Seventh Heaven – Seven once-in-a-lifetime holidays, with Ski Safari
A skiing holiday doesn’t have to be about the skiing alone. With more than two decades of experience, Ski Safari has created a selection of once-in-a-lifetime itineraries for winter sports enthusiasts. Combining whale watching with exploring Whistler in Canada or journeying to see the Northern Lights before skiing as a family in Trysil, Norway are just two of the incredible trips on offer.
Here, Ski Safari selects seven of its most unforgettable trips, each of which offers a diverse range of destinations and adventures for skiers and snowboarders.
NEW: Ski & Aurora Explorer Ski Safari
If you fancy a ski holiday with a twist, then this could be ideal. Ski Safari has come up with a trip that includes one of the best places in the world to see the magical Northern Lights as well as fabulous skiing in Norway’s largest ski resort. Although it’s named ‘Norway’s Best Alpine Resort for Families’, Trysil is also wonderful for groups of friends and couples. Located two hours north of Oslo, Trysil offers effortless blues and flattering reds on wide, open tree-lined slopes, which are perfect for beginners and intermediates who prefer taking it easy. With a long season from November through to late April, Trysil benefits from assured snow conditions and even has a snow guarantee (giving guests the opportunity to re-book their trip, or get their money back if Trysil does not deliver the ski product promised). After five days’ skiing and taking in some of the activities on offer, such as the indoor surf wave at Turistsenter’s Radisson Blu or a sleigh ride into the forest, holidaymakers will take a short flight to the colourful hub of Tromsø, where the Northern Lights beckon. Located between fjords, mountain peaks and islands above the Arctic Circle, this cool, hipster town will be home for three nights. The biggest draw here is the probability of seeing the extraordinary aurora borealis – take a boat cruise on the Aurora Explorer, try the Aurora Safari Minibus or even travel on the Tromsø Cable Car for uninterrupted views of the cityscape. There’s plenty of other not-to-be-missed activities, including the Arctic Cathedral and the Tromsø Safari with the Tromsø Husky Farm.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224 068 www.skisafari.com) Prices start from £1,259 per person (based on two sharing) for an eight-night trip including, accommodation, flights and transfers. Accommodation comprises 5 nights in Trysil and 3 nights in Tromsø on a B&B basis.
Ski & Sun – Whistler & Hawaii
Imagine being able to have the best of both worlds; a sunshine and ski holiday combined. Ski Safari allows keen travellers to do this with its ‘Ski and Sun’ holiday packages: the ultimate holidays contrasting the excitement of a week on the slopes followed by a week relaxing in the sunshine. Offering multiple tailored destinations, such as sightseeing in San Diego, sailing in the Caribbean or surfing in Hawaii, each trip is tailored to the guests’ wants and needs; allowing them to combine multiple snow and sun destinations.
On the Whistler and Hawaii tour, guests will fly in and out of Vancouver and take the short transfer to Whistler where they will spend a week in Canada’s world-class ski resort with the most tremendous ski terrain. There are two fantastic mountains to ski, plus phenomenal heli-skiing and the best après scene in Canada, as well as a huge variety of non-ski activities to keep everyone entertained. After an incredible week, fly to Kahului on the island of Maui. Known as Hawaii’s most romantic island, Maui is a perfect spot for a couple’s retreat. Guests will be able to sample the awesome surfing Maui is famous for, watch humpback whales breaching offshore or simply spend the week relaxing on the beach.
The perfect end to this trip is a city stopover in Vancouver. Sample the great sights this city has to offer before heading home.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224 060 www.skisafari.com Prices start from £3,995 per person for a 16-night trip based on two adults including flights and airport transfers. Accommodation comprises seven nights in 5* Fairmont Chateau Whistler, seven nights in 4+* Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Maui, and one night in 5* Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver.
BC Heli-Ski Safari
Taking in three of British Columbia’s best heli-skiing resorts, Panorama, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, this fly-and-drive ski safari will allow skiers and snowboarders to tackle some of the most challenging terrain in North America.
For those who don’t have a clue what heli-skiing is, it is off-trail, downhill skiing or snowboarding accessed by a helicopter, as opposed to a ski lift; very exclusive.
Starting in Panorama, warm up with some great advanced tree skiing in Taynton Bowl and the new ‘Extreme Dream Zone’ before RK Heliski, who operates from the base of Panorama Mountain resort, take skiers and snowboarders out for a day of action. RK Heliski’s tenure has some of the longest heli-ski runs in Canada, so be prepared to be put to the test. From Panorama, head to Revelstoke, home to strong intermediate to advanced and expert terrain and some of the deepest-recorded snow levels. It is one of the only resorts in the world where you can ski, cat-ski and heli-ski from the same base area and is considered to be the heli-ski mecca of the world. Selkirk Tangiers have been operating for over three decades and have over half a million acres of pristine powder for you to enjoy. The trip comes to a close in Kicking Horse, the most extreme terrain in Canada. This resort has everything you could want and more, steep-alpine bowls, gnarly chutes and tight-tree runs. Get ready for the finale and the most diverse and thrilling heli-skiing session with Purcell Heli-Skiing, amazing terrain in a variety of locations; a wonderful way to end this holiday.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224 060 www.skisafari.com) Prices start from £3,200 pp (for four adults) for a 12-night trip including flights, transfers, hire of an SUV and three days of heli-skiing or heli-boarding. Accommodation comprises 4* Upper Village Condos, Panorama, 3* Sandman Inn, Revelstoke and 3* Ramada Inn, in Golden near Kicking Horse on a room only basis.
