Many winter sports enthusiasts are keen to escape the graded runs, which are often crowded with beginners and intermediate skiers, but going off piste can be dangerous, especially if you have no idea where you are. However, modern technology has come to the rescue of adventurous skiers, as it has for lost and confused motorists across the globe. If you want to strike out on your own this year, you can do so in relative safety with a navigational device that is capable of receiving up-to-date signals from satellites, including soon a specialised Global Positioning System from the European Space Agency. As a safety aid, just being able to relay your precise location to a rescue party is all your device needs to be able to do but if you want to use it to find new places to ski that friends or instructors recommend, you will need to have a good set of maps of the local area loaded. Check out a TomTom Start 20 Review to get an idea of what a basic model has to offer.

The model mentioned above is designed to be stuck to a car windscreen and because it is an entry-level device, it only comes with maps for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. However, there is nothing to stop you from stowing it away in your coat pocket when heading for the slopes and it is possible to buy additional maps as and when you need them. Holidaymakers that are planning to drive to the ski resort where they are staying will definitely find a navigational aid very useful. The days of desperately flicking through a collection of crumpled maps whilst getting totally lost on the Continent are thankfully a thing of the past, at least for people that invest in one of these gadgets. If you regularly drive abroad then it is probably a good idea to read a Garmin Nuvi 860T review and reports on other advanced models that are on the market, as many of them come with a full set of European maps.

In addition to making it easier to find your way around in unfamiliar places and locate remote off piste areas in the Alps, a navigational device may also be able to help you avoid getting stuck in traffic as some of them use Traffic Message Channel technology and come with a subscription to regular updates. Something else that many people find useful, especially when they are on holiday, is the ability to search places of interest and find local restaurants, garages and ATM machines. No matter how much you enjoy winter sports, it is unlikely that you have any desire to wander around in sub zero conditions looking for somewhere to eat late at night and having access to such information should ensure that you never have to. As the market for these devices has matured, the choice of models has grown exponentially. If you are looking to buy your first navigational aid before departing for the Alps, check out some GPS reviews beforehand.

One such example is the little town of La Bérarde. Situated about 20 kilometres outside the city of Grenolde, which is near the Italian border, is this secluded but beautiful hamlet. If you’re tired of all the hustle-and-bustle that you’d surely get exposed to when you’re in the top tourist areas of the district, then give yourself a breather by taking a detour here.

You may not realise it, but even though plummeting down those pristine slopes at breakneck speeds can be exhilarating, it can take its toll on your sensibilities. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t enjoy snow sports, because that’s mostly the point as to why you’re in the Alpine region in the first place (not to mention that these activities are simply awesome!). But should you opt for some moments of relaxation after all that adrenalin-filled action, then this quaint little settlement deep in the recesses of the French Alps would be an excellent recourse.

Upon getting there, the first thing that you’d probably notice is that all of its streets as well as most of its homes are made of cobblestone, and they’re either nestled against mountainsides or tightly clustered in the few flat spaces in the vicinity. Indeed, if you wish to expose yourself to a classic yet soothing ambiance, then make some time to visit this place.

Visual appeal won’t be the only things you’ll find there, however. Think about it, that won’t be enough reason to compel you to go, right? Don’t worry; you’ll also discover that there are a small number of restaurants there that feature fine French cuisine. Not to mention the remarkable scenery offered by the Glacier Carré nearby.

Just recently, for instance, a major music festival was held at Les Portes du Soleil that featured a whole bunch of renowned artists such as Keizah Jones, BB Brunes, Inna Modja, and Jamaica, to name a few. This gathering of talents occurred this past April 2 to 9 at the Avoriaz. But wait, the fun’s not over yet, since this upcoming 30th of April, something epic is about to happen once more.

And what’s going to go down this Saturday? The Killers, an American band that captured the hearts of UK fans, will be performing at the Ischgl, an Austrian resort. They’re one of the best-selling groups of the century – their album named ‘Day and Age’ has found its place as one of the top-ten best pop albums in the world. As matter of fact, they’ve had a string of successes as well as a long list of accolades since their forming during the year 2001 at Las Vegas, Nevada.

