Where to ski in Europe inexpensively? A small guide to ski resorts. Ski resorts in Russia: reviews, ratings

If palm trees, beaches and oceans have set your teeth on edge, it’s time to think about active recreation on the snow-capped peaks. Fresh mountain air, comfortable and safe slopes, the joy of downhill skiing, and soft snow-white snow - what could be dearer to a skier’s heart?

It is recommended to plan which resort to go to in the upcoming season in advance. The best ski resorts open hotel reservations several months before the first snowfalls. Many athletes have favorite slopes: some fly to Aspen, others master the Alps. But in addition to these locations, there are many resorts that attract professional skiers and snowboarders. Where are the best resorts with trails for aces, and where should beginners learn, where should they go in 2018-2019 - you will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

Snowboarding and freestyle skiing competitions are held annually in Aspen.

Rating of the best resorts in the world

The ranking of ski resorts in the world opens with Whistler Blackcomb, built in Canadian province. There are modern ski lifts, pistes of various levels, and polite, friendly staff at numerous cozy hotels. But this is not the reason for the popularity of the resort. Whistler Blackcomb has the steepest descent according to the Guinness Book of Records. And anyone can ride it: beginners will be provided with an experienced instructor, coach and even a videographer who will record their conquest of the track.

In second place is Vail, Colorado, which is considered a favorite place for winter holiday among US residents. Guests are offered not only the best ski hotels, but also a variety of sports entertainment options.

Vale covers an area of ​​22,000 m? Trails of varying difficulty levels, snowboard slopes, skating rinks and roller skating rinks have been built, and there are even tracks for dog sledding. In the northern part there are museums and galleries of modern art.

Third place was taken by another North American resort - Stowe, Vermont. It was built relatively recently and is aimed primarily at professionals or experienced amateurs. The trails are challenging, the descents interesting and steep. This has its own charm: there are few people here and no one distracts you from sports and the harsh winter beauty of the gloomy Vermont mountains. Stowe is recognized as the most picturesque resort in USA.

The maximum length of the descent at the Stowe resort exceeds 6000 meters

Rating of the best resorts in Europe

In Europe, the ranking of ski resorts opens up a town with a difficult-to-pronounce name, Kitzbühel. It was built 700 years ago and has attracted lovers of untouched mountain slopes for centuries. The trails are designed for both professionals and amateurs; there are several extreme options. The tourist infrastructure is well established and there are many places for those who want to take a break from sports.

The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc resort took a slightly lower position in the top. He made a name for himself during the first French Olympic Games. The tracks were originally created for “major league” professionals, but now many have been rebuilt to suit amateur needs. Tourists are delighted not so much by the technical side of the resort, but by the thoughtful and impeccable service. And another pride of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the longest paths in the world with height differences of 3 km.

In sixth place in the ranking is another Olympic resort, but it was built not in France, but in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It wins hearts with its landscapes, cozy hotel rooms, pleasant service and relatively affordable prices for the services offered.

The lists of the best rarely include resorts from other European countries, but this does not mean that the ski industry in them is not developed.

The popularity of resorts is growing every year. The Northern Region is made for winter sports enthusiasts, and, unlike many other regions, there are suitable training facilities for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Budget holidays are offered by cities - routes in, and Vitosha are not inferior to Alpine ones in length, elevation changes and picturesqueness. The service here is also at a good European level.

The Bulgarian resort of Bansko is located at an altitude of 936 meters above sea level

The best ski hotels in Russia and Georgia

When thinking about which resort is better, you cannot ignore the city and the neighboring one. The tourism sector of both countries is developing rapidly: significant capital is being invested in resort cities, which makes it possible to build modern trails and equip them with technically sophisticated lifts.

One of the best Georgian resort towns was built 120 km from. offers 23 trails with a total length of 16 km. For greater convenience for vacationers, one slope is dedicated to beginners: there is a training track staffed by professional trainers.

The second most popular resort in Georgia is. It is open nearby and starts the season in November. There are relatively few trails, and so are vacationers, so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the lifts or go down in a dense crowd of professionals and amateurs.

