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Ski Resorts in the Alps With the Most Black Runs

Do you consider yourself an expert skier on the hunt for the biggest and best black runs in the Alps?  Well, if you’re an adrenaline junky and on the search for black piste skiing, you’ll be happy to know we’ve put together a list of ski resorts in the Alps with the most black ski pistes.  You might find information elsewhere describing different black runs at resorts, however, we’ve put together a list of ski resorts that give you multiple heart-stopping black ski runs!

Sestriere, Italy

Resort Altitude: 2035m
Airport Distance: Turin Airport to Sestriere transfer is around 1.5 hours

 

The Milky Way ski area is home to some of the best resorts in Italy and Sestriere is arguably the best resort in the area.  The whole ski area offers a rather impressive 933km of downhill skiing.  It is recommended you purchase a ski pass which gives you access to all the resorts in the Milky Way (Claviere, Montgenevre, Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx), then you can really benefit from the 114 black pistes in the area.  For those wanting a difficult challenge, the top of Sises and Motta is the place for you.  In particular, Mount Sises World Cup and World Championships slalom run is the ultimate test for expert skiers.

Solden, Austria

Resort Altitude: 2000m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Solden transfer is around 1 hour.

 

‘Think big, think Solden’ is the slogan for this Austrian ski resort.  That not only applies to the sheer size of this Oetztal Valley resort but also its terrain and infamous nightlife.  Solden has brilliant snow reliability and 31% of its runs are catered for advanced skiers.  Solden is home to the Alpine Ski World Cup and if you fancy yourself, test your ability on the Black World Cup race piste, a piste as difficult as any in the area.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Resort Altitude: 1620m
Airport Distance: Sion Airport to Zermatt transfer is around 1.5 hours

As one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland, you would certainly expect some of the best skiing around, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Zermatt.  The resort is home to one of the largest interlinked ski lift areas in the world, this even includes an underground railway (giving you an idea of the sheer size of the ski area), with one section offering the option to ski into the Italian resorts of Valtournenche and Cervinia.  The Triftji black run is a must for any of you expert skiers wanting to challenge yourselves.

Alpbach, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1000m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Alpbach transfer is around 1 hour

©Navin (www.flickr.com/photos/navink/8509769711/)

Alpbach is linked with six other resorts being a part of the Ski Jewel Alpbachtal Wildschönau area, giving skiers and snowboarders over 140km of pistes to explore.  If you’re an expert skier on the hunt for black pistes, you have the choice of 18 while you’re in Alpbach, including off-pistes with tree-lined powder.  For those extra adventurous skiers, get yourself to the most challenging route at the top of Gmahkopf.

Lech, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1450m
Airport Distance: Innsbruck Airport to Lech transfer is around 1.5 hours

©Steve Jurvetson (www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/40055919405/)

Plenty of people would argue that Lech is one of the best ski resorts in Austria and certainly for expert skiers.  You’ll find this resort in the Arlberg ski area.  Expert skiers will find themselves spoilt for choice, there’s plenty of choices when it comes to risky off-piste trails and difficult black runs.  For skiers who are really up for a challenge and a fun, bumpy ride, head for Kiregerhorn with its range of bumps and moguls.

Les Arcs, France

Resort Altitude: 1950m -2000m
Airport Distance: Chambery, Lyon and Geneva Airport to Les Arcs transfer is around 2-3 hours

©Julien Menichini (www.flickr.com/photos/jul/5042560538/)

Located in the gigantic Paradiski area in France, Les Arcs is made up of several areas.  However, the area we’re concentrating on is Les Arcs 2000.  This resort offers the best expert skiing you’ll find around the area, with a tonne of challenging black runs for you to choose from.  If you’re brave enough, head straight to Robert Blanc, which is the steepest run.  This run heads directly down the northwest face of Aiguille Rouge.

