#courchevel 2024

[lewanarta]

Sara Takanashi wearing the yellow bib in the year of our Lord 2024 🥹

📸 skijumping.pl

[giraffenbichler]

oh hi there 👋🏽

[eksperimentgaj]

+66,5 points for gate lmao

[bd1]

Courchevel 2024❄️❄️🩵

[cedricfaitsontourdupilat]

GRANFONDO COL DE LA LOZE

A Brides-les-Bains, le 28 juillet 2024

Fidèle depuis sa création, je ne manque pas la 5eme édition de cette cyclo mettant à l’honneur l’un des plus difficiles cols de l’hexagone : le col de la Loze et ses « murs » infames largement au-delà des 20% dans ses 6 derniers kms. Je choisi de nouveau le parcours ultimate avec 117km chrono pour près de 4400m de D+ et la montée du col par ses 2 versants. La météo est estivale et chaude.

Pour le départ à 8h15 je retrouve sur la ligne un fort contingent étranger notamment belge et hollandais. Parmi les Français j’aperçois Alexandre Banegas, Bruno Morel ou Mathieu Blanchin. On est parti pour une boucle de 30km descendant sur Moûtiers pour aller chercher la montée de Montagny. D’emblée ça part assez fort et je dois boucher un trou pour recoller, puis le début de cette 1ere difficulté longue de 8 kms à 6,7% se fait au-delà des 5,5w/kg : c’est beaucoup trop et déjà tout explose. Au train l’écart se stabilise et je mets une petite attaque pour recoller au groupe de tête. La suite est plus respirable et on prend un bon tempo autour des 310W : je suis moins aérien que hier mais je reste dans les 1eres positions en laissant faire le rythme aux autres. Au sommet, nous voilà à peine une vingtaine pour descendre sur Bozel. Est-ce la présence d’étranger (?), toujours est-il que la descente se fait proprement, dans le respect et sans couper les virages tout en étant rapide ; ce n’est hélas pas souvent le cas ! De retour à Brides, je récupère mon 2eme bidon pour affronter la 1ere montée du col de la Loze.

Ce versant par Méribel propose 22,36 kms à 7,64% (max 23%) : très vite on perd du monde puis les plus costauds semblent parti pour envoyer plus de 5w/kg : raisonnablement je laisse d’abord partir avant de vite me raviser voyant le faible écart et l’allure se stabiliser : j’accélère un bon coup et revient dans les roues avec un ou deux gars dont Alex. Nous voilà déjà plus que 10-11 en tête et je vais parfaitement conserver ma place dans ce groupe où on monte sur un tempo soutenu assez régulier : c’est souvent Guerlain Massing qui donne le ton même si parfois les Belges du granfondoteam.be prennent des relais plus fort. Autour des 300W moyens tout va donc pour le mieux au moment de s’engager sur la route de l’altiport à Méribel : ici ça accélère et nous voilà que 9 puis je cède quelques longueurs dans le dernier km avant l’entrée sur la piste cyclable : 10’’ au moment d’aborder ses 7 derniers kms à 9% où l’on trouve les pentes infernales ! Très vite Jaro Debruyne et Koen Van Geyt décrochent et je ne tarde pas à les reprendre : Jaro ne peut suivre et il y a match avec Koen que je parviens à faire sauter après le passage de plusieurs murs. J’ai maintenant Alex pas loin devant et je m’atèle à passer au mieux les forts pourcentages (souvent tout à gauche, debout sur les pédales à très faible cadence !) : je fini pas trop mal et ne concède que 7’’ sur Alex en prenant la 7eme place ! Le chrono est stoppé ici car la descente sur Courchevel est neutralisée (notamment dû au fait que des concurrents montent par là sur un autre parcours). Le top 5 est encore jouable puisque si je suis déjà à 3’40 de Tim Alleman, 2’54 de Bruno et 2’06 de Wannes Heylen, les écarts avec les autres sont plus resserrés : 1’10 sur Sebastian Druszkiewicz et 48’’ sur Mathieu Decock. Par ailleurs je n’ai pris que 45’’ sur Koen qui reste menaçant.

