Top five skiing locations around the world

From the golden coasts of the Mediterranean to the white branches of New York's Rockefeller Christmas Tree, a world of luxury retreats and scintillating Ski resorts long awaits South African holidaymakers. 

With lockdown stifling overseas travel for the better part of two years, is there a better way to celebrate the eventual return to normality than by taking a luxurious family trip to a world away from home?

Italy

Italy is the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the home to friendly people, ancient idyllic towns, and stunning food, it's no surprise that Italy still remains one of the top destinations for holidaymakers all over the world.

Experience a skiing paradise atop the highest points in Europe along the Italian Alpes and Dolomites glacier peaks which reach almost 3000 meters above sea level. Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the queen of the Dolomites, is where all skiing routes ultimately lead. Elite skiers from all over the world consider this location a prime must-see resort that offers thrill-seekers the best experience.

Beyond this, enjoy La Dolce Vita and the best that Italy has to offer, from the Coliseum in Rome to the unique canaled streets of the multifaceted city of Venice rich with history and then finally a trip to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to experience a luxury shopping trip like no other. Venice is also one of the starting points of the world-famous Orient Express which stretches to distant cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, or north to Paris and finally London.

While the festive season in Italy is during winter, the temperate climate of the central and lower parts of the country means that you can experience a beach day in Siena while traversing north to enjoy a frigid festive experience in the iconic fashion capital of the world, Turin.

Spain

Spain has a rich and vibrant history that combines the cultural backdrop of both European and Middle Eastern heritage. Spain continues to be the number one getaway destination for UK holidaymakers and with good reason. Vibrant island destinations like Mallorca, Ibiza, and Tenerife offer a perennial experience for thousands of foreign nationals who have chosen these locations as their 2nd home.

One might not think of Spain when it comes to skiing, but as one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, the Iberian Peninsula offers a variety of world-class ski resorts along with the Picos de Europa, Sierra Nevada, and the Pyrenees in particular. Baqueira Beret, which was opened in the Pyrenean Aran Valley in 1964, provides prompt access to the slopes thanks to the region's early snowfall.

Back to the mainland, some of Spain's top destinations include the iconic city of Barcelona within the unique province of Catalonia, Seville within the autonomous community of Andalusia, and the country's renowned capital, Madrid, home to one of the best football clubs in the world, Real Madrid. 

While Spain is best known for its golden beaches, there is still so much more to see and do beyond the coastline. Consider taking a walking holiday and journey on the renowned Camino de Santiago which stretches across northern Spain, relatively untouched by tourism.

Czech Republic - Prague and Špindlerův Mlýn

Eastern Europe is wildly different from its western counterparts that have a unique history of change and growth. The Czech Republic itself is a relatively new country that was separated from Slovakia during the 90s following the fall of the Soviet Union. 

Špindlerův Mlýn (Shpeen-dleruv Mleen) is known as the best ski resort in the Czech Republic and is located in the northern part of the country atop the towering Mount Sněžka. This unique ski resort offers a wide variety of slopes for experienced skiers all the way down to tiny slopes for kids and first-timers.

Prague, the nation's capital, is a city like no other in Europe. It blends both past and present design with an amalgamation of influences to Greco-roman architecture, middle eastern aesthetics and stunning medieval-styled streets. 

Chances for white-covered streets in Prague are pretty high since snowfall tends to happen right between the dates of the 21st to 26th of December. This results in a gorgeous winter wonderland when combined with its gothic look and feel provides a once in a lifetime festive experience.

Prague is also well known for its festive street markets complete with attractive nativity scenes and restaurants. Fight back the frost in the air with a hot sausage straight from the vendor, or a glass of mulled wine with a Czech flair.

Turkey - Istanbul & Erciyes Ski Resort

The winter season in Europe is generally beautiful, but it is exceptionally so in Turkey. Situated in the ancient mountain region of Anatolia rests one of the oldest ski resorts in the country, if not the world. The Erciyes Ski resort named for the peak it's situated upon is 2200 meters above sea level and offers exceptional views, accommodation, and slopes.

Although most Turks may not be interested in western festive traditions themselves, the tradition of decorating streets and attracting tourists from western countries remains an ongoing pastime for what is perhaps the most diverse city in the world. Istanbul, once the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Constantinople), is the ancient gateway from Europe to Asia. 

The famous Bosphorus river separates the city in two and acts as a soft borderline. This means that this ancient city is perhaps the only one in the world that has a continental border cutting straight through it. 

Enjoy a unique experience on board a stayover barge that traverses this world-famous river and marvel as you look west to Europe and east to Asia right in the middle of this splendid cultural marvel.

The United States of America

We've spoken at length about diverse cultures and unique settings, but there is perhaps no place in the world that combines the elements of both more so than the United States of America. From New York City (New York) to San Francisco (California), Chicago (Illinois) to Miami (Florida), and New Orleans (Louisiana) to Denver (Colorado), there is a city for just about any taste.

Located within the country's most populated state of California is the iconic Mammoth Mountain Ski resort renowned for being one of the most sophisticated resorts in the world. From 5-star accommodations to a bespoke shopping experience in town, this resort brings the sport of skiing into the 21st century.

For a snowy festive getaway, nothing quite beats the splendour and majesty of the white dusted streets and festively decorated avenues of the Big Apple - New York City. We recommend booking in the week just before the festive season to get the best rates. New York seasonal decorations and the snowfall continues onward into late January.

New York may not always experience snowfall, but Chicago, one of the country's northernmost cities, practically guarantees it. Marvel at the breathtaking light displays within the city's historic Lincoln Park Zoo, or enjoy ice skating underneath the Cloud Gate sculpture - known as The Bean. Finally, the downtown theatres offer entertaining nighttime shows for a uniquely Illinoisian experience.

Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/welcome-to-tomorrow-the-high-tech-agent-assisted-sale/ 

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