In Russia it remains the most advertised resort. Its popularity is explained not only by the Olympics, but also by high-quality tracks, excellent service, and affordable prices, especially in comparison with the USA and Europe. The second most visited resort is located at the other end of the country: next to - Bobrovy Log pleases with several ski lifts, reasonable prices, thoughtful service and a good variety of trails certified for sports competitions.

Budget ski resorts. How to ride inexpensively?

If you want to organize an inexpensive ski holiday, you will definitely have to forget about the resorts included in the world ratings. The only option to spend time in the Swiss, French or Austrian Alps on a budget is to “catch” a last-minute tour or come out of season.

But don’t forget about other mountain ranges. For example, Caucasus ridge, thanks to the active development of tourism in this area, offers a wide selection of well-maintained and modern ski slopes and cozy hotels.

The Dombay tracks are at more impressive heights than Bulgarian resorts- 1630-3012 meters above sea level

Lifehacks for those who want to relax inexpensively

  • Discover new places.

    It is not only exciting, but also profitable. Do not be afraid to visit the emerging resorts of Bulgaria, Georgia and Russia.

  • Bring your own equipment.

    Most air carriers are willing to provide convenient options for safely transporting sports equipment. Of course, in every hotel at a ski resort you can rent everything you need for a comfortable descent, but often the cost of rental is several times higher than the price of a ski pass.

  • Check availability of last minute tours.

    A little luck will help you relax in picturesque areas of the planet at minimal prices.

  • Pay attention to the resorts built near the city.

    For example, the aforementioned Bobrovy Log was built near Krasnoyarsk, so some vacationers stay not in hotels, but in rented apartments. On big company- This is the most affordable accommodation option.

Fill your life with exciting adventures and choose the best resorts!

Why do people go to winter resorts? To ski or snowboard, to breathe mountain air, visit spa centers at thermal springs, dance at wild après-ski discos, and also admire the most beautiful landscapes. We have selected for you ten European resorts, the pistes of which offer the most picturesque views.

Ischgl

Austria
The Austrian high-mountain resort of Ischgl is not only the most prestigious, party-loving and rather expensive resort in Tyrol, but also the most beautiful. From mid-November to mid-April you can ski on more than 200 kilometers of beautifully prepared pistes and admire the rapidly changing landscapes of Tyrol. Depending on your mood, you can choose slopes covered with fluffy spruce trees, or those with nothing but sparkling snow. Most of the routes are located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, so there are many places on the routes that offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.


Going

Austria
The most beautiful slopes await you in the Austrian resort of Going, located between the more famous Kitzbühel and Wilder Kaiser. Having settled in a Tyrolean village, you can ski along 250 kilometers of excellent slopes every day, stopping from time to time to catch your breath at one of the mountain restaurants to relax and sunbathe on a sun lounger, drink a glass or two of mulled wine, and at the same time enjoy the sun-drenched slopes.


Chamonix

France
You will never forget the perfect white slopes around Chamonix! 170 kilometers of varied trails, about 100 routes laid out around Mont Blanc - all skiers and snowboarders will feel comfortable there, no matter how confident they feel on the slope. It is there that the famous White Valley is located - a 22-kilometer off-piste descent along the virgin snow of a glacier from the 3840-meter peak of the Aiguille du Midi.


Les Arcs

France
There are many excellent resorts built in the French province of Savoy, but when it comes to the most beautiful, Les Arcs is usually remembered. Its wooded slopes and intricately rugged rock peaks will not leave anyone indifferent. Les Arcs is part of the “ski paradise” - the giant Paradiski ski area, which includes more than 400 kilometers of slopes. Among them there is also a descent for international competitions, the slope of which in some places reaches 75% and where new speed records are constantly being set.


Saas-Fee

Switzerland
The routes in Saas-Fee range from 1800 to 3600 meters, so it is considered one of the highest resorts in Switzerland. Beginners and intermediates will enjoy the local slopes the most - mostly the slopes in these places are not difficult. While riding in the middle of snowy deserts, you will admire the surrounding peaks covered with centuries-old ice. You should definitely take the “metro” located inside the rock to the top of Mitelalalin (3500 meters), where truly fantastic views await you!


