Chalet 1802 - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

The definition of a black run is an extremely difficult run, highly recommended for expert skiers only, in the US, this will be known as a double diamond black run. Runs which are labelled this way will usually contain hazards such as an extremely steep slope, difficult moguls, glades or drop offs and should be approached with caution. Most resorts will contain a black run or two, check out our guide on some of the best in the world.

Grand Couloir, Courchevel

The wildest and easiest of the infamous Courchevel Couloir trio, the Grand Couloir is the only one currently marked as a run on the piste map. Whilst the entrance between the bands of rock is not particularly narrow, it is very much dictated by the moguls that form and direct your route. Depending on snow conditions, these moguls can be enormous and can make the first few turns extremely tricky. Once these are out of the way, the second half can be hugely enjoyable. There are two possible entries to the Couloir, the most popular lies straight down the fall line of the upper bowl towards the lowest point of a shallow crest directly ahead.

Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isere

A definite must-do run, the Face de Bellevarde links the rocher de Bellevarde at 2809 metres with Val d’Isere at 1837 metres winding down the east face while giving the skier stunning views of the resort. You can get great catered ski chalets that overlook the stunning piste very beautiful. The run is 2905 metres long and has a vertical drop of 972 metres, unusually wide and open, this gives even brave intermediates the chance to have a go. The half-way point offers superb panoramic views of the Solaise ski area across the valley. The men’s downhill ski events for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics were held here.

Harakiri, Mayrhofen

Widely recognised as the steepest piste in Austria, Harakiri touches a terrifying 78 degrees at its sharpest point. A relatively short run, it drops straight down the northern face of the 2000 metre Penken mountain, above the resort of Mayrhofen.

Le Tunnel, Alpe d’Huez

The difficulty of this run is very much dictated by the weather conditions on the day, in soft powder and warm sunshine the descent should be fairly pleasant once you’ve mastered the tricky first turn. However, if the conditions are cold and icy, any fall that’s not immediately arrested can result in a slide of 200 metres. The tunnel can be reached via cable-car and from the top you either descend a black mogul field on the back face or go along the far edge of it until you come across a path. Both of these routes will take you to the entrance of the tunnel, a 60 metre horizontal passage through the rock with enough snow underfoot to allow you to slide.

Tortin, Verbier

As with most of these runs, the intensity of this descent depends on the snow conditions, and this run is at its most terrifying when the powder is less plentiful. The Tortin can be accessed via a traverse, the secret is to head off at the start of the traverse, whilst this may be steeper, you’re much more likely to stay on your feet.

Many people regard skiing as an expensive pastime that is undertaken mainly by the better-off members of society, but these days that is no longer the case. The world is full of underrated ski resorts that are just waiting for bargain hunters who are on the lookout for low cost holidays. Internet sites are full of such bargains and can give you access to one of the most enjoyable sporting pastimes you will ever experience, and without breaking the bank.
Here are the top 5 underrated ski resorts that are worth enquiring about for those looking for fun-packed, low-cost holidays.

1. Arosa – Arosa is a resort in Switzerland that has been largely overlooked by the mainstream winter holiday enthusiasts. Located 1,800 metres above sea level, this resort provides low cost holidays for skiers of all ability levels. Arosa is not just a great place to go skiing; snowboarding, curling, ice hockey and cross-country skiing are amongst the other activities that make this a great place for a holiday. Lovers of history can also spend some time at the 15th century Bergkirchli Church, famed for its stunning gothic ceiling.

2. Brides-les-Bains – Brides-les-Bains has the advantage of being situated in the famous Trois Vallees region but is a lot less crowded than the other resorts in the area. It is part of the biggest linked skiing area in the world, making it ideal for getting out there and exploring. The resort also offers a snowshoe expedition amongst its attractions, giving you the chance to walk in the beautiful surroundings and perhaps see the deer and grouse. For those searching for more luxurious low cost holidays, Brides-les-Bains is the ideal location as it has accommodation that is a lot cheaper than at other resorts in the area.