Heli-skiing in the Arctic
For those short on time and wanting to escape to the wilderness, look no further than heli-skiing in the Arctic, a perfect solution to access heli-ski terrain close to home as large as the Netherlands. Explore the Arctic Circle’s wilderness from Riksgränsen, the world’s northernmost ski destination. All the necessary equipment will be provided and flying time to the ski area takes between 20 and 40 minutes – group size and weather conditions determine which area is accessed and helicopters work on rotation to minimise waiting time between each drop. The helicopter acts as your private lift and a certified mountain guide will be on board, ensuring clients find the best fall line for each drop in the vast mountains; this is nothing short of an incredible experience.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224 068 www.skisafari.com) Prices start from £755 pp (2 sharing) for a seven-night trip including flights and transfers. Accommodation comprises a Skier’s Room at 3*+ Riksgränsen Hotel in Riksgränsen. Heli-skiing costs from £320 pp for three drops.
NEW Little Nell Cat-Ski Experience
Aspen aficionados hanker after a spot on the Little Nell Powder Cat, the experience exclusive to guests of the Little Nell, the Limelight Hotel in Aspen and the Limelight Hotel Snowmass, all three offering luxury and a vibrant atmosphere. In other words they are the places to be!.
Stay at any of these three hotels for a fun and flavourful powder day on the much sought-after Little Nell Powder Cat. Each cat-ski day provides 10-12 untracked runs on beautifully pristine powder in mostly intermediate, with some expert, terrain. You’ll be treated to a gourmet late lunch at a secluded stove-heated wood cabin in the heart of the Elk Mountains. This is not your average cat-ski experience as the delicious food is paired perfectly with fine wines from around the world specially bottled for Little Nell’s restaurant, Element 47 and the cabin even comes complete with a complimentary chair massage therapist, who will help soothe aching muscles after your backcountry fun – what more could you want? This is a very special winter adventure for skiing enthusiasts who love the idea of getting stuck into backcountry terrain with added luxurious creature comforts along the way.
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224060, www.skisafari.com) Prices from £2,095 pp (2 sharing) for a seven-night trip including flights and transfers. Accommodation comprises the 5* Limelight Hotel Snowmass on a B&B basis. Cat-skiing costs from £475 pp for one day.
Ultimate Japan Ski Safari
With a reputation for an experience unlike any other, Japan continues to lure skiers to Asia. Ski Safari is offering the ultimate ski trip here which combines skiing on both the mainland Honshu as well as in its north island Hokkaido for this once in a lifetime encounter of phenomenal powder, fabulous food and captivating culture. This thrilling itinerary includes a few days skiing in Nozawa Onsen to take advantage of its great intermediate terrain and advanced tree skiing, its ancient unspoilt village with hot springs, traditional ryokan accommodation and the amazing selection of restaurants. Two days in Kyoto, temple capital of the world and Japan’s most popular and beautiful city. Four days in Niseko, Japan’s largest and best-known resort with its incredible powder and the best backcountry in Japan with vast and varied tree skiing. Renowned for its record snowfall and beautiful volcanic backdrops, Hokkaido – Japan’s largest and least developed island – is an ideal place for a once in a lifetime trip.
The last stop of the trip is Tokyo for a final blast of culture and shopping, Visit the legendary Tsukiji fish market, the Akihabara electronic district, or explore Asakusa and its ancient temple. There is something for everyone in Tokyo
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224067, www.skisafari.com ). The 14-night Ultimate Japan Ski Safari costs from £2,645 pp (two sharing) and includes return direct international flights, internal flights, accommodation on B&B basis. Accommodation comprises 4* The Green Leaf, Niseko, 4* Tokiwaya Ryokan in Nozawa Onsen, 4* Hotel Granvia in Kyoto and 3* Shiba Park Hotel, Tokyo.
Yellowstone Ski Safari
Designed with the word ‘iconic’ in mind, think vast terrain, legendary couloirs and wintery wilderness. This trip combines two of the best ski resorts in North America, including the cult-classic Jackson Hole, with America’s oldest national park of Yellowstone, meaning guests have the opportunity to tick two life-dreams from the bucket-list.
Beginning in Big Sky, enjoy exploring one of America’s biggest resorts before heading towards Yellowstone National Park. During your stay in West Yellowstone, take the snow coach or snowmobile tour and you will see buffalo, moose and elk and visit world famous geo-thermal geysers. En route to Jackson Hole, stop in the quiet resort of Grand Targhee. Set in the foothills of the Grand Teton Mountains, Grand Targhee receives more than 12 metres of snow each year. And in Jackson Hole, enjoy the insanely steep couloirs, infectious cowboy vibe and local wildlife.
A great way to take on a multi-resort ski safari like this is with an Ikon Pass, North America’s brand-new season pass product. There are two passes available, providing access to 26 destinations in the USA and Canada. Starting at just £496 per adult, the Ikon Base Pass makes previously costly combinations of resorts affordable (saving up to £350 compared to buying individual tickets at each resort).
How much? Ski Safari (01273 224060, www.skisafari.com) Prices start from £2,050 pp (based on 4 adults) including flights and SUV hire. Accommodation comprises 3* The Lodge at Big Sky, Three Bears Lodge, West Yellowstone, 3* Teewinot Lodge, Grand Targhee and 3*+ Parkway Inn, Jackson Hole.