Val d'Annivier

Switzerland
It is unlikely that you will find a resort in the Swiss Alps with monotonous and unsightly slopes; they are all magnificent! However, even among this beauty, the small and almost unknown Val D’Annivier stands out for its fabulous landscapes. Evil tongues say that the Swiss, tired of crowds of foreigners, saved it for themselves and therefore try not to tell anyone about it. This valley is surrounded by the carved peaks of five beautiful mountains, one of which is the famous Matterhorn. In total, 73 slopes are available to skiers in Val d'Anniviers different levels difficulties.


Val Gardena

Italy
Val Gardena is called the most beautiful resort in the Italian Dolomites: 175 kilometers of pistes (about half are “red”) are laid out so that, while riding along them, you will pass picturesque cliffs, dense forests and ancient villages with almost a thousand years of history. And after taking off your skis, you can look into the 17th century fortress or the local history museum. By the way, not only skiers and snowboarders can admire the views in these places: there are also several long toboggan runs in Val Gardena.


Val di Fassa

Italy
Another beautiful resort in the Dolomites is Val di Fassa. The landscapes of these places are considered one of the most picturesque not only in Italy, but also on the planet, so every year thousands of athletes strive to ride along 220 kilometers of routes. This resort has a perfectly thought-out system of pistes and lifts: you can ride on different slopes for a week without repeating yourself!


If

Finland
Everyone has heard about the enchantingly beautiful nature of Karelia. Did you know that in the Finnish part of this land there are several ski resorts? You can head to Loma-Koli, whose slopes are easy for any beginner to ski, or to Ukko-Koli, with more challenging, steep routes set in the pristine forests of the Koli National Park. But don’t think that we are inviting you to spend time in the wilderness: these places have all the modern infrastructure, and they promise to open a large water park this year.


Vasilitsa

Greece
Even experienced skiers sometimes do not know that there are several good winter resorts in Greece. The most beautiful views open from the tracks ski center Vasilitsa in the middle of the Pindos mountain range. Of course it's comparative small resort(the total length of the routes is about 22 kilometers), but, slowly sliding along the gentle slopes, you will have time to enjoy the openwork, frost-covered short trees and spruce trees in thick snow caps on fluffy paws, because due to the high air humidity, snow and frost almost never fall from their branches.

Some people like to sunbathe in the summer sun and swim in warm water. Others prefer to travel during the cold season and devote their vacation to winter sports. It is for such people that we have compiled our top 10 popular ski resorts in the world.

10 Whistler-Blackcomb (Canada)

This ski resort is located in Whistler. The ski park has an area of ​​3307 hectares and is located at an altitude of 675 m above sea level. Two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb) were adapted for sporting purposes. There are 24 lifts in total. The most high point exit from the ski lift – 2240 m. Vertical height descent - 1562 m. In addition to amazing opportunities for athletes and beautiful nature, Whistler-Blackcomb offers chalets and holiday homes, hotels, bars and restaurants.

9 Vail (USA)


This ski resort is located in Colorado. This resort hosted its first season in 1962. The ski area is 21.40 square meters. km. There are 193 trails in this area. The elevation difference is 1050 m. There are 3 snow parks. There are 31 lifts on the slopes.

8 Val Thorens (France)


This ski station is located near the city of Albertville. It is one of the highest stations in Europe. Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 m. The resort includes 68 ski slopes. Their total length is 140 km. 29 mechanical lifts have throughput 60680 people per hour. There is a snowpark and facilities for boardercross and halfpipe. 40% of the territory of Val Thorens is covered with snow thanks to 364 snow cannons.

7 Lake Louise (Canada)


The resort is popular both in winter and summer. Cable car allows you to climb to the top of a mountain 440 m high and admire the amazing view. Among the beautiful nature there are many shops, including sports ones. And you can buy a souvenir to remember the resort self made in one of the many souvenir shops.

6 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France)


Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or simply Chamonix is ​​a 16 km long valley. It has several ski areas for skiing or snowboarding lovers. There is no single ski area in Chamonix, defined by a network of ski lifts. For this reason, you need to get to the ski areas by bus. This usually takes 7-15 minutes. In total, Chamonix has 100 trails with a total length of 170 km. The elevation difference is 1008-3300 m.

