pompeydano from UNITED KINGDOM writes:
Levi is a resort looking for an all round winter experience and I emphasise the word winter, not skiing or snowboarding.
For those looking for that snowy time there is lots to offer; the excursions are more plentiful than the Alps including the ice hotel which is well worth the stay and is amazing, husky ride and an Arctic skidoo taster. However, not all excursions are value for money. The Sami feast, at 50quid a head, was a complete disapointment. But from what I can tell from those who went, nearly all enjoyed all the trips.
From a snowboarding (or skiing) point of view the resortof Levi is somewhat of an anticlimax. First, it's small. Secondly it's short. Thirdly, when the weather closes in (and it did all week) it's smaller and shorter. For example, in the low season with Neilson (as was our trip) a few lifts were shut compromising the access around the hill. With the high winds (above 20mph) and freezing winds, the main gondola lift shuts. This means to do the signature black run from the main resort you have to get two buses, three lifts just to get down once for the fun bit that lasts 30s!! You have to do it all over again just to get down, and then it's disapointing. By Alpine standards it's over before you blink and to be honest a bit dull despite its 52 deg incline.
Off-piste is quite picturesque. Trees are well spaced and the inclines quite flat. I'd like to give a better review but the weather and visibility prevented more riding.
But back to the weather. If it's bad, the top of the hill (bear in mind it's only 300m high) is hard. No visability and in low season, no-one around and only the floodlights as friends. Consequently, off-piste will be also out. This again limits you to the lower slopes which you will, despite your best intentions to get over the long numerous drag lifts and the cold, get tiresome. So what to do?
Many locals use the snow park as a way to get out of the town and it's for a good reason, its great. Good boxes, nice rails and a good variety of jumps. Even the larger kickers on the front slopes are quite manageble for beginners; the 'kick' is quiet sedate offering the chance to really gain confidence. If you get bored, watch the locals, they are fantastic.
So, if you're a beginner to snow sports or are looking to have a winter experience then Levi is without comparison. Northern lights, huskies, skiddoo's, ice hotel's offer a chance to experience the snow like no other. However, if your a commited skier or boarder looking for a less alpine crowded time and some trips head to ARE in Sweden. There is just more to do when the weather closes in. If you're going for the excursions make sure you go when the northern lights are at the peak (check the 11 year solar cycles).
As an advanced snowboarder, the snowpark was a good distraction but it couldn't keep me entertained all week and I admit, if the weather was better off-piste it may have been more fun. Sure the weather was bad but all in all...Levi....I tried to love it, it just didn't happen.
Go for the all round winter experience and not just for the sports. 6 snowflakes out of 10.
2010-01-24 |
