Even Santa wants to shake up the norm
Heather Rushworth
The festive period isn’t for everyone. If you’re anything like me, the holidays are the perfect time to escape drab work parties and tacky Christmas decorations. I prefer to jet off for either winter sun coupled with great waves, or fresh powder ridden slopes on the mountains. So why not get on the phone to your mates, and arrange a perfect little winter vacation escaping the mince pies and Christmas crackers – each and every year, me and my friends do exactly this.
As an extreme sports enthusiast, I have grown accustomed to certain locations due to their unique offerings. Whether it’s the culture, the pumping surf, the back-country slopes or the traditional cuisine, these places keep me coming back over and over again. I will share with you why they are so special and I’m sure once you have experienced them, you will also agree that they are an excellent, alternative way to spend your Christmas.
Morocco – Stuff the Turkey! It’s Time for Some Spice!
The North African country of Morocco is one of my favourite places in the entire world. “Why?” you may ask. Simply, because it offers rich culture, cheap living expenses, spicy food and endless right hand point breaks, that come to life in the winter months. Oh, and it receives over 300 days of glorious sunshine every year! Surely that’s better than the sloppy kisses and woolly socks you get every year, from your great aunt?
Surprisingly, Morocco is very affordable to reach from the UK. One can fly from most major airports for around £100 return, for 7-14 days. However, the additional costs for surfboards can often be as much as the flight, so consider rental boards when budgeting for your trip. Cheap flights can be found to both Agadir and Marrakech. I generally tend to head for Agadir due to the closer proximity to the absolutely world-class surf village of Taghazoute.
Taghazoute – Surf Your Heart Out, Santa!
Taghazoute is a picturesque fishing village that has been overrun by the surfing world – and rightly so! The village features a range of world-class surf breaks, mostly famed for the right-hand point breaks that offer endless rides all the way to the beach. Stick that in your stocking!
Anchor Point is one of my favourites. This break is best suited for the intermediate surfer as it breaks close to large boulders and can be plagued by rip-currents at size. The spot is also the perfect place to watch some excellent surfing under the midday sun. The high rocky point allows you to sit, literally, only metres away from the main take off area, so get your cameras at the ready!
Banana Point is a more of a mellow spot and is excellent for those surfers who want to try their hand at their first point-break. It offers some protection from the northerly winds and at size, the wave can break all the way from the point to the beach. There are a number of surf schools in the area with rentals available.
All you will need is a thin wetsuit and plenty of sunscreen, even in December the days can reach over 30 degrees centigrade. There are a number of great places to stay in Taghazoute with many companies offering fully equipped apartments, with meals, surf-rental and excursions to famed landmarks and other surfing locations. Check outwww.surfberbere.comand www.surfmaroc.com.ukfor these offerings.
Andorra – Is Skiing on Your Christmas List, this Year?
The winter months are perfect for trading in the surfboard for a snowboard, or a set of skis! Europe gets excellent snowfall during the winter months and is easily accessible from the UK. Package holidays are sometimes the easiest, most convenient options, although you can still find excellent deals on flights and private chalets if you are prepared to shop around.
One of my favourite places to visit is Andorra. This is due to the beautiful scenery, consistent snowfall, affordable rates and the vast range of slopes that are on offer at many of the resorts.
Pas De La Casa – Have Your Self an Adventurous, Snowy Christmas!
I have visited the resort off Pas De La Casa on a number of occasions. This mountain pass boarders France and offers the perfect landscape for any snow sport enthusiast, and one of the highest skiable point lies at over 2500ft, in the rugged Pyrenees mountain range.
One of the greatest attributes to this particular resort is that it boasts record snowfall for any Andorran resort. There are a variety of runs that are perfect for any rider, whether you want gentle, smooth slopes for the entire family or the more challenging ‘off-piste’ sections for the more experienced rider, this resort has it all!
Be sure to check out the nightlife, which is vibrant to say the least. Discos endure the early hours of the morning and are generally frequented by travelling British, French and Spanish tourists. Fly to either Toulouse or Barcelona for cheaper flights, and maybe a spot of tapas!
