If you're planning on travelling abroad this winter for a skiing or snowboarding holiday, then it might be worth thinking about getting a bit of practice in before you go, especially if it’s been a while since your last trip to the slopes. Luxury ski holidays can be one of the best ways of injecting a little excitement into your winter, but if you get there and aren't able to stay on your feet you could end up spending the first few days at the bottom of the mountain.
People who are planning a skiing or snowboarding break can now get some practice in at a number of ski centres across Wales. If you’re based in north Wales there are a number of options open to you. The National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig offers two-day courses to enhance your skills on the slopes, while the Llandudno Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre are great choices for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. There are both private and group skiing lessons available, so whatever your experience on the slopes, you will find something to sharpen your skills. Snowboarding lessons, like the skiing lessons, are available in groups or privately while the centre’s toboggan run, the longest in the UK, offers the opportunity to really test your new-found skills.
If you fancy travelling down to south Wales, there is a choice of ski centres in the area. The Ski and Snowboard Centre in Cardiff has a 100 m ski slope which is lubricated, ensuring decent skiing conditions all year round. As well as regular skiing, tubing is also available. The Swansea Nomads Ski Club offers training sessions for non-members on Monday nights, and slalom courses are often held too. Pontypool Ski Centre has a 230 m slope and offers open-practice sessions to anybody who has attended at least three lessons.
Once you have put in the time honing your skills on the ski slopes, you'll be ready to take on the real thing. The choice of ski and snowboarding holidays available from Crystal Ski are vast and impressive; if you want to visit the continent, some of the most popular destinations for ski breaks include Andorra, Switzerland, Russia and Spain.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, non-stop opportunity to ski France is an ideal holiday destination due to the reliability of the snow the wide choice of quality accommodation, including traditional villages and ski resorts.
Austria is another option; the country’s wonderful, picturesque resorts make it a popular choice for those on winter breaks. With marvellous views and numerous areas to ski, the only choice you'll need to make is which of the large number of resorts to stay in. However, if you want to travel slightly further afield, a trip to Iceland for a winter break is perfect. Take in stunning views of untamed landscapes and the famous Northern Lights and partake in popular winter sports on a Lapland activity week as well.
Europe isn't the only skiing destination available, and those who want to combine their skiing adventure with an explorer’s dream can do so with skiing holidays in Canada and Japan. The Japanese landscape is stunning with snow-covered mountains and extinct volcanoes, while taking a trip to Tokyo while you are there can really complete your trip. If you fancy hitting the slopes in a quieter area, and not having to queue much, then Canada is the place to be. The tree-lined runs and the gorgeous scenery make Canada a wonderful place to ski.
Whatever destination you finally choose for your winter break, you'll be glad of the effort you put in on the fun-filled practice slopes around Wales.