Alpe d’Huez, France

Resort Altitude: 1860m
Airport to Ski Resort: Grenoble and Lyon Airport to Alpe d’Huez transfer is around 2 hours

Alpe d’Huez is part of the infamous Grand Domaine ski area in France.  The resort offers 369km of downhill skiing, there’s plenty here for beginners and intermediates, but the black runs is what we’re interested in here.  Alpe d’Huez is arguably one of the best ski resorts in France for challenging black runs.  Pit Blanc is the highest peak of the Grandes Rousses Massif, with a vertical face of 2330m.  It’s here that you will discover exciting and long descents, including the longest black run in the world, Sranne, which spans over 16km.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”Heading to any of these resorts this winter? Don’t forget to book your hassle-free transfer!” style=”flat” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Click here to get an instant quote” btn_style=”flat” btn_color=”juicy-pink” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ski-lifts.com|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Most Picturesque Ski Resort in the Alps

It’s not often you find a ski resort in the Alps which isn’t picturesque and jaw-droppingly beautiful.  Where exactly are the most beautiful resorts in the Alps though?  Well, we’ve had the pleasure of putting together a list of 10 of the most picturesque resorts in the Alps.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbuhel town is about as picture perfect as you get, cobble-stoned streets and a charming section of shops and cafes.  Like with many of the beautiful ski resorts in Europe, Kitzbuhel has a reputation for attracting the rich and famous, however, it is possible to find an average-priced apartment as well.  Kitzbuhel town can very well be described as quaint and luxurious, the scenery is soft and naturally beautiful and the slopes are easy-going.

Kitzbuhel draws the crowds during the hair-raising World Cup downhill race, Hahnenkamm.  The snow is doused with water by staff to ensure for a perilous race.  What may come as a surprise is aside from the World Cup, Kitzbuhel caters for skiers of all ability.  In fact, not including the World Cup, Kitzbuhel isn’t scary at all.

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Kitzbuhel transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Lech, Austria

Unlike its lively Austrian neighbour St Anton, Lech enjoys a more laid-back and sophisticated atmosphere, with stunning panoramic views to match.  The town is home to chocolate box chalets, luxury hotels and glamorous restaurants, it’s not hard to see why so many of the worlds rich and famous choose Lech as their ski resort of choice.  That’s not even mentioning the picturesque surroundings.

The 276km worth of pistes ensures there is ample skiing for everyone, due to the excellent links with its neighbours of St Anton and Zurs.

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Lech transfer time is 1.5 hours.

© Photo by João Máximo (www.flickr.com/photos/joaomaximo/379826327/)

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Saas Fee is a stunning traditional Swiss village, which is nestled between 13 towering peaks, reaching a height of 4000m, offering Himalayan-esque views.  One great thing about Saas Fee is that the village centre is traffic-free, apart from electric vehicles.  Solely electric vehicles mean that traffic noise is kept to a minimum.  The narrow streets throughout this Swiss village are crammed with bars, cafes and quaint boutiques.  Here’s a good fact for you, Saas Fee is so picturesque that it was the location for the video for Last Christmas – Wham!

Here’s a good fact for you, Saas Fee is so picturesque that it was the location for the video for Last Christmas – by Wham!

How to get there? Sion Airport to Saas Fee transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Alpbach, Austria

The Tyrolean Alps in Austria bring skiers and snowboarders arriving in their flocks year on year.  The attractive villages, including Alpbach, and exceptional ski areas, keep tourists coming back for more.  The beautiful resort of Alpbach is one of the jewels in Austria’s crown, the superb skiing, picturesque surroundings and high-quality accommodation make this ski resort a true winter wonderland.

Don’t just take our word for it, Alpbach was once voted Austria’s most beautiful village by the Austrians themselves.  Alpbach is linked with 6 other ski resorts in the Ski Jewel area, which homes 145km of pistes and lifts up to 2128m.  It’s here that you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Alpbach Valley peaks, the Ziller Valley and the Rofan Range.  What more could you ask for from one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Austria?

How to get there? Innsbruck Airport to Alpbach transfer time is 1 hour.

Megeve, France

Megeve is a charming traditional style French town, further afield the tree-lined runs are given a backdrop of spectacular views of Mont Blanc.  It’s difficult to name a resort which comes close to the natural beauty of Megeve’s surrounding landscapes.  Megeve is often touted as the French version of Switzerland‘s elegant St. Moritz, so it will come as no surprise that this resort is a playground for the rich and famous from around the world.  The medieval style centre of Megeve is home to many top-of-the-range luxury hotels and chalets.

Megeve is part of the Domaine Evasion Mont Blanc ski area.  The 325km of runs ensure that this ski resort is varied for all levels of ability.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Megeve transfer time is 1.5 hours.