With a whooping 15 million albums sold worldwide, they will be the front liners of the Top of the Mountain concert that the famed Austrian establishment would be sponsoring. If this pushes through, the band will become part of the list of superstar acts that have shone their light for this particular event namely: Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Elton John, and Kylie Minogue.

This is going to be quite the party indeed, as the estimated number of spectators is expected to be at least 20,000. So, if you’re planning to visit the Alps on the said date, or maybe you’re already there right now, check out this major festivity! Once it is over, then perhaps you can defy some gravity by hitting the slopes.

Swamped with worthwhile tourist spots, Switzerland would be an excellent example of such a place. Surrounded by Italy, Germany, France, and Austria, it’s literally at the heart of the frosted mountain district (it’s not called the “Swiss Alps” for nothing, right?). In fact, it features some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. Apart from that, though, here are other suggested locations you would certainly enjoy.

Geneva Jet D’eau. Found in one of its major metropolitan areas, namely Geneva, this is one of the world’s tallest fountains. This was built during 1891 and spouts glorious jets of water that can reach 140 metres high.

The Chillon Castle. Also located in the same city, it is one of the country’s most famous architectural marvels. It has four great halls and three courtyards which offer resplendent views of the lake where it’s situated as well as that of the sceneries beyond.

Swiss National Park. This is a vast expanse of land that covers almost half of the nation. It’s a sanctuary for different kinds of wildlife such as eagles, marmots, and elks, to name a few.

Aletsch Glacier. This huge ice formation covers a whooping 20 kilometres and is actually one of the UNESCO’s first World Heritage Sites. Getting there is quite easy, as you can travel by way of car or by train.

The Tropical Alps. Wait, what? Yes, you’ve heard it right, my friends. Indeed, there exists a rather lush destination somewhere in this sierra that’s renowned for being enveloped in snow. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised if you do find palm trees in the vicinity.

So, before you strap on those skis and defy gravity on those pristine slopes, take some time explore these places first and be amazed at what the region has in store for you.

• Orienteering. Its main objective is to test the navigational skills of the players involved. Aside from that, participants are challenged according to their running and concentration abilities. They are required to bring a map and compass to reach control points. The one consuming the shortest time is considered the winner.
• Diving. Jumping off a high springboard while doing gymnastic moves has become the interest of many. Aside from bearing proficient water skills, athletes need to master flexibility, equilibrium, strength, and acrobatic motion. Extensive training must be undergone in order for divers to become experts.
• Biathlon. A combination of rifle marksmanship and cross-country skiing, this sport requires stamina and precision from the players. Along the race, competitors will encounter different shooting ranges which they need to pass by hitting five targets. Once the marks are conquered, only then can they move on to the terrain.

There are actually many other athletic events that are highly interesting. If you want to learn them, make sure that you have the commitment and determination to enhance your skills for your chosen sport. You need to submit yourself to rigid instruction so that you will become competent in your selected field in no time!

There are seasons when the ice in the peaks begin to melt. The once white ridges start to be painted with colours of green, brown, yellow, and other lively hues. The frost that used to cover the sierras now flows down into the rivers, filling them with fresh water. Of course, to keep holidaymakers entertained when this happens, resorts prepare other interesting activities that will make spring or summer in the Alps a memorable getaway for the guests!

One of the things that you can try is rock climbing. You can show off your skills as you ascend through clear cliffs using your bare hands. You have to remember, however, that the venture is risky and that is why you should never pursue it when you do not have the right gear with you. If you are not so fond of heights, you can engage in rafting and other water activities. You will be amazed how cruising through rocky rivers and challenging falls can give you a great dose of adrenaline rush. If you want to go up and see a great view of the terrains, you can go paragliding or join a helicopter ride. You will realise that there is nothing more overwhelming than seeing nature’s best on an aerial aspect.

If you want to visit Europe’s mountains during a sunny period, you should try any of the stuff mentioned above. You can make your bookings today so that your itinerary can be arranged right away!