Après un bon ravitaillement, surtout en salés et boisons, on redescend donc jusqu’au Carrey où le chrono reprend : nous sommes 8 puisque Sebastian a pris les devants tout comme Guerlain. On a alors une petite boucle de 18 kms à faire avec la montée à Champagny-en-Vanoise. Ça roule fort avant la pente puis de nouveau sur un bon tempo pour la montée : tout le monde reste là et la descente sur Bozel s’effectue rapidement pour aller chercher cette 2eme montée au col de la Loze, par Courchevel cette fois.

On a alors 22,2 kms à 6,1% (max 16,5%) pour terminer cette course : le plan est le même que sur les précédentes montées : c’est toujours un bon rythme autour des 300W dictés par Tim, Bruno ou nos amis belges. Avec Alex on reste sagement dans les roues et seul Jaro va décrocher rapidement. Passé le Praz, la chaleur va commencer à diminuer un peu et je suis encore dans le coup me permettant un petit relais alors qu’Alex a craqué lui aussi : plus que 6 et on revient sur Guerlain qui ne peut s’accrocher bien longtemps alors que le polonais est toujours devant (il ne va faire que le 7eme temps sur cette montée de la Loze mais sans qu’on le sache il nous a pris 2’30 sur la boucle de Champagny !). Je compte les stations et attends impatiemment Moriond où je sais qu’il y a moins de pente et où je pourrai souffler ; une accélération me fait mal mais je m’accroche et tout va bien jusqu’à Courchevel 1850 où les 300W tiennent encore lorsqu’il y a plus de pente. Comme de l’autre côté, je cale un peu sur une accélération avant l’entrée sur la piste : 10 petites secondes de retard pour voir Koen qui a suivi, sauter tout de suite sur le premier mur me laissant bon espoir de le rattraper. Il y a de nouveau match entre nous deux mais je finis par baisser pavillon surtout sur les parties roulantes où je perds du terrain : il va finir par me chiper la 6eme place pour 6’’ ce qui ne change finalement pas grand-chose et je terminerai 7eme (3eme d’une catégorie pas à mon avantage du tout : 36-45ans !)

Tim à été solide en devançant de nouveau un Bruno très costaud aussi (39’’) et Wannes (+49’’). Au classement final Tim l’emporte logiquement en 4 :02 :06 devant Bruno 4 :03 :00 et Wannes 4 :04 :25. Mathieu termine 4eme (4 :06 :58) devant Sebastian qui se glisse dans le top 5 (4 :07 :28) grâce à son « échappé » dans la boucle de Champagny. Pour moi en 4 :09 :21 le top 5 n’étais pas si loin mais je pense être à ma place avec le 7eme temps sur la 1ere montée de la Loze et le 6eme sur la seconde montée : à l’évidence les forts pourcentages des murs des 2 parties sommitales me font très mal même si cette année la performance est meilleure que l’an dernier puisque j’ai pu jouer à l’avant tout le long et réaliser des temps d’ascension bien meilleurs pour le col de la Loze (-2’30 sur la 1ere et -6’20 sur la 2eme !).

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[150dow]

FETE DE BÛCHERONS 2024 AXEMAN COMPETITION COURCHEVEL LA TANIA 4K

https://youtu.be/Vw0F1ss1iDg

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SOIREE DU 30 MARS 2024 SNOW LODGE COURCHEVEL 1850

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[curatedglobaltravel]

Ski-in, ski-out: Haute retreats across the Alps

The Alps’ summit-ready towns — Lech, St. Moritz and Chamonix, to name a few — make quite the convincing case to embrace the cold. Whether you’re a seasoned skier in pursuit of the world’s gnarliest peaks or a spa-goer chasing a treatment-heavy itinerary, here are my top destinations for exploring Europe’s high-altitude adventures.

