From the alpine vistas of Zermatt in Switzerland to the snow-covered landscapes of Austria's Kitzbühel and all the way to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains backdrop of Aspen, Colorado, down to Sostriere in Italy and Faraya-Mzaar in Lebanon — 15 ski resorts across six countries have been chosen for a broad winter experience by Emirates Holidays. Whether you are a seasoned ski enthusiast or looking to enjoy a white winter, Emirates Holidays provides an extensive choice of flexible and tailor-made packages designed specifically to help travellers make the most of their holiday. Here are a few of the places they offer.
Winter cities
St Moritz, Switzerland: Located 1,856 metres above sea level and on a lake shore, St Moritz offers an attractive mix of nature, culture, sports, activity and tranquillity. It is considered the birthplace of alpine winter tourism and sport (having hosted two Winter Olympic Games) and offers on an average 322 sunny days a year. Combined with the Upper Engadin Lake landscape and valley culture, it offers an array of attractions that are unique in quality and diversity.
Places of interest: Leaning Tower, Heidi Hut, Chesa Futura, St Moritz Olympic ski jump, Seganini Museum and horse racing on the frozen lake.
Zermatt, Switzerland: At the end of the 30-kilometre-long Nikolaital lies Zermatt, the village at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. It epitomises the image of Switzerland: high-alpine, awe-inspiring and original. Almost one third of the 4,000-metre mountains in the Alps are grouped around this word-famous health resort, which has been visited by mountaineers from all around the world since the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The hotels and restaurants are world-class and the ski area is not only the highest in the Alps, it is also one of the best developed and most convenient in the world, ensuring thrilling sporting experiences on the steepest slopes — 365 days a year. The climate is of an excellent quality: with 300 sunny days a year.
Places of interest: Matterhorn Museum, Glacier palace, cheese dairy, helicopter rides over the Alps, the Gletschergarten Dossen or glacier garden, skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, snowboarding and ice climbing, among others.
Interlaken, Switzerland: Interlaken is the country's oldest and most popular tourist destination, with loads of fun activities and gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps. It is the perfect location for a winter holiday, nestled below towering peaks of the Eiger, Monch and the mighty Jungfrau, and surrounded by the lakes Thun and Brienz.
From the traditional Christmas markets to the New Year's Eve fireworks display, winter is a time for celebration in Interlaken. Take a cog wheel rail ride to the "Top of Europe", toboggan down the Jungfrau or just enjoy the town's charm.
Places of interest: World's longest sledge run from Faulhorn down to Grindelwald, starlit sledging on Niederhorn, visits to the cheese farm and chocolate factory, Gerby Gallery, Mystery Theme Park, snowmobiling, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and cruise on Lake Thun or Brienz and a visit to Heidi's home Grindelwald.
Innsbruck, Austria: Experience winter in a charming alpine city offering a spectacular playground among soaring snow-clad mountains. Learn about history and culture, indulge in shopping or enjoy a ride in a gondola or on the funicular lift to the top of the mountains from the centre of the city. Or stroll down the ancient cobbled streets filled with hearty restaurants and shops. The capital Tyrol offers a medieval splendour and entertainment.
Places of interest: Goldenes Dachl, the golden roof, Imperial Court and Imperial Church, Old Town, Maria-Theresien shopping street, Triumphforte, Swarovski Crystal World, Nord-kettenbahn funicular railway and Axamer Lizum, Innsbruck's local ski resort.
Kitzbühel, Austria: Kitzbühel conjures images of beautiful snow-covered landscapes with the majestic backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser, Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm. The natural winter surroundings of the icy Lake Schwarzsee glistening in the sun, coupled with cold air and a crackling open fire offers much more for your winter holiday. In the heart of the Alps, this charming town combines tradition with luxury in charming guesthouses, each with a character of its own. A variety of gourmet restaurants are available, apart from the local festive markets selling traditional arts and craft.
Places of interest: 3S Aerial Tramway, which has the highest span in the world, Aquarena Centre and Cable Car Museum. Schaubergwerk "Kupferplatte" (Copper Mine Museum) in Jochberg and Wildlife Park in Aurach.
Snowmass Village, Colorado: Snowmass Village is like the quiet, unpretentious neighbour who turns out to be vivacious upon closer acquaintance. Within this town resides the second-largest ski mountain in Colorado, offering nearly 240 kilometres of trails. Surrounded by a spectacular wilderness area, Snowmass also connects to the largest network of free groomed Nordic with the longest lift-served vertical rise in the US, of 1,343 metres. Glimpse the awesome splendour of Mount Daly and delve into ranching history and boutiques and restaurants.
Sestriere, Italy: Sestriere is an alpine village in Turin. It is a popular skiing resort and, together with the villages of Pragelato, Claviere, Sauze d'Oulx, Cesana Torinese and San Sicario, and Montgenèvre in France, makes up the Via Lattea (Milky Way) skiing area. Sestriere is connected to 146 skiable pistes, for a total of up to 400 kilometres of trails, of which 120 are provided with artificial snow. Sestriere is also one of the few facilities where it is possible to ski at night on a floodlit run. It regularly hosts Alpine Ski World Cup events. In the summertime, it is possible to play golf on Europe's highest 18-hole course.
Places of interest: A unique indoor pool, outdoor pool with connection to three lanes where you can work out and swim in summer and in winter; an 18-hole golf course, a natural lake fully equipped for fishing, mountain biking. The church by S. Edward, an example of modern architecture.
Faraya-Mzaar, Lebanon: The first snow usually descends in September at the highest peak of Mount Lebanon, the Cornet Es Saudat, which is right above the Cedars ski resort. By January, the snowline goes down to 1,200 metres, with snowfall often continuing at higher elevations until March. The skiing season at Faraya Mzaar ski resort usually spans from the end of December until the beginning of April.
The Faraya Mzaar ski resort is situated just above the village of Ouyoune El Simane in the Kfardebian area of Mount Lebanon. The area's connected skiing domains boast more than 80 kilometres of ski runs and they have a capacity of handling about 20,000 skiers per hour. There are also 18 ski lifts and ten snow grooming machines servicing the slopes.
Know the prices
Zermatt: Starting from Dh5,974 per person, including economy air fare (Dubai-Zurich-Dubai), seven nights' accommodation on twin-sharing basis includes breakfast, room tax and service charges. Additionally, children born in 2001 and after ski for free. Each Sunday, children up to 16 years of age ski free and have free entry to the Glacier Palace.
Kitzbuhel: Rates from Dh6,109 per person on twin-sharing accommodation. This also includes economy air fare (Dubai-Munich-Dubai), seven nights' accommodation on half-board basis, room tax and service charges. Valid up to April 2, 2011.
Innsbruck: Rates start from Dh3,562 and include economy-class air fare (Dubai-Munich-Dubai) and three nights' accommodation with breakfast, room tax and service charges. Price is per person based on twin-sharing accommodation. Valid until March 31, 2011.
Skywards members booking their winter holiday will receive up to 20 per cent bonus miles when they book hotel accommodation for a minimum of three nights.
Comprehensive insurance can also be provided by Emirates Holidays through Ski-Guard, a specialist winter sports travel insurance company that offers a wide range of benefits covering almost any eventuality, including lost equipment, airport delays, cancellation and medical expenses. In the event of piste closure, Ski-Guard covers transportation to the nearest available alternative. It also provides avalanche cover.
Travellers can book their winter holiday packages with Emirates Holidays through preferred travel agents or directly with Emirates Holidays on 800 5252 or through www.emirates-holidays.com/ski
