The Swatch Snowpark – Tignes, France
Why Crystal Ski recommend it: State-of-the-art facilities.
Famous for hosting the X Games – one of the world’s biggest freestyle events – and most recently the FIS Slopestyle World Cup, the snow park in Tignes is a place to catch trailblazing tricksters in action. At the halfpipe, flips, spins, grabs and big air tricks are all on show – a fab spot to sit back and gawp at what’s possible on a board or skis.
The park’s sponsored by Swatch and is fitted with a “Shoot My Ride” system. Cameras will film your run, meaning you can watch yourself back and see how much steez you really rock on the slopes. Want to test out a new trick? Head to the kicker with the free-to-use airbag – it’s the perfect place for gaining confidence.
Worth a shoutout: The Bun J Ride – mixing ski jumping, bungee jumping and ziplining, this ‘adrenaline overdose’ experience is next to Tignes’ blue Lac run. Anyone over 13 can give it a go… if you have the guts.
Crystal Ski Deals:
- Dublin – France: Depart January 11th, 2024. Staying at 3*+ Village Montana Apartments, Tignes for 7 nights on a self-catering basis from €959pps (based on 4 sharing)
- Dublin – France: Depart March 1st, 2024. Staying at 3*+, Hotel Tignes 2100, Tignes for 7 nights on a half-board basis from €1,309pp
Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks – Whistler, Canada
Why Crystal Ski recommend it: Intermediate and expert freestyler paradise, in pine forest landscape.
Whistler lovers will tell you that everything just feels a little bit bigger and better there – and when it comes to its snow parks, it’s got more than its fair share. Split across Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, the parks cover an enormous 99-acre area, with pine forest and big mountain scenery everywhere you look.
Park first-timers can practice mini jumps and rail-slides in the Big Easy Terrain Garden, while pros can head to the Highest Level Terrain Park to get friendly with the big kickers. The Snow Cross track provides a wild ride if you’re looking to improve your speed skills on the snow. And the star feature, the Super Pipe, is where you can catch freestyle gurus land – or ‘stomp’ – big tricks.
Worth a shoutout: Fire & Ice show every Sunday night (free) – sit back and enjoy music, fireworks, and world-class freestylers in action.
Crystal Ski Deals:
- Dublin – Canada: Depart December 14th, 2024. Staying at 4* Aava Whistler Hotel, Whistler for 7 nights on a room only basis from €1,699pps
- Dublin – Canada: Depart March 8th, 2024. Staying at 4* Crystal Lodge, Whistler for 7 nights on a room only basis from €1,989pps
Vallnord Snowpark – Arinsal, Andorra
Why Crystal Ski recommend it: Value-for-money option.
Arinsal’s known for being a great value resort, so when it comes to parks that get you bang for your buck, Vallnord’s a top choice. Like many of the parks mentioned here, there are dedicated areas for kids, beginners, intermediates, and experts – so adrenaline-seekers of all tribes can pitch in on the fun.
You’ll really feel like you’re in a mountain paradise here, with the epic Pyrenees range making for awesome scenery as you explore the slopes.
Worth a shoutout: Bars and restaurants – follow up park fun with a beer and a bite at one of the piste-side restaurants-bars, such as Xiringuito (pictured above).
Crystal Ski Deals:
- Dublin – Andorra: Depart December 22nd, 2024. Staying at 3*+ Hotel Palarine, Arinsal for 7 nights on a half-board basis from €759pps or bring the family from €2,029 (2 adults + 1 child)
- Dublin – Andorra: Depart March 2nd, 2024. Staying at 3* Hotel Xalet Besoli, Arinsal for 7 nights on a half-board basis from €679pps or bring the family from €1,939 (2 adults + 1 child)
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