Page 47 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

A group of visitors enjoying the natural hot springs in the freezing
winter at Kamchatka, Russia
A snowboarder performing a stunt spinning over mountain peaks at Skiers on the magnificent snow-covered slopes of Åre, Sweden’s
Sainte Foy, France Kamchatka number-one ski resort
Sainte Foy NEED TO KNOW Åre

LOCATION Kamchatka is in the
NEED TO KNOW volcanic “Ring of Fire” region on the NEED TO KNOW
Pacific Ocean’s edge in Eastern
LOCATION Sainte Foy 6/*5&% Siberia, Russia LOCATION Åre is 390 miles
,*/(%0. -JMMF
is in Tarentaise Valley above (630 km) north of Stockholm and
SKIABLE AREA About :BLVUTL /PSUI
Bourg St Maurice 3644*" 210 miles (350 km) south of the 4FB -VMFB
1BSJT 4USBTCPVSH 96,500 sq miles (250,000 sq
SKIABLE AREA kms), although most of the .BHBEBO Arctic Circle, and sits above a
Over 15 miles (25 km) of '3"/$& terrain is unexplored ,".$)"5," collection of linked villages ¯3& '*/-"/%
groomed trails and a large 48*5;&3-"/% $)*/" 1FUSPQBWMPWTL SKIABLE AREA Around 48&%&/
“off-piste” backcountry area #BZ PG SEASON Apr–May 60 miles (100 km) of runs, /038":
#JTDBZ 4"*/5& '0: *5"-: ACCESSIBILITY Slopes can 1BDJmD
SEASON Dec–Apr #PSEFBVY be accessed by helicopter or long hikes +"1"/ 0 D FBO and extensive off-trail 4UPDLIPMN
ACCESSIBILITY .BSTFJMMF SEASON Early Nov–early May (ÚUFCPSH
Excellent road and rail access ACCESSIBILITY Good road, #BMUJD
4FB
via Bourg St Maurice 41"*/ .FEJUFSSBOFBO rail and air links
4FB
Skiing in Kamchatka is an almost surreal
experience. Many of the peaks your battered Mi-8
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Sainte Foy has a helicopter will drop you on have steam issuing Above Åre’s attractive pastel houses and shining
mere 15 miles (25 km) of ruins, for the backcountry from cracks in their flanks; active volcanoes dot lake lies the best lift-accessed skiing in
in this recently developed Alpine resort is extensive, the landscape and at the end of your run, you Scandinavia, with something for everyone. Those
challenging, and relatively crowd-free, especially might find yourself on a black-sand beach that skiers wanting to leave the runs, in particular, will
compared to popular neighbors such as Les Arcs is being pounded by Pacific breaks. You may spot love the options here, including a great snowcat-
and Tignes. And it’s great for snowboarders. grizzly bears and sea eagles while skiing, and accessed run from the 4,660-ft (1,420-m) summit
It pays to get in with the locals in order to can easily clock up over 30,000 ft (11,000 m) of of Åreskutan. There’s also a fine array of novice
discover the best riding. Many of them will hike vertical per day. And it’s not unusual to wind it and intermediate runs, allowing skiers and
from the top of the lifts to lay down fresh tracks far all up at the end of the day sipping Russian snowboarders of all abilities to enjoy a trip to
away from skiers who are not in the know. But even “champagne” in a natural hot spring, easily Scandinavia, the home of skiing.
without local knowledge, you’ll enjoy some of the making Kamchatka the ski trip of a lifetime. Late-season skiing can be sublime as the sun
finest and most open terrain in the Alps here, rarely sinks beneath the horizon. And if you like to
especially late in the season. party hard, Åre provides plenty of entertainment.
Practical Information
Getting There and Around The only practical means of accessing
Practical Information Kamchatka is from the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky international airport, Practical Information
Getting There and Around There are excellent road links to the nearest which is 9 hours from Moscow. Accommodations are in the regional Getting There and Around Östersund airport is 11/2 hours away and there
airports, Chambéry and Lyon, although the journey may take longer in bad capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Hotels are basic by western are good road and rail links with all Sweden’s major cities. However, snow
weather. Eurostar service to Bourg St. Maurice operates through the winter. standards. You will have to bring all your own ski gear and spares as may make road access difficult.
When to Go Dec–Apr. Late season has almost empty runs, longer days, nothing is available in the town. When to Go February onward – midwinter has short days and is very cold.
and warmer weather. When to Go Apr–May, as midwinter weather is too unpredictable. Late season is often best due to longer days and uncrowded slopes.
Website www.saintefoy.net Website www.eaheli.com Website www.skistar.com

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