5 Geilo (Norway)


This resort on the Hardanger Plateau is one of the most popular and largest ski resorts in Norway. The village is built between two mountain ranges, each of which has a ski area. Snow covers Geilo almost all year round. However, it is for skiing that the snow cover is good, mainly from November to May.

4 Gstaad (Switzerland)


This international-class ski resort is located in the village of the same name. A stay in Gstaad is very interesting. Numerous ski slopes (total length – 250 km) will delight sports lovers. 3 funiculars and 61 lifts allow you to enjoy the heights. Around the village there are cross-country skiing trails (total length – 100 km). There is a snowboarding center. The Landscape Museum, the historical village in Saanen and the local history museum in Zweisimmen will delight those who enjoy a more relaxing holiday.

3 Baqueira-Beret (Spain)


The resort of Baqueira-Beret is located between two villages: Baqueira and Beret. There are a total of 86 km of ski slopes in three ski areas. The elevation difference is 1010 m. There is an extreme route from the top of Capa Baqueira. There are 24 lifts on the slopes. There are trails for cross-country skiing, snowboarding and half-pipe, a ski school and a paragliding school, children's parks and nurseries. Located in the village of Vella sports Complex Palau de Hel. Offers bowling, swimming pool, skating rink, snowshoe trails and hiking. There are opportunities for freeriding and heli-skiing.1 Kitzbühel (Austria)


This ancient resort town is located in Tyrol and has a ski focus. The Hahnenkamm slope is quite famous in the world of alpine skiing. The Streif downhill course is one of the most difficult trails in the world. The height of Mount Hahnenkamm is 1712 m above sea level. In 1929 it was connected to the city of Kitzbühel by the Hahnenkammbahn cable car.

These resorts allow you to admire the beauty of the mountains and enjoy winter sports.

Each of us imagines our long-awaited and incredibly desired vacation in our own way. A calm, comfortable and in all respects “warm” pastime on seashore, among green palm trees, golden sand and radiant sun - this is the best option relaxation for those who are tired of hard everyday work and want peace and tranquility. But if the pursued goal is to obtain adrenaline and unforgettable, vivid emotions, then best ski resorts in Europe– exactly what you need.

The ski resort of Sölden is located in Austria and is considered one of the most popular places for ski holiday. The height of Sölden is 1377 m, and the total length of the trails is 144 km. The resort has two stations: upper and lower. This place cannot be called serene and calm; fun and delight always reign here.

The basis for skiing, as you know, is snow, or rather, its abundance. Therefore, if you have chosen a ski resort like Sölden, then there will be no problems with a lack of snow, because two glaciers (Tiefenbach and Rettenbach) located here will eliminate any troubles. By the way, the glaciers of this holiday destination are considered one of the largest glaciers in all of Austria, which is why Sölden is so famous and attractive. The resort does not stand still. It is characterized by constant development, the opening of new ski slopes, and at the bottom of some slopes you will be greeted by stunning snow cannons.

Davos has been a ski resort for quite a long time, and it received this proud title back in the days when skiing weren't that popular. Famous for being a member of the Best of the Alps club along with several others famous resorts Switzerland. The city is the highest in Europe.

Davos can be called the purest ski resort in Europe, because people came here to enrich themselves with mountain air back in the 19th century. It is still believed that the climate of this wonderful place cures all diseases and brings peace of mind. The skiing altitude ranges from 1560 to 2844 m, and the length of all slopes is 320 km. Nearby is the equally famous resort of Klosters, with which Davos offers as many as 6 ski areas. Tourists come here not only for the descent from the snowy mountain, but also for a cozy holiday in local restaurants and cafes.

Relatively young, but quite actively developing and gaining increasing popularity among tourists from all over the world. The height of Gudauri is 2196 m, and the length of ski trails is 16 km. The lifts take you to a height of just over 3000 m to the top of the mountain, from which you can see a magnificent landscape.

The technical equipment of the resort is new and modern, and all this is thanks to the work of the Austrians. The ski season opens in November and ends in May. The snow cover reaches up to 1.5 m, but despite the height of the mountains and the mass of snow, the climate here is quite warm and mild. The slopes are quite open and spacious, suitable for both professional skiers and beginners.

