Europe’s 8 top ski resorts for this winter
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Travel
Follow the snow this season and head off for a relaxing skiing holiday to one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Whether you are looking for relaxed luxury or something fun for the whole family, this list is guaranteed to get your skis ready for the winter holidays.
Val Thorens, France
For a classic sporty holiday experience, Val Thorens in the southeast of France is a fantastic pick. You’ll get to enjoy 600 kilometres of interconnected runs at an altitude of 2,300 metres, making the ski resort the highest in Europe.
You can enjoy your time going down the snow-covered slopes, or try your hand at snowboarding tricks. The venue has plenty of off-slope activities as well and the atmosphere is friendly and suitable for families.
The daily ski pass prices start from €38 for adults and Iglu Ski currently offers ski holidays from £334pp.
Val Gardena, Italy
Image source: Val Gardena
The Dolomites offers some fantastic scenery and slopes for ski-lovers, and Val Gardena in the Grödner Valley is a beautiful destination. The resort covers three villages of Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei, which all offer something unique for holiday-goers.
Selva is the spot for you if you want an easy and instant access to the slopes, while Santa Cristina is all about traditional and quiet luxury. Ortisei is for travellers who are after urban surroundings.
The climate is beautiful and offers plenty of sun and mild temperatures. The region has plenty to do off the slopes as well from tasty restaurants to lively bars.
The daily skip pass prices start from €40 for adults and Crystal Ski currently offers ski holidays from £555pp.
Lech, Austria
If you want a traditional ski holiday, then the Alps have a flurry of great destinations to pick, with Lech in Austria being one of the best. The tranquil ski resort is known for being Princess Diana’s favourite winter holiday location.
The resort has the highest annual snowfall of any European ski destination, so unless there is unusual weather for a long period you’re almost guaranteed snow. It isn’t just the snow you get to enjoy, as there’s a selection of great bars and restaurants to relax in and take in the history of the location.
The daily ski pass prices start from €22 for adults and Crystal Ski currently offers ski holidays from £589pp.
Zermatt, Switzerland
An excellent all round ski resort with a slightly different feel to it (as the village is car free!). It’s great for those looking to take a scenic helicopter ride or sledging.
The resort is well suited to families, large groups and corporate retreats and also offers loads of opportunities for non-skiers. It’s got excellent apres ski through the town and on piste!
Although the village is quite large, the town is relatively small with all the usual shops you would expect in the mountains. Zermatt luxury ski chalets
The daily ski pass starts from €70 for adults and Tempston Luxury offer a great selection of Zermatt luxury ski chalets. It’s a pretty pricey resort, so don’t expect to page anything under £1500pp.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee in Switzerland might not offer the most mileage when it comes to slopes, but the snow reliability and the fantastic cosy atmosphere make it one of the best resorts in Europe. The glaciers near the location are also fantastic and offer you something a bit different in terms of winter sports.
The romantic location is perfect for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Britain. The wellness centres and spa treatments also add a touch of luxury to your winter holiday. Don’t worry – there are still enough opportunities for skiing and snowboarding as well!
The daily ski pass prices start from €59 for adults and Inghams currently offers ski holidays from £404pp.
La Grave, France
For adventurers, France’s La Grave is an exciting location to experience. It is the perfect location to try ski mountaineering and experience skiing in its purest, some would say its best, form.
La Grave is such a tiny, sleepy town with a friendly atmosphere. Whether you are looking to have peace and quiet on your own or take the family for a fun-filled holiday, La Grave is a great holiday pick.
The resort is very small too, with only one lift in operation, so if you are looking for a wild, bustling experience, you are better off flying somewhere else. But for an adventure in a slow-paced and tranquil environment, La Grave is the perfect holiday destination.
The daily ski pass prices start from €46.5 for adults and Ski Club currently offers ski holidays from £799pp.
Kitzbühel, Austria
For anyone who is passionate about alpine skiing, in terms of both watching and participating, the legendary Kitzbühel is a ski resort worth experiencing. Not only is it perfect for following the prestigious downhill race every February, you can even test your own skills on the most challenging slopes in Europe.
Although Kitzbühel is a famous destination, the atmosphere is still friendly and comfortable for skiers of all ability levels. You have everything you could need for a perfect winter holiday, from amazing slopes to delicious after ski snacks and drinks.
The daily ski pass prices start from €39 for adults and Inghams currently offers ski holidays from £439pp.
Verbier, Switzerland
Image source: Verbier.ch
If you want your skiing holiday to come with plenty of nightlife, then Verbier is the resort for you. It isn’t the best location for hardcore skiers, but for anyone looking to have a good holiday with all the features of a modern resort, Verbier is your pick.
That is not to say that the slopes don’t offer plenty of things to do; there are designated areas and shared slopes and routes for everything from snowboarding to cross-country skiing. You’ll also get to enjoy world-class food and some fantastic nightclubs, like the Bedouin-inspired nightclub at Hotel Farinet.
The daily ski pass prices start from €65 for adults and Iglu Ski currently offers ski holidays from £819pp.