> Blog: International Mountain Day - PGL Ski Team's Favourite Mountains

International Mountain Day - PGL Ski Team's Favourite Mountains

More than 10 years ago The United Nations General Assembly designated 11 December “International Mountain Day” in order to highlight and raise awareness of the importance of mountains and mountain environments. 

Tourism related services such as skiing and snowboarding provide an opportunity for development in mountain regions and enable visitors to experience some truly unique environments.

In celebration of International Mountain Day 2015 we asked some of our ski team here in the office and out on the slopes, to tell us which mountains are their favourites and why. 

Caroline, Senior Tour Organiser – Dolomites mountain range, Italy
I lived & worked here for 18 months – there is out of this world scenery to explore whilst skiing in winter or walking in summer, looking out at the mountains glowing pink in the sunset whilst eating the best pizza around!

Rosemary, Ski Specialist – Matterhorn, Switzerland
Because the distinctive triangular shape reminds me of Toblerone, and I love Swiss chocolate!

Kate, Ski Sales and Customer Service Manager – Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See, Austria
Holds a place close to my heart as I spent a whole winter here. I’ve even walked across the lake when it was frozen and paddled in the lake in the sunshine. There’s an amazing restaurant right at the top of the mountain along with a cute little church. Such a pretty area I always want to go back! 

Chris, Ski Sales Executive – Les Arcs, The Alps, France
Partly because of the slopes that cater for all abilities but mainly for the fantastic mountain restaurants and the traditional ‘tartiflette’! It’s also the place where my husband and I had our first ski holiday together so will always hold special memories :)

Stephanie, Ski Tour Organiser – Grandvalira, Pyrenees, Andorra
This was the first place that I skied with PGL and even though it was terrible weather, and you could barely see another person in front of you, it is a place that seems to fill everyone with energy, and somewhere that you can just have some fun. Meeting a wide variety of people here, young and old, it has to be one of the best ski experiences I have ever had.

Pippa, Ski Area Manager – Obertauern, Salzburg Mountains, Austria
The Salzburg Mountains and particularly Obertauern have a special place in my heart because this was my first home as a ski rep. These mountains bring back incredible memories of flying down the powdery slopes with the best bunch of people who made my stay there “fast & furious.” 

Jill Cook, Ski Business Manager – Clavière, Monte della Luna, France/Italy
The Milky Way is an outstanding ski area encompassing two countries, France and Italy. There are gentle tree-lined pistes and lots of more challenging runs to suit all abilities. My two boys had their first ski lesson in Clavière with Giovanni who was brilliant with them and it was great to see them progressing from the magic carpet opposite the hotel to snow-ploughing down the blue run by the end of the week. Now 8 years later I can’t keep up with either of them!

Euan, Ski Sales Exec - Axamer Lizum, Tyroleon Mountains, Austria
Although I had snowboarded before I first visited here, I travelled with a school and lots of other PGL reps who were a lot better than me in terms of ability. However I managed to stick with them when we went out and I came on leaps and bounds, even tackling some off piste and some jumps. There are some great mountain restaurants and the staff are always so friendly. The convenience of staying at the Olympia was fantastic and there was a real buzz about the place with all the schools in one place having a great time – loved it! 

Jane, Ski Operations Manager – Les Deux Alpes, France
This is where I experienced my first ski holiday with friends, fun, laughter and plenty of falling over. This is also coincidentally where I returned to work my first winter ski season when I learnt to snowboard. With the Glacier at 3600m there are some truly amazing views over the Alps.

Steve, Austria Area Manager – Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun, Austria
Always has the best powder and opens at 8am, so that early birds get fresh tracks on empty slopes. Does a fantastic skier’s breakfast and has some great powder routes, which are easily accessible! I’m looking forward to the new lift opening in December which will get you to 3000m even quicker!

More information on skiing and snowboarding trips with PGL can be found here.

 by PGL Travel.