POWDER PARADISE: MY TOP SKI-IN, SKI-OUT HOTELS

 When clients ask what makes a ski trip spectacular, convenience is always at the top of my list. At a ski-in, ski-out hotel, you will step out of your suite and onto the slopes, eliminating the need for transportation to and from the mountain. Better yet, waking up to the panoramic views and enjoying sunsets over the snow-capped peaks creates the most magical atmosphere for an alpine getaway. When you’re ready to book, let’s look into a few of my favorite destinations:

Cheval Blanc Courchevel in Courchevel, France

Four Seasons Hotel Megève in Megève, France

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz in St. Moritz, Switzerland

The Chedi Andermatt in Andermatt, Switzerland

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SKI HARD, APRÈS SKI HARDER: HERE’S TO YOUR ALPINE GETAWAY

 In the Alps, après ski celebrations aren’t just a practice; it’s a fully-fledged tradition. From sun-kissed brunches and boot-stomping concerts to firepits crackling with laughter and steam pouring from the spa, here are my top post-slope scenes.

 Courchevel, France, is part of the extensive Three Valleys ski area and offers a luxurious après-ski experience, from upscale dining to exclusive clubs. Unwind in the many wellness centers with a massage, sauna session and other pampering treatments. Where to stay: L’Apogee Courchevel, an Oetker Collection Hotel, or Aman Le Mélézin

 Val d'Isère, France, is renowned for its heated outdoor terraces accompanied by stunning mountain views. Skiers and snowboarders gather on the terraces after a day on the slopes to bask in the sun. Enjoy warm drinks, live music and picturesque scenery. Where to stay: Airelles Val d'Isère, Mademoiselle

 Lech, Austria,is home to some of the most cozy and rustic lounges and chalets in the Alps. Plus, Lech-Oberlech-Zürs is linked to Warth-Schröcken-St. Anton via the Flexenbahn cableway, allowing you to conveniently explore après ski experiences across the Arlberg. Where to stay: Post Lech Arlberg

 Verbier, Switzerland, combines challenging slopes with a vibrant nightlife. This resort city has numerous bars and clubs to suit all tastes, and boasts world-renowned DJs and bands. If dancing speaks to you, check out Farinet Lounge and the legendary Farm Club. Where to stay: The Lodge Verbier

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SPOTLIGHT ON:The Alps Chamonix, France

MICHAEL SHANE STEPHENS Curated Global Travel An affiliate of Protrave michael@curatedglobaltravel.com 310.691.7461 curatedglobaltravel.com

Copyright © 2024 Global Travel Collection 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.

[luxuryfield]

The World's Most Expensive Ski Resort | Must Watch

The World's Most Expensive Ski Resort | Must Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-97JHRE6y5g The World's Most Expensive Ski Resort | Must Watch Description: Today, let me take you on a virtual journey to a luxurious haven that encapsulates the essence of the high life – the world of ski resorts. More Video Links *The Most Expensive Mansions In The World https://youtu.be/jFSVQ-BB_nY But why, you may ask, did I boldly claim that skiing embodies all that luxury has to offer? It's not just about skiing itself; it's about the ski resorts that elevate the experience. Join me as we delve into the lap of luxury at some of the world's most extravagant ski destinations. Our first stop is Courchevel 1850, nestled in the picturesque La République, France. Courchevel is not just a skiing destination; it's a culinary paradise. Boasting 12 Michelin stars spread across seven restaurants, including the family-run Le Chabichou with two Michelin stars, this resort has set the standard for gastronomic excellence since 1979. From upscale dining at Soo Coop to laid-back moments at the Tripling, Courchevel 1850 ensures a feast for the senses. It's no wonder that even royalty, like William and Kate or David and Victoria Beckham, find solace in its snowy embrace. However, be prepared to break the piggy bank, as luxury here comes with a hefty price tag. For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: luxuryfieldin@gmail.com #lifestyle #luxurious #mostexpensive via luxury field https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhOMyDsJS5unW-iqcVEG7A February 06, 2024 at 05:16PM

