Top 3 Adventure Activities at La Tania Ski Resort

If you are looking for an exciting winter experience in the French Alps, then staying at La Tania offers you the world's largest ski area as well as some truly exciting off piste activities. You will be close to all the action and be able to take full advantage of every moment of your trip by staying at the La Tania ski chalets. La Tania has everything an adventure lover could possibly need.

Set among a charming pine forest, the ski chalets of La Tania offer skiers a quaint and comfortable stay right on the doorstep of the world's largest ski area. Your Three Valleys ski pass, which is bought from the La Tania gondola, gives you access to more than 2500 hectares of skiable area and 600 kilometres of runs. Located only two hours from Geneva, the resort is easily accessible and has all the facilities needed for a memorable skiing vacation. When planning what to do in the area, obviously skiing or snowboarding are going to be top of the list; however, with such a vast area at your disposal some planning will help you to get the very best out of your time. In addition, there are plenty of activities away from the piste which will round out your La Tania experience - here are the top five:

Dog Sledding

Who hasn't dreamed of a dog sledding experience after watching a documentary set in the Arctic Circle? Any way you look at it dog sledding is cool, and it is something that you can try out while staying in your ski chalets in La Tania. This is not some ride where you will be sitting on the back of a sleigh while the musher does all the work for you. You will be instructed how to handle the sleighs and the huskies yourself, and then be master of your own sled with three or four dogs. During the session, you will glide through the nearby forests, up and down hills and around trees. There is nothing quite like the thrill of zipping through the forest 'mushing' your own team of sled dogs.

Paragliding and Hang gliding

If you are an adventure sport junkie, then you may be interested in catching a glimpse of the Three Valleys area from above with a paragliding or hang gliding experience. Accompanied by a qualified instructor you can either choose a tandem gliding experience over the marshmallow landscape, or take a training course and do your very own piloting.

Snowmobiling

When the runs are shut for the afternoon it doesn't mean that the action is over and everyone has to head back their ski chalets. La Tania offers an exciting après ski activity: snowmobiling. There are three different levels of snowmobiling packages that you can choose between all starting at 5:30pm and continuing well into the evening - the Discovery Package, Sporting Package and Exclusive Package. The Discovery is aimed at beginners who want to learn to handle the machines; the Sporting is for intermediate and advanced drivers; and the Exclusive is for one on one instruction so that you can get the most out of the time with your own teacher.

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Group Ski Holidays

Booking a group ski holiday can be a thankless and stressful task. However, by following a few simple steps, the job can become a lot easier.

The main reason why booking a group ski holidays can be difficult comes down to the dynamics of the group in question. It is very rare to find a large group of skiers who are all at the same level, who all have the same wants, who all have the same budget, or even who all get on with one another! The bigger the group, the more likely it will be pulling in different directions. This leaves the organiser in a difficult position trying to meet the wide and varied demands of lots of different people. Rather than being thanked for organising the ski holiday, the poor person who volunteered often finds themselves being criticised for not booking a certain ski resort, or a certain type of ski accommodation.

So how do you overcome such problems?

Firstly, throw the discussion back to the members of the group. Find out if anyone has any suggestions about where to go, the type of accommodation required, and any special requests people may have. If people don't put forward ideas at this early stage, you can remind them of this if they become critical of your work at a later date.

Secondly, find out everyone's budget. Usually, you have to tailor the holiday to the lowest budget. However, if one person's budget is significantly less than everyone else's, it might be wise to be diplomatic and suggest they can't afford to come on this particular holiday.

Thirdly, it is always useful to Google "Group Ski Holidays", because there are a lot of companies out there which are geared up to organising big groups of people, and this can ease the pressure on the organiser. Also, a lot of these companies offer incentives to group leaders such as free lift passes, so all of your hard work won't go unrewarded.

