Whether you’re a seasoned pro carving up the slopes or a newbie finding your ski legs, every skier deserves to experience the charm of a European winter wonderland at least once. And according to Condé Nast’s 2023 Reader’s Choice and European Best Destinations (EBD), thes following are 10 of Europe’s top ski destinations that will ‘snow’ you away.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena, along with its scenic villages of Santa Cristina, Ortisei, and Selva, rings a bell to every ski fan, as an ideal winter holiday spot brimming with outdoor activities. Here, you’ll find the Sella Ronda, the legendary ski carousel surrounding the Sella massif in Italy’s Dolomites, offering connections to Alpe di Siusi and Dolomiti Superski. With 12 skiing areas and 1,200 kilometers of slopes, this network caters to every skier, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Skiers with no plans for New Year’s Eve should consider a last-minute trip to Kitzbühel—a scenic 750-year-old city with a vibrant après-ski scene. Just two hours from Munich, this winter wonderland has been voted as the best ski resort in Europe for the New Year, offering an impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks show. With 58 lifts for 96 runs covering 145 miles, Kitzbühel should be on every skier’s bucket list.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Val Thorens, France
Even though it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary, France’s Val Thorens is still the freshest face among Europe’s major ski spots. Sitting at a breathtaking 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and a part of the largest ski area in the world, boasting over 600 kilometers (about 373 miles) of runs. They’re open from November 19 to May 8, offering half a year of non-stop skiing!
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Considered one of the best ski resorts in Europe, Gstaad is a perfect destination for fans of winter sports who also prefer the finer things. This upscale resort town, surrounded by towering mountains and home to many international boarding schools, has been a favored holiday spot for royalty and celebrities for years. Perfectly connected to ski areas like Wispile and Rinderberg through a network of cable cars, skiers, can enjoy pistes and cross-country trails suitable for all skill levels.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Sölden, Austria
Ski lovers can choose from more than 148 kilometers of neatly groomed slopes at the alpine resort of the Ötztal Valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Suited for every level of expertise, these slopes are accessible via 35 mountain lifts, including the advanced Giggijoch gondola. The resort is also home to the panoramic Ötztal Glacier Road, leading to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. Perched high in the upper Ötztal, the glacier slopes provide ideal skiing conditions from early September.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
One of Germany’s top ski destinations, Garmisch Partenkirchen, is a ridiculously charming resort, offering a rich historic center and high-quality slopes, including the renowned Olympic Kandahar run. Spanning three mountains – Hausberg, Kreuzeck, and Alpspitze – with over 40 kilometers of slopes, this is an ideal spot for both professional and amateur skiers, offering a family-friendly atmosphere.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Voted one of the best ski resorts in Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the country’s most popular destination for ski lovers, offering perfectly groomed slopes overlooking the stunning Dolomites. Located 24 miles from the Austrian border, Cortina offers cozy mountain hubs serving delectable local dishes.
Image Credit: Andrei Tudoran / iStock.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Voted one of the best ski resorts in Europe but also named the Best Ski Resort in Switzerland, the snow-covered resort of Zermatt invites ski enthusiasts to an exciting winter adventure in a charming village nestled among the Alps’ highest peaks. With 223 miles of runs in its four sprawling ski areas, Zermatt is not for the faint of heart—some of these runs sit at a dizzying altitude of over 10,000 feet, ensuring that the snow sticks around well into the off-season. The quaint village, lying at the Matterhorn’s feet, is a hub of modern luxury, complete with a top-tier lift system and chic après-ski spots.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
Avid skiers should add Chamonix to their bucket list— a dream destination famous for its extreme slopes and a pedestrian-friendly town rich in alpine charm and skiing history. With 67 lifts and 115 runs, a day on the slopes starts at $72, with tickets available on the Ikon Pass. Advanced skiers have the unique opportunity to tackle the legendary Vallée Blanche, a 12.4-mile glacier descent in the Mont-Blanc Massif, guided by the world’s most experienced and largest guiding organization. The Aiguille du Midi cable car—the highest in Western Europe—is an absolute must for its spectacular panoramic views.
Image Credit: aletheia97 / iStock.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Ski buffs who prefer decadent over modern should head to Saas-Fee— a charming car-free village tucked away at the base of Switzerland’s tallest mountain, the Dom. The high-altitude quaint gem offers snowy winters under a sun that shines more than 300 days a year. Skiers can choose from the 22 lifts that can whisk you up to 62 miles of slopes, ensuring there’s always a new trail to explore. But Saas-Fee is beyond a skier’s paradise; the village offers activities like ice climbing, snowshoeing, tobogganing on the winding Feebliz run, and Nordic skiing across 16 miles of groomed trails. For those seeking summer thrills, there’s glacier skiing on 12 miles of slopes starting in July.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
Image Credit: Saas-Fee / Wikipedia.
More from MediaFeed
25 cheap, comforting soups for chilly winter nights
https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/recipes/25-hearty-delicious-soups-to-make-this-winter/ss-BB1drwZi
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
Image Credit: The Gracious Pantry.
