Summer Snowshine – Cool Ski Holidays
Can’t wait until next winter to go skiing again? Then head to the southern hemisphere this summer to experience glistening, beautiful snow in breathtaking locations. There’s something magical about landing in the snow when it’s summer back home, and the beautiful, postcard-style scenery can provide some incredible experiences for first-time skiers or old hands.
Snow holidays give a new dimension to traditional resort vacations. Normally, one might expect to hit the beach on a break rather than hitting the slopes, but spending summer in an Argentinean winter makes for an unforgettable holiday. Not only is it a chance to enjoy a stunning country with striking views and culture, but it also provides excellent skiing opportunities. Skiing in Argentina means the Andes, the world’s longest exposed mountain range, are your playground. The highest point of these amazing mountains is the Aconcagua, which reaches for the sky from its base in Argentina itself. The ski resort Cerro Catedral has over 100km of pistes (groomed ski areas) and the idyllic scenery is also perfect for hikers.
On the other side of the Andes lies another location where many people head for snow holidays. Skiing in Chile is an exciting prospect and the Portillo ski resort offers exclusive scenery stretching for miles across the famous mountain range. Portillo’s reputation for the best powder snow means that it has become one of the main locations professional skiers go to train during summer. The resort is in a tranquil setting, beside a beautiful lake, which also offers relatively low cost heli-skiing opportunities. Heli-skiing allows skiers access to specific locations chosen for their pleasurable conditions such as powder snow, long descents and natural contours on the terrain.
Half a world away, Queenstown in New Zealand offers peaks that reach into the heavens and skiing for all levels. Skiing in New Zealand means a chance to immerse yourself in an incredible country with a rich culture on one of the most memorable ski or snowboard holidays you’ll have. The stunning slopes on the mountains around Queenstown provide magnificent skiing for people looking for both heart-pounding heights and more relaxed learner’s courses.
If you are taking a southern hemisphere ski holiday you may also take the opportunity to connect with other trips. Many destinations offer a chance to add another location and experience two incredible places in one trip. South American skiers can add a taste of the sun in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro or the USA, meaning they’ll get to enjoy both extremes of weather in a short period of time. Returning from New Zealand you may also visit North America, but you can also chose from a wide range of tropical destinations across the Far East..
Summer ski holidays are exciting, novel and an excellent way to have a great holiday while staying fit, too. There are plenty of places to visit, and many sights to be taken in. Many resorts also boast a great nightlife, known as après ski (after skiing) which can be pubs and clubs or quiet bars and restaurants. It’s always a good idea to check what your resort has to offer before booking so you’ll know you’re going to have a great time on the slopes and off.