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I want to go snowbird to ski but want to miss most of the crowds what is the best time of the year to go skiin

I am still in school and can’t leave just like that but want to go this year or next.

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Courchevel — a Ski Resort You Just Can’t Miss

Courchevel is part of the Savoy department of France. It is actually five ski resorts in one. There are nearly 120 km of cross-country ski tracks and over 180 ski lifts-and one ski pass to ride them all. There’s everything from four-star top-notch hotels to two-star itsy-bitsy rooms available for accommodation.

Courchevel Rapid Fire Facts:

- Courchevel is actually five ski resorts in one.

- The name of each resort ends with the appropriate height in meters.

- However, the biggest-Courchevel 1850-is in reality only 1747 meters.

- Courchevel 1550 was the original Courchevel.

- The area is the largest internally linked ski resort in the world.

- One town in Courchevel does not have a corresponding height attached to it-LaTania.

- Courchevel 1850 was not originally a town. It was built from the ground up as a ski resort.

- The Courchevel airport is only 525 meters long with an 18.5% gradient.

- The five names of Courchevel reflecting the altitude with the preceding number are Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel Le Praz 1300 and La Tania.

- The area of Savoy (Courchevel) fell to the Roman Empire around 1030 and later became known as the “Gatekeeper to the Alps.”

- In the 1930s, the French Commission of Tourism wanted a “super ski resort.” They wanted the largest ski resort of any the world over. With the connection of lifts and valleys, today the dream is a reality.

Courchevel, France: Height of Ski & Class

Courchevel is part of the Savoy department of France. It is part of Les Trois Vallees or The Three Valleys. Because of its super-chicness, it receives millions of tourist per year. Though planned previously for the moneyed and privileged of society, today the moneyless too can stake a claim on any one of the 600 km of ski slopes, with an additional 150 km of ski runs in Courchevel proper. Moreover, there are nearly 120 km of cross-country ski tracks and over 180 ski lifts-and one ski pass to ride them all! The classes merge into one as the slope and trails swallow skiers into jovial oblivion.

Courchevel: Offering Something Fun for Everyone

Though it may not matter how many banknotes you carry in your pocketbook, it does make sense to select a ski slope or course suitable to your level. Courchevel offers all sorts of slopes, trails and piste for newbies to advanced skiers alike.

Since many of the slopes are north facing, and the ski resorts hire just as many winter workers as summer laborers, it’s no wonder that the snow is groomed and always reliably fast. You can take morning ski instruction classes from one of three ski schools, shake a leg at snowboarding in the afternoon and then fine-dine throughout the evening. You’ll easily have time for all of it-as the lifts should be called express lifts-because they carry thousands of skiers uphill every hour of every day. Plus, with nearly 500 snow cannons and a couple-dozen piste bashers, you’ll never run out of paths.

Courchevel Hotels

Because Courchevel is known for its high-class swank habitués, the hotels have been built to suit. With an abundance of 90 resorts in all of Courchevel (1850 to La Tania), there’s everything from four-star top-notch hotels to two-star itsy-bitsy rooms. Though, here, the star system is used to reflect the level of facilities-including proximity to trails-and not just the level of interior comforts. One hotel might be starred higher than another, for example, but the other may, as matter of fact, have more luxury.

Examples of Courchevel Resort Hotels:

Four-Star Courchevel Resort Hotels:

- ALPES HOTEL DU PRALONG

- HOTEL ANNAPURNA

- HOTEL CARLINA

- HOTEL CHEVAL BLANC

- HOTEL LE MELEZIN

- LES GRANDES ALPES

Three-Star Courchevel Resort Hotels:

- HOTEL LES FLOCONS

- HOTEL MONTANA

- HOTEL TELEMARK

- HOTEL LES PEUPLIERS

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What not to Miss When Visiting Catalonia

The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more than a thousand years of history, its own language and unique traditions and culture. 

Its 600km of stunning Mediterranean coastline stretches from Portbou at the French border to the Delta of the River Ebro. It encompasses the Costa Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresme and then the Costa Dorada, where you’ll find the well-known resort of Salou, home to the largest theme park in Spain.

Catalonia is blessed with a remarkable variety of landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers a year-round haven.

The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumble down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees, clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddly formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanic parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain range at Montserrat – so unique it has been declared a UNESCO conservation area.

Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there are undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in some parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intense dedication of the land workers and the irrigation from the River Ebro favours the region with exceptional olive oil, wine and fruit.

The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazing historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities and stunning architecture.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of the most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offers enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook with pages and pages of information.

Fact File

Language: Catalán
Location: Northeast Spain
Population: 6 million
Area: 32,000km2
Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona
Region capital: Barcelona
Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Costa Dorada
Currency: Euro (€)
National Day: 11 September
Patron saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)
Patron saints day: 23 April
Government: The Generalitat
Major Football Clubs: FC Barcelona, Espanyol
Catalan Tourist office: 00 34 934 849 900

Sport plays an important role in Catalonia’s tourism infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:

40 marinas for sailing
29 golf courses
3 flying clubs
15 ski resorts
A wide range of adventure and water sports

Don’t go home without visiting:

Tossa de Mar www.tossacostabrava.com

A charming coastal resort steeped in history, and overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walled town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blends seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) – a maze of narrow winding streets dotted with boutique style shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants. Tossa’s strict ‘no high-rise’ policy means your scenic walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain to coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, opened in September 2005, is something not to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella, the observation platforms offer spectacular views along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and the centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtual demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.

Girona

Historical city Girona, lying inland, is split into two by The River Onyar. Its Cathedral, a fusion of many different historical periods and styles, highlights the old quarter. Take a stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall, stone walls, offering an abundance of shops and quaint little riverside cafes – there’s one in C/Ballesteries that’s worth a look, its interior tiled with a hotchpotch of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and seating strewn with luxurious cushions. The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the old City Walls, and the museums of archaeology and history are of notable interest whilst the churches of Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight the religious background of the region.