Finally, it is really important to get definite decisions out of the group. This is a lot trickier in practice than it sounds. Very often some people don't want to commit for a variety of reasons, and the whole group can end up losing out on a holiday just because one or two people can't make up their minds. You really have to be quite strict at this stage. Once you've found something suitable, email everyone and say this is what you've found, it ticks all the boxes, does anyone have any objections? If there are no objections, put a reserve on the accommodation for the maximum number of people in the group. Then tell everyone they have 24 hours to confirm and pay a deposit, otherwise their booking isn't guaranteed.

The best sort of ski accommodation for big groups is ski hotel or chalet hotel style accommodation. This is because you can make a reservation for a certain number of people, and then if others want to join the group at a later date, they can do so subject to rooms being available.

Ski holidays are meant to be fun, and don't forget to remind all the members of your group how much work you put in organising the holiday when they are going to the bar!

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Breckenridg Ski Resort... Flying Down the Blue Runs!

Skiing is a very popular sport in the United Kingdom, it's true that there are very few mountains for skiing; due to this limitation many Brits make the short trip to Europe for skiing. Breckenridge Ski Resort located in Colorado is very popular one for skiing. Breckenridge has a ski school, and its momentous downtown offers the skier and non-skier alike endless shopping, dining and lot more opportunities. . If you are not expert enough, think twice before attempting The Slides. If you want to take an inexpensive ski vacation you should have enough time a little sacrifice and a little thinking. But, the experience of skiing down a mountain really makes it all worth it.

So you think you've had enough skiing down the green circle-labeled trails of Breckenridge but don't have enough skills to try the black diamond ones just yet? Then perhaps its time for you to up the ante a little and head out to the blue square runs on Peak 7.

With at least nine blues to choose from, you'll always find one that isn't too crowded. To get to the top of these trails, you may catch a ride on the Independence Super Chair. Since it has a 6 seating capacity, there'll be enough room for you and your buddies.

Once you hop off the Independence, you can test your skiing skills on any of the following fully groomed trails: Lower Forget-Me-Not, Pioneer, Claimjumper, Wirepatch, Lincoln Meadows, Angels Rest, and Monte Cristo. From Pioneer, you can branch off to either Swan City or Fort Mary B.

Now, if you really want to make sure you've sharpened your skiing skills well enough before pushing yourself off those blue slopes, you can make reservations at the Breckenridge Ski and Ride School. They have daily classes that meet at 9:45 AM at either the base of Peak 8 or Ten-Mile Station on Peak 9. Even if you've made reservations, be sure you arrive at any of these two assembly areas on time as they will depart at 10 AM with or without you. Those who need to assemble at Peak 9 should be on a chairlift early so as to beat the clock.

For an accelerated learning curve, nothing beats a highly customized private lesson. These tailor-made sessions by the pros are able to generate instant feedback through video analysis. One major advantage of such sessions is the chance to be guided through hidden powder stashes allowing you to get the most of what the mountain has to offer. Of course, these lessons come at a hefty price, usually within the $600 range for a full day, and you'd have to make reservations 48 hours earlier. However, because of the things you'll learn and the pace at which you learn them, you'll get more than your money's worth. The end result, you'll be skiing noticeably better than the average intermediate in no time.

Try to explore all the different intermediate runs on Peak 7. Before you know it, you'll be primed for the black diamond and double black diamond trails just right above you.

Tag : travel,ski resort,travel in,hotels

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Kite-boarding & Windsurfing in Mui Ne Bay

Mui Ne is quickly becoming a South East Asian Mecca for kite-boarding and windsurfing. Mui Ne has the best conditions in all of Asia for water sports because it has Asia's strongest and most consistent cross-onshore winds and the lowest rainfall in Vietnam. Every day is a perfect day. You may ask why you haven't heard of it, if it's so great? The reason is the tourism industry has only existed for about 10 years in this province. The development is new, and this best-kept secret has only just been discovered.

The area is often referred to by the water sports industry as "Mui Ne Bay," although the bay is more correctly the "Bay of Phan Thiet" (Phan Thiet is the provincial capital of Binh Thuan Province and lies in the center of the bay). Depths in the bay are irregular, and a bank with depths of less than 5.5m, extends 1.5 miles west of Mui Ne. The true name of Mui Ne Beach is actually "Rang" but the tourist industry refers to it as Mui Ne, after the village on the point.

