Ask the experts: Where the pros go

We reveal where the UK's top winter sports buffs will be carving, cruising, speeding and jumping this season

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 28 Sept 2017, 16:00 BST, Updated 12 Jul 2021, 11:42 BST

Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards, former Olympic ski jumper

Canada

It's always special to visit Canada, having competed there in the 1988 Olympics. Last year, I skied in Kicking Horse Resort, across the border in British Columbia. I'm going back with Kicking Horse Powder Tours and guests to ski the amazing terrain, before heading back to Calgary to try ski jumping at the Olympic Centre.

Chris Gill, Editor, Where to Ski and Snowboard

France

Last winter, I researched two new guides to Austria and Italy. France is next. Top priorities: the long-awaited Courchevel Moriond gondola; the blue run to the village in Les Deux Alpes; La Plagne's reinvented glacier; the revamped Signal area at Alpe d'Huez; and improved beginner slopes at Val d'Isère.

Jan Farrell, speed skier

Andorra

Andorra is my winter speed skiing training base. Grandvalira's slopes have ideal conditions, especially at Grau Roig, where Ribéral hosts the annual Speed Ski World Cup. Next winter, I'm going to attempt to break the world speed record while being towed by a vehicle on snow in Norway too, so catch me there, if you can.

Alyn Morgan, head of member services, Ski Club of Great Britain

Austria

This season's bucket list destination for me is Pitztal; the highest resort in the Austrian Tyrol. There's great skiing here, it's very snow-sure and quiet compared to many locations. But for me the ski touring is the main attraction. It's a beautiful area with superb terrain and the ski touring is not too strenuous — the reward is incredible off-piste skiing.

Emily Sarsfield, ski cross athlete

France

I'm spoilt for choice in Méribel, the world's largest ski area: perfectly groomed pistes, off-piste powder fields — it has it all. With the world-class ski cross track in Val Thorens too, it's the perfect playground for a full-time athlete. I'll also be skiing in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, providing I qualify during the lead-up period in December and January.

Katie Ormerod, park and pipe snowboarder

New Zealand & Austria

I'll be starting my season in New Zealand — training and competing for a spot in the Winter Olympics — before heading to Stubai, in Austria, which has one of the best preseason slopestyle parks in the world. I'll also travel around Germany, Italy and Switzerland before heading over to Colorado and, of course, Pyeongchang.

Ed Leigh, presenter of BBC's Ski Sunday

Switzerland

I'll be in Verbier this winter for its vast and diverse area — good for all levels and the freeriding is among Europe's best. The lifts are positioned so they open up huge amounts of terrain without scarring the mountains. The town has a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif, no eyesore architecture, and impressive restaurants and apres. Plus, it's not as pricey as you might think.

Published in the Winter Sports 2018 guide, free with the October 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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