The right gear for you

The wide range of equipment on sale can be rather bewildering for people that are preparing to go on their first hiking break and it is hard to know which items are most important and which ones will be more of a hindrance than a help. Whilst there are some items, such as water bottles, warm clothing and a good pair of boots, that everybody will need, other gear that might be useful depends to a certain extent on the individual concerned. Whether or not you need a tent however, will be something that depends on the accommodation arrangements that have been made for your holiday so this is something that you should easily be able to work out for yourself. Most people find that it becomes much easier to pick out the things they need for their forthcoming hiking holiday as they gain more experience so if you have a friend who has completed many such tours then it might be a good idea to see what they have to say on the subject. Fashion plays a part in the decision-making process for some people but sartorial considerations should not be allowed to override practical ones. Recent years have seen a growing popularity in the use of trekking poles for example, but they have always been a useful aid for hikers planning to tackle demanding terrain so are worth considering whatever the prevailing trends, as using your arms when walking takes some of the burden away from your legs.

Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders

Whilst nobody wants to carry an enormous weight around with them when walking across the Alps, it will be necessary to take a fair amount of equipment and clothing with you, whatever your plans. The best way to carry this is on your back, using a bag with shoulder straps that distributes the weight as evenly as possible. Apart from making it easier to haul your gear across long distances without straining your muscles, this type of bag leaves your hands free so is much more convenient than any other type. There are a few things to consider before rushing out and buying one though, such as how much equipment you will be taking with you and the weather conditions that you are likely to encounter. It goes without saying that whatever you buy should be made from waterproof material as unpredictable showers are a feature of most parts of northern Europe and could quickly soak your belongings before shelter can be found. If you are going to be climbing jagged rock faces then your bag should be constructed using tough fibres such as Kevlar, to minimise the chances of the material being ripped if it becomes snagged on a rocky outcrop. There is a huge range of rucksacks & bags for sale online and in high street stores so you should take some time to see what is available before placing an order for anything. Good quality items may cost a bit more but can be well worth it.

Specialised equipment

Once you have the basics assembled, anything else that you will need is more likely to be found in a store that specialises in supplying gear for a certain activity. Rock climbers, for example, will need a lot more kit than the average hiker and it will need to be high quality equipment as quite often your life could literally depend on the items that you have in your possession when mountaineering. Ropes, karabiners, harnesses and belays are all that stand in the way of a drop of hundreds or thousands of feet in some circumstances so it is one area where economising is definitely not recommended. There are also a number of items that canyoning enthusiasts will need to take with them and these can usually be purchased from the same retailers that sell good quality equipment for climbers. The type of footwear that is most suitable will be different for people who spend most of their time descending canyons too. They normally feature rubber soles to give a better grip on wet rock faces and uppers made from a breathable material to enable them to dry out quicker after negotiating streams and rivers. Mountaineers usually prefer shoes with thinner soles, which make it easier to feel for footholds, even if they are not so comfortable. Pitons and hammers are essential rock climbing equipment for winter expeditions although camming devices are more popular in the UK with summer climbers who do not expect to encounter any snow or ice.

You take the high road

If the mountainous terrain of the Alps appeals to you then it is well worth investigating what the Scottish Highlands have to offer too as you are likely to enjoy hikes in this area, especially through the Grampian Mountains that are home to the highest peak in the United Kingdom. The West Highland Way is the most popular trail in the area and takes in Loch Lomond, the body of water made famous by the song paraphrased above, as well as many other fantastic sights. History buffs will relish the chance to see the castles and forts that were the setting of some of the bloodiest conflicts in the British Isles, when hiking through the Highlands, and nature lovers will find much to please them as well. Ornithologists flock to the region for the opportunity to see the beautiful and rare golden eagle, a bird of prey with a wingspan that can exceed 2 metres. These beautiful creatures can also be spotted in the Alps but there are very few other areas in Europe where you are likely to see them. Whether hiking along Alpine trails or the paths that wind their way through the Scottish Highlands, patience will be required by those who hope to observe this bird in its natural habitat. It is important not to disturb their nests in any way as they are a protected species in the UK so special care should be taken if you come across one during your walking holidays in Scotland.

If you’ve ever experienced skiing, then you can most likely relate to such a scenario. But when talking about this activity, however, what often comes to mind? The Alps, of course! Yes, if you’re looking for some snow gliding action, then this is the place to be. Although there are plenty of other spots around the world where you can enjoy such a pursuit, this pristine location ensures you won’t be lack of any winter sports options. So, what makes this destination so special?