Storm Kite-boarding

There are currently about a dozen Kite-boarding centres in Mui Ne and the competition is fierce. Resorts have taken note of the popularity of the sport, and new teaching centres are bound to pop up all over the beach. Just a few years ago you might see just a couple of kites and sails on the water during an afternoon. These days it can be quite a spectacle. Not all kite centres are created equal. There are a lot of inexperienced amateurs with fly-by-night instructors opening new centres at resorts every season. We've made your choice much easier by choosing only the best, certified, and most experienced kite centres.

Mui Ne Kite Centres – Wind-chimes

Kite - Surf - Windsurf School - Saigon-Mui Ne Resort & Bamboo Village Resort

Wind Chimes Kite - Surf - Windsurf school started by Trang and Etienne since 2004 both are Vietnamese American. Located at the widest, longest (235m) safe beach at 4-star Saigon-Mui Ne Resort, right in the centre of Mui Ne kite beach. Wind Chimes second Kite school is located at Bamboo Village resort.

Kite lessons: For your convenience, we have designed many packages that get you up and riding safely across the water. Includes all latest equipment + insurance, IKO certified card, Jet Ski rescue onsite, International IKO instructors who speak English, French, German, Hungarian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Vietnamese + one beach boy assist for every student.

Kite rentals: Over 60 new 2009 kites + 40 Kites, 2008 from Cabrinha, Naish, and North of the latest model + 40 boards of all sizes from Jimmy Lewis & Naish to choose from. One beach boy assistance for every rental. Free advice to get you to the next level. Jet ski rescue.

Surf lessons: Include All equipment + insurance.

Windsurf lessons: Include All equipment + insurance, Jet Ski rescue onsite. International instructors who speak English, German, and Vietnamese.

Windsurf rentals: Over 60 boards + 80 sails from Naish and Ezzy. One beach boy assistance for every rental. Jet ski rescue.

Free service: Practice with trainer kite, drinking water, wireless internet, chess, volleyball, hammocks, & music.

Event: Wind Chimes annually organize King of Mui Ne Kitesurf competition on the 23rd - 25th, December of lunar calendar usually end of January western calendar.

Facilities (within 10m of Wind Chimes): weather station, web-cam, pneumatics pump, bar, lockers, shower, swimming pool, petanque, & first aid.

About The Author:
Posted by Vietnamholidaynow / Tel: 0084-3633.9577 / email: info@vietnamholidaynow.com / web: http://vietnamholidaynow.com

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Bormio Ski Resort - Europe's Snowy Garden

Bormio is indeed a microcosm of Europe. This new ski resort is Europe's snowy garden. Nestled in the midst of the Stelvio National Park, which is adjacent to the Swiss National Park, the new ski resort in Bormio provides the most breathtaking picturesque natural setting. There is a possibility that tourists will forget their skis and cling to their cameras because of the numerous photo opportunities.

However, the beautiful setting is not the only reason why the new ski resort in Bormio is considered a micro-universe of Europe. The place is steeped in culture and traditions. At the old town, the zigzagging streets are lined with genuine trattorias, the Italian taverns that serve food that equal the quality of gourmet restaurants but the atmosphere is more casual and less snooty. Trattorias are usually run by families and printed menus are rarely found. But the best local wines are always available.

The new ski resort in Bormio also reflects Europe's leadership in the hotel industry. The hotels in the area offer luxurious accommodations and impeccable service. These perks are rarely expected from an almost hidden quaint Italian village. The best part for people who are planning to take a vacation in this new ski resort is that the hotel rates are affordable.

Similar to Europe's collage of the old and new, the new ski resort in Bormio has its "old town" adjacent to the "new town." The new town offers state-of-the-art skiing facilities as well as numerous and conveniently located lifts. For beginners, the new town has several ski schools. The Italian instructors are patient and knowledgeable. And there are numerous ski runs that are especially constructed for beginners.

