Top 10 European Ski Resorts
When the word “skiing” is mentioned, most people will think about famous ski destinations such as the French Alps and Aspen. However, skiers and travelers who are in-the-know have their own favorite skiing resorts. It seems that Europe is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, and these resorts have all the geographic features and amenities to provide the most exciting and fulfilling skiing experience. Europe is the continent that has the highest number of skiing and snowboarding trails, and it is not surprising that it has many world class ski resorts. If you are planning a skiing trip to Europe, it is recommended that you visit these ski resorts.
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere is commonly referred to as “Espace Killy”, and it is one of the largest ski resorts in France. It is best-known as the hometown of famous Olympic gold medalist and French skiing icon Jean-Claude Killy. The resort has some of the best runs that can be found in the Alps, and it is a favorite destination for expert skiers. With hundreds of ski lifts, this resort can accommodate a large number of skiers. The Val Village offers all the comforts of modern amenities as well as old village hospitality.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is actually a ski area that is made up of five different ski resorts, and it is also the name of the highest resort. All the ski resorts use the same ski slopes. This ski area draws many skiing enthusiasts from Paris, and it is home to some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the French Alps. As such, you have to be prepared to pay high prices when you are vacationing there. However, you can opt to stay in the more affordable lower villages.
Portes du Soleil, France
Portes du Soleil is a French ski resort that has something for everyone. There are so many runs there that you can ski a different one every day for up to two weeks. Additionally, it has hundreds of miles of piste for backcountry skiing. If you are vacationing in Portes du Soleil anytime between December and April, you can have a great time enjoying its unspoilt surroundings.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the most popular skiing and climbing destinations in France. The ski resort is situated close to Mont-Blanc, and it features a diverse variety of slopes, making it the ideal place for both beginners and expert skiers. Other than skiing, you can also indulge in activities such as snowboarding, hiking, and water sports. Chamonix Mont-Blanc also offers lots of accommodation choices, ranging from budget apartments to luxury hotels.
Cortina d’Amprezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Amprezzo in Italy has been a favorite skiing destination since two centuries ago. Its towering peaks offer breathtaking views, and its town provides a wonderful experience of country life in Northern Italy. It is also known for its excellent dining opportunities, which mostly come in the form of high-end restaurants. Cortina d’Amprezzo was once the venue for the Winter Olympics, and it is a preferred holiday destination for many celebrities. Some of the famous personalities who have visited this ski resort include George Clooney, Bridgitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier in Switzerland is a cosmopolitan ski resort that attracts the trendiest skiers. It features a large ski area that is suitable for both beginner and experienced skiers, and it has four valleys that offer exciting outdoor adventures as well as spectacular views. This resort is also known for its excellent restaurants and vibrant nightclubs.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The Zermatt ski resort is situated in a deep valley among towering mountains. Due to a significant increase in the number of visitors over the years, the resort has been transformed from a village to a town. The unique thing about this resort is that there are absolutely no cars on the streets. All visitors are required to leave their cars in an underground parking area and take a train to the resort. Traveling is done on foot and ski. The absence of cars makes Zermatt a very tranquil place. The quality of food in this resort is also very high, and the prices are mostly reasonable.
Lech-Zurs. Austria
The resorts of Lech and Zurs in Austria are linked by a ski area that belongs to the Arlberg ski domain. Featuring 13 ski routes, 7 high alpine touring runs, and 8 extreme ski routes, these resorts offer great skiing opportunities for skiers of all skill levels. The Zurs ski resort is more suitable for beginner skiers, while Lech is more popular among intermediate skiers. Villages in the Lech-Zurs ski area are all connected by the lift system.
Igls, Austria
Igls is one of the most charming ski villages in Austria. It is situated in a scenic place above the Inn Valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Its interesting skiing terrain and wide diversity of slopes makes it a popular skiing place for people of all skiing abilities. With steep sections near the peak, it offers great excitement for even the most experienced skiers. The village has a most tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, and it features many good restaurants and bars. This is a perfect place to experience Austrian countryside hospitality. There is a free bus service that connects downtown Innsbruck to Igls and other ski areas. Stubai Glacier is an excellent place to ski because it receives a good amount of snowfall.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
The Kitzbuhel ski resort in Austria is known as one of the best skiing destinations in the world. There is an abundance of snow and very exciting ski runs in this resort. Kitzbuhel is home to the famous Streif, which is regarded by many skiing enthusiasts as the most challenging downhill run in the world. If you are a fan of ski mountaineering, there are many excellent routes around the resort for you to explore. Accommodation in the Kitzbuhel ski resort comes mostly in the form of charming ski huts. The resort also has a number of beautiful snow parks that are worth visiting. 