Chalets Direct has recently added two world famous freeride areas to their list of winter holiday destinations.
Located at the end of the Anniviers Valley in the Swiss Valais area, Zinal nestles in an impressive mountain range which includes the Weisshorn (4506m), Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn and Dent Blanche. The north-east facing slopes ensure high quality snow throughout the season - the resort actually opens at weekends on November 8th until December 13th, when it opens fully. There are 70km of pistes and an extensive freeride area of 100 hectares, known as the Garde de Bordon. The resort also has an avalanche training centre.
La Grave has long been a favourite amongst freeride skiers and boarders, and a frequent venue for ski extreme videos. Located at an altitude of 1500m and dominated by the majestic summit of La Meije at 3983m, La Grave has been a well kept secret, shared by those in the know. It is a true mountain wilderness - reached by one cable car, or by a 20 minute hike from the top of Les Deux Alpes.
Both places are off the beaten track and offer a very different kind of wintersports holiday - pack your arvas, and to get the best out of the area book a mountain guide.