The best, combining ancient history cities and modern ski areas. Bansko is considered one of best places for active holidays in Europe. The resort is located at an altitude of 936 m, on the territory of Pirin - National Park. The trails in this place, as they say, are for every taste. Everyone who visits Bansko has the opportunity to ride along a unique track that goes deep into the forest and allows you to ride through virgin terrain.

In addition to skiing, snowboarding is also taught here. The resort is quite popular among married couples, because it is intended for children kindergarten with its own small ski road. The season lasts from December to April, which is why Bansko attracts many tourists.

The southern part of Spain is known for being home to one of the best and most famous European ski resorts. Numerous trails of any difficulty level are suitable more for fans skiing than for beginners. Sierra Nevada is located near the town of Granada, and in sunny weather from this place you can see the grace of the Atlas Mountains and the open spaces Mediterranean Sea. The snowy regions were formed thanks to the famous Valeta glacier. It is noteworthy that just 20 km from the resort there are palm trees and the seashore.

The center of the Sierra Nevada is Pradollano, a city of snowy peaks. There are so many different bars and cafes here that you want to visit each of them, but there is absolutely no time for this, since the interesting routes of the resort beckon and invite you to plunge into the world of vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions.

The greatest ski resort of the Alps, occupying three entire valleys of Switzerland and. The height of Cervinia is 2050 m. There are so many tracks that you can ski snowy mountains you can go for days and even weeks and never repeat your route, and the height of the slopes is so impressive that it seems as if the lifts are carrying spellbound skiers into the skies. There is more than enough snow here, and the ski season is long (from December to the end of May). It is in Cervinia that you can see outstanding skiers - professionals in their field.

Guests of Cervinia love to spend time in cozy establishments, where they are greeted by friendly staff and well fed. With all the fame and world fame of the resort, prices can hit your pocket, but it's worth it.

No less famous and popular ski resort in Germany. Winterberg is distinguished by its low location of ski slopes, but it attracts visitors because the ski areas are very interesting and do not require high professionalism in skiing. Winterberg is located close to the Dutch border, which is an important factor in attracting tourists to this region. Almost all sites are located in forests, half of which are illuminated at night. There will be no problems with accommodation and food either, because the town can accommodate about 100 thousand tourists.

Encamp will become the favorite European ski resort for those who appreciate quiet places with a fascinating history and varied attractions. It combines the mysterious atmosphere of Andorra with excellent ski slopes. The sites are located at an altitude of 1 km. above sea level, which makes the resort attractive for skiers who have recently mastered this sport. The climate here is ideal, as spring is quite warm, and winter is famous for its abundance of snow. Best vacation in Andorra - Encamp, combining exciting descents from snow-white mountains and incendiary nightlife in local clubs and bars.

This is famous for the longest track in the country, 3 km. The height of Ylläs is 718 m. The resort has 43 downhill slopes, including children's slopes. Here they practice not only skiing, but also sports such as slalom, freeride, snowboarding. For beginners, there are schools and highly professional teachers who will not only teach you how to ski, but also help you get the most out of such an active holiday. Time spent in Ylläs flies by unnoticed, but with great pleasure and a great mood.

By choosing one of these wonderful European ski resorts , You will not only visit famous countries and enjoy their wonderful landscapes, but also experience incredible emotions that skiing from the snow-white slopes will give you. Have a great holiday!

Reading time: 8 min.

Every year, for many people who are interested in skiing and snowboarding, only a few questions become pressing: where is the best track, the most beautiful landscape, clean air and sane infrastructure? Our Big Rating magazine has prepared for you the best ski resorts in the world, ranking them in the list from tenth to first place, so that you can evaluate and choose the resort that is relevant for yourself.

Meribel (France)

In tenth position is Meribel, a French resort. There are many different trails here, they differ in difficulty level. Imagine the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps. This is exactly the kind of fairy tale you find yourself in if you vacation in Meribel. This resort is suitable both for lovers of well-groomed pistes and for those who prefer to descend on virgin soil. More than 150 kilometers is the length of all the routes of the French resort.

Chamonix (France)

Chamonix is ​​in ninth place. This is another ski resort in the heart of the French Alps. This is one of the most popular resorts in Europe, preferred by skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. “White Valley” is a legendary virgin land; for those who prefer off-piste skiing, here you can ski on more than 20 kilometers of surface. The well-developed infrastructure, however, does not in any way affect the picturesque natural landscapes of the resorts. The total length of all resort trails is more than 170 kilometers.