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] February is one of my favourite months to travel in Europe. Sure, the weather isn’t always reliable, but there is a surplus of excellent events scheduled across the continent. From the age-old traditions of February’s lively carnival celebrations and the romantic call of Valentine’s Day abroad to ski slopes stacked with fresh powder and northern lights adventures in the Arctic, narrowing down the list of best places to visit in February in Europe is somewhat of a challenge. That said, if you do want to try and escape the cold, grey, gloomy days at home, there are a handful of warm places to visit in Europe in February, too. The middle of the month is also a popular time to visit some of Europe’s most family-friendly holiday destinations during the February half-term break. Plus, as an added bonus, there are also usually plenty of deals to snap up in the off-season away from these big events. To help you plan where to go in Europe in February, I’ve split this article into five sections, covering ski and snow, winter sun, romantic escapes, cultured city breaks, and offbeat celebrations. I’ve also avoided generic tips like ‘go to London because it’s less busy’ and instead focused on destinations that have something special happening in February so that you can make your well-timed visit particularly unforgettable. Best European adventure, snow and ski destinations in February For fresh powder lovers, the best European vacations in February take place on the pistes, but skiing isn’t the only activity available this month. Northern lights chasing, snowshoeing, and adventures in the Arctic all abound in the winter climates of the north.  The French Alps Arguably the most iconic ski destination on the planet, France’s reign as the ultimate place for first-class pistes and après-ski is undisputed. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpe, with its more than 150 ski and winter sports resorts, has something for everyone — ranging from the most indulgent and luxe properties with direct access to some of the Les 3 Vallées best ski runs to more affordable ski passes in Le Semnoz. France’s slopes are also an excellent February half-term destination as they are quick and easy to reach, either on a short flight to Chambéry, Grenoble or Lyon or by bundling everyone in the car and driving over on the Channel Tunnel. Family-friendly ski resorts are in no short supply, with companies such as Sno having dedicated packages and lodges suitable for children of any age. Some chalets and resorts offer dedicated kids’ clubs, teens’ ski schools, or even creches and child care. Another of the best events in February in Europe happens around the upscale resort of Courchevel when the Pyrotechnic Arts Festival brightens the skies with fireworks and torchlit evenings (weekly between 15th February and 7th March 2024). Get cosy, or active, in Norway’s Nordland Region Nordland, Norway Norway’s least populated region, Nordland, is perhaps best known for the cinematic Lofoten Islands. Here, the scenery is spectacular in February, when snow coats the dramatic peaks, and Rorbu cabins (traditional fishing huts) add a splash of colour. But there are plenty more winter sun adventures to have in the north of the country, with ski resorts around Narvik and snowshoeing in the Arctic — part of Lapland is also within Nordland’s borders. Best of all, some of Norway’s best long-distance train journeys depart and arrive from here, and the Nordland Travel Pass will allow you to explore the whole region car-free.  But there are a couple of extra reasons why Norland is one of the best places to visit in Europe in Winter 2024. Firstly, the aurora borealis (northern lights) are predicted to be particularly impressive this winter as the 12-year Solar Cycle is expected to hit its peak in early 2024, meaning as long as there is a clear evening, the sky should put on a proper show pretty regularly. Secondly, the remote city of Bodø has been

