BusinessPark in the United States

The great holiday season of the year is placed squarely in the middle of winter. With snow and cold sleet all around, a lot of the typical holiday options - picnicking, sunbathing, outdoor sports etc - are cut out of the reckoning. But thanks to the very snow that plays spoilsport to everything else, a whole new world can open up: winter sports.

Winter sports include skiing, ice hockey, sledding, snowboarding, snow mobiles and many others. Out of these, skiing is the undisputed king where individual sports are concerned. There is absolutely nothing that can parallel the rush of excitement and adrenaline as snow-clad slopes rush by on your descent, with you being protected by nothing other than a few layers, a pair of wooden planks, and two sticks.

La Plagne in France is one of the world's most popular skiing destinations, with a total slope length of over 225km. Beginners will be heartened to know that over 60% of the slope is accessible to beginners, and only 13% is limited to experts. The newbies should always stick to the pistes marked in green, steering completely clear of the blue, red and black.

For families who have a combination of skilled, intermediate and beginner skiers, La Plagne is the ideal place to be. With a combination of piste and off-piste skiing, skilled coaches and personalized training facilities, it is perfectly safe to leave beginners in the hands of trainers for a few hours while experts enjoy the thrill of an off-piste terrain run.

Skiing begins for most people in the early morning, and goes on till sundown. But with the advent of high-intensity lighting, night skiing has become an exciting way to combine partying and skiing on slopes that are much less crowded than they are in the day. It is cheaper too, so large groups of students and young adults may have a thrilling time in the ice, especially if they have their slope all to themselves.

Once ski-time ends for the day, skiers can traipse back to their chalets, most of which are equipped with power showers or jacuzzis to apply a refreshing hot massaging action to tired, aching limbs. Games, movies, books and TV can keep you occupied at your chalet or apartment till the morning ski lift, or you can don your party clothes and take out time for the excellent bars, clubs and nightlife in the La Plagne region.

Coming home to the right chalet can make all the difference in your skiing vacation. With a well-equipped home and hosts who are consistently dedicated to your welfare, you can stay assured of a wonderful, rejuvenating winter break.