Best thing about winters is that they bring snow along, and when it’s there our Sports enthusiast get another means of making the best of it. Skiing has been around for long, and has emerged from a mountaineering craft to a family sports. What could be better than hopping on a flight and hit the road to a ski resort for a classy winter holidays. But what makes a ski resort destination worth it. Is it snow available for season or year long, or cozy hotels to make the chilling stay comfortable, or dining scene that appeases after day long activities, or the gradients of slopes for more fun. Well everything plays a part, and to help you land at best place we have a list.
Val d’Isere – This French resort is an all-inclusive access to a 300 km wide ski terrain served with more than 150 ski lifts. It has tracks for both beginners and experienced skiers. It is British favourite spot. The mountain apres makes this spot a good to go ski resort.
It houses more than 24,710 acres of ski terrain which is at a height of more than 7200 feet. Apart from the skiing experience, it also offers some great gastronomic scene with melted cheese dishes like raclette, fondue, tartiflette. The best thing about this ski resort is that it gets the most reliable snow.
St Anton – This Austrian Ski resort had the first ski club ever opened in Alps. It has one of the snowiest areas, and powder runs deep. This is more suitable for experienced skiers, but shouldn’t deter you if you are a beginner. Wildest parties happen at its Mooser Wirt bar.
It is home to more than 300 kilometers of interconnected downhill skiing and more than 200 kilometers of deep snow run. The ski resorts boasts of around 87 state of the art cable ways. You can also indulge in action and adventure in some of the fun parks here.
Chamonix – This French resort is located in the shadows of iconic Mont Blanc. It was also the host of first ever Winter Olympics. It has piste for both newbies and experienced, with challenging tracks too. The snow remains here for longer time and is more dry, all perfect.
Chamonix has a network of more than 60 lifts. It also has the reputation of being the best free ride resort of the world. Majority of the region of Chamonix is at an elevation of more than 1900 meters. Chamonix is home to to five ski resorts named Le Tour/Balme, Les Houches, La Flegere, Grands Montets and Le Brevent.
Courchevel – This French resort is popular for its champagne bars, Michelin star restaurants, and most importantly the skiing terrain. It is located in middle of 3 valleys. Skiers of all stage can enjoy. The off piste skiing is legendary at this place. Also has a popular downhill run.
It is home to more than 600 kilometers of slope. Almost 85% of the region is above 1800 meters. The region has 52 ski lifts. The region is comprised of 6 villages named Saint Bon, Courchevel La Tania, Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel Moriond, Courchevel Village, and Courchevel.
Zermatt – This Swiss resort is a dream spot for Skiers. One of the prettiest ones with World’s most photogenic mountain Matterhorn in backdrop. Also Matterhorn glacier is open for skiing all year long. This resort has the best off-piste opportunities than any other one.
The ski resort encloses more than 210 kilometers of marked piste, and many marked off piste routes. Zermatt is only one of the two ski resorts that offer year long skiing experience. It also has one of the highest slopes in Europe. The four main regions in the Zermatt Ski resort are Rothorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat, and Schwarzsee.
Whistler Blackcomb –This Canadian beauty is just two hour’s drive from Vancouver with a new highway that makes it more accessible. Peak to peak gondola connecting summits is a highlight. Has more than 200 piste accessed by 37 lifts. Has enough snow and mountain.
It is North America’s largest ski resort. It is spread across 8,171 acres. It is home to 3 glaciers, 16 alpine bowls, and has more than 200 marked trails. It has more than 200 kilometers of slope and more than 50 kilometers of ski routes. It houses a network of 27 lifts.
Niseko – This Japanese beauty is made of four interlinked resorts, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, and An’nupuri. It is famous for its powder and you should look no further. Offers great dining scenes. Off-piste opportunities and glades are delight for skiers.
Niseko is also the best Japanese ski resort. It is estimated that it records more than 15 meters of snow in season which makes it perfect for skiing experience. It houses a network of 3 gondolas and 30 lifts. It is most adequate for intermediate skiers, followed by beginners and experts.
Meribel – This French resort shares the Les Trois Vallées which forms the largest ski domain in the world. The Saulire Express gondola is worth a ride that you will remember ever after. It has chalet style architecture, wooden surroundings, and friendly village atmosphere.
Typically it is snowed all across seasons. More than 85% of the region is at the height of 1800 meters. The region comprises of five main villages named Meribel Centre, Meribel Les Allues, Meribel Les Hauts, Meribel Mottaret, and Méribel Village. It has a network of more than 45 lifts and houses 150 kilometer of pistes.
Aspen Snowmass –This American ski resort based out of Colorado is best amongst others. It is made up of four ski areas, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highland, and Buttermilk. Though this one is for experienced skiers. Recently has improvised its food scene for good, and it also offers a great live music scene, which perfects the dining experience.
The ski resort encompasses an area of more than 3300 acres. It houses 98 trails which are more than 150 miles, out of which the longest trail is 5.3 miles long. It has a network of total 40 lifts which includes 3 gondolas.
Mayrhofen – This Austrian beauty is one of Brit favourites. It has thriving nightlife which gives great transition from skiing in night. It has a network of more than 53 lifts, and has enough snow for all the fun. It also hosts the altitude and snow bombing festival. Apart from skiing this resort is also popular for snow boarding.
Ideally this ski resort is for intermediate and expert skiers, but also offers trails for beginners. It has more than 142 kilo meters of slope, and more than 8.7 kilo meters of ski routes. The entire ski resort is located at an elevation of 600 meters to 2500 meters.
Cortina D’Ampezzo – This Italian resort is not only perfect for skiing, has beautiful landscapes (Thanks to Cinque Torri in backdrop) and charming old town. Has great wine and dine scene which is deep rooted as Italian. It houses more than 120 kilometers of slope.
The ski resort has a network of more than 27 lifts. The ski resort is located at an elevation of 1200 meters to 2800 meters. The ski resort is a part of Dolomiti Superski area which houses 12 top skiing resorts. Cortina can be a little expensive, but it is worth it.
La Clusaz – This French resort is the best kept ski secret. Just 50 minutes’ drive from Geneva makes it highly accessible. This resort is great for some of the best freestyle skiing. The dine and wine scene is fantastic, and you will get a real glimpse of French culture throughout.
The ski resort is located at an altitude of 1100 meters to 2400 meters. There are 125 kilometers of ski slopes in La Clusaz. It has a network of more than 45 lifts. Around 58% of the pistes are dedicated to beginning skiers. It is one of the most appeasing ski resorts of the french alps.
The mountains are calling and you must go!
