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Best 5 Skiing and Snowboarding Resorts on a Budget

By Monty | June 2, 2010

1. La Tania, France

Need to know: Tranquil, very good value, purpose-built holiday resort with nursery ski slopes and gentle sledging at village level. Connected to the 3 Valleys location, off-duty parents are able to get in some adequate ski time, but as it is also below the tree line, on-duty parents can easily take the children on activities for example woodland walks.

Good for: People uneasy about altitude. La Tania is 1 from the lowest resorts at only 1,350m high. And at under 600 miles from Calais, you are able to drive there from the Uk.

Added bonus: Geneva international airport has a great nursery – useful within the case of travel delays.

2. Flaine, France

Need to know: Purpose-built, car-free and architect-designed in the 60s. All from the pistes lead back towards the same nursery ski slopes, so great for a group of mixed ability as everybody can regroup in between laps. The nursery ski slopes are well kitted out, and the main ski slopes have something for everyone, from cruising slopes to challenging black runs, and easily accessible off-piste between the runs.

Great for: A peaceful holiday break. The traditional chalet-loving French aren’t big fans of the architecture, so Flaine could be quieter than you’d assume in the village and on the pistes.

Added bonus: It’s one of the nearest resorts to Geneva, which usually makes for an easier-than-usual transfer.

3. Mayrhofen, Austria

Need to know: At 630m, Mayrhofen is low however has three stunning gondolas which whisk you up towards the ski slopes on either side from the valley. Newbies will appreciate the comfortable ski slopes from the Ahorn mountain. The other mountain, Penken, is excellent for intermediates, with a variety of red runs, and a valley called Tappenalm, dotted with great cafes.

Good for: Getting to by road or train from budget-airline-friendly Salzburg and Munich. As soon as in town, there is a range of decently priced hotels, and grocery stores for self-caterers or picnic lovers. The cafes and coffee shops will keep a non-skiing parent or grandparent entertained, too.

Added bonus: Aspiring freestyle skiers or snowboarders will really like the park at the top of Tappenalm.

4. Avoriaz, France

Need to know: Purpose-built, car-free and constructed higher up on the cliffs, Avoriaz is attached to the gigantic Portes du Soleil area and features 650km of piste, half in France and half in Switzerland. Overnight accommodation is mostly self-catered rentals in ski-in, ski-out blocks run by large tour providers.

Great for: A family keen to try some a lot more advanced skiing. Good black runs and challenging reds in Portes du Soleil, for the piste-lovers – 3 snowparks in Avoriaz for freestylers. Those searching for off-piste will discover tree runs, powder bowls and cliff drops.

Bonus: Excellent for rookies, too, with plenty of room for the first-timer. And the resort is so compact, you can send the children out to get the morning croissants.

5. Cervinia, Italy

Need to know: This resort is more than the Italian side of the Matterhorn (or Cervino, in Italian). The higher, sunny, snow-sure pistes are set out more than a valley head – wide runs which all lead back down to the village. The area links up with the pistes of Zermatt at the best, making a massive 350km of runs.

Good for: Hearty Italian food which will not break the bank at the mountain restaurants in wonderful chalets (try the Chalet Etoile), as well as lots of great pizza joints, as well as several treats like the Baita Cretaz restaurant – only accessible by skidoo as soon as the lifts are closed.

Added bonus: Runs all remain broad, gentle and steady right towards the bottom. And the village is compact sufficient to be able to let older children go exploring the stores on their own.

Raj has been writing articles on the internet now for quite a whilst. Some of the subject he like to write about include holiday destinations. You can also check out his latest websites about the Kitchenaid 4 Slice Toaster and also the Weslo Cadence Treadmill and visit golf products for your golf equipment.

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