3. Melchsee-Frutt – Melchsee-Frutt on the shores of Lake Melchsee in Switzerland is another very underrated ski resort that bargain hunters should be aware of. For most of the year it is almost empty; it does not attract many foreign tourists. However, it caters for all levels of skiing ability and has 32 slopes that get their fair share of sun, making the remote little village the perfect place to get away from it all.

4. Coffee Mill – Coffee Mill in Minnesota, US, is another very underrated resort. The quaint accommodation is located in an old aeroplane hangar that the whole family will love and the advanced ski slope is shaped like a bowl that protects skiers from the wind. The low cost holidays, large hills and great community feel of Coffee Mill will have you returning year after year.

5. Pamporovo – Pamporovo in Bulgaria is a great choice for bargain-holiday hunters. Hidden away in the Rhodopa mountain range, Pamporovo is an ideal resort for those who have never skied before. The gentle slopes are much quieter than some of the more popular resorts and with over 100 multilingual instructors on hand you are sure to learn a thing or two, and have a great time of course!

Some of the most magnificent scenery in the world can be found in New Zealand.  While there are many ways to admire the wild beauty of this island nation in the South Pacific, one of the finest of all is to enjoy the sights from its ski slopes.  Approximately 50,000 Australian skiers take flights to New Zealand each year, but the attractions of the North and South Island may be even more appealing to tourists arriving from the Northern Hemisphere.  Because the ski season ‘down under’ begins in June and runs through to September, it can provide a welcome respite from the heat of summer for visitors from Europe and North America.

The best skiing spots on North Island

Tourists who travel to North Island for ski adventures head to Tongariro National Park, where three enormous volcanoes dominate the landscape.  The largest of these, Mt Ruapehu, reaches an elevation of almost 3,000 meters and features excellent ski slopes that offer views of the North Island Volcanic Plateau.  Natural features of the park, many of which can be seen to great advantage from the ski slopes, include the rolling hills that make up the Kaimanawa mountain ranges, and the Whanganui River.

The largest ski area located in the park is Whakapapa, situated on Mt Ruapehu’s north-western face.  Featuring 15 different lifts, this area covers more than five square kilometers of snowy terrain, while a smaller field known as Turoa features nine ski lifts facing the south-west.  Skiing in both areas will allow tourists to take in scenic views of most of Tongariro National Park.

The best skiing spots on South Island

Although the Ruapehu Ski Area on North Island attracts a fair number of skiers and snowboarders, most of the one million ski passes sold each year are for areas on South Island, which receives chilly polar winds from Antarctica each summer.  The ski areas on South Island are largely concentrated in the mountain chain known simply as the Southern Alps, where some peaks reach more than 3,500 meters above sea level.

The Southern Alps border two edges of the vast area known as the Mackenzie Basin.  This centrally located area on South Island offers skiers particularly stunning views.  Mt Dobson, one of New Zealand’s highest ski areas, allows skiers and snowboarders to take in a vista that includes vast areas of the island below, as well as excellent view of Mt Cook, the highest mountain in all of New Zealand.  Other ski areas in the vicinity offer similarly gorgeous views, including Roundhill, a small family-oriented ski area featuring runs rated for beginner and intermediate skiers, and Ohau, which is known for its fine powder ski runs.  Views from Ohau include the sparkling waters of Lake Ohau itself.

One of the largest ski areas in New Zealand is Mt Hutt Ski Field, which offers visitors a wide variety of terrain types.  Because the Mt Hutt Ski Field faces south from a high elevation, tourists enjoying the slopes can take in impressive views that stretch out over the Canterbury Plains all the way to the distant Pacific Ocean.

The nature of skiing makes it an exhilarating activity, but the awesome grandeur of New Zealand’s scenic views makes skiing here transcend mere sport.