Guide to the top Euro ski holiday destinations 2011/12

The skiing season is nearly here - and it`s time to start searching for the highest quality resorts for your personal snowboarding or skiing getaway. If you’re conscious of cash (and who isn’t in the current gloomy economic climate!) finding some of the top late ski deals sites is advised - as there are some smashing discounts available to travellers willing to book late in the season.

When short listing ski resorts for a winter holiday, you are certain to find ski-resorts which offer a wealth of activities on top of the usual skiing/snowboarding. Most of the large, modern luxury ski resorts offer resources such as ‘boarding parks, Olympic standard ski runs (remember the X-Games and winter Olympics are held in popular ski resorts), mountain climbing, activity centres, hiking trails, Ice-skating, indoor golf and tennis as well as sleigh rides (seasonal fun!) for the children.

Discount Ski Holidays in France

With regard to saving on a ski holiday in Europe , (whether you choose a luxury ski chalet or a ski hotel) - France is the most popular spot year after year due to budget airlines and great transfer links from airports to the resorts.

The most popular ski locations in France are the 3 Valleys which contains Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens and L`Espace Killy which connects Tignes and Val D`Isere. Other noteworthy ski areas in France are the Portes du Soleil, the newly made Paradiski Area which connects La Plagne and Les Arcs with the Espace San Bernardo.

A quick look on pretty much any last minute ski deals holiday site illustrates that France has the broadest collection in terms of resorts to consider from anywhere. There are varied arrival points for varied regions in the French Alps, specifically Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva which is well placed for an outstanding selection of luxury and less expensive resorts in France. Top resorts en France include Alpe d`Huez,Avoriaz, stunning La Plagne, Les Arcs, Meribel Mottaret and the stunning Tignes.

Late ski deals in Austria

Home of top rated resorts such as Ischgl, Maria Alm, Mayrhofen, and the famous luxury ski resort of St Anton, Austria is the second most popular spot for European ski tourists. With vast ski areas, mountain ranges and beautiful glaciers, Austrian ski resorts have something for absolutely everyone. Alpine villages, fantastic après ski and mile after mile of tree-lined runs welcome your arrival at the Austrian ski resort of your choice. With some ski-resorts nestled at dizzy heights of 3, 000 metres, Austrian resorts such as Mayrhofen, Solden Glacier and hochgurgl are several of the most snow sure areas in the EU - regardless of the month of the year. Angel Kalenga of lastminuteskideals.co.uk said “Seriously – Austria is king (or queen!) for late deals for a number of reasons: Availability, Beauty, Partying and the huge number of properties means that last minute holidaymakers can make huge savings while guaranteeing top-class accommodation and service”.

Party people and music fans can enjoy Mayrhofen`s week long Snowbombing music festival - which is very similar to Glastonbury on ice, with huge international acts which include FatBoy Slim, Mark Ronson, 2 Many DJ`s to name a handful!

Austria is a superb choice for any skiing/ snowboarding holiday and is the next most popular country in European countries for English skiers after France, due to having great snow depths for much of the year. Austria is celebrated for its attractive resorts and remarkable levels of service and quality. A catered ski holiday in Austria will offer first class skiing and a vibrant après ski, making it a terrific choice for your next ski vacation.

Mr John SSemakula of UK ski weather site SnowReports said “Ski aficionados know that Austria consistently has more snow than Tony Montana has in the movie Scarface. It’s perfect for snow-sure peaks all year around.”

What`s your ideal European skiing-getaway and for what reason? Are you ecstatic by the notion of French cuisine and hospitality, or lured by the stunning Austrian resorts which could easily adorn any Xmas postcard? Whichever country you decide on, you can be absolutely sure that visiting either country will result in a top-class ski holiday - as year on year, vast booking volumes to these countries testify!