The thrill of the hill is a magical thing for ski enthusiasts. There’s an excitement that is hard to describe, looking down from the top of a slope, anticipating the wind rushing by you as you glide through fresh powder. The quest for the perfect run can take skiers around the world. Even China, Russia and Australia have ski areas. The modern resort offers more than just great ski runs. It will have a village feeling where like-minded skiers can gather, swap stories, dine at great eateries, and indulge in other activities. More resorts have terrain parks. These provide new challenges for ski enthusiasts with jumps, half-pipes, moguls and other obstacles.

If you’re travelling with the family, consider renting a chalet or villa. Some have complete kitchens, living rooms, and even outdoor hot tubs. They are great for families who want the full ski resort experience. And chalets are smart options for stretching your budget, too, especially if you can prepare meals on-site. The youngsters in your family should have access to suitable ski facilities designed for junior skiers. Bunny hills, kid-sized ski rentals and instructors with expertise in coaching children are good things to look for in a ski destination.

Europe has some of the world’s best skiing, and Ireland is lucky enough to have reasonably quick access to those areas. Even if you just want to hit the slopes for a long weekend, it’s easy to do, whether you book a holiday to renowned resorts in Switzerland, France, or Austria. If you are looking for a longer-haul holiday, consider North American ski destinations. In Canada, Whistler in British Columbia ranks among the best ski areas. In fact, it will host the ski events for the winter Olympics in 2010. Be prepared for a challenge. In the United States, there’s great skiing on both the west and east coasts. In the east, Vermont and New Hampshire have stellar ski areas, as well as a few in New York State. In the west, home of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado and Utah are worthy choices. If you want something more exotic, consider Japan, New Zealand, Chile, or Scandinavia. Contact your Travel Counsellor to get you there.