 

Zermatt, Switzerland

The jaw-dropping beauty of Zermatt is clear to see for everyone who’s ever visited this charming traditional Swiss town, which is nestled beneath the magnificent Matterhorn.  Zermatt and the surrounding Valais region is a place that will never fail to charm its guests and locals alike.  The panoramic views, a backdrop of the highest glacier in the Alps and the crystalline landscapes, ensure that Zermatt claims its spot as not only one of the most picturesque resorts in Switzerland and Europe, but in the world.

The skiing in Zermatt matches the scenery, there are 313km of pistes and by far some of the best off-piste you will find in Switzerland, as a result of its height and guaranteed snow.  The lifts are open throughout the majority of the year for glacier skiing.  The village itself is also very charming, with impressive nightlife.  Zermatt really has it all, doesn’t it?

How to get there? Sion Airport to Zermatt transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Cortina, Italy

Known to some as the Queen of the Dolomites, this premier Italian ski resort is often compared to some of its French neighbours like Courchevel and Val d’Isere.  The beauty of the snow-capped Dolomite peaks ensures that Cortina d’Ampezzo claims its spot as one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe.  The naturally beautiful and unique surroundings are clear to see when you arrive, making the perfect backdrop for this charming ski town.  It wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that Cortina’s surroundings include some of the finest mountain scenery in the Alps.

The Apres ski in Cortina ensures non-skiers won’t be hard pushed to enjoy their time in the stunning town.  The ski area itself is packed with well-groomed pistes, ensuring the whole area is great for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

How to get there? Venice Airport to Cortina transfer time is 2 hours.

© Photo by Navin Rajagopalan (www.flickr.com/photos/navin75/5980278228/)

Chamonix, France

Chamonix’s landscape alone is a sight for sore eyes, there are stunning spots everywhere you look, especially with Mont Blanc on the horizon.  Head into the town and you won’t be disappointed, the charming scenery doesn’t end here.  Take for instance St. Michael’s in Place de l’Eglise; the stunning silver spire, stained-glass windows that glimmer in the sun and cream walls to give that clean finish.

There are 30,000 acres of skiable terrain in Chamonix (and the surrounding resorts in Chamonix Valley), so you won’t be pushed to find somewhere new to explore.  The 9,000 strong population of Chamonix town ensure that this beautiful French ski resort is hardly a tranquil setting, however, that can be overlooked when you view Chamonix tremendous setting beneath the tumbling glaciers and cliffs of the Mont Blanc massif.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Chamonix transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Meribel, France

There’s no end to the reasons to love Meribel.  The chalet-style architecture, friendly atmosphere and wooded surroundings are a good start.  The stunning scenery ensures that even its biggest doubters are turned into lovers of Meribel upon arrival.

There are plenty of reasons to love Meribel, not least for its pretty, chalet-style architecture, wooded surroundings and friendly, village atmosphere. But the prime reason is its central position within France’s huge 3-Valleys ski area.

Meribel is part of the famous 3-Valleys ski area.  Meribel is one of the big names in French ski resorts.   The highest lift stands at 3200m, there’s 600km of pistes, an excellent lift system and a great snow record, making Meribel and the 3-Valleys one of the most sought-after destinations in not only France but in Europe as well.

How to get there? Chambery Airport to Meribel transfer time is 1.5 hours.

Les Gets, France

Les Gets lies between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.  There’s not only beautiful scenery all around, but there are also links to the incredibly popular Portes du Soleil ski area.  The town is filled with cosy mountain restaurants, there’s a huge variety of accommodation and if you head here for Christmas, you’ll experience possibly the best Christmas spirit in France.

Les Gets is a ski resort which caters for everyone.  Family, couples and groups alike will find this picturesque resort in France more than enjoyable.

How to get there? Geneva Airport to Les Gets transfer time is 1.5 hours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Get Fit for the Ski Season

Skiing is one tough sport and it’s not unusual for people to get injured on the slopes.  As you may well know, skiing uses a multitude of muscles across your body and is a physically demanding sport.  However, with a few weeks of ski based exercises prior to your ski holiday and performing exercises on your holiday can help you avoid strained muscles and achy joints. 

It’s important to get yourself fit for the ski season and you can do that with these simple get fit for skiing exercises.  These exercises would also work well for getting fit for snowboarding as well.

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Train that Posterior Chain

The muscles in the back of your body, like your; hamstrings, glutes, lower back and lats will power you downhill, keep you stable on uneven terrain and give you the explosive power to navigate over bumps.

To train the posterior chain, work on the following exercises:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Pushing weight overhead
• Alternatively, try this leg busting circuit: 10 squat jumps, 10 lunges on each leg, 20 squats and 10 jumping lunges on each leg.
  