Europe has always been considered to be steeped in history. The same is true for Bormio. The new ski resort provides its visitor access to three thermal centers that were discovered during the Roman times. These thermal centers have a total of 10 hot springs. All around Bormio, there are wine vineyards that carried on the historic European pride of wine making. There are medieval houses, churches, and towers. In fact, many locals in Bormio claimed that the area was first inhabited during the Bronze Age.

All these are just side attractions in the new ski resort in Bormio. The main attraction, of course, is the network of ski runs. There are ski runs for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. There is plenty of snow due to its geographical location. And this leads to a year-round skiing holiday. People can visit the new ski resort of Bormio at any time of the year to ski, to ride on mountain bikes, to snowboard, and to spend a fun holiday.

Will this new ski resort offer excitement to expert skiers? It is best to visit Bormio during the World Cup Downhill Ski Race.

O.B.S. company is currently working on Italian project, Bormio ski resort It represents Bormio cheap hotels and possible Bormio vacations activities.

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Colorado Discount Ski Package

When planning a trip to Colorado, you'll probably want to look for ski resorts. Planning a ski vacation doesn't have to be a big challenge. One can choose from among the most popular and crowded destinations, or opt for an uncluttered resort which does not have many skiers.

It is a unique experience skiing in the mountains of Colorado. The Colorado discount ski package usually includes lodging, transportation, airport departure, rental car and ski rental. There are many tour operators that provide and specialize in economic ski train vacations. Some of the tour operators have made outstanding contributions to revitalize rail service to passengers.

They are many who rely on the experience of these tour operators. Many tourists make use of their services and purchase ski packages to the finest resorts of the world. You can rely on tour operators for an excitement filled ski adventure. They have the right packages to suit every budget, and nearly every package includes car rentals and trip transfers during ones stay.

People always enjoy the pleasure of traveling in wide, spacious seats. And don't forget to taste the cuisine of the region. Colorado offers many culinary delights not found elsewhere. The entire trip you will revel watching the never-ending stunning winter scenery, which can be experienced only when traveling by train. They offer discounts for children below the age of 18. Sleeper compartments and longer stays are available on request.

Prices will vary during peak seasons and train fares largely depend on the availability of seats.

There is no place that can be compared to Colorado skiing. With a skiable terrain comprising of 29,460 acres and an annual snowfall of 4,241 inches, 13 top class resorts, 300 dining venues and 4000 lodging options it is a wonderland for ski enthusiasts. The outstanding and breathtaking Rocky Mountains provide superb skiing condition for all skiers.

Whatever the season there are thousands of property pieces to suit every budget. Many choose a complete package that covers airfare, lodging, ski rentals, transportation and extracurricular fun.

One of the greatest ski towns in Colorado is Crested Butte. Crested Butte offers an unusual combination of mountain skiing at a stunning location, with an ambience of mining camp. This place remains unspoiled and spectacular. It is a must go for all skiing enthusiasts.

Nothing can compare to the size of Snowmass. It is literally 36 times larger than Disneyland, and has vertical rise of 4500 feet. It is a great place for family skiing and fun. Summers here are fun too with biking, hiking, camping, fishing and golf. So no matter which season you visit Colorado, it will always offer you will outdoor fun, friendly people and good food.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about Colorado discount ski packages, please visit Skiing Colorado Guide for current articles and discussions.

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How to Choose a Ski Chalet For Your Ski Holiday

Resort

When you pick your resort - you should take your group's skiing experience into consideration: do you have lots of beginners? Intermediates? Experts? If you have a mixed ability group, then you need a resort with lots of options - something for everyone. Les Houches, for example, is a little known resort in itself - ideal for mixed groups as it is predominantly blues and red, with great beginners areas - however, it is also ideal placed in the Chamonix valley for experts to experience the blacks of Grands Montets and some of the best off-piste in Europe! If you are all expert, think about La Grave or Chamonix.

