In anticipation of winter, all lovers of active winter ski resorts take out their equipment and begin to choose where to go on vacation this year. There are a lot of decent places in Europe with a high level of service and well-developed infrastructure. Making your choice sometimes turns out to be a difficult task. To alleviate this fate, it is recommended to read our article to the end. In it, we tried to identify the best ski resorts in Europe, which deservedly enjoy the trust and love of visitors.
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TOP 10 ski resorts in Europe
In the TOP rating of the best European ski resorts, it was decided to include not only the most promoted places in Italy and Switzerland, but also less known in Romania and Finland.
When compiling the list, we took into account the reviews on the Web of those people who had already visited these parts. We also took into account the price of ski passes, the length of the routes and the number, as well as the quality of work of the resort staff, the availability and comfort of the ski lifts. Each of the options in our TOP will allow you to have a great rest, and this vacation will be remembered by you for a long time with pleasant impressions.
LIVIGNO, ITALY
The Italian resort is located on the border with Switzerland. It delights with a variety of slopes for skiers of varying skill levels and amazing weather conditions. The total length of the tracks is 115 km.
In 2002 the resort underwent a renovation. Guests will find modern infrastructure, the best ski lifts and interesting tracks. Routes are constantly updated. The funicular rises to an altitude of 2300 m, and the pros can visit Monte della Neve from 2800 m, where the black runs begin.
The reviews say that guests should not lose their vigilance and do not forget about the transfer. You can get to the place in 40 minutes. Please note that the ski areas are not interconnected.
CHAMONEY, FRANCE
Deservedly included in our rating of the best ski resort in France. Chamonix was founded in 1907. Today experienced skiers and snowboarders prefer to rest here. The resort is open all year round, but the peak season starts from November to March. Equipped with 3 ski areas. Each of them has a connection with the bus route. Public transport does not provide additional service charges.
If you have a lot of experience in skiing, the slopes of the Gran Monte are worth a visit. They are marked with black trails. It also has all the possibilities for a cool freeride. In these places is the legendary Argentiere glacier, which you can admire with your own eyes. And this place is also known for the fact that only 50 m from the edge there is a border with another European country - Switzerland. Therefore, one should not be surprised that the Swiss are very common in Chamonix.
The guests of the resort have at their disposal 170 km of tracks with well-developed infrastructure and incredibly beautiful natural sites. It should be noted that the nature of Chamonix is under careful protection. In fact, this resort is still not very expensive, as in comparison with other prices in Europe.
Its weak point is indicated in user reviews on the Web. Concerns minus lifts, some of which have outlived their usefulness and need to be replaced.There is a talk that some do not have a protective cap, and therefore the wind can cause irreparable harm.
If visibility is severely reduced, freeride is immediately restricted at the resort. Also, warnings about the danger of falling off are constantly sounding. In fact, there are a lot of crevasses and avalanches in Chamonix. They are becoming more frequent closer to the top. Snow covers them, but the risk is still there.
Our opinion is that beginners and families with children should look at other options. Keep exploring the TOP.
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
Zermatt is able to please all lovers of steep descents. And tourists also get the opportunity to climb the highest station, Klein Materhorn, which reaches 3885 meters. Families with children, beginners in skiing will like to relax here.
You won't be bored. Tourists are surrounded by unforgettable nature, after the descents, you can go on excursions and ride on the Glacier Express. There are black, red tracks. The freeride season is open from January.
A lift pass costs around 340 euros for 6 days. These are quite high prices, but the skiing is at the highest level.
LEVI, FINLAND
The Finnish resort is represented by a whole system of tracks, which is usually updated annually. It covers the mountain from each side. A vacation in this place will appeal to experienced skiers and snowboarders, and only true professionals can explore all the slopes.
Beginner skiers will appreciate the presence of gentle slopes at the resort, abundant snow cover. And another big plus is that the temperature in these places does not drop below "0". The lifts are located not far from the hotels, and therefore tourists will not spend a lot of time getting to the slope. And even the luckiest ones will be able to see the real northern lights.
Experts are advised to ride 3 black slopes. But in general, the resort is aimed at families with children. There is a professional ski school, whose instructors will teach beginners all the nuances of winter sports.
Guests of the resort will have 230 km of cross-country trails, as well as 880 km of snowmobile trails. If you get bored, you can visit the snow parks, children can be temporarily left under the supervision of educators on the slopes while the adults are resting in restaurants. There is a cable car in Finland, during the trip on which you can witness the Slalom Championship.
