays in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc provide entertainment and plenty of activities for all members of the family, and for all budgets.  From luxury hotels and resorts to budget accommodation that still provides all of the amenities necessary for the best skiing holidays, this French resort provides it all.

Boasting the highest mountain peak in Europe in Mont Blanc, this resort offers plenty of opportunities for tourist attractions on and off the slopes.  Direct access to the slopes is available through the famous Voie Royale, which departs from Saint-Gervais each day.  The resort boasts over 450 kilometres of ski slopes that are perfect for skiers, snowboarders, and all manner of other winter activities.

The towns and villages that surround the resort itself all have their own charms, and provide visitors taking their holidays in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc with access to casinos, historic architecture, and plenty of quaint small town atmosphere and charm.  Saint-Gervais is also well known for its natural spring spas.

The slopes at this resort are fun for people of all skill levels and ages, making ski holidays in Saint-Gervais great for all the family.  There are multiple access points to the slopes, while hotels in the area offer both activities and rooms that are family-friendly, making this the perfect destination for families during the season.

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Great ski holidays for all the family exist in Zillertal, Austria, located in the beautiful Tyrolean villages of ZIller Valley Austria, offering some of the most fantastic skiing for any age or experience level.

This skiing area has access to some 500 kilometres of ski runs, serviced by over 150 ski lifts, spread throughout the eleven different ski areas and all linked by a free bus service.  Visitors to the area can obtain a multi-pass so they can determine what areas in the Ziller valley they want to explore.

Beginner skiers can have a great learning experience on the slopes of Ahorn, intermediate skiers can enjoy the huge selection of slopes at Rastkogel and Eggaim, and for the advanced skier, there is a short hike up the valley to the Hintertux glacier.  With an altitude of over 3,200 metres, it is actually possible to ski any time of the year.

Due to its vastness, the skiing holidays at Zillertal Valley offer an array of choices from the quiet and relaxed to the wild and crazy, with the most lively being at Maythofen, with its lively bars and clubs.  For the more subdued crowds, the smaller villages offer local music, folk dancing, and local cuisine.  Other experiences include tobogganing, sleigh rides, ice skating, or hiking along one of the many cleared trails.  Even swimming and tennis are available.

With all the Zillertal Valley has to offer, it is no wonder it is considered one of the great ski holidays for all the family.

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Skiing at Mont Tremblant, which is an hour and a half from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, offers one of the best skiing deals 2011.

This is a stunningly beautiful area with a quaint Old World feel.  There is an excellent selection of international cuisine and resorts with amenities to suit every taste.

Elevation at the top of the mountain is 2,871 feet, with a 2,116 foot vertical drop.  There are trails available for every skill level and 95 trails to choose from.

Ski valet service is offered so you can leave your equipment in safe storage right by the trail rather than lugging it back and forth to your hotel.  Tremblant boasts no waiting to ski, as their lifts can transport over 27,000 passengers per hour. 

Four trails are rated extreme, for very adventurous and experienced skiers.  These are Zig Zag, Vertige, Ryan and Flying Mile.

Mont Tremblant is also a favourite with snowboarders, and dog sledding is an option available for those who might want to try something a little different.  Families travelling with children of all ages will find ski schools available as well as a kids program to entertain those a little too young for the slopes.      

The best skiing deals 2011 can be found at this resort area because of the variety of levels of skiing possibilities during the day and fantastic restaurants, lounges and hotel amenities available at day’s end. 

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If you have never gone on a ski holiday, have no fear!  Even if you have never seen snow or strapped on a snow ski, you can still have plenty of fun on your upcoming ski trip by keeping these suggestions and tips in mind as you plan your holiday and experience skiing for the first time!

Don’t Worry About Skill
Winter sports can be fun no matter what your skill level is.  So even if you are just setting out on your skiing or snowboarding journey you can have a rewarding and above all fun holiday.  As a beginner you should choose your resort carefully as some of them are geared towards experienced skiers.

Look for Packages
Many resorts actually offer special packages that help beginners learn how to ski or snowboard.  Often, these packages include not only the lessons but the lift pass and equipment rentals as well.  With these packages check out what is included well in advance so that you don’t end up paying for the same thing twice.  If the resort doesn’t offer a package but does have a ski school, make sure that you book them in advance.

Don’t Buy Equipment
As a newbie, you won’t want to purchase all of your equipment.  Renting ski gear can be a lot more cost-effective, especially if you have never skied before.  This way, you can change your equipment at the hire shop and this is considerably more easy than having to make do with items which are uncomfortable or unsuitable.

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