For one, this region covers a very large area. Central Europe, for instance, is dominated by this huge mountain range which includes parts of France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and quite possibly, a portion of Hungary. So, how is this significant to you? Well, if you’re aim is plainly for skiing purposes, then you basically have a massive array of pistes, peaks, and steeps to choose from. Nevertheless, here are other things you can do if you want to fully enjoy such a getaway.

Accommodation. Keep in mind that you’ll be venturing to a location with hefty amounts of snow—of course, you’d feel cold! Apart from all that stuffy clothing you’d need to keep yourself warm, a cosy place to stay in should be a priority before you head out to the slopes.

Instructor. Getting the skills to actually pull off this activity should one of the things on top of your list. How can you even enjoy it if you don’t know how to do it, right? Not to worry though as there are plenty of competent and highly-skilled instructors in the area.

Safety. Although most basic safety procedures will be taught by your mentor, it pays to learn more about them by doing additional research. This aspect also includes investing in gear that provides adequate protection.

So there you have it, folks—a few insights on how you can make the most out of your adventure in the Alps.

Whether you decide to head for one of the aforementioned resorts on your first visit to the Alps or perhaps elect to try somewhere less well known, there are a few things that you might want to think about before finalising your holiday plans. France is generally considered as offering the widest range of skiing opportunities on the Continent but it is also home to some of the most expensive ski resorts in Europe so if you decide on the French Alps as your destination then it may pay to investigate the facilities at some of the smaller resorts. La Clusaz and Serre Chevalier are two good examples of cheaper resorts that offer a more laid-back, family-oriented experience.

Snowboard enthusiasts might like to consider Innsbruck in Austria owing to the fact that, contrary to some areas, it is very friendly towards fans of this sport and all the lifts and tracks around the town are available for snowboarders to use. This city also has much to offer to visitors who arrive during the summer months, with hiking, climbing and mountain biking among the most popular pursuits when the weather is warmer. Aerial sightseeing tours are an exciting way to explore the surrounding area and tandem sky diving allows holidaymakers to experience the unique thrill of jumping from a plane, without having to spend hours in training beforehand. Just under 60 miles to the east, Kitzbühel is popular with the jet set and also hosts the most exciting downhill race in the FIS calendar.

If you are not keen on the idea of visiting the Austrian Alps for a holiday and France does not appeal to you either, then perhaps the glitz and glamour of the most famous Swiss resorts are what you are looking for. Klosters is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and part of its allure is down to the fact that the British royal family are among the many high-profile visitors to the resort. As it is only 6 miles from Davos, it also attracts more advanced skiers who can take advantage of the facilities at this equally glamorous resort. Additionally, Davos has a lively and sophisticated après-ski scene, something that is just as important as the snow reports to some holidaymakers. Roughly 45 miles to the south is St. Moritz, another favourite with the rich and famous.

Situated on the edge of a lake, where horseracing takes place when it is frozen over, St. Moritz has plenty to offer keen skiers as well as being a flytrap for celebrity spotters throughout the year. The après-ski scene is quite restrained in this resort so if you are the type who starts to take their clothes off after a few drinks then it may not be the place for you. As with the other countries that the Alpine range covers, there are of course numerous smaller resorts to choose from if you fancy a more modest break in the Swiss Alps.

Whilst it is fair to say that all the places mentioned above come alive when the nights start to draw in and the snow begins to fall, many of them would make an excellent choice for a summer holiday too. Mountain biking enthusiasts are especially keen on visiting ski resorts that have working lifts in the summer, as they can enjoy the thrill of travelling down the slopes at great speed without the agony of cycling all the way to the top beforehand. The Alpine region can make a nice change from 2 weeks by the beach in Spain for families that are keen to try something different and many of the resorts have very good facilities for children of all ages. Outdoor heated swimming pools, bowling alleys and cinemas are easy to find in most places.

To summarise, whether you are a dedicated skier looking for the most challenging slopes on which to hone your skills during the winter months or somebody that is looking for an interesting and relaxing place for a family break when the weather is milder, the Alps travel industry is sure to be able to provide you with a range of choices that suit your needs. Fresh air and fantastic scenery are always part of the package and you may even get a suntan.