When the winter season comes, the whole of Europe is covered in a blanket of snow. The snow melts slowly as the temperatures rise, creating beautiful post-polar-winter landscapes and making the continent one of the main ski destinations. There are countless slopes waiting to be explored by the brave skier, but some places specialize in giving expert tuition, letting novices get the hang of things and helping them to develop their skills quickly.
While it may be tempting to head for the nearest ski resort with your loved one, it’s worth considering that some places are worth a special trip and can be added to your bucket list. Here are some of the best European ski resorts, the reasons why you should visit them and how many runs there are per day.
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Best Ski Resort In The World
Are you and your partner feeling adventurous? Do you want to give skiing a go? Then you should visit the greatest ski resort in the world, the Heavenly Resort in the United States. The U.S. is a hub for skiing, with 62% of the country covered in trails, and no two regions being more distinct than the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains. The largest ski resort is certainly in Nevada, but Europe has some amazing resorts as well. We examined the numbers to determine which is the best in Europe.
The statistics suggest that Europe is making a comeback as a travel destination for skiing, with France, Italy and Germany all having several quality resorts. And what’s more, 20% of the world’s best ski resorts are located in Europe.
If you’re unfamiliar, a ski resort is a collection of buildings and amenities located on a mountain plateau, typically in the French Alps or the German Ardennes. The buildings usually include hotel and restaurant complexes, a village featuring shops and galleries, and an array of services, including ski schools, snow parks and après-ski activities. Many resorts also have a mountain railway connecting the various villages and the different ski runs.
Why Visit A Ski Resort In Europe?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to visit a ski resort in Europe. For starters, the snow season in Europe runs from the end of November to the end of April, which means you’ll be able to carry out your ski activities from mid- to late- December. This is great news if you’re lookingto get away from the hustle and bustle.
The scenery is breathtaking, with the snow-covered Alps and other European mountain ranges providing some of the most beautiful backdrops for skiing photographs. Some of the best resorts also have incredible restaurants and bars, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Skiing in Europe is cheaper than in other parts of the world. The resorts are family-friendly and the facilities, while not as good as in the United States, are still pretty good. Most European resorts also don’t require you to purchase expensive ski equipment. You’ll find virtually every size and shape of ski suit and ski boots, as well as everything else required for an enjoyable ski experience. Finally, if you want to increase your fun factor, the European snow parks are a great addition and offer a variety of activities, such as snowboard cross, freeride, snowflake, and many more.
As you may have guessed, the key to having a good time on the slopes is to do your research first. Make sure that the resort you’re visiting is a good choice and that the conditions are excellent. Familiarize yourself with the lift ticket prices and the various types of passes and tariffs available. Being well-informed will help you make the right decision and have an enjoyable time during the winter.
The Top 15 Ski Resorts In Europe
Now that you’re equipped with the necessary information, let’s examine the top European ski resorts, in terms of both snow quality and variety of runs. These are the places you’ll want to visit if you want to have an excellent time on the slopes.
The slopes at Zoi Sadowski-Synnott’s place, Val d’Isere, are magnificent, averaging a height of 3,200 meters and ranging from easy to expert. The resort has everything, from a Snow Park to a chairlift that takes you up to the top of the mountain in about 10 minutes, to connect the various slopes and the hotels.
Chile’s Mount Valmiera is the highest ski resort, boasting an elevation of 4,600 meters. The area has incredible panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for photos.
Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the southern part of the country, is one of the oldest ski resorts, having opened in 1929. It’s made a name for itself as one of the top European destinations, hosting the skiing and walking events for the 1954 and 1956 Winter Olympic Games. The resort’s location, in the Italian Alps, is stunning, with panoramic views of the majestic Dolomites and an abundance of hikes available for the intrepid traveler.
France’s Chamonix, known for its association with the English author and mountaineer Rupert Brooke, is one of the world’s oldest ski resorts. It first opened its doors in 1929 and quickly became popular due to the British community that founded it. Today, Chamonix remains one of the top European resorts, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Austria’s St Anton, located in the Austrian Alps, is one of the biggest and most popular resorts in Europe. The area was greatly affected by the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, with many of the shops and restaurants becoming ghost towns. Today, however, the resort has bounced back and is a welcome addition to the winter sports scene, with its extreme snowboarding scene drawing visitors from all over the world.
Spain’s Sierra Nevada is located in the northern part of the country and, similar to Chamonix, attracts visitors from all over the world due to its great location and variety of slopes. The village is beautiful, with cobbled streets and traditional whitewashed houses, but the real attraction is the skiing itself, particularly the Arco forest, where you’re sure to find a giant sequoia, the likes of which you may not see anywhere else.