Budget

The country you choose to visit may depend upon your budget. The "newer" ski resorts in Bulgaria will be cheaper for accommodation, food, lift passes, etc. Though 37% of all skier still choose France. Switzerland and Austria hold some of the most expensive options - the price reflecting how well known the resort is: Davos, Gstadd, Klosters, Kitzbuhel.

Your budget will also affect the quality of the chalet available to you. Put simply: the more luxurious chalets cost more. If you find an amazing deal with flights and transfers included, in a chalet whose photos look amazing - be sure to check the photos were actually taken in that chalet, and are representative of it! Wide angle lens can make rooms look bigger than they are. Professional lighting may have been used to disguise the pokey room in the attic. Ask how big the actual rooms are! If food is photographed, ask whether it was a "stock" photo? - or did they take it themselves?

Self-catered chalets often cost less than being catered - but be careful about false economies. Ask the following questions: how far is the local supermarket? Is it within walking distance? If not, you may need a car or bus.

Owner-run vs managed chalets

Owner-run chalets tend to differ from managed chalets in that the chalet hosts will most probably care more for the chalet as it is their home and business. They may also care that you enjoy yourself on your holiday - as repeat clientele are very desirable - much more than some ski-bum just-out from college fancying one more year of the easy life before having to join the "real world".

The days of spag bol are long gone - these days, catered chalets can rival restaurants in terms of quality and diversity of food.

If the chalet offers a "professional chef", ask about their experience and qualifications. Did they run a top-notch restaurant in London or did they used to work as a sous-chef in the "White Horse" working mens club? Also, especially with the managed chalets, chefs work to a very closely-controlled budget. You also run the risk of them quitting immediately before you arrive having decided chalet-work was not the endless days of powder snow they imagined, but harder work than as a full-time chef in the UK!

If it is owner-run, ask about their cooking experience - how many years have they cooked for their guests? What is their favourite dish? Owner-run chalets may be more willing to alter menus to suit your groups dietary preferences. So, just because a chalet is owner-run does not mean the food will not be as good. Many owners have years of experience cooking 4 course meals for 10 people every night, or take courses to improve their culinary skills.

Facilities

For the best holidays, chalets where you can both ski in and ski out provide you with the most time on the piste, and the minimal amount of fuss and time wasted. You save time because you don't have to wait for transport to the lifts at the start of your day, nor hanging around for transport back to your chalet when you've finished. This is especially useful if you are a beginner or you get tired early

With ski in, ski out chalets, you also get to avoid those "short walk to the pistes" which in fact may turn out to be a much longer walk than you anticipated... Even a short five minute walk can be difficult when you are wearing ski boots, trying to drag the kids complaining about their ski boots being uncomfortable , whilst simultaneously trying to carry both their skis, poles and your own!

All in all it leads to much more stress-less holiday if you have the ability to ski in and out of the chalet. Plus it means if you forget anything - suncream, gloves, etc - you always have the option to easily return to fetch them.

Does the chalet have a hot-tub? For a little luxury, it is very pleasant to sit out under the stars sipping a glass of champers or a beer. If you are looking for a chalet in summer, don't forget to ask whether the hot tub is on and available? Some chalets empty their hot-tubs in the summer months.

Don't forget the log fire! Is the firewood included in the price? What entertainment is provided? Is there a television? Can you receive English tv? Is there a selection of DVD's? If so, how many? Can you plug your ipod in?

Are all the bedrooms ensuite? If not, how many bathrooms are there? How many showers? How is the water heated? Is there endless hot water? Do the bedrooms have views? If so, of what? Do all the rooms have a view, or only a few of them? These are the types of questions to ensure that you don't have any unpleasant surprises when you actually arrive. There is nothing worse than looking forward to your holiday only to be disappointed because your travel company neglects to tell you that it is a ten-person chalet with only enough hot water for six showers - and three of the five bedrooms are three times smaller than they appear in the photos and face the construction site next door!

Leighton Ellis runs a luxury ski chalet in Chamonix Valley and hopes you have a fantastic ski holiday.

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