crowned one of the EU’s Capital of Culture 2024 — the first time any city in the Arctic has been given the title — and the year-long programme of cultural events will launch on the 3rd of February 2024. To celebrate, an out-of-this-world floating stage will be in the city’s harbour to officially declare the start of Bodø2024. Getting into the mountains and Karwendel Nature Park is easy from Innsbruck Tyrol, Austria  The Austrian Alps are where winter comes alive, and with snow adventures and skiing being two of the best things to do in Austria, February is a fantastic time to visit this mountainous and scenic region. There is a huge array of ski resorts to choose from in this corner of Austria, ranging from famous slopes around Ischgl and Serfaus to more beginner-friendly runs at Kitzbühel. Cross-country skiing is also possible, while there are plenty of sledging opportunities for the younger ones. February’s charm isn’t just fresh snow, though; the Tyrol region is laden with history and tradition. As with many other countries in Europe in February, carnival time adds a splash of colour to the otherwise white landscapes. The Tirolean Carnival parades take place in most towns, and you can expect plenty of traditional dress alongside costumes of witches and wooden masks. Some of Tyrol’s best carnival events only take place every 3 or 4 years. In 2024, it’s the turn of Imst Schemenlaufen (4th February 2024), one of the Alps’ most important masked parades, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. As this event only happens every four years, it’s worth trying to attend if you’re in Austria in February. If you just want a short and quick getaway, consider a long weekend in Innsbruck. One of the best cities in Europe to visit in February for a ski holiday, thanks to its proximity to the mountains, there are also enough museums and cultural attractions to fill at least one day. From Innsbruck, you’re also well-placed for some intense snow-covered treks in Karwendel Nature Park. Misty mornings during February’s Venice Carnival Where to go in February in Europe for Valentine’s Day With Valentine’s Day falling on a Wednesday in 2024, it’s a little harder to plan a romantic midweek getaway. Still, you don’t need to celebrate your love on the commercialised day itself, and a city break on one of the weekends is surely better than a bunch of roses. Sure, you could pick from any of the more romanticised cities on the continent, such as Paris, Florence or Prague. Or, you could plan where to go in Europe in February for Valentine’s Day around one of these awesome annual events instead. Venice, Italy Starting with perhaps the most obvious choice for a romantic city break, Venice is certainly one of the best places to visit for Valentine’s Day — but I’m thinking about the magic of one of the world’s greatest carnivals (3rd – 13th February 2024) rather than charming if chilly gondola rides. Dating back to the 12th century (although some reports believe it was informally established some 200 years before), Venice Carnival has long been one of the greatest festivals on the planet, packed with colour, glam, debauchery and secrets — often concealed behind those fabled Venetian masks, which also date back to the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it’s a mix of grand and opulent ticket-only balls, street performers, competitions and parades. So why not whisk your loved one away for a visit to Venice in February to celebrate in this city of romance? If you’d prefer another nearby romantic alternative, then consider Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, where Valentine’s Day is also a huge celebration. With many romantic and memorable things to do in Italy, there is no shortage of February city breaks to choose from. Venice is one of the most romantic places in the world Sitges, Spain Sitges, one of Europe’s most gay-friendly destinations, hosts its huge carnival celebration between the 8th

and 14th of February 2024, making it an excellent and safe place for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate Valentine’s Day. One of the oldest carnivals in Catalonia, huge parades, costumes and crowds descend on this seaside town, breaking its winter visit in the most kaleidoscopic of ways. There are two big parades, with the second being on the 13th of February, 2024 — ideally for partying into Valentine’s Day proper, and the main LGBTQ+ clubs and bars host their own parties throughout the week.  Away from the celebrations (although it’s nearly impossible to avoid them), you’ve got a couple of fantastic museums, such as Cau Ferrat, sea-view restaurants, and a cute if small Old Town to visit. Of course, one of Sitge’s main draws is the beach, and while it isn’t one of the warmest places to visit in February in Europe, you might get lucky with some sunny days to top up your tan. February might not be beach weather in Nice, but it’s still time to celebrate Côte d’Azur, France Paris might be France’s most obvious choice for a Valentine’s Day getaway, but if you want to turn your romantic trip into a week-long vacation, then a luxury visit to the French Riviera might be the perfect answer. Best known for glamour, film festivals, pretty pastel-hued homes and one of Europe’s smallest countries, Monaco, there is no shortage of first-class restaurants and romantic resorts to steal away along the shoreline. However, there are a few of France’s best events scheduled in the south during February, and I’d highly recommend you make your visit to the Côte d’Azur even more special by planning it around one of these. Perhaps the most famous is Nice Carnival, one of the world’s biggest, where this upscale seaside resort comes alive with parades (the illuminated nighttime procession is particularly fantastic), flower battles (yep, you read that right), and general revelry. The ridiculously attractive town of Menton, closer to the Italian border, also holds a big annual bash, the Fête du Citron, on the same dates (both run between February 17th and March 3rd, 2024). The Lemon Festival is a flamboyant and almost fantasy festival where the colours and flavours of citrus fruits set the stage for parades, artisan stores, and local produce tasting. Lastly, there’s also the short but sweet Fête du Mimosa (14th – 18th February 2024), which starts on Valentine’s Day itself and is anchored around the blossoming of the locally beloved Mimosa trees. Journey through time at The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily Best European cities to visit in February When putting together my picks of the best cities in Europe to visit in February, I’ve focused on destinations that have annual events scheduled, the food and bar scene is strong (for those colder nights), and enough museums or cultural attractions to keep you busy in case of some showers. If you just want affordable food and drink with better chances of blue skies, then consider Valletta (Malta), Lisbon (Portugal), or Chania (Crete, Greece). Agrigento, Sicily, Italy  Sicily is always a good idea, and if you’re visiting Europe in February, then the city of Agrigento, already an archaeological wonder, should be firmly in your sights for the pretty almond tree blossoms that brighten the city. As well as admiring the flowers, there’s an official Festival of Almond Blossom (the 2024 dates are to be confirmed), which includes performances, parades and puppet shows. Later in the month, a grand feast to celebrate the city’s patron saint is also held. But even if blossoms aren’t your thing, Agrigento is perhaps the best reason to visit Sicily year-round. It’s laden with history, and the Valle dei Templi, a vast archaeological and World Heritage Site consisting of ancient Greek temples, will astound you as you walk the ridge linking these ancient wonders. And while the weather is far from guaranteed at this time of year, Sicily’s southern position makes it one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in February.

