Got a hankering for a white Christmas, or keen to see in the New Year surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a lively après-ski crowd? Whether you’re just looking to escape the heat of the summer, or eager to tackle some of the world’s trickier pistes, Europe is home to more than its fair share of top-notch ski resorts. Some are perfect for families, others attract the party crowd, and of course plenty are a haven for serious skiers looking for their next challenge. Here are five of Europe’s most popular skiing spots, suitable for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
1. Les Trois Vallées, France
This huge skiing area is one of the largest in the world, with 600 kilometres of well-groomed, interconnected slopes and around 180 ski lifts. Technically it’s eight resorts, led by the ski hubs of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, which have all established reputations as celebrity favourites. While prices remain high compared to other French ski destinations, these resorts have shed much of their exclusivity and visitors can find well-priced deals on day tours to see the best of all three resorts.
Skiing in Les Trois Vallées, France
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
With year-round skiing and an impossibly picturesque location, it’s easy to see why Zermatt is a much loved favourite among skiers of every kind. Even without the 350 kilometres of well-marked ski trails, the pristine village itself is worth the trip. Step onto the charming cobbled streets peppered with horse-drawn sleighs and overlooked by the majestic Matterhorn, and you’ll find picture-postcard views at every turn.
Skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland
3. St Moritz, Switzerland
Another favourite Swiss resort, St Moritz made its name by twice hosting the Winter Olympics, and visitors today can try their hand at a variety of winter sports from curling and sledging to the world’s oldest bob run. Head here in late January and you can even check out the world-renowned St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow. The ski season in St Moritz lasts from late November until April and snow is guaranteed throughout, with trails designed for skiers of all abilities.
St Moritz, Switzerland
4. St Anton, Austria
Just as popular for its steep summits as its vibrant nightlife, St Anton is a busy resort through the entire ski season. Expert skiers can head to the 2,800-metre peak of Valluga and join a mountain guide for the exhilarating Hinter Rendl and North Face tours, before returning to the resort and rubbing shoulders with celebrities at the bar.
Skiing in St Anton, Austria
5. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
For a little variety on your European ski holiday, combine a sightseeing tour of Italy with a trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo, just two hours north of Venice. The resort is linked to other ski spots in the Dolomite Mountains, offering a total of more than 1,000 kilometres of runs to tackle with plenty of traditional Italian eateries to be found along the way.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
If you’ve never been skiing before, these established resorts all cater for newcomers and kids with training and novice ski runs, or you can just soak up the idyllic scenery, fresh alpine air and après-ski atmosphere. If you’ve never been skiing and need some advice contact your local travel consultants and start planning your ski trip to one of the many winter wonderlands in Europe.
Author: Flight Centre consultants have travelled far and wide to bring the most up to date and informed travel advice.