Is Europe the best place to ski?

Is Europe the best place to ski?
Man skiing on the prepared slope with fresh new powder snow

I guess with events happening in the world right now with Covid19, it’s difficult to think about the future, but we must. It’s important to plan for our future and it gives us something to aim for and look forward too. Before ski enthusiasts take the plunge and book their next ski adventure, they often ask the same question, “Is Europe the best place to ski”? Once you know the answer to that, you can start to plan ahead.

Would it surprise you to discover that five European ski resorts are amongst the top ten?

If you are able to travel further afield, you will find the remaining ski resorts listed in the top ten are:

  • Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah
  • Telluride, Colorado, USA
  • Buttermilk, Colorado, USA
  • Deer Valley, Utah, USA
  • Snowbasin, Utah, USA

What are the top five ski resorts in Europe like?

Gstaad, Switzerland – is a well-known haunt for royalty and celebrities, it’s an upmarket resort in the Swiss Alps and offers majestic mountains and great skiing and snowboarding facilities. This is a holiday destination that offers the full package. The pistes cover hundreds of kilometres for every level of skier and snowboarder. Numerous cross country trails test even the most prolific skier, and that’s want they are looking for, to be challenged. The Glacier 3000 allows skiing virtually year round and the après ski is something else! Keen skiers will invest in ski property for sale in Gstaad, Switzerland, Europe, you could consider it for yourself!

St Moritz, Switzerland – If you have never heard of St Moritz, where have you been hiding? This elite alpine resort snugly sits in the Engadin Valley and its claim to fame is hosting the Winter Olympics not once but twice! Perhaps, it’s most famous for its natural ice world championship bobsled run, named the Cresta Run. It also is home to an outdoor Olympic Ice Rink and a whole array of unexpected activities which take part on its frozen lake including: horse racing, polo and cricket. St Moritz offers superb skiing and snowboarding plus well groomed cross country trails which will take your breath away.

Courchevel, France – is part of the Les Trois Vallées ski domain in the French Alps. This ski domain boasts the largest linked ski area in the world, which offers up kilometre upon kilometre of groomed pistes, suitable for all skiing levels from beginners to intermediate to advanced and expert. This ski destination is a favourite in Europe and welcomes thousands of ski and snowboarding enthusiasts each and every year. The ski resort is north facing ensuring good snow quality and spectacular views throughout the picturesque forest areas. You have four ski resorts in Courchevel to choose from, Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, and Courchevel 1850, the numbers refer to their altitude in metres.

Val d’Isère, France – is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world. It’s situated in the French Alps close to the Italian border and is part of the Espace Killy ski domain. Its closest neighbour is Tignes and if you want thrills and spills on your next ski adventure, Val d’Isère is most certainly one for you to consider. It’s a summer destination too, with walking trails and cycling routes plus amazing entertainment, it should be on your shortlist.

St Anton, Austria – is found in the beautiful Tyrolean Alps and is referred to as the “cradle of alpine skiing”. Easy access to the slopes of Valluga and Rendl by way of cable cars and lifts gives you lots of choice of ski pistes. There are traditional ski chalets for sale in this area which offer delightful homes and a fabulous ski holiday destination, add to the mix an upbeat après ski scene and this is a must-visit ski resort.

Search for your ideal ski destination and plan for the winter of 2020/2021.