Get cosy along Copenhagen’s Nyhavn in February Copenhagen, Denmark Chic Copenhagen is one of the best European city breaks in February, thanks to the Vinterjazz festival (1st – 25th February 2024) bringing something extra to this already cultured city. For over three weeks, multiple concerts can be appreciated in various venues, ranging from chilly open-air performances to impressive contemporary concert halls. There are only a few free events, so you’ll want to scan the schedule to book tickets in advance. Of course, another bonus of visiting after Christmas and before the popular summer season is that accommodation prices are usually lower. Given that the costs of travelling in Scandinavia can quickly drain your wallet, saving some Danish Krone on your lodging is certainly welcome. Alongside the jazz concerts, you can still cram plenty into a two day weekend visit to Copenhagen. Some 50-odd excellent museums offer plenty of respite from any showers, with a few, such as the standout SMK Art Museum, easily occupying half a day. If opulent halls and royal history are more your thing, then the city’s handful of palaces and castles are sure to impress, while iconic sights such as the colourful 17th-century Nyhavn Canal and overrated Little Mermaid statues round off any visit. The iconic Grand Place in the heart of Brussels Brussels, Belgium Highly underrated, many people expect to find a sterile and bureaucratic Belgian capital when they first visit Brussels, but in reality, it’s anything but. There’s excellent cuisine on nearly every street corner with global gastronomy well represented; the nation’s penchant for first-class craft beers ensures that even on cold winter nights, the bars are tempting; and the city’s collection of celebrated cultural institutions, galleries and museums can fill countless rainy days. Plus, who doesn’t love Belgian chocolate? As an added bonus for visiting this European city in February, you’ll also be treated to the Bright Festival of Lights, which runs from the 15th to 18th February 2024. Installations from local and international artists bring incredible illuminations to some of the city’s most prominent landmarks, giving a magical life to the otherwise cold nights. Take a tour of all the carnival celebrations in Andalucia in February Warm European destinations in February for winter sun If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in February for sun, then my suggestions of the best warm European destinations in January — the Algarve, Malta and the Canary Islands — still apply. However, February brings with it a few more excellent choices, with huge carnivals under (hopefully) blue skies being the main reason I’ve chosen them. And given how even the warmest winter destinations in Europe can’t guarantee endless blue days, at least if you get unlucky with some worse-than-expected weather, you’ll have these unforgettable cultural experiences to cherish instead. Andalucia (or Tenerife), Spain Spain’s southern Andalucia region is one of mainland Europe’s warmest winter destinations, with February temperatures in the city of Seville often reaching 17°C (62°F) in the daytime. Still, the odd shower and chilly evenings are to be expected, but thankfully, by night, you can warm up with the region’s incredible area of carnival celebrations. No matter where you decide to visit in this passionate region, you’ll likely find a party. Some of the most famous festivals are the huge and often humorous street party of Cadiz Carnival (8th – 18th of February 2024), which lasts well over a week, the similarly grand Málaga Carnival (3rd – 11th of February 2024), which dates back hundreds of years, and the Carnaval Colombino in lesser-visited Huelva. It’s a great time to plan a road trip through Andalucia to soak up the region’s culture of tapas, flamenco, and Islamic architecture, as prices and crowds can be thin along the coast, stopping at the parties along the way. But if you want

