Monday, July 3, 2017

LAAX in Switzerland

LAAX in Switzerland

LAAX in Switzerland stands over 30 000 feet high, with skiing and snowboarding facilities that suit everyone’s needs – from beginners to world champions. LAAX has hosted all the big events in snowboarding and skiing, welcoming thousands of tourists from around the globe each week. LAAX was one of the first major skiing locations to get on the map, when in the 70s skiing holidays started to rise in popularity for western travelers - LAAX was right their, waiting to ride the wave. Millions of visitors later, LAAX are renowned for their 3rd slalom known only as “Death Mountain” by some. With glaring views down the steep, tangling mountain-side it is no wonder “Death Mountain” scares even the most resilient of skier.

With excellent facilities for everyone LAAX recently hosted the snowboarding world open, in which over 10,000 people took part from 60 countries around the world. An interesting element of this was that over 100 entries came from south Asia and Africa showing the rise of the sport, and the exposure of the location on a global scale. LAAX was voted number 1 skiing location around the world, by “Ski Press Magazine” that also notes LAAX as having the third best Snowboarding facilities and, as being the best new comer to Freestyle snowboarding. The popularity of LAAX, has also lead to continued investment from the company operating the slope, building an amazing ski lift that can handle weights of over 80 tonnes as it climbs 30 000 feet up the mountain face. The ski lift’s unique attribute is its balancing technology that allows the ski lift to carry massive amounts of weight disproportionately whilst keeping a balanced angle and speed.

The popularity of LAAX is not just shared by avid skiers and snowboarders. Top music names and DJs also come to LAAX to experience the amazing events first hand. With the rise of snowboarding many of these musicians feel they can appeal to a certain audience out on the slopes, especially under the cover of darkness, with only flood lights keeping the mountains alive. The DJs provide entertainment as the crowd snowboard and ski into the morning sunlight. The views and the experience are utterly amazing, and are a sure way to ensure top class entertainment for the young travelers who visit LAAX.

However it is not only the night-time DJ sets and fireworks that sparkle for the young skiers; there are also plenty of locations tailored to their needs off the slopes as well. With local pubs, clubs and even swimming pools the young ones are sure to enjoy themselves off the snowy mountains of LAAX. Despite being an amazing location for younger skiers the location also appeals to those who have never been skiing before. They have multi-lingual training facilities and indoor centres where they train first-time skiers up before taking them to the slopes. They also have amazing training facilities for advanced skiers, facilities that would undoubtedly be used by the world’s top skiers and snowboarders at the world events that are held at the slope almost every year.

 The local hotels and accommodation are amazing because unlike most skiing locations, they don’t limit the skiers and snowboarders to a single choice. There are youth hostels that are perfect for those looking to ski on the cheap; there are 5 star hotels for those looking to live the lap-of-luxury and there are many options in between. LAAX is home to more than just pubs, clubs and swimming pools, with banks and supermarkets also at realistic walking distance. LAAX is said to be at its peak during August, however this is said to be true for most of Europe’s top, skiing locations. That is why it is advisable to find a quieter time to visit, preferably a short time following the busy spell. The great thing about coming after the peak is that you are able to come for around half the price of another time of the year.

Skiing in Andorra

The Pyrenees Mountains are located across the border between France and Spain.  Also on this border is the tiny principality of Andorra, as small country that’s skiing crazy!  With two prominent world class ski resorts, Andorra is an excellent place to escape it all; a relaxing, picturesque, quaint place, with mountain views to take your breath away.  And because it is so near France, you can always make a stop off in Andorra for a day or two on another European ski break.

Andorra is situated itself across the Pyrenees, and has a long and protracted dalliance with snow sports.  Since the installation of their first ski lift in 1956, Andorra has been a great ski resort, and a great vacation for the hundreds of thousands of ski tourists who have wisely chosen to visit. For minimal fee, you can experience the wonder of skiing in Andorra, and enjoy the surprising depth of culture Andorra holds so dear.

The Grandvalira resort is situated high in the Pyrenees mountain range, and benefits from astonishing snow coverage.  It is the product of a commercial merger between two of Andorra’s premium ski resorts, and is now of a size and scale to compete with the big resorts north of the border in France.  Grandvalira boasts an impressive 193 ski runs, with 66 mechanised ski lifts, making it a resort to be reckoned with on a truly European scale.  Additionally, it boasts an impressive training school, over seven separate centres with 450 of Europe’s top skiing and snow boarding instructors.  With a wealth of experience, the Grandvalira skiing school has an international reputation, and has achieved a high degree of success on an international level.  Additionally, Grandvalira benefits from an adventure activity centre, and a variety of world class restaurant and bar areas, making it a truly amazing resort, and a great place to spend a vacation with your family or with your friends.  With such a friendly atmosphere, you will feel right at home in the heart of Andorra and the Pyrenees, yet still feel out of the way of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Another of Andorra’s most famous resorts is the Vallnord resort.  Ideally catering for all ages and abilities, the Vallnord resort offers a challenge for expert skiers, whilst still enabling beginners to have a great time.  Additionally, the Vallnord is more than well equipped for a family holiday, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy.  A slightly smaller resort, it benefits from 30 mechanised ski lifts handling around seventeen thousand skiers every hour, and over 50 different slopes.  It also offers a diverse range of complimentary activities, including other snow sports and even helicopter rides!  Along side this, you’ve got two training schools with over two hundred staff working hard to help hone your skills.  With this much talent and effort, you’re sure to really benefit, and guaranteed to have a great vacation.

An excellent way to save money on a trip to Andorra is to consider a coach trip.  Coach trips through Europe are excellent ways to see a different continent, and to experience first hand the amazing scenery these countries are blessed with, as well as saving a great deal of money whilst you’re at it.  In addition to that, you can find some great package deals that stop off at various skiing locations around central Europe, giving you a chance to experience a variety and depth of skiing conditions on your break.  Whatever coach tour you choose, it is worth remembering that you’re going to have to travel for a good number of hours, although once you get there, everything is fairly proximate, allowing you to experience different cultures and peoples without too much hassle.

Whatever your needs for a skiing vacation, Andorra is certainly a great location to choose.  With such variety crammed into such a small geographic area, you can really experience world class skiing without having to pay through the nose.

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