We’ve all heard of the Alps, Rockies and Andes.\u00a0 How about some more unusual skiing and snowboard locations…<\/p>\n
Putin’s passion for skiing resulted in resorts appearing in the Russian Caucasus and around Moscow.\u00a0 Krasnaya Polyana in the Caucasus is well established, with little cafes surrounded by steep mountains.\u00a0 Mt Elbrus is Europe’s highest mountain and attracts an intrepid crowd.\u00a0 The ice is think at the peak so head to the lower slopes for gentle terrain.<\/p>\n
When\u00a0 to go<\/b>: December to May
How to get there<\/b>: Domestic flights from Moscow and St Petersburg serve Anapa, Krasnodar and Nalchik<\/p>\n South Korea<\/h2>\n
The Gangwon province of South Korea is peppered with skill hills.\u00a0 Alps Ski Resort (www.alpsresort.co.kr) sits close to the North Korean border and the Seoraksan National Park where the views are magnificent, stretching across dense forests and white crested rocks.\u00a0 Snow falls thick and heavy at this small resort, ensuring reliable winter fun.<\/p>\n
When to go<\/b>: December to February
How to\u00a0get there<\/b>: Catch a bus direct from Seoul.<\/p>\n Iran<\/h2>\n
Iran’s modern day skiing originated in the 1930s, but was then banned after the 1970s Islamic revolution.\u00a0 However, men and women can now both enjoy skiing on Iran’s slopes as the restrictions have been eased.\u00a0 In the Alborz mountains, the Shemshak and Dizin resorts (www.skifed.ir<\/a>) are in easy distance from Tehran.<\/p>\n When to go<\/b>: November to April The Himalaya, legendary for its trekking, offers a few ski spots well worth a detour from the normal trail.\u00a0 From Manali in Himachal Pradesh head for Solang Nullah with its crowd-free slopes and vivid glacier vistas.\u00a0 Or go further west to Kasmir’s Gulmarg where runs rolls through pine-forrested hillsides.<\/p>\n When to go<\/b>: February and March – January is freezing. Safari in the morning, skiing in the afternoon.\u00a0 Tiffindell (www.snow.co.za<\/a>) on the Eastern Cape may not be coated in masses of snow but there’s enough, and the scenic drive through Wittebeg Mountains makes a good excuse to hit the hill.<\/p>\n
How to get there<\/b>: Trips are best arranged through local tour operators.\u00a0 Hire a 4WD in Tehran if you want to roam.\u00a0 Public transport is limited.<\/p>\n India<\/h2>\n
How to get there<\/b>: Both are just a bus ride from Delhi or Leh.<\/p>\n South Africa<\/h2>\n