Charlie Leocha's Ski Snowboard Europe, now in it's 16th edition, takes the guess work out of finding a European resort or village that fits your fancy, your skiing, and your budget. Here in the States, the odds are good that you will know people among your skiing friends who have been to most of the stateside destination resorts you might be considering, and, for what it's worth can give you a first hand account. This is usually not the case when you consider a vacation skiing in Europe.
Charlie Leocha has been traveling and skiing Europe for over 30 years, he speaks all the major languages and as he says in the book "He has skied, eaten, slept and partied at virtually every major international resort." Leocha views each resort in the book with the discerning eye of a seasoned traveler and, most important for us, he expertly conveys the feel of a resort so the traveling American can pretty much know what to expect.
Getting to Know A European Ski Resort
Ski resorts in Europe are of two personalities: an old established city or village that had the surrounding mountains developed for skiing or a purpose built location of hotels, condos, and apartments built in the 20th Century to let skiers stay near incredible vistas and unlimited skiing. Unveiling the personality of the ski resorts to give a feeling of the ambiance and architecture you can expect is part of the Ski Snowboard Europe formula. This, and the description of each resort's mountain layout, a suggested guide to exploring the mountain, and a breakdown of the terrain by skier ability is what makes the book a necessity, especially for those not familiar with skiing the Alps. When it comes to accommodations, the book lists almost every available type of rental at a particular resort, from the most luxurious to the budget bargains. It also covers the apartments, flats, and chalets available, which are accommodation models not that well known in the States, but which the British and Eastern Europeans have used for years as the most affordable way to stretch their vacationing Euros.
This book doesn't just drop a "star" rating on hotels, apartments, chalets, and restaurants, but tells you what you can expect in service, in sleeping arrangements, and what you can expect to pay depending on the timing of your trip.
Charlie Leocha has a loyal staff of contributors that give feedback during their European ski adventures, which helps the author keep tabs on the resort accommodations' updates, additions and quality trends. You will also find that the author and/or staff offer particular recommendations for certain accommodations at each resort. These should be your first options, if they meet the standards of your budget and privacy expectations.
European Skiing Basics
A chapter covering practically everything you will come across, and that you need to know about during a European ski vacation, is loaded with information to benefit everyone from the first timer to the seasoned traveler. For example, Leocha's explains not only the need for ensuring your health insurance covers you abroad (if not, buy a rider for your policy), but strongly recommends also obtaining local ski area insurance coverage, usually available when you purchase your daily or weekly pass. Great tip, because I was told by the French Ski Patrol that if you haven't the local 'Carte Neige' policy and you need assistance off the mountain and to a local hospital you will personally be liable for a large transport bill - and they hold your skis until you pay!
Another important point emphasized in Ski Snowboard Europe is that the hotel and restaurant ratings and standards are not the same throughout Europe. Different countries have different standards as to what to expect for each starred category. Don't even try to figure it out - trust Leocha and his staff's explanations and recommendations, especially on choosing the full or half pension(board) plans.
Ski Resort Profiles
Without exception you will find every major ski resort in Europe profiled in this book. Ski Snowboard Europedetails the many cases where the major resort is, in fact, a hub from which you can ski out in different directions moving from village to village. As was noted earlier, Charlie Leocha has "...partied at virtually every major international resort," so it's no surprise the apre ski/nightlife in each resort is well detailed, as are the other non-skiing activities.
National Tourist Offices
There is an extensive list of official tourist offices that can be a very good resource in researching what country and what areas you will want to visit. You can request brochures, lists of accommodations, including private dwellings, and be put in contact with English speaking tourist aides in individual resorts.
Ski Snowboard Europe Online
Charlie Leocha has crammed a lot of info on the web site and you can keep yourself planning and dreaming from SkiSnowboard.com for a good long time. Also, on the web site, you will find some new resort profiles that are waiting to be included in the next print edition.
However, when you are on the road in ski country there is nothing like the security of a reliable travel book and when it's Europe your heading to Ski Snowboard Europe is the book you should be carrying - I do!
