| When considering planning a vacation, most individuals | | | | nursery slopes. In addition, select resorts in |
| think of the summer, when warm sun and clear skies | | | | Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France also have |
| can offer a bright backdrop for a wide range of | | | | resorts that cater to beginners. Look for resorts with |
| holidays. But because most people think of | | | | ski schools that offer beginner classes, as well as a |
| vacationing during the warmer months of the year, | | | | wide range of slopes that allow you to progress as |
| popular -- and even not-so-popular -- spots are | | | | your skills improve. |
| crowded with students and other tourists, and hotels | | | | - Snowboarders should look for a resort that offers |
| and recreation locales can charge fees that are | | | | half-pipes and a snowboard park or other dedicated |
| significantly higher than what's offered the rest of | | | | facilities. |
| the year. | | | | - Consider a vacation during the off-season, |
| A winter holiday can offer spectacular snowy vistas | | | | traditionally the period from January to March. |
| and scenic wonders few summer vacationers ever | | | | Resorts are less crowded during these months, giving |
| experience, often at reduced rates. Add some | | | | you more space on the slopes to work on your |
| adventure to your escape by combining it with skiing, | | | | technique and usually resulting in a better |
| snowboarding, or another activity, and you just may | | | | teacher-student ratio in ski schools. The off-season |
| begin a tradition that can add a bright note to even | | | | also offers great deals on cheap hotels. Many hotels |
| the grayest of winters. | | | | may offer discounts on lift tickets or equipment |
| If you're new to skiing and snowboarding, these | | | | rental. When looking for hotels, be sure to inquire if |
| ideas can help you get a taste of the sports without | | | | ski discounts or packages exist. |
| paying a fortune. | | | | - Ski and boarding equipment, boots and clothing can |
| - Look for ski resorts that offer learn-to-ski or | | | | be costly, especially if you're just starting out and |
| learn-to-snowboard packages. Most resorts recognize | | | | aren't sure whether you'll continue in the sport or not. |
| that the learners of today can become the regular | | | | Many outfitters let you hire items including skis and |
| customers of tomorrow, and have special packages | | | | snowboards, jackets, ski pants, boots and helmets, |
| that can include ski or board rental, lift passes, | | | | as well as gloves, socks and goggles. Skiing and |
| lessons, and even boot rental. Resorts that offer | | | | snowboarding can be great fun, and by combining |
| these learner packages also have gentle pistes that | | | | these sports with off-season cheap hotels, you can |
| are idea for learning the basics of skiing and boarding. | | | | wind up spending less than you'd spend on a summer |
| Many beginners head to Andorra, Bulgaria resorts, | | | | vacation, while learning a new skill that may become |
| many of which have a wide selection of gentle | | | | a lifetime passion. |