The Best Ski resorts in Europe
In the world of skiing there are so many wonderful ski resorts to choose from; sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start. Europe is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world and here are the top ten for the 2017/2018 season
Alpe d’Huez
Is a wonderful winter and summer ski resort and is known for its sunny climate sitting on a south facing plateau at 1860m altitude in the Grandes Rousses mountain range. The domain ski area links the villages of La Garde and Le Freney, Vaujany, Ozen-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas and Huez offering picturesque views at its summit Pic Blanc at 3330m. The resort has an array of great facilities both indoor and outdoor, sports, cultural events which offers a superb lifestyle.
La Plagne
Ideal for families it’s a super winter and summer resort in the French Alps with its altitude between 1250m – 3250m. The ski area is immense with 225km of runs for all skiing abilities and La Plagne is home to a bobsleigh slope. Numerous other activities include horse back riding, archery, hikes and trails, the list is endless and leisure facilities.
Montgenevre
As close to the Italian border as you can be, this historic ski resort is perfect for families and sports lovers. A traditional alpine village in the Southern Alps has a vast ski area of more than 400km of slopes that’s cross the border offering skiers the best of both worlds. It is the only French resort which is connected to the Olympian domain in San Sicario, Sestrieres and Sauze d’Oulx. Other facilities range from golfing, river rafting, boat tours and an array of water sports.
Saalbach Hinterglemm
Austria’s largest ski resort with 270km of pistes and 70 modern lifts, where you can ski in/ski out, on excellent groomed slopes with plenty of powdery snow. Wonderful for avid skiers, snowboarders and fans of off piste, there are intricate fun parks that are a delight for free skiers and the longest run is 7.5km long. Bowling, ice skating and thermal baths are just a few of the extra activities available, traditional mountain chalets and huts serve an array of delicious delights.
Les Contamines-Montjoie
This picturesque village is dominated by the summits of the Mont Blanc range offering majestic vistas and is known as being one of the best family ski and sports resorts in the French Alps. Beautiful natural surroundings are a backdrop to the large ski area ideal for winter sports fanatics and only one hour away from Geneva airport it’s perfect for those weekend breaks too. Biking, hiking trails, swimming, golf, climbing and cross country trails are all extra activities and culinary specialities await you as gourmet dishes are served.
Kitzbühel
Located in the Alps it’s said that every skier should visit there at least once! It is both sophisticated and charming and holds on to the towns traditional values. Rustic Tyrolean buildings are delightful alongside the medieval old town with its cobbled streets and trendy designer boutiques that have descended on this popular resort. Breathtaking views and pistes alongside hiking trails with alpine golf and an array of winter sports add to the adventure.
Courchevel
It is one of the most famous ski resorts and is found in the very heart of the Three Valleys which is the largest ski area in the world with no less than 600km of groomed slopes with wonderful scenic views. Ideal for every skiing ability with plenty of other activity options from water sports to helicopter tours to ice skating. Gastronomy is first class here as one would expect.
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental
There are 9 villages linked here with more than 284km of well-groomed ski runs and 21 downhill runs with 90 lifts to serve you. It is one of the largest and modern ski resorts in Europe, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced your needs will be met. Stunning panoramic views of more than 70 mountains plus four fun parks, ski runs and toboggan runs await you. Only one hour from Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich make this ski resort ideal for weekends and short breaks away.
Ischgl-Engadin Samnaun
Located in the region of Paznaun in western Tyrol this wonderful ski resort is well known by winter sports fanatics as it is one of the largest ski resorts with well-groomed pistes, extensive fun parks and guaranteed snow. Ideal for beginners and advanced with 238km of slopes, 15km ski routes and 45 mountain railway and lift systems. This wonderful Austrian resort is at an altitude from 1,377m to 2,872m set in a sunny mountain valley between the peaks of Silvretta and Verwall and other activities include hiking trails and tobogganing, not forgetting great après ski.
Gstaad
World renowned Gstaad is the Swiss Alps is known by everyone whether they ski or not. Ideal for beginners intermediates and advanced, excellent for snowboarders with 250km of piste from 950m – 3000m. It is part of the Gstaad Mountain Rides ski area with access to 325km of downhill skiing, 144 pistes are served by 57 lifts. Actress Julie Andrews, who was a regular visitor there, once quoted it as “the last paradise in a crazy world” If you dream of rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous this is the ski resort for you. Fabulous après ski with many social events, concerts and gourmet dishes add to the vibrant nightlife you can enjoy here.