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Unique ski holiday deals to enjoy this season

This ski season why not go somewhere that’s exciting and different? Reliable ski tour operators such as Crystal Ski now offer truly unique opportunities to explore the full range of the world’s snowy landscapes. Whether you’re visiting Lapland with the kids or enjoying the snowy and extinct volcanoes of Japan, the Crystal Ski deals on offer are sure to delight. Alternatively, simply enjoy a bargain with packages in regions closer to home, or splash out to enjoy fine wines and the chic après-ski.

Northern Japanese island Hokkaido is an exceptional winter sports mecca that boasts some of the world’s best dry powder snow. This is largely thanks to winds that blow in from Siberia from the Sea of Japan. It is also an ideal location for beginners, as visitors can enjoy a scintillating blend of comfortable green slopes and exotic cultural surroundings.

The nearby nature parks have a wonderful selection of wildlife. Home to brown bears and eagles, exploring these natural habitats can be enjoyed alongside delicious traditional Japanese cuisine. But if it’s excitement that you’re after, the islands growing Sapporo Snow Festival is held every February. This sees around two million visitors come to view snow statues and ice sculptures in their hundreds.

If you’re looking for a genuine Christmas treat, Lapland is home to Santa Claus and an endless number of reindeer. These lovable Christmas characters bring with them even more opportunities to enjoy the area’s distinctive snowy surroundings. This makes it the perfect choice for families and friends seeking an idyllic once in a lifetime Christmas themed snow holiday.

Holidays to this unusual destination offer top cross-country and downhill ski facilities, plus a unique selection of alternative opportunities to enjoy the snow. You can go on husky rides, snowmobile safaris and reindeer rides through the local forests, or meet Santa at home with his elves. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights, which this year have been predicted to be the best in over half a century by NASA scientists.

Sometimes though, nothing can beat a traditional European ski holiday. The mountainous peaks of Europe have so much to offer that any choice of resort is bound to make a deep impression on visitors of all ages. Wood chalets surrounded by abundant snow can be teamed with your choice of accommodation, starting with self-service and going up to all-inclusive. Plus, upgrades range from supersize TVs and Xbox 360s to prestigious luxury hotels.

Courchevel’s Hotel des Neiges is one such 4* hotel, which provides guests with gourmet dining, a large spa and indoor pool. Outside its range of cosy lodgings, the surrounds are a renowned family-friendly purpose built skiing destination that are home to one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. It has a great selection of slopes for skiers of all abilities to choose from.

With so much on offer, skiing can be just the start of a snow holiday of a lifetime. But whatever your choice of location this season, make sure that your break is one to remember. Thinking outside the box will ensure you enjoy some great cultural experiences along the way.