What’s new? Ski Safari launches four new and exciting multi-resort-winter adventures for 2018/19

Tailor-made tour operator Ski Safari pioneered the concept of multi-adventure ski holidays – a ‘ski safari’ – more than two decades ago. Remaining true to its roots to offer more than just ski holidays, the operator has introduced four new and exciting ski safari itineraries to its programme.

Alongside its more traditional ski holiday programme, a multi-resort ski safari offers even more skiing, sightseeing and adventure, all experienced in a single tailor-made trip. These self-drive or rail adventures often include stays in iconic cities, visits to national parks and world-class railway journeys along the way.

From an adventure in the Scandinavian fjords with jaw-droppingly majestic scenery to a Colorado Cat-Ski experience with a distinctively gastronomic flavour, these itineraries have been carefully put together by Ski Safari’s team of specialists. Having lived or travelled extensively in those countries, their in-depth knowledge means you can be sure of a winter adventure of a lifetime.

FOUR NEW SKI SAFARIS 

1. Colorado Cat-Ski Safari

Combining the driest powder in Colorado, delicious food paired with smooth wine and a cat-ski experience like no other, this brand new itinerary allows enthusiasts to experience some of the world’s best ski terrain. Ideal for strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders, with a variety of off-piste experiences, explore the huge range of slopes, take in the ever-changing scenery and float through north-west Colorado’s trademarked Champagne Powder®.

Beginning in Aspen Snowmass, comprising Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, enjoy the reliably-deep snow, breath-taking views, immense terrain, incredible accommodation and 336 ski runs. After an active day on the mountains, stay at the new five-star Limelight Hotel Snowmass or, for a special treat, stay at the legendary five-star-plus Little Nell. The real adventure follows next with a day on the Little Nell Powder Cat – an experience exclusive to guests of the Little Nell, Limelight Aspen and Limelight Snowmass – promising 10-12 untracked runs on beautifully pristine powder on mostly intermediate and some advanced terrain. Experience on-mountain dining like no other with a feast of gourmet food paired with wines from the legendary Little Nell wine collection in a remote cabin in the heart of the Elk Mountains.

After Aspen, head to the authentic cowboy town of Steamboat, home to 80% intermediate and advanced terrain spread over six peaks. Sign up to First Tracks for a chance to travel in the gondola at eight in the morning to ski Spur Run or Huffman’s to Sundown Express before anyone else. Steamboat Powdercats operate just 25 minutes’ drive from Steamboat, and Buffalo Pass – where the company is based – is known for Colorado’s deepest annual snowpack and has a plethora of north, south, east and west-facing zones. Operating since 1983, Steamboat Powdercats organises everyone by ability, to maximise the time spent and the fun had.

Andy Knights, North America Specialist, says: “Think lift accessed cat-skiing from your hotel, luxurious snack-filled snowcats, gourmet lunches paired with wine and an area that regularly sees 500 inches of super-dry powder each winter. The Colorado Cat-Ski Safari provides one of the ultimate and exclusive cat-ski experiences.”

How much? A 10-night Colorado Cat-Ski Safari costs from £3,995 pp (two sharing) or £3,795 pp (four sharing). Price includes five nights’ stay at the new five-star Limelight Hotel Snowmass and five nights’ stay at four-star Steamboat Grand on a B&B basis, direct flights, SUV hire and two days’ cat-skiing or snowboarding.

For more information, or to book, call 01273 224060 or visit www.skisafari.com

2. BC Cat-Ski Safari

Combining Red Mountain Resort and Whitewater, experience the world’s best snowcat-accessed powder skiing and snowboarding in a location nearly three times the size of Whistler Blackcomb. Ideal for strong intermediates to powder experts, this fly-drive trip is perfect for those wanting to access heli-skiing terrain but without the relentless pace and potential down-days due to bad weather. Skiers and snowboarders can bank up to 10,000 to 18,000 vertical feet each day (approximately six to 16 runs) and make the most of the magnificent views.

Start the tour in Red, home to 2,877 acres of lift-accessed glades, steep chutes, meadows and fast groomers. After warming up, spend a day with the world’s biggest cat-ski operator, Big Red Cats, a company intent on finding the best powder available. Explore the 20,000 acres of terrain spread over eight mountains; the amazing variety of terrain means all levels can get the most out of the day.

