There was a time when ski resorts were all about, well skiing. Then came snowboarding and a few flash in the pan ideas, which remain collecting dust in the closet. As snowsports developed, the ski resorts evolved too, especially within the last decade, to bring popular culture and entertainment to the Alps in the form [...]

The Finnish word for the northern lights, or aurora borealis, is ‘revontulet’, meaning fox fire. This originates from an old folk tale in which an arctic fox started fires by running through the snow covered landscapes, its bushy tail throwing sparks up into the sky. I love this story, and choose to recount it whenever [...]

Many people dream of holidaying in the dramatic land of the Midnight Sun – Norway. However, as one of the world’s richest countries, holidaying in Norway can be pricey. Don’t let potential costs put you off visiting this beautiful country though, as with a few simple tricks, the natural delights of the fjords and the [...]

For skiers who appreciate the finer things in life The Crystal Finest preview brochure for winter 2012/13, launched today, presents a collection of bespoke chalets, first class hotels and stylish apartments in the world’s best ski destinations in Europe, North America and Japan. Whether you are a devout foodie, want to soothe any aching muscles [...]

Christmas has come early to all Crystal Summer holiday bookers: book by 31 January 2012 and receive £100 discount per booking, valid for all destinations, all flights and all durations.  Crystal Summer’s collection of holidays takes you from the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean to the peaks of the Alps; from stunning lakeside villages of [...]

Be Safe on the Slopes Planning a winter ski or snowboarding holiday? Don’t miss out on the fun – avoid injury and expensive medical costs by following our checklist. Before You Go Travel insurance Make sure your insurance covers the activities you want to do. Medical costs can be very expensive if you get injured: [...]

Last Saturday, over 1600 Santas run ‘en masse’ around Battersea Park including Crystal Ski employees Elizabeth Weathers, Suzie Nott, James Harrison and Vladimir Davidovic – see attached images. The Original London Santa Run is an annual 6k fun run organised by charity Disability Snowsport UK. The event started at 10am and participants were running, walking [...]

 There have been increasingly heavy snowfalls in Western North America over the past few weeks, with Whistler reporting a metre of fresh snow in the past seven days and most other resorts on the western side of the continent reporting healthy snowfalls too. In Europe, snowfall is expected towards the weekend, many resorts are opening [...]

Kids ski free deals and price discounts offered by hard-pressed ski resorts in Europe and North America have sent the cost of family skiing sliding downhill – according to the annual Post Office Travel Money Family Ski Resort Report. With sterling holding its 2010 value this year¹ for most ski destinations, resort equipment and living [...]

Crystal was runner-up at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine annual readers’ award at this year’s ceremony held at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London on November 28. Winner of the Specialist tour operator sector was Journey Latin America. Thank you to the readers who voted for us. The full details of all the awards [...]