to be a part of the biggest February festivities in Spain, then you’ll need to head to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Flamboyant in all ways, this fifteen-day event consumes the island’s capital, and it comes with an added bonus: the temperatures are even warmer down here due to being closer to the Sahara than Spain proper. This year, events start in January and end on the 18th of February, 2024. Relaxing with a local wine looking out on Madeira at Quinta da Saraiva Madeira, Portugal With an almost year-round spring climate, the autonomous Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is one of Europe’s warmest destinations in February. Daytime temperatures around 16°C (61°F) are fairly common, though with the odd shower here and there and chilly evenings, an umbrella and jacket are still advised. Whether your February aim is to try and catch some winter sun, swim in natural pools formed from lava, or hike incredible mountainous trails above the clouds, you’ll find it all here. Just be warned, unlike many of Europe’s best beach destinations, the majority of the beaches on Madeira are pebbly or volcanic sands. If you want the more typical golden sands on your doorstep, then you’ll need to take the two-hour ferry to Porto Santo, Madeira’s little sister, where a golden beach stretches out as far as the eye can see. With little tourism on this secondary island in the offseason, the hotels that do remain open year-round often offer great value deals. However, as with many of the other destinations on this list, Madeira’s February highlight is the island’s two-week-long carnival (7th – 18th of February 2024). Usually starting in the second week of the month, you can expect plenty of flower-themed costumes and colourful dancers washed back with the local Madeira wine or poncha (a typical sugarcane rum drink) across the island, although the biggest celebrations are in Funchal, the capital city. Madeira’s Carnival is one of many annual celebrations Cyprus Technically located in Western Asia, the Mediterranean nation of Cyprus is nonetheless considered one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in February. With a mild winter climate — temperatures are often around 15°C (59°F) with a mix of sunny and cloudy days in February — it’s a fairly reliable bet for a bit of winter sun if not a full beach holiday. Across this beautiful island, you’ll find some spectacular shorelines, beaches and bays. And not only are the island’s golden sands and turquoise waters pretty, if slightly chilly, but there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained if rain showers do appear. From the ancient archaeological attractions of Pahos — such as the 4th-century BC Tombs of the Kings — to the border-defining city of Nicosia’s museums, Cyprus’ best attractions are varied and fascinating. February also has another compelling reason to visit Cyprus: the carnival. Commencing around the middle of the month, you’ll find celebrations in plenty of towns and villages. Two of the biggest are in Paphos, which culminates in a grand parade (in 2024, this will actually be on the 9th of March), and Limassol (8th of February – 17th of March 2024), renowned for its eating, dancing, and all-round revelry. Pin it: Best places to visit in Europe in February (Top: Cyprus | Bottom: Caretos costume /Canva) More ‘offbeat’ places to go in February in Europe Ending on my favourite topic of visiting Europe’s most underrated cities and towns, here are a few more of my personal recommendations of where to go in Europe in February that are often criminally overlooked. Podence, Portugal One of the most interesting places to visit in February in Europe is the small northern Portuguese village of Podence. For much of the year, this offbeat spot not far from the Spanish border flies under the radar. But in February, that all changes when the Carnival of Podence (18th – 21st February 2024) brings a flurry of activity.