Following Red, travel the short distance to the cool ski town of Nelson, the gateway to Whitewater. Whitewater is a perfect destination for those wanting to progress to more challenging off-piste, with steep-alpine chutes, hair-raising cliffs and gnarly scenery. Spend a day with Valhalla Powdercats and discover even more of this awe-inspiring destination.

 Andy Knights, North America Specialist, says: “A powder pilgrimage into the heart of interior British Columbia. There is nothing like the purr of a snowcat engine ploughing its way into the deep BC snowpack. No down days, endless tree runs, super-dry powder and a comfortable snack-filled lift back up between runs…”.

 How much? A 10-night BC Cat-Ski Safari costs from £2,395 pp (two sharing) or £2,250 pp (four sharing). Price includes accommodation, direct flights, SUV hire and two days’ cat-skiing or snowboarding.

For more information, or to book, call 01273 224060 or visit www.skisafari.com

3. Freeride the Fjords Ski Safari 

Although Norway’s gentle terrain is popular with beginners and intermediates, there is a lot of lesser-skied high-intermediate and advanced terrain available for those who know where to look.

The drive to Myrkdalen, the first destination on this itinerary, showcases the epic scale of the fjords, mountains and waterfalls. Although the resort is known for its beautifully groomed runs, there is some really exciting off-piste skiing to be had, with some slopes hitting 45 degrees and more. Stay at the ski-in, ski-out 4* Myrkdalen Hotel, which features spacious, modern rooms and excellent food.

Following the warm-up in Myrkdalen, journey 45 minutes to the small Viking village of Gudvangen. Then, take a boat across the Nærøyfjord to Flåm before jumping on the Flåm railway – one of Norway’s most spectacular attractions – which ascends to the remote Vatnahalsen Mountain Lodge. Once settled into the accommodation, join in with two days’ guided ski touring across the surrounding mountains. All guides are professionally qualified and hold International Federation of Mountain Guides certifications, so guests can experience the jaw-dropping surroundings knowing they are in good hands.

Before flying home, stop in Oslo or Bergen and discover the friendly Norwegian culture and fresh cuisine including salmon, and its Scandinavian relative, the arctic char and reindeer, amongst other specialities.

Andy Hemingway, Product Manager for Scandinavia, says: “A stunning combination of scenery and terrain allowing experienced skiers to explore Norway with professional mountain guides.” 

How much? A seven-night Freeride the Fjords Ski Safari costs from £1,659 pp (two sharing). Price includes half-board accommodation, direct flights, transfers, two-hour fjord boat ride to Flåm, two days’ guided ski touring in Vatnahalsen and world famous Flåm Railway journey.

For more information, or to book, call 01273 224068 or visit www.skisafari.com

   4.  Engelberg & Andermatt Freeride Ski Safari

The traditional and quaint cobbled villages of Engelberg and Andermatt, in the Swiss Alps, often make freeride skiers and snowboarders look elsewhere, but not Ski Safari. Ideal for advanced enthusiasts looking to make the most of off-piste opportunities, or groups of varying abilities wanting to skip the guiding and stick to the pistes, this trip can be tailored to suit everyone’s needs.

Spend three days exploring Engelberg, which offers top conditions thanks to the Titlis glacier, plus one of the biggest drops in the Alps and fun, lively après-ski. After making the most of the resort and finding some lesser-known runs thanks to an experienced mountain guide, be whisked to Andermatt, just one hour away, in a private transfer.

Home to Gemsstock mountain, which towers above the resort at 3,000 metres, Andermatt offers skiers and snowboarders challenging slopes. Although its town has gone through a large-scale redevelopment, it has managed to retain its authentic charm. Jump into the cable car and speed up to the peak of Gemsstock where a number of fantastic descents can be experienced.

Andrea Selig, Product Manager for Switzerland, says: “Two resorts renowned for their freeride opportunities yet forgotten by the masses, this is the appeal of Engelberg and Andermatt, found at the heart of Switzerland.”

How much? A seven-night Engelberg & Andermatt Freeride Ski Safari costs from £2,175 pp (two sharing). Price includes a four-night stay at four-star Titlis Resort and a three-night stay at five-star Chedi Andermatt, direct flights, transfers and two days’ guiding.

For more information, or to book, call 01273 224062 or visit www.skisafari.com