How to Make the Most of the Mountains this Winter

By Christina Tsangaris

From the up and coming ski resorts in Japan, to the Heliskiing epicentre of Greenland, we have handpicked the global hotspots for enjoying the slopes this 2017. Whether you are looking to escape for a European break, or take to the romantic wilderness of Colorado, these are the destinations waiting for you to berth up or fly in to this season.

A powder paradise in Niseko, Japan.
Niseko, a town on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island, near the dormant volcano of Mt. Yotei offers a sophisticated luxury ski spot for 2017.  Its awe-inspiring mountainous terrain dotted with numerous hot spring resorts,  Niseko offers the finest powder skiing territory for international skiers with islands such as Hokkaido Island with pistes offering panoramic views of Mount Yotei,  a snow capped volcano. For novice skaters An’nupuri offers wide and gentle slopes, whilst Niseko Village offers a relatively narrow ski area, perfect for intermediates. Hiraku offers vibrant culinary spots as well as a vibrant bustle of nightlife, making Niseko one of the most scenic and unparalleled ski territory for the year ahead.

Heliskiing in Greenland
Greenland’s rugged mountain terrain, Greenland Ice Sheet at its centre and its charming cultural and climatic diversity distinguishes it as a geographical wonder. Living under the northern lights in winter there is no better place to enjoy adrenaline fuelled adventures than Greenland. Maniitsoq and Kangaamiut are the main heliskiing basecamps of Western Greenland known for coastal heliskiing offering vast mountain expanses as you overlook tiny villages. Its peaks up to 2,000 meters, wide glacier faces, steep transitions to couloirs, and helicopter pick-ups right at the water’s edge. Whether you are searching for a fix of adrenaline, or simply want to bask in the beauty of Greenland, the season runs from February till May and the peak season is mid-March till mid-May.

Aspen, Colorado.
Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountainous region, offers a globally sought after ski resort town. Offering four separate ski areas - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, each region offers great spots for all capabilities. For beginners discover Buttermilk, boasting a reputation as the perfect spot for novice skiers. For intermediates, Snowmass, home to its own charming village - offers an array of linked blue runs. Head for Aspen at the end of the season, which goes on from mid November through to April,  for the best snow conditions, a picture-perfect blue sky and a blanket of snow. From its stunning terrain and winter activities to on-mountain dining, there is simply nowhere quite as spectacular.

Glacier wonderland in Chamonix, Mont Blanc France.
Chamonix of Mont-Blanc, a glamorous winter resort boasting miles and miles of high altitude groomed pistes,  It is renowned for its all year round skiing and expansive panoramic views overlooking the Mont Blanc region. With 4 large skiing areas, Chamonix Valley welcomes snow sports enthusiasts from all over the world and from all walks of life who come to test their skills on the slopes of the Mont Blanc range. Situated between the altitudes of 1235m. and 3300m, the Grands Montets area welcomes guests to ski the greatest height losses in the world. The pistes spread across over three slopes; the Argentière glacier, Lognan and the Pendant also offer magnificent off-piste, routes. The Chamonix ski season runs from December to May, offering an unforgettable snow season in the beauteous region of France.

Courchevel, France.
Situated in the Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, Courchevel is made up of four ski  settlements, with Courchevel 1850, the largest and most glamorous French Alpine resorts. Dotted with exclusive hotels, luxury chalets and Michelin-starred restaurants, there is nothing the region does not offer. The cosmopolitan destination attracts a stylish crowd globally, with skiers of all levels welcomed with miles of maintained pistes,  off-piste routes.  Discover Combe Saulire bright and early, before this red run for the best snow possible, enviably groomed into immaculacy each night. As the day turns to dusk, enjoy the nightlife Courchevel has to offer, one that sparkles with a cosmopolitan luxury, right in the heart of snowy wilderness. The ski season runs from mid-December to late April, so enjoy the Alps at the end of the season. 

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By Christina Tsangaris