Strengthen Those Core Muscles

Balance is an integral part of skiing.  With a strong core, overall balance comes a lot easier and more natural.  If you want to ski hard and fast and you want your body to be ready for the punishment that moguls or unexpected bumps can bring, you’ll need to focus on core strength.

Best Exercises for Skiing Core Strength

Back Extensions (aka Roman Chair or Superman Table Extensions)

Lie on a table or bench with your hips at the edge and have someone hold your legs while you keep your body horizontal.

Superman

Much like the previous exercise, except that you lie on the floor on your stomach and lift your knees and shoulders off the ground, with your hands stretched out in front of you just like Superman.

Alternate Superman

Get yourself down on all fours and lift your right leg and your left arm so that they form a straight line.  Alternatively, lay on your stomach and lift your leg and arm off the ground.  Hold this position for thirty seconds and then switch sides.  Repeat 3 times and build up to holding for sixty seconds.

Plank

Pretty much the same as holding a push up in the halfway position.  Lay on the floor on your stomach and pull your elbows underneath your shoulders, with your forearms flat on the floor.  Tighten your abs so that your body is straight as it can be, supported by your toes and your elbows.

Choose Cardio

If your alignment is perfect, your body works so efficiently you may get away with a lower level of cardiovascular fitness.  However, for those working on perfect alignment, interval training is the most effective form of cardiovascular training for getting fit for the ski season.

Try cycling or a step machine to make sure you’re working some of those muscles you’ll use when you’re skiing.  Remember to build up slowly, improving your fitness as you go on.

Train Your Body to Move in an Efficient Way

You can become your body’s mechanic by preparing it to move in the most efficient way possible.  Stand in front of the mirror in shorts and position yourself in a skiing position with your feet parallel and check the following:

Knees

Look at how your knees line up.  Draw an imaginary dot in the middle of your knee cap and imagine a vertical line to the floor.  This imaginary line should land in a central position in between your second and third toes.

Pelvis

Check your body from the side. Ensure your bottom is not sticking out too much or tucked in too far.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all know skiing is a tough sport and it can cause havoc on your body.  Nobody wants to spend their skiing holiday nursing an injury because they haven’t prepared properly.  With these exercises to get fit for skiing, you can train your body for the ski season and be more prepared for avoiding a holiday ruining injury.  Prepare for the ski season in the right way with these ski exercises and you’ll be whizzing down the slopes being the most prepared you can be.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Book your hassle-free airport transfer for this ski season” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Get an instant quote” btn_style=”flat” btn_color=”juicy-pink” btn_size=”lg” btn_align=”center” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ski-lifts.com|||”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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The Biggest and Best Luxury Ski Chalets in Courchevel 1850

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Have you ever wondered what €250,000 can you buy you? A Ferrari perhaps?  Or you could stay in one the world’s most spectacular luxury ski chalets in the glamorous resort of Courchevel 1850 in France.

Firefly Collection, the leading ski chalet specialist, has put together their top pick of luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1850.  With a cherry-picked portfolio of the finest luxury ski chalets worldwide, Firefly Collection offers impartial expert advice to help clients find their perfect luxury ski holiday.

Wondering what they are like? Here’s a few of the most spectacular…

Le Petit Palais

As soon as you walk through the door of Le Petit Palais you will be welcomed by a sense of palatial grandeur, true to its name.  Built to the highest of standards, it is effortlessly chic and super-stylish and the list of facilities is endless. The ultra-modern and sleek spa area with; a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and lounge area offers the perfect spot for pampering, whatever time of day.  After spending all day out in the snow, why leave the comfort of your luxury ski chalet when you can do après your way in this chalet’s very own bar and nightclub, complete with its own DJ mixing desk.  To top it off it has a ski-in/ski-out location beside the Bellecôte piste.  We are certain you won’t want to leave.

Chalet Edelweiss

As undoubtedly one of the top ski chalets in the world, you will be hard pushed to find a higher level of service, a better location or a more luxurious property than you will find at Chalet Edelweiss.  Pure indulgence awaits…

For starters, you’ll have a front row seat onto the Bellecôte piste, yet enjoy privacy in the exclusive residence where the chalet is located.  Step inside and you might need a minute to take it all in.   The scale of it is simply breath-taking.  Set over 3000sqm and 7 floors this is a luxury ski chalet of epic proportions – perfect for entertaining.  Take the lift down to the impressive ground floor spa area and you will be greeted with a stunning 14m blue water pool, where floods of light cascade in through a skylight above.  Then take your pick between the hammam, sauna, bar, Jacuzzi or massage room – the choice is yours.

