|
|
| Southern Hemisphere Resorts | |
| |
|
As you watch the snow slowly turn to slush and then disappear
in European resorts, the prospect of summer tends to put all of your skiing
dreams on hold, especially when the queues for glacier skiing build up.
But, with the wonderful terrain and exciting cultural differences apparent
in the southern hemisphere, there's really no reason to connect summer with
the end of skiing… |
Weather conditions and, consequently, snow cover can be variable in the
southern hemisphere. Considering the sheer size of the terrain in question,
however, it is nearly always possible to find ample snow somewhere. And,
with the delightfully varied scenery, wildlife and life in general available
in the southern hemisphere, even grey days will provide you with more than
enough to keep yourself occupied.
|
| |
|
Generally speaking, the ski season in most southern hemisphere
resorts runs from June to mid-October, but can be extended in either direction
according to snow conditions. Resorts are more often than not lower than
in Europe, but still experience extremely changeable weather conditions.
Days filled with golden sun are often followed by grey skies and cooler
temperatures. Be sure that you take with you enough gear to keep you comfortable
at either end of the weather spectrum. Waterproofs and suntan lotion are
a surreal combination, but also a very good idea.
|
|
| Courtesy of www.skiportillo.com |
Australian, New Zealand, Chilean and Argentine resorts are all, by European
standards, comparatively underdeveloped. However, as you will quickly realise,
this allows a great deal more freedom in both your choice of resort and
runs. It also means that lift pass prices are favourable and you can really
enjoy getting back to the basics of skiing. While pistes are usually shorter
and narrower than those in Europe, they also cover extremely varied terrain
and provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. |
| |
| Skiing in New Zealand is generally
accepted to be more diverse and challenging than that in Australia. Both
offer beautiful surroundings and interesting non-skiing alternatives. However,
for skiing that will truly stretch and strengthen you, Whakapapa is a sound
choice. It is New Zealand's largest developed ski area and offers a vertical
drop of 680m, amazing off-piste and around 30 pistes ranging from beginner
to advanced status. |
|
|
|
The South American resorts offer time benefits in that they are closer than
Australia and New Zealand when travelling from Europe - and excellent skiing
is available in both Chile and Argentina. The scenery around most resorts
in both countries is usually exceptional. However, travelling further south
in search of more exotic natural surroundings does not result in the discovery
of either country's best resorts - the majority of the best skiing options
are in the north.
Overall, skiing in the southern hemisphere is a more than worthwhile experience.
Australia and New Zealand offer challenging and varied possibilities, with
the added advantage of spoken English for those skiers who do not possess
other languages. Chile and Argentina, while they may not offer quite the
same extent of developed resorts, are excellent choices which provide both
varied terrain and stunning surroundings. Any excursion to the southern
hemisphere, however, should be accompanied by a more general exploration
of the area, as it is unlikely that any individual resort will satisfy the
visiting skier.
For trips to Chile and Argentina go to www.andesskitours |
|
|
|
Add to favourites
Make ifyouski my homepage