Vogue Paris : Lebanon Among 5 Unusual Ski Destinations, sky in Lebanon

Vogue Paris : Lebanon Among 5 Unusual Ski Destinations 
Date: Wednesday, December 07, 2016
By: Escapes 
Source: Beiruting.com

In Antarctica

Carpeted with powdery snow and studded with glacial peaks, Antarctica has all the ski space must-haves to rival the world's best resorts. With the season upon us, the polar island is organizing more and more expeditions by the day, where you can show off your skills in a veritable winter Wonderland.

Where to stay: Whichaway Camp

Antarctica's very first (and unique) luxury camp is situated in the heart of Queen Maud Land. Offering stays of one week at a time, visitors flock to explore the land of ice through seasonal activities, from skiing and paraskiing to ice treks and penguin-filled polar safaris. When the day is done, hit the hay in one of six domes designed by Ryan Ashworth, equipped with all the comforts you could ask for - soft couches and beds, crackling fireplaces and fully-stocked bookshelves.

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In India

A must-see spot, Gulmarg is taken by storm in the busy winter season. Seduced by kilometers of pistes at over 3950m high, as well as the abundance of snow, skiers have made it their own. What's more, since 2013 the resort has offered visitors the chance to try their hand at heli-skiing above the Himalayas.

Where to stay: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Inspired by the traditional architecture of Kashmir, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in Gulmarg. With a modest wooden design, each of its bedrooms features delicate Indian fabrics and looks onto the Pir Panjal mountain. Another reason to pop by, its Chaikash tea room is a specialist in afternoon tea and is full to the brim come après-ski o'clock.

Hotel Khyber Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 193403, Tel. +91 95967 80653

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In Lebanon

Though not well-known in the West, Kfardebian is considered one of the Middle East's best destinations to ski. At less than an hour from Beirut by car, it's a Lebanese favorite when winter descends, with its mile-long pistes, plush hotels and a multitude of outdoor activities.

Where to stay: InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort & Spa

The first five-star establishment in a Middle Eastern ski resort, the InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort & Spa has the best of the best. As well as its spacious rooms with a view and delicious Lebanese restaurant, the place houses a top-of-the-range spa with a wide variety of treatments from aromatherapy and Shiatsu to ayurvedic massages and facials. The ideal spot to relax and recover after a busy day on the slopes.

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Kfardebiane, Ouyoun EL Simane, Mzaar 0000, Liba, Tel.+961 9 340 100

In Georgia

Lying right at the Russian border, Gudauri is the most renowned resort in Caucasia - that is if you can get to it. Its regular blizzards make access hard at times, but when the sky is blue powder fanatics rejoice, permeating kilometers of pistes to enjoy a stunning view over the endless Silk Road.

Where to stay: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

With Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia at the helm, the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is the Tbilissi crowd's favorite address. Taking up in an old Soviet building, the interior sits somewhere between a New York loft with exposed wood, steel and bricks, and a typical Eurasian home with its traditional upholstery and a myriad of oriental rugs and low tables. A stylish stop at the foot of the pistes.

Stephantsminda, Georgia, Tel. +995 322 71 00 99

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On Mount Etna

Known for its spectacular eruptions, Etna has an unexpected side - one you can ski. Perched at 3300m high, mogul mavens hurtle down the snowy slopes of the volcano, between sea, sky and fire. An experience like no other.

Where to stay: Corsaro

Clinging to the side of Mount Etna, the four star Corsaro Hotel is practically the only one in the area. After undergoing a grand redesign in the 1990s following the devastating eruption of 1983, its new look is refined and comfort-heavy with a handful of volcano-view bedrooms, mere footsteps from fresh powder snow.

Contrada Cantoniera, 95030 Nicolosi CT, Italy, Tel.+39 095 914122

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