Still, even though the event is UNESCO-listed due to its long history and unique costumes, most visitors to Europe in February haven’t even heard of it. For those that do want to visit, advance planning is essential, as while thousands of people do descend on the village for the mid-February event, the tourism infrastructure simply isn’t there to accommodate such a crowd. Hiring a car and staying in nearby larger towns such as Braganca, Macedo de Cavaleiros, or even Vila Real are, therefore, the best ways to organise your visit. But what makes this small random carnival so special? Firstly, it’s the story behind the celebration and unique costumes of this remote region. The roots of the carnival were as a rite of passage, paganism, fertility, and celebrating the winter’s end. Secondly, the performances by the ‘Caretos’, who are dressed in traditional colourful streamer costumes and masks, are almost hypnotizing. Over the four days, bonfires are lit, the sound of the gaita (a bagpipe instrument of Northern Portugal and Spain’s Galicia region) rings through the mountain air, and torches topped by flames are whipped around by the dancing Caretos. It’s a confusing, colourful and sometimes almost satanic feeling event, but if you want to experience Europe’s hidden gems, this is one place to find them. Architecture in Sarajevo Sarajevo remains one of Europe’s most underrated cities Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Like many of the most popular places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sarajevo’s tourism is often discussed in conversations about war. And while the country’s capital certainly has stories of horror to convey, I believe it’s important we don’t just visit cities because of their past, but also to see and learn from their blossoming future — modern Sarajevo is both a fascinating mix of cultures, religions and traditions, but also a forward-looking city of trendy coffee houses, galleries and festivities. What makes it one of the best European cities to visit in February for an offbeat break is the Sarajevo Winter Festival (the 40th anniversary is this year, starting on the 7th of February 2024), which has a packed programme from early February into mid-March. One of the annual cultural highlights in Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll find art exhibitions, literary events, concerts, theatre and opera performances both within the city’s cultural institutions but also in the nearby Olympic Mountains — the festival was actually first launched as part of their turn hosting the winter games. For an insight into the culture of a country often skipped by travellers, this February event makes for an ideal time to visit.  Outside of the programmed events, you’ve got one of the most engrossing cities in Europe to explore. Do take time to learn about the country’s recent and hard-to-process history at the Museum Of Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide, and of course, you’ll likely want to learn more about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the start of World War One. But away from this haunted past, delve into the city’s medley of architecture — there are glorious mosques and Islamic-style touches inside Vijećnica (Town Hall) — and explore the ever-growing cafe culture, take it all in from the Yellow Fortress high above, and get lost in the bazaar of Baščaršija. You can even hit the slopes for a fraction of France’s prices in the resorts beyond the city limits. In February half-term, Durham’s Beamish Museum puts on special events Durham, England  If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in February without flying abroad, why not plan a UK staycation a bit closer to home and head to Durham during the half-term holidays? Stacked with important historical sites, such as Durham Castle and Cathedral — both of which have major Harry Potter vibes — alongside a decent energy and selection of affordable restaurants thanks to the student-heavy population, it’s one of my favourite destinations in England.

But the top two reasons to visit Durham in February are for the annual Fire & Ice event (23rd – 24th February 2024), when the city is decorated by interactive displays, frozen statues, and dusk fires blazing for a couple of days. Secondly, the impressive open-air Beamish Museum, which shows bygone eras in reconstructed towns and houses with actors and real-life rattling trams, hosts a dedicated February half-term programme for kids. If you’re up in Scotland and don’t fancy crossing the border, you might want to plan a visit to Aberdeen instead for the SPECTRA Festival of Light, which illuminates the gorgeous cobbled streets and modern corners of this unsung Scottish city. Discover more of the best places to visit in Europe by season and month: [ad_2] Source link

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IOC's Bach says Olympics on history's side in Russia issue

COURCHEVEL, France — Insisting sports had to respect the human rights of all athletes, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Sunday denied that the organisation was on the wrong side of history by helping Russians and Belarusians qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Bach and the IOC have faced a widespread backlash from Ukraine and its allies, including comments directed at…

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Thomas Bach backs IOC stance on Russia for 2024 Paris Olympics

COURCHEVEL, France — Insisting sports had to respect the human rights of all athletes, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Sunday denied that the organization was on the wrong side of history by helping Russians and Belarusians qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Bach and the IOC have faced a widespread backlash from Ukraine and its allies, including comments directed at…