Do you consider skiing to be a cool way of spending your November vacation? Some of you might think that it’s still too early to get this kind of offers in Europe. But I’m glad to inform you that on the north slopes there are already a few open for ski and snowboard runs and ski lifts. Where to go in November for the most impatient ski lovers?
Ruka, Finland
Already in mid-October the season of skiing began on the most popular among the tourists Lappish resort of Ruka. Skiing in these areas can be done around nine months a year – not far from the Arctic Circle, surrounded by enchanting nature of the north. Like most Finnish resorts, here there is a small elevation (total 201 meters). Many of the 28 low slopes are perfect for trainings, 22 slopes are being lit even in the dark period of the day. The real pride of the resort are the special intricate trails for snowboarders.
Levi, Finland
A few days are left before the opening of the popular resort of Levi Lapland. Trails are carefully prepared, as early as mid-November and for this year they will host World Cup slalom. In the largest ski center in Finland, most trails are “blue” and “red” that is calculated on the average level of skill. As much as 4 of the slope is given to children – there is a special platform for young skiers. Levi has been elected to be “the best ski resort in Finland” for four times.
Hafjell, Norway
October 29 opened the trails on the largest resort in the region of Lillehammer – Hafjell. Most of the trails are designed for intermediate skiers who are planning to participate in training programs. 7 kilometers of trails are equipped with artificial lighting. Among the ski lifts at this resort is the high-speed gondola, which promptly delivers the athletes at the very top. Skiers who like variety, will not be bored, because the Hafjell ski pass can be used on the nearby Kvitfele, Sheykampene, Golo and Shusheene. Between these resorts there is a free shuttle bus which works perfectly. And if skiing makes you bored, you can try a ride a bobsleigh on specially organized bobsleigh tracks, rent ATVs and aero boards, to go on a trip in the Olympic sites.
Kvitjjfel, Norway
The works already started in the hills of Kvitjjfel, although the resort will open only by the time of the Catholic Christmas. This is one of the resorts in Lillehammer, it was built specially for the Olympics, and hence there exist routes to suit all the tastes: from the easiest for beginners to the well-known near-vertical “black” route, which is held annually for one of the World Cup downhills, and the recently opened daunting 650-meter track for the ski cross. On the western side of the resort is a snowpark. And fans will enjoy night skiing on 2.6 kilometers of lighted trails. Another advantage of the resort – usually on the slopes of Kvitjjfelya there are few people and no queues at the lifts.
Trysil, Norway
In late October and the season at the biggest Norwegian resort – Trysil has begun. Having gone for a ride in a place you can be sure: the snow is always guaranteed, you always have the cool warm ocean winds, and excellent snowmaking system. Therefore the management of the resort is not afraid to make promises that if you are still not able to ride, you will get back all of the money spent. Trysil is divided into four zones riding their trails will as amateurs, the lovers of the insane speeds, and families with young children.
Hemsedal, Norway
Another traditional early resort in the Scandinavian Alps – Hemsedal. This year, if the weather does not fail, the slopes will be the ready for the first skiers on Nov. 5. Hemsedal is a place which is loved among the families with children, because that’s where the biggest children’s area in Norway together with the entertainment park “Kingdom of the Bobcats” is, and very young children, at a time while their parents go for a drive, can spend a day in nursery. Hemsedal has a few snowparks, 9 slopes lit at night. Fits this resort for designed for the adventurers who adore off-piste skiing on virgin snow.
Oppdal, Norway
November 13 is scheduled to be the opening day on the slopes of Oppdal. Although management of the resort hopes that they will make it even a little earlier. Most tracks lay on mountain range of Trollheimen (“House of trolls”), designed for experienced skiers. However, accompanying them novices, feeling that tired of the steep slopes, as at other resorts in Norway can ride a dog sled, trying hand at rock climbing or trying ice-fishing.
Abzakovo, Magnitogorsk, Russia
October 23, a week earlier than last year, began working Bashkir Abzakovo. It has now two open routes, making a total at the resort 15, including 4 slopes for slalom and giant slalom. Although in Abzakovo there are mostly simple slopes, although elevation in any of the Russian resort is small, just for beginners opportunities for skiing here is a little bit. Deciding to go to the spurs of the Ural mountains, do not forget about the Ural frosts, which are especially noticeable on slow riding uphill lift.
Sheregesh, Izhevsk, Russia
Typically, the ski season on the slopes of Izhevsk begins in early November. This year 5, the date was even scheduled for the snowboard holiday. However, the snow is led. If the weather will meet the expectations, the plan ride on local routes may be available on November 13. Actually Sheregesh is usually known for excellent snow, which lies in these areas until May, and excellent opportunities for skiing off-piste.
Soelden, Austria
And the very first ski season in Europe begins in Soelden. There are two lifts that began work in September. But maybe it was only due to the fact that the Austrian resort offers skiing on a glacier. Today, there are all 10 lifts which are opening around 37 kilometers of tracks. But those who want to enjoy the entire area of the winter ski and shoot for 148 kilometers of trails with all of the equipments, will have to wait until, apparently, the resort will be fully open