Improve your skiing this season, with Ski Safari

Celebrating 20 years of incredible tailor-made skiing holidays, the team at Ski Safari is well-versed when it comes to recommending resorts based on a skier’s ability.

Every member of the team is passionate about snow sports, and the three resorts mentioned below are ideal for budding enthusiasts keen to make the transition from snowploughing down green slopes to carving around red runs, and even summoning up the courage to try a black (or ungroomed) piste.

Whether it be Åre in Sweden, Hemsedal in Norway or Laax in Switzerland, each is a perfect destination for practising and progressing on the journey to become a pro.

Åre, Sweden
With more than 1,000 acres of terrain, Åre (pronounced aura) is a world-class resort. Åre’s main ski area has lots of variety: the rolling slopes in Duved are excellent for intermediates and there is some great off-piste to be had with a guide. Because the main slopes are floodlit until 8 pm, guests can keep practising their turns into the evening. Plus, brand new this season, a new generation of smart cameras have been set up in Åre. Linked to the individual’s ski pass, the cameras will automatically film skiers and snowboarders trying different stunts before uploading the footage onto their personal profile; the footage can then be shared via social media. For those wanting a break from skiing, there are zip wires, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and husky dog sledding available, and even a visit to a chocolate factory. Known as “little Stockholm” because of its variety and quality of restaurants, Åre offers visitors first-class dining. Those after a high-end experience should book a table at Supper, which offers delicious South American inspired dishes, and can cater for gluten-free diets too.
A week’s stay at 4* Hotel Fjällgården includes return flights (from London), breakfast and transfers or car hire. Trip departs 15 January 2017. (Book by 15 November 2016.) For more information, visit www.skisafari.com/sweden/are or call 01273 224068.

Hemsedal, Norway
Situated in a beautiful valley, the accessible off-piste is Hemsedal’s biggest trump card, especially for those new to ungroomed skiing: the forgiving terrain helps to build confidence, and it’s easy to nip back onto the pistes. The slopes all lead down to the same point, making it easy to meet up with friends or family who are progressing at different speeds. For more slopes (that are noticeably quiet), head to the nearby resort of Solheisen, which is covered by the same lift pass. Hemsedal is renowned for its après-ski scene, or After Ski as the Norwegians call it. Discover a wonderful array of musicians and DJs in the many bars, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere in one of the many restaurants.
A five-night stay at 4* Alpin Lodge includes return flights (from London) and transfers or car hire. Trip departs 12 March 2017. (Book by 15 November 2016.) For more information, visit www.skisafari.com/norway/hemsedal or call 01273 224068.

Laax, Switzerland
Laax is a mountain made for progression and pushing your skiing or boarding to the next level. The ski school operates from both Laax and Flims, each equipped with their own rental shops, Snow Wonderland and crèche. Kids up to four-years old are well catered for with programmes split to involve both time on the mountain and play in the crèche.
Most skiers and boarders will progress quickly to the higher slopes, sitting above 2,000 metres – so beginners are not at the mercy of low altitude slopes melting in the spring sun. The Crap Sogn Gion slopes provide a gentle learning area, with a selection of rolling blues serviced by high-speed lifts. More adventurous skiers can head to the furthest end of the resort where the Porsche lift provides access to a huge open face of freeride terrain.
Also famous for freestyle and home to the world’s largest half pipe, Laax has recently opened its Freestyle Academy, the first indoor base of its kind in Europe. Courses combine time on the trampolines and indoor kickers, before progressing to the mountain to use those newly acquired skills. After an invigorating day, relax with an après drink at the Rocks Lounge or the Indy Bar. Alternatively, treat yourself to delicious cheese fondue at Tegia Larnags.
A week’s stay at 4*+ Peaks Place includes return flights (from London) and transfers or car hire. Trip departs on 22 January 2017. (Book by 21 November 2016.) For more information, visit www.skisafari.com/switzerland/laax or call 01273 224062.

For more information Ski Safari (01273 224060, www.skisafari.com).