Top Ten European Ski Spots
With winter getting into full swing one of the best way to take full advantage on your travels is a ski trip. Europe has plenty to offer from the extensive Alps to the Pyrenees; the vast ranges cover a variety of countries to make sure you get the best all round experience on your travels. Whether you are a complete beginner or a pro on the slopes, this Top Ten guide meets all abilities.
- Isola 2000, France
Situated 90 minutes from Nice, Isola 2000 is an ideal resort for an all round holiday. It boasts wonderful sunny slopes for all ski levels and has frequently held the snowfall records in France. The Villa Hostel, situated in Nice reaps all the benefits of the city centre as well as the ski resort, meaning you can have a day of skiing in Isola 2000 and relax afterwards in nearby Cannes.
- Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is a fantastic base for skiing in Switzerland, particularly for the Jungfrau region which is formed of various resorts linked by a ski bus. This means a diverse range of skiing throughout your stay, making full use of the beautiful surroundings. The extremely reasonable Balmer’s is an ideal location for your trips’ needs. Providing a great location for the slopes as well as organising many other great activities during your stay, including night sledding!
- Bad Gastein, Austria
The stunning Bad Gastein sits within the Austrian Alps; showered in sunshine, snow and skiing for all. The fresh air and perfect snow guarantees a relaxing stay and has slopes for all ranges and abilities. The town is 1,000 metres above sea level and boasts a Spa-town status. However, if it isn’t relaxation or skiing you’re after the Euro Youth Hotel is an affordable base with huge discounts on extreme sports - including paragliding, rafting and canyoning.
- Andorra
Within Europe, Andorra is not only the sixth smallest nation, but it is also the highest, with it’s tallest peak scraping 2,946 metres. Located within the Eastern Pyrenees the principality, hosts a vast and varied range of ski options for all. The spot on the French-Spanish border gives Andorra a great fusion of the two cultures with plenty on offer in addition to the great skiing.
- Val di Fiemme, Italy
The Val di Fiemme region within Trentino is located in the Dolomiti Super-Ski area and is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. The resorts have been home to the Cross-Country Ski World Championships - due to the 150 kilometre long, cross country trails. The location is wonderfully picturesque, however if you want a change, the resorts host a variety of indoor ice-themed activities – including of course, ice skating.
- Berchtesgaden, Germany
Located in the heart of the German Bavarian Alps the glorious Berchtesgaden slopes sit on the edge of the national park and combine history with sightseeing and great skiing. The scenery is beautiful and with medium level slopes the resort is ideal for a ski break, with time for culture and tours. Berchtesgaden is extremely close to Salzburg and also Munich - for onward travels.
- Sauze D’Oulx, Italy
Sauze D’Oulx is within the province of Turin and is known as an intermediate level resort with easy connections to black runs on Mount Motta and Mount Sises. The great highlights of the area include the Aprés Ski options, with a great mix of clubs, bars and restaurants. Sauze D’Oulx also hosted the Freestyle Skiing for the 2006 Winter Olympics; championing the great slopes the resort has to offer.
- Ĺre, Sweden
Åre is Sweden’s top ski resort consisting of four skiing villages, linked with one ski pass. This means great value for money and a variety of slopes for all levels. All skiers are well catered for and the instructors speak a number of languages, making this a great spot for beginners to learn. There are also activities for the non-skiers with ice fishing, tobogganing, snowmobiling and much more. In summary it’s a stunning