Children will be delighted with their leisure time in the city, equipped with attributes for sports competitions. Professional animators also work there. Older children can take classes with an instructor at a specialized school. And at the resort, the staff speaks excellent Russian, which is a big plus for domestic tourists.
However, be prepared that there are no red trails on the map, and you will not find such beautiful landscapes as in Switzerland or Austria.
SAINT MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
Most likely, many have heard about St. Moritz. This is one of the most popular European resorts, and even considered the most luxurious in the world. True, you should be prepared that the prices here are at a high level. Guests are delighted when they learn that show business stars, millionaires and heirs of the richest dynasties in Europe are resting with them.
According to statistics, more than 1.5 million tourists spend their holidays here every 6 months. And the resort can boast of the fact that the Winter Olympics have been held here 2 times. Even today, a competition known as the Swiss Freeride Trophy is organized on Mount Diavolezza. The ski resort is represented by 2 sectors. The first one is located on a hill. There are many different shops there. And the second sector covers the area along the lake, there are hotels for tourists. Guests have at their disposal 350 kilometers of trails that cover the entire Upper Engadine.
In accordance with the reviews, we can conclude that tourists of different levels of training are satisfied with their vacation in the resort of Santk Moritz. There is really a lot of snow here, the slopes are interconnected. There are 57 lifts in operation.
There are 88 slopes in the resort in total, the height differences were recorded at 1700-3300 m. everyone can find the slope that matches their riding skills exactly. And after an active descent, you can visit the restaurant. There are as many as 34 establishments that surprise with their different focus. There are also luxury hotels and small shops where you can buy souvenirs to remember your holidays in Switzerland.
The only downsides are the high price and the large flow of tourists. Well, everything else is really top notch!
CELL-AM-ZEE, AUSTRIA
It must be admitted that Zell am See is one of the most beautiful resorts in Austria. Skiing is carried out all year round. And another big plus is that this is an inexpensive place with lots of slopes of varying difficulty. There are both educational slopes for children and black ones, where beginners should not meddle.
According to the recommendations of tourists, it is better to rest here from the end of December to the end of March. Although the glacier is accessible all year round. Experts advise to conquer the track at the very top, from where an incredible view of the entire Austrian valley with indescribable beauty opens up.
Slopes marked as medium difficulty are often congested, so be prepared to queue. Tourists also like the long trail to Schuttdorf, where a mountain lake meets along the way. If you are tired of skiing, you can always spend your leisure time at the skating rink, or ride a sled with horses, rent a sled. There are special illuminated slopes for this.
Not far from the resort there is a city that will appeal to all lovers of medieval architecture. Many tourists prefer to stay here. Transport crosses the tunnel, and therefore nothing will interfere with the unforgettable atmosphere of these places. At the resort, all tracks are divided into zones for professionals and beginners. The slopes are unique, offering views of the lake, valley and mountains. Please note that before traveling to an Austrian resort, you should be prepared that it takes about half an hour to get to Zell am See from the hotel. Buses run heavily loaded with tourists. Rocks and ice can be encountered on the lower runs, but this is common at the beginning and end of the season. You just have to be careful.
GARMISCH-PANTERKIRCHEN, GERMANY
The German resort is located in Bavaria. It is famous for its long runs and gentle slopes. The season begins in mid-November and lasts until May.
Garmisch-Panterkirchen occupies the northern part of the Eastern Alps, next to the highest point in the country, the Zugspitze. Of course, it does not take up much space, if we take its territory in comparison with other European resorts. But tourists still enjoy skiing on long tracks. Beginners love the slope of the blue and green slopes, which are characterized by gentle slopes, and if you feel confident, you can go to conquer the red routes. Professionals pay attention to black slopes, which are characterized by large elevation differences. The resort has steep and gentle slopes, deep snow and ice. Not without hillocks and undeveloped spaces by a snowcat. There is not much space, and therefore all the tracks are very compact.
After analyzing the reviews, we concluded that tourists like the developed infrastructure of the region. Tourists are brought to the top by 46 lifts. Not far from them is a diagram of the slopes. Also, professional instructors work on the tracks.
And if you get tired of skiing from the mountains, it is recommended not to pass by the Apres-Ski amusement park. It is here that there are shops and sled rentals, you can rent skates or sit in cozy restaurants. For lovers of outdoor activities, hiking trails are offered. And for families with children, a kindergarten will be appropriate.
