Wednesday, 21 October 2009

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Catherine Tate: Skiing - get the rush!

Head down a mountain for a buzz

Comedienne Catherine Tate says: 'I'm obsessed with skiing. I love the exhilaration of being in a vast, white landscape racing downhill, hearing only the noise of your skies cutting through the snow.'

Take a winter mini-break and experience the same thrill

Who can resist the swoosh of skis on alpine snow, barrelling downhill with the wind in your face, the sun on your back and a glass of something hot and alcoholic waiting for you in the bar below, all amid breathtaking scenery?

Skiing and snowboarding are now much more affordable. Thanks to the seasonal budget flight routes that have recently opened up access to the Alps, it's all available for a bargain price.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria's an excellent budget option, with great slopes for beginners and intermediates and charismatic, experienced teachers to help them. The top resorts are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, where you'll find cheap après-ski fun.

Try European Ski Weekends (0800 0430444, www.europeanskiweekends.co.uk)

Switzerland

Switzerland has good transport links and, although slightly pricier, encompasses Europe's largest ski area and specialises in older, chocolate-box-pretty village centres. Flights to Geneva arrive close to the Swiss/French border, so you can easily access either country. There are some great flexible options on offer for short breaks.

Try White Roc (020-7792 1188, www.whiteroc.co.uk)

Colorado

If you're thinking of going further afield for something a little different, remember that longer flights will reduce your time on the piste; seven-day ski breaks are the norm in the US. Colorado may not be cheap, but it's certainly glamorous. You can enjoy wider, far less crowded slopes than in Europe, as well as perfect powder snow, hearty food and no language barrier.

Try Alpine Tracks (0800 0282546, www.alpinetracks.com)

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen go skiing every winter. 'We took our friends to Deer Valley in Utah,' says Mary-Kate. 'So that's probably been our favourite vacation so far.'

Take the train

You can now get to the slopes without needing to fly. The Snow Train journeys from London to the Alps until the end of March and allows you to maximise your time on the slopes by travelling overnight by couchette train via Paris. If you don't fancy sleeping on your journey, why not party? The Snow Train also has a bar/disco car, so you can start your après ski before you arrive.

The Snow Train serves Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-St-Maurice, all linking to the principal ski resorts by ski bus in less than an hour. Rail Europe (08701 244646, www.raileurope.co.uk) offers trips from London.

Busted's James Bourne first went skiing when he was four. 'We went every year until I was about 10,' he recalls. 'I was pretty good and I love the thrill of going down the slopes.'

Budget flights

More and more ski tour operators are offering packages that don't include transport,
so you can book your own cheap travel deals.

The best airports to fly to are Geneva (Switzerland), Lyons and Grenoble (France) and Turin (Italy).

www.easyjet.co.uk
www.bmibaby.co.uk
www.ryanair.co.uk.

Where to stay

Ifyouski.com (0870 7399399, www.ifyouski.com) has details of many hotel and chalet deals.

France

The French Alps offer a huge number of options for skiers and snowboarders, from pricey and upmarket to cheap and cheerful purpose-built resorts. Budget flights to Geneva (see above for details) are a good option for independent travellers. There are also a number of ski tour operators specialising in short breaks and weekend deals.

Check out the new spa in Brides-les-Bains in the Three Valleys if you can
(00 33 479 552344, www.thermes-brideslesbains.fr). With massages, a steam baths, oriental treatments, jet pools and more, it's great after a punishing day on the piste.

Ski Weekends (0870 4423400, www.skiweekends.com) offers deals in
the Three Valleys by coach and by air.

Laura Dixon