Europe & Beyond

Just reading about some of the half term ski holiday deals still availble for half term and took note of the a deal based at Valmorel – a far cry from the luxury ski resort of Kilimandjaro.  It is usual to fly from gatwick to grenoble to visit this resort but low cost airlines are slashing prices on flights to Nice where holiday makers can hire a car to complete the journey to resort.

Car rental firms in Europe have always been ready to supply special tyres in readiness for the usual conditions.  Winterized vehicles are supplied with all-weather tyres and in some regions you can have snow tyres fitted.

Many skiing holidays in France begin with cheap flights to Nice airport where groups have arrange their own car hire. Nice, in the south of France, is a major destination for both summer and increasingly winter travellers in search of low cost ski holidays.  Depending on the conditions of the ski resort you are travelling to you can request tyre chains when you book your car hire.  France is one of the many countries where snow chains are offered as an optional extra but the small cost could save you a lot of time and trouble should you run into uncleared roads whilst on holiday.

Driving in snow and Ice

For snow and ice – high gear and low revs gives you more torque. Move off in second, or even third if you can manage, and keep your revs just above stalling speed

When you’re not sure what the surface of the road is like I do two things. First I look for ‘diamonds’ twinkling in the light. That is ice crystals. And second, drop the window an inch and listen. If there is silence on days like this then chances are I am on an icy road. Time in both cases to slow down. Gently.

The problem in the UK is that we all use standard tyres in winter and their rubber compound has an odd characteristic that causes the coefficient of friction to dip around zero degrees Celsius. A few degrees lower or higher and they work better. So called winter tyres use a different compound to avoid this, but they wear out faster. In the Alps and other ’snow’ territories of Europe, winter tyres are obligatory and they make a huge difference. In Austria winter tyres have to be fitted by law for the six months of winter, but they certainly get you through most of the worst snow and ice situations without problems.

Snowboarding in Europe

If you are amongst one of the many in the world who finds enjoyment in the sport of snowboarding consider taking a holiday to do some snowboarding in Europe. In Europe you will find some of the best snowboarding in the world while getting to take in the beautiful scenery you can only find in this part of the world. People have been going to Europe for many years to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Here is a guide of some of the best places to go for a snowboarding or skiing holiday in Europe.

Snowboarding Val Thorens, France

Our first snowboarding spot in Europe takes us to Val Thorens in France. Val Thorens offers snowboarders the chance to board in the highest village in Europe. People from all over the world flock to Val Thorens for the chance to snowboard in this French village.

Val Thorens is filled with activity and designed for the young and those who are young at heart to take a holiday at. After a day of snow boarding you can relax at one of their elite restaurants or at the local bar for a drink. As for accommodations you will be happy to find they offer everything from comfortable and cozy rooms to luxurious and elegant all depending upon your tastes.

Pas De la Casa

Next we take a look at Pas De la Casa located right at the French border. With their free style park and cross park for snow boarders this has become a hot spot for snow boarders. At night time you can check out one of their night clubs or just go for a walk while taking in some of the ambiance of the beautiful atmosphere. There are several types of accommodations for snow boarders. There are small, simple rooms for those on a budget or more elaborate rooms featuring amenities such as room service.

St Anton, Austria

Our third location is St. Anton which features some of the best snowboarding terrain in all Austria. Everyone from those just starting out to seasoned snowboarders seem to enjoy the boarding St. Anton has to offer. You will enjoy the miles of snow covered terrain while at night you can check out the friendly locals by grabbing dinner and checking some of the local musicians. St. Anton has several places for its tourists to stay at. You can stay at a cozy room at a hotel or a charming bed and breakfast. There is something for everyone in St. Anton.

Skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria

Lastly we take a look at Bansko Bulgaria. Bansko is a great place for beginners with their unique terrain, great lifts and great amounts of snow. After a day filled with snow boarding you can head down to a local karaoke bar or have a quiet dinner at one of their quaint restaurants. There is a plethora of hotels and holiday apartments you can stay at in Bansko. If you can reserve a room or suite with a view of the mountains as it is truly breathtaking.