After you’ve whiled away hours in the spa, you might like to settle down with your favourite film in the state of the art cinema, or why not throw a party in the chalet’s own nightclub?

Of course, a chalet of this stature would not be complete without a whole team of staff to cater to your every whim.  It’s like having your very own private hotel for the week.

Shemshack Lodge

Shemshak Lodge is alpine chic at the top of its game.  A top interior designer has given this luxury ski chalet a light and contemporary feel with elegant furnishings and a cool look throughout.  However, what takes this chalet to the next level is its enviable position right on the piste.  Not only does this mean that you can be whizzing down the slopes within minutes of sliding your boots on, but the huge picture windows at Shemshak lodge offer stunning views and the opportunity to watch skiiers glide past as you sit around the cosy fire in the living area.  With a whole floor dedicated to the spa with a superb swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and hammam it would be hard not to succumb to relaxation at this dreamy ski chalet.

Chalet Baltoro

Chalet Baltoro is part of the five star K2 Palace Hotel, this beautiful chalet has everything you could want from a ski chalet.  Easy ski-in/ski-out access to the worlds largest ski area – tick, private swimming pool – tick, hammam and wellness area – tick, cinema room – tick, bar – tick, effortlessly cool interior design – tick, cosy fireplace – tick, superb views – tick.  All of this and you have the facilities of the K2 hotel at your fingertips and a level of service that is second to none.  Enjoy your own chef, butler and chalet manager who remain entirely at your disposal throughout your stay.  All you need to do is relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

Chalet Le Coquelicot

It’s easy to make yourself at home at this dream of a chalet.  Plush furnishings combined with plenty of open space to give this ski chalet a luxurious and contemporary feel.  Think huge fur throws, marble, state of the art technology and attention to detail.  It offers a breath of fresh air from the traditional alpine style and nowhere is this more evident than in the stunning spa sanctuary decked out in sleek stone and featuring a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna – bliss!  Chalet Le Coquelicot is spread over six floors, so there’s plenty of space, though there is no better place to gather with friends and family than around the cosy log fire looking out across the valley

 

Find out more about all of these stunning luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1850 at www.Firefly-Collection.com.

Firefly Collection is a specialist in luxury ski chalets rentals and can offer helpful, impartial advice to find you the perfect ski chalet.

Thinking about booking one of these luxury ski chalets in Courchevel 1850?  Don’t forget to book an executive airport transfer with Ski-Lifts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Top 6 Romantic Ski Resorts

There’s nothing more romantic than being on the ski slopes on Valentine’s Day, but some resorts are better than others to wow your loved one. Check out our six top romantic ski resorts for this Valentine’s Day.

La Clusaz, France

Only an hour transfer from Geneva airport. Fantastic for a romantic ski break. Traditional French village, lovely tree lined slopes. Largest night skiing area in Savoie Mont Blanc. Hang out a deux in the new Serge Blanco 850m² spa.

Courmayeur, Italy

Just the other side of Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley. Beautiful romanic village, promenade down Via Roma in the evening, perfect skiing for a romantic weekend. Restaurants on practically every slope.

Innsbruck, Austria

City and ski personified. Pretty village, ski above the city or just an hour’s transfer to traditional Alpbach. Pretty tree lined slopes, so ‘gemütlich’.

Morzine, France

Situated in the heart of the Portes Du Soleil region, Morzine is a picturesque Savoyard mountain town with charming unspoilt chalet-style buildings. It has retained much of its character and charm and has excellent facilities for shopping, eating-out and après-ski.

Zermatt, Swizterland

Transfer to Visp and then enjoy a train ride in to the village. Overlooked by the iconic Matterhorn. Great for a blow the budget romantic break. Linked skiing over to Cervinia for an Italian lunch.

St Martin de Belleville, France

St Martin de Belleville is a gorgeous base in which to access the huge Three Valleys ski area. Only linked to the skiing in the 80s it retains its old world feel. For a blow the budget romantic meal a deux head to La Bouitte, the highest 3* Michelin restaurant in the Alps. Enjoy an après-ski cocktail by the log fire in ‘P’ bar in the village centre.

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