Each year more and more of us seek that uniquely pleasurable feeling that comes with a holiday in one of Europe’s leading ski resorts. However, probably unlike the case in North America, a large emphasis of having a skiing holiday in Europe is placed on the social, as well as sporting, facilities that the resort has. What’s more, with ever increasing numbers of us now having the means to enjoy both a winter and summer break, booking your winter skiing holiday early has become even more pressing. The following are 5 skiing resorts in Europe considered to be among the best in the world – and are widely regarded as being the best in Europe:

* Chamonix Mount-Blanc, France
Located at the foot of Europe’s tallest mountain (Mount-Blanc at a height of 15,771ft), Chamonix ranks a common mention in any list of the “world’s most elite skiing resorts” -especially among the French. As the home of the first ever Winter Olympics, in 1924, there has to be a lot said about this fantastic resort: and the resort lives up to its name by having both the longest vertical drop (9209 ft) and the world’s longest ski-runs (13.7 miles). Chamonix is certainly a good choice resort for the serious snow freak and the well-heeled. Which is not to say that you cannot go and enjoy the ski-run and stay in nearby cheaper accommodation and watch from afar as the rich and famous go about their business in the many boutiques located here. Certainly a place for people watching!

* Cortina, Italy
One of the world’s first purpose built ski resorts, Cortina is where the 1956 Winter Olympic Games were held. Although this may lead you to think that Cortina is now an outdated resort, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Like many other ski resorts in the Alps, the resort centres around a pedestrian street with lots of shopping arcades, restaurants and other pleasure activities. For the serious skier among you, this resort has a number of ski runs, ranging from the basic to the professional, of a rich quality.

* Kitzbulhel, Austria
People have been skiing in the scenic resort of Kitzebulhel since 1892, making this one of Europe’s oldest skiing towns. Although this resort is neither particularly lively, nor particularly popular among the trendier younger age groups, the “Pearl of the Alps” (as it is affectionately known) is a popular choice among the more serious skier and those looking for a holiday combination of serious scenic sightseeing and gentle skiing. Kitzbulhel would also be a good choice skiing resort for the first-time skier looking to take things at a little more leisurely pace.

* St. Moritz, Switzerland
Mention to anyone that you are considering going on a skiing holiday in Europe and the name St. Mortiz is going to crop up. Home to the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz has been the European ski resort of choice almost since its first visitors (two Englishmen) ventured there in 1864. Today the resort is equally famous for its Cresta Run and the array of 5-star hotels located here. For the more adventurous of you, the frozen lake in St. Moritz doubles up as a golf course during the winter!

* Zermatt, Switzerland
What can be said about Zermatt that has not already been said! Probably one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, Zermatt is actually an extremely peaceful ski resort to visit. In part, the reason for Zermatt’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere has to do with the fact that automobiles are not allowed in the ski resort. However, the fact that most visitors to Zermatt elect to stay at the more popular nearby skiing resorts of St. Mortiz or Gstaad, and come over to Zermatt for a day visit, also plays a large part in this. Certainly an ideal skiing resort to come to if you have a young family as there are, in the surrounding areas, activities other than skiing. It would also make a good location for a quick romantic skiing break.

There are a variety of ways you can protect your home while traveling. Trim trees and bushes near areas where burglars can hide. Have outside lights including motion-sensitive ones. Use lights with automatic timers in the living room and bedrooms. Make it hard for the burglar to get in your home. Nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars, and bolts can help prevent intruders. An alarm system would be a good investment. Neighbors will hear noise, and help would be on the way. Don’t put valuable items where they are visible such as in windows. You can inventory your items by markings and serial numbers. This would be helpful for the police and insurance.

Don’t tell people other than trusted ones your travel plans. Ask neighbors to pick up mail and newspapers; tell your neighbors when you are leaving and coming back. Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor; give the neighbor phone numbers where you can be reached in case of emergency. Cancel deliveries if nobody can pick them up. If you’re going to be gone a while, have someone cut the grass. Leave the blinds open in the normal position. Hide empty garbage cans. See if someone can put trash on your curb on trash pickup day. You can put your valuables in a safe deposit box. Find out if the police will check your home while you’re away. Before you leave, make certain the doors and windows are locked especially basement and garage doors. You can leave radios or televisions on or put them on automatic timers. If possible, leave a car in the driveway. By doing these things, you can come back to a safe home.

There are many advantages of hiring a house/pet sitter when traveling. You may be tempted to take the pet on the trip with you, but think of the pet’s needs. Traveling can be very stressful for some pets. Suppose the car breaks down, or there are other transportation problems. Keeping the pet in crates and cages can be upsetting. The weather is a big consideration. How does the pet react in hot/cold weather? Could you leave the pet in a car? Suppose the pet gets sick; its veterinarian will be far away. The trip could be bad for you and the pet.

There are kennels, but the pet could pick up sicknesses while there. Also the pet would be in a strange environment. A pet sitter would allow the pet to be in a familiar setting while protecting your home at the same time. The sitter will make sure the client’s home looks lived in while the client’s gone. A pet sitter can give the pet the routine care it’s used to.

Where can you find a pet sitter? You can find professional ones through veterinarians and the yellow pages. Most professional pet sitters are insured and bonded so they’re liable for any problems. You could ask neighbors to pet sit. This could be a good way to hire a young neighbor looking to make extra money. The young person can learn responsibility, but make sure the adult in the household knows about this. Tell the adult what has to be done so there is supervision. A good way to get neighbors to pet sit is to do favors for them as well when they’re away. They can also pick up newspapers and mail and turn lights off and on. Keeping a pet at home under good care will give you peace of mind while traveling.