Author Bio
When Ben isn’t snowboarding or surfing around Europe you’ll find him blogging for Nucleus adventure sports shop, who provide Skullcandy headphones. The festive period isn’t for everyone. If you’re anything like me, the holidays are the perfect time to escape drab work parties and tacky Christmas decorations. I prefer to jet off for either winter sun coupled with great waves, or fresh powder ridden slopes on the mountains. So why not get on the phone to your mates, and arrange a perfect little winter vacation escaping the mince pies and Christmas crackers – each and every year, me and my friends do exactly this.
As an extreme sports enthusiast, I have grown accustomed to certain locations due to their unique offerings. Whether it’s the culture, the pumping surf, the back-country slopes or the traditional cuisine, these places keep me coming back over and over again. I will share with you why they are so special and I’m sure once you have experienced them, you will also agree that they are an excellent, alternative way to spend your Christmas.
Morocco – Stuff the Turkey! It’s Time for Some Spice!
The North African country of Morocco is one of my favourite places in the entire world. “Why?” you may ask. Simply, because it offers rich culture, cheap living expenses, spicy food and endless right hand point breaks, that come to life in the winter months. Oh, and it receives over 300 days of glorious sunshine every year! Surely that’s better than the sloppy kisses and woolly socks you get every year, from your great aunt?
Surprisingly, Morocco is very affordable to reach from the UK. One can fly from most major airports for around £100 return, for 7-14 days. However, the additional costs for surfboards can often be as much as the flight, so consider rental boards when budgeting for your trip. Cheap flights can be found to both Agadir and Marrakech. I generally tend to head for Agadir due to the closer proximity to the absolutely world-class surf village of Taghazoute.
Taghazoute – Surf Your Heart Out, Santa!
Taghazoute is a picturesque fishing village that has been overrun by the surfing world – and rightly so! The village features a range of world-class surf breaks, mostly famed for the right-hand point breaks that offer endless rides all the way to the beach. Stick that in your stocking!
Anchor Point is one of my favourites. This break is best suited for the intermediate surfer as it breaks close to large boulders and can be plagued by rip-currents at size. The spot is also the perfect place to watch some excellent surfing under the midday sun. The high rocky point allows you to sit, literally, only metres away from the main take off area, so get your cameras at the ready!
Banana Point is a more of a mellow spot and is excellent for those surfers who want to try their hand at their first point-break. It offers some protection from the northerly winds and at size, the wave can break all the way from the point to the beach. There are a number of surf schools in the area with rentals available.
All you will need is a thin wetsuit and plenty of sunscreen, even in December the days can reach over 30 degrees centigrade. There are a number of great places to stay in Taghazoute with many companies offering fully equipped apartments, with meals, surf-rental and excursions to famed landmarks and other surfing locations. Check outwww.surfberbere.comand www.surfmaroc.com.ukfor these offerings.
Andorra – Is Skiing on Your Christmas List, this Year?
The winter months are perfect for trading in the surfboard for a snowboard, or a set of skis! Europe gets excellent snowfall during the winter months and is easily accessible from the UK. Package holidays are sometimes the easiest, most convenient options, although you can still find excellent deals on flights and private chalets if you are prepared to shop around.
One of my favourite places to visit is Andorra. This is due to the beautiful scenery, consistent snowfall, affordable rates and the vast range of slopes that are on offer at many of the resorts.
Pas De La Casa – Have Your Self an Adventurous, Snowy Christmas!
I have visited the resort off Pas De La Casa on a number of occasions. This mountain pass boarders France and offers the perfect landscape for any snow sport enthusiast, and one of the highest skiable point lies at over 2500ft, in the rugged Pyrenees mountain range.
One of the greatest attributes to this particular resort is that it boasts record snowfall for any Andorran resort. There are a variety of runs that are perfect for any rider, whether you want gentle, smooth slopes for the entire family or the more challenging ‘off-piste’ sections for the more experienced rider, this resort has it all!
Be sure to check out the nightlife, which is vibrant to say the least. Discos endure the early hours of the morning and are generally frequented by travelling British, French and Spanish tourists. Fly to either Toulouse or Barcelona for cheaper flights, and maybe a spot of tapas!
Author Bio
When Ben isn’t snowboarding or surfing around Europe you’ll find him blogging for Nucleus adventure sports shop, who provide Skullcandy headphones.