Don’t miss the Saturday market, a parade ground for the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruit and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses. And don’t forget to stop off for some scrumptious freshly made Churros!

Montserrat
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of a 1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery. Here you’ll find a blend of nature, culture and holiness. This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiago de Compostela, and travellers are greeted at their journey’s summit by the 12th century Madonna – the Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, known as La Moreneta (the dark virgin). If you are daring enough to take the cable car to the tiny chapel at Santa Cova (the site of the discovery of La Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacular views – on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!

Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona with trains leaving every hour.

Sant Feliu de Guixols
This town is at the heart of the Costa Brava, surrounded by pine and oak-filled woods. Of particular notability here is the hermitage of Sant Grau and the Gothic church with its celebrated iron gate, the Porta Ferrada. Water sports lovers are well catered for here, particularly in the nearby cove of Cala Salions and fish and seafood lovers will be well catered for with an abundance of beachside restaurants.

Mar i Murtra Jardí Botanic, Blanes http://www.jbotanicmarimurtra.org/

The Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens in Blanes showcases over 4,000 species of plants from five continents, some of them threatened with extinction. The gardens also have a valuable research and study centre. Once you are in Blanes, take the special Jardí Botanic Bus from the port, up the hair-raising bends to the gardens, which are perched way above the sea, offering amazing views.

Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella de Montgri

The largest marine nature reserve in Catalonia and one of the most important in the whole of the Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a small archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefs just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda and the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptional biological and ecological worth. The varying depths of the sea water around the islands, and the contrast of the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combined with the rock-type which lends itself to the formation of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract a wide variety of species – as many as 1,345 have been recorded.

Figueres
In the heart of Catalonia you’ll find Figueres, best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum. Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditional dance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the castle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of Sant Pere, the Museum of l’Emporda and the Toy Museum.

L’Escala
A small holiday resort at the southern end of the Gulf of Roses. It is a delightful fishing village well known for its delicious sardines. The resort offers much for the water sport enthusiast, two yacht clubs and a number of marinas. This is also the point of entry to the Roman colony of Empúries, the most visited archaeological site in Catalonia.

Barcelona

Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout the world for its amazing architecture as much as for it’s people and way of life.

There is much to see, here are some of the highlights:

La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)

Antoni Gaudi’s world-renowned, still to be finished, masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Parc Guell (Guell Park)

Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works, this park is characterised by sculptures and mosaics by the designer, as well as pretty winding paths and tranquil greens.

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a showcase for over three 3,600 paintings, sculptures and drawings.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
A striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier is home to a collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.

Las Ramblas
Pedestrianised historical street lined with flower stalls, restaurants and bars.

La Boqueria
A popular and well known food market selling some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.

Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
Historic walking area with buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.

Ciutat Vella (Old City)
A fascinating area, steeped in history, with narrow streets and squares, Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants.

L’Eixample
This district dates from the 19th-century and shows off works by famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.

Port Vell
Barcelona’s vivacious harbour, full of yachts and cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex, featuring a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an aquarium.

Tibidabo Mountain
A get-away from the main city, this mountain has a small amusement park and is a favourite walking route for hikers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.

Parc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)
Zoo famous throughout the world for being home to Snowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.

Barcelona Aquarium
The largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of Barcelona’s main attractions.

Nou Camp Stadium
This gigantic football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe, with a seating capacity of 100,000.

Don’t go home without:

Sampling Crema cremada / Crema Catalana (caramelized custard cream)

No visit to Catalonia is complete without trying this dessert. Catalan cream can be described as crème brullee – creamy custard with a crisp caramel topping. Catalan creams are flavoured with lemon zest and are traditionally served in an earthenware dish.

Watching and Joining in The Sardana

The Sardana is a very old Catalan dance. It is an open dance that can be joined and left again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands up in the air and coordinating the steps in accordance with a complex set of rules. The Sardana is performed to the tune of a typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band is called la Cobla and their sound is very distinctive, and quite addictive.

Throughout the year there are many occasions when you will have the chance to see – or join in – this dance, from local to national fiestas.

Taking a trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava coastline

Whether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom boat, a Catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and champagne, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power boat ride, you’ll be amazed by the bays and coves studding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of the bays are only accessible by boat or on foot, making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil turquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of the breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the labyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves could even find themselves on a hidden beach, and you may even find some age old forgotten treasure left by pirates many centuries ago!

Watching People make human towers – Castellers

One of the most spectacular sights observed during a Catalan festival sees teams of enthusiasts form human towers – castells – which can be up to ten people high.

This complex task of organisation and perfect timing starts with a square of strong men linking arms to form a base, so that lighter men and women can climb onto their shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces, as more lighter and smaller people climb up, increasing the storeys. Finally, the ‘anxeneta’, a young boy or girl, clambers bravely to the top, some 10 metres above the ground, and lifts one arm to show that the castell is complete.

Immediately after this, the castell begins to unravel – and sometimes the tower will collapse – to gasps from the surrounding crowd who all immediately strengthen their arms in readiness to break the Castellers’ falls.

Experiencing Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in Barcelona

The equivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of St George, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for those in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air of happiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says that on this day, men should give the woman in their life a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a book as a sign of love and friendship. So you’ll see Las Ramblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and books, and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts – and kisses.

Catalonia offers a diverse range of experiences for the visitor. Whether you opt for one of its more animated resorts or prefer to spend your time in one of its charming coastal or inland gems; you will find plenty to do and see. Factor in a trip to the bustling city of Barcelona or the more tranquil yet equally inspiring Girona, and your holiday will be complete.