Zell am See, Kaprun (Austria)

Eighth place was taken by a resort located in Austria called Zell am See, Kaprun. This resort will give you all the delights of a high-quality ski slope and amazing service for a small price. Many skiers have given another unspoken name to this resort: “European Sports Region”. The Kaprun Glacier is famous for the fact that you can ski on it all year round; there is always snow on its slopes. You can try any of the 58 available trails, their total length is more than 130 kilometers.

Zermatt (Switzerland)

The seventh place remained with the picturesque resort of Zermatt, which is located in Switzerland. The total length of all trails is 200 kilometers, of which more than 21 kilometers are available for skiing in the summer. The resort has its own unique attraction, the highest lift station - Klein Matterhorn (3885 meters). Since Zermatt is located among three Alpine peaks: Dom, Monte Rosa and Mattrehorn, one can only imagine what kind of scenery it offers. This resort cares about environment, cars are prohibited here.

Whistler-Blackcomb (Canada)

In sixth place is the Canadian Olympic region of Whistler-Blackcomb. This resort was the first in Canada in its entire history. The ski slopes can easily compete with the most developed ski resorts on the planet. The most popular way to get to virgin lands is by helicopter. For those who are just starting to ski or learn to snowboard, the resort offers ski school services. If we evaluate the resort by the development of service complexes, then it is at a very decent level.

Aspen (USA)

In the middle of the list is the well-known ski resort of Aspen, which is located in the United States. The beautiful, vast and picturesque landscapes of this resort will delight not only their appearance, but also well-groomed trails, the total length of which is more than 200 kilometers. Aspen is four independent slalom plateaus. This resort includes Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain. All these zones are connected by roads along which buses for tourists constantly travel. Not only is the ski infrastructure developed here, but there is also an entire amusement park.

St. Moritz (Switzerland)

In fourth position on the list is the ski resort of St. Moritz, which is located in Switzerland. This resort is the choice of aristocrats, one of the most expensive and best resorts in the Alps. This is a vacation spot royal family, politicians, billionaires and pop stars. The high price does not become an obstacle to visiting; more than a million people visit this ski resort every year. A special place for lovers of ski slopes is the peak of Korvach, whose height is 3.3 kilometers. The length of all resort trails is 350 kilometers.

Val d'Isere (France)

Bronze on our list of ski resorts goes to Val d'Isere, which is located in France. It and the ski resort of Tignes Val d'Isere are part of the famous Espace Killy region, which is a Mecca for skiers and snowboarders. 300 kilometers of groomed pistes - that's what Val d'Isere has to offer. Off-piste skiing - always dangerous occupation, but this ski resort is known for having the safest slopes, which are not officially part of the Val d'Isere roads.

St. Anton (Austria)

Silver rightfully belongs to the ski resort of St. Anton, which is located in Austria. It was here, for the first time, in 1922, that the first ski school was opened, which still exists today. Near this ski resort, there are the most expensive hotels in Austria. If you are an experienced snowboarder or skier, you will love St. Anton. Beginners will find it a little more difficult; there are not many ski areas for beginners. The total length of all routes is 276 kilometers. It is here that there is stunning, huge virgin soil, down which it is a pleasure to descend. There are five schools for skiers in St. Anton. There is also a park for snowboarders, Rendl Beach - a real paradise for fans of extreme slalom, there are many jumps and half-pipes that are needed to perform various tricks.

Lech (Austria)

The gold on our list goes to the Lech ski resort, which is located in Austria. It is located in Arlberg, a region located in western Austria. Arlberg is the best ski resort in the world, the length of the slopes is more than 276 kilometers. Here you can meet ordinary ski lovers, as well as politicians and world-class stars. There are many different slopes here that will appeal to both professionals and beginners in alpine skiing. Lech is covered with snow throughout the entire season, so the slopes are suitable for skiing all season, which is why Austria is considered the world center for skiing. From year to year, this resort is getting better and better, so the National Geographic channel awarded it the title of the best ski resort in the world.



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