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Winter's almost here. Why not trade the routine holiday for an exciting adventure at some of the world's greatest ski destinations?
Enjoy the peaks, majestic valleys and magnificent lakes. Take in the amazing views of the snow while sipping hot cocoa. Emirates Holidays offers tempting options to help you get started.
Italy
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the 12 resorts that belongs to the European Association of Best of the Alps. Located close to the Austrian border, Cortina boasts of a rich historical background that dates back almost a thousand years.
Nestled between the majestic Dolomites and forests, it is a destination that offers something for everyone. Cortina has numerous ski slopes that are enough to tempt beginners and challenging enough to entice even the most adventurous types. Dubbed the "Queen of the Dolomites", Cortina offers a natural and unspoilt environment amid a mélange of shops and restaurants. There are also cinema halls and a floodlit ice-rink. The lively nightlife is sure to impress all night birds.
Additional resorts to visit: Sestriere.
Austria
Because of its great location on the Alps, Austria has long been a leading destination for winter sports. With a wide array of Alpine villages and traditional wooden houses complemented by the cosy ambience of numerous cafés and restaurants, visitors are sure to find their perfect winter wonderland.
Zell Am See lakeside town, in the heart of the Europa Sport Region, offers avid skiers and beginners magnificent ski runs and hiking trails. With superb views of Lake Zell, the resort town has grown to become one of the most popular ski destinations. However, the endless crowds that flock here annually do not take away from the place. Instead, the town offers a balance between enjoyable activities and opportunities to peacefully enjoy its picturesque views.
Additional resorts to visit: Seefeld, Kitzbuhel and Lech/Zurs.
Canada
With a wide-open ski terrain complemented by unique scenery, Canada is truly a skier's paradise. Lake Louise, situated in the historic Banff National Park, is said to be one of the largest ski areas in North America and offers world-class ski grounds.
With an annual snowfall averaging 30 feet and countless chutes, glade and gullies, the resort attracts visitors from all over the world. Sunshine Village is spread across 3,000 acres on three mountains, allowing ski buffs and winter buffs the opportunity to experience ice walking in canyons, ice fishing, Heli-skiing and back-country snowboarding, among other activities. After an adventurous day, relax in the hot mineral springs.
Additional resorts to visit: Whistler Blackcomb.
Lebanon
Faraya-Mzaar, a winter resort located just 20 minutes from Beirut, offers fantastic views of snow-covered peaks and the Mediterranean. Situated at an altitude of 2,465 metres, this locale has bountiful ski slopes and a handful of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
The resort has enjoyed a steady increase in popularity by catering to snowmobilers, skiers, paragliding enthusiasts and hikers. Here, visitors are spoilt for choice and can choose to go skiing or take a dip in the sea for a well-rounded experience. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely strolls, go cross-country skiing, hop on fun sleigh rides or even choose to go horse riding.
Additional resorts to visit: Après Ski.
France
The fresh mountain air and endless ski slopes make Courchevel a must-visit winter spot. Courchevel is set in a national park surrounded by dense forests and alluring snowfields. It is also the largest resort in the well-known Three Valley's region.
Imagine yourself in a traditional wooden building with slate roofs and nothing but the warmth of a fire to welcome you in. With trendy refreshment corners and cosy restaurants, visitors will not be struggling to find an activity to indulge in during their free time.
With some of the steepest slopes in Europe on offer, it is no wonder some of the world's most avid skiers flock to this destination each year.
Additional resorts to visit: Val' Isere.
Switzerland
Situated 5,624 feet above sea level in the middle of the Engadine Valley and surrounded by mountains on either side, St Moritz is one of the most popular winter destinations. The resort's cosmopolitan style and atmosphere even led to designer names such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Bulgari and Cartier to open outlets here, making it an exclusive haven for both sports and shopping enthusiasts.
Furthermore, as the setting for two Winter Olympic Games and the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2003, the name St Moritz, meaning 'on top of the world', proves to be quite fitting. With Italian and German influences, this cross-cultural resort also offers non-skiing activities amid stunning natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere.
Additional places to visit: Zermatt, Interlaken and Davos.
Go there...From the UAE: Emirates flights
From Dubai
Zell am See, Austria
Airport: Vienna
Fare: Dh2,780
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Airport: Venice
Fare: Dh3,830
St Moritz, Switzerland
Airport: Zurich
Fare: Dh2,980
Faraya - Mzaar, Lebanon
Airport: Beirut
Fare: Dh1,700
Courchevel, France
Airport: Paris
Fare: Dh3,650
Airport: Nice
Fare: Dh3,860
Lake Louise, Canada
Airport: Toronto
Fare: Dh3,570
From the UAE
Zell am See, Austria
From Dubai
Airport: Vienna
Austrian airlines flies daily.
Fare: Dh2,610
St Moritz, Switzerland
From Dubai
Airport: Zurich
Swiss International Airways flies daily. Fare: Dh3,080
Faraya - Mzaar, Lebanon
From Dubai
Airport: Beirut
Middle East Airlines flies daily.
Fare: Dh1,650
From Abu Dhabi:
Etihad flies daily.
Fare: Dh1,410
Courchevel, France
From Dubai
Airport: Lyon
Air France flies daily via Paris.
Fare: Dh4,590
From Abu Dhabi
Airport: Geneva
Etihad flies four times a week.
Fare: Dh2,470
Lake Louise, Canada
From Dubai
Airport: Calgary
Lufthansa flies daily via Frankfurt. Fare: Dh6,420
British Airways and Air Canada fly daily via London.
Fare: Dh5,110
— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata. Ph: 04 3166160
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