The hotels are far from the ski lifts. It takes almost an hour to get to them without a car. There is only one road, and therefore traffic jams are often observed. There are a lot of tourists. And in the reviews it is noted that it is worth dressing warmer, since the temperature drops even to -25 degrees during the season. There is a risk of freezing.
FORMIGAL, SPAIN
It is one of the finest family resorts, with its highest point being 2,250 meters. Formigal is able to please with wide illuminated routes that will appeal to both beginners and more confident tourists.
In 2007, there were some changes and there were high-speed lifts, a mogul track, snow cannons. At the same time, 2 winter parks were opened.
There is a lot of snow during peak season. The trails offer incredible views. The elevation changes are equal to 740 m, and this will appeal to even professional skiers. But if you get tired of being active in the mountains, you can go to wine cellars, eat in Spanish restaurants or have fun in an amusement park with children. Adults will appreciate the local bars.
The resort has ski schools. An hour of classes costs around 42 euros. But there are often discounts. The prices at the resort are average when compared to other European resorts.
It is convenient that on small slides there are lifting paths that work in automatic mode. Equipment rental booths are located on the sites. In addition, guests of the resort can always go on excursions to local wineries, relax in spa complexes and even play golf. And in the reviews, users recommend not passing by the wildlife park.
The downside is that for almost the entire season strong winds blow here, which tire tourists.
LEKH, AUSTRIA
The Austrian resort is unique, if only for the reason that it is the only place in the whole country where there is no ban on heli-skiing. We are talking about riding with a helicopter to the top of the slope. Tourists are also delighted with the best skiing attractions.
In fact, this is a truly amazing place that opens up access to the White Ring. There is a unique atmosphere here. The resort has existed for more than fifty years and is able to surprise tourists with unique trails, excellent lifts and cableways. This is the main element of Lech.
Guests will find 95 cable cars that were developed in the 20th century. But keep in mind that they are regularly updated. The resort will appeal to people of all skill levels. There are also schools where professional ski instructors teach. Classes can be either individual or group. The resort has gentle and soft slopes.
A daily lift pass costs around 53 euros, which is a very high price for Austrian resorts. There is an elephant for snowboarding, it is equipped with a pipe. Its length reaches 1200 meters. Not far from here there are trails for professionals. They are marked on the map in red and black. The slopes are even more than 2 kilometers long. Also, just below the mountain there are spaces for free skiing.
It is also worth noting that there are a lot of expensive restaurants and hotels in the Leh resort. In general, in the country it is considered elite, and therefore be prepared for decent expenses on vacation. Basically, pensioners from Germany, Austrian aristocrats and successful entrepreneurs rest here.
It is also worth noting that it is customary to book the best seats in the Lech resort in advance. Sometimes, you need to do this for a year. The most interesting and picturesque slopes are at a decent distance, but you can get there by local bus.
POIANA BRASHOV, ROMANIA
The Romanian resort pleases with tracks of varying difficulty. There are even trampolines that the extreme will love. The season starts in November and ends in March.
Poiana Brasov is considered the most beautiful in Romania. It is also an elite vacation spot for wealthy tourists. The resort is located surrounded by a coniferous forest at an altitude of 1030 m. Equipped with exclusively modern infrastructure. There are snow cannons.
To the attention of guests there are 10 tracks, which differ in difficulty. Accommodation is carried out in the hotels of the old town. In particular, skiers choose this place. There are special slopes and slopes that will be of interest to both pros and beginners. There are also slopes designed for slalom. There are several of them. Skiing is carried out from a height of 1775 m.The longest run is 4.6 m. For advanced skiers, there are 2 jumps and cross-country skiing tracks.
The resort is popular with families with children. It is very convenient that young visitors can be sent to kindergarten. There is also a ski school, playgrounds with interesting attractions. You can meet animators. No one will be bored. Slopes are equipped for those who wish to go sledding.
And if you get bored, you can go for a walk along the hiking trails. There are 10 of them! A public bus runs to Brasov every 15 minutes. It is recommended to visit this amazing place, which is in keeping with the traditional style of the country.
The resort is in demand by tourists, and therefore there are a lot of people here. This is also a disadvantage, because there are queues for the lifts, and the required size of skis and clothes may be missing.
From the reviews of visitors to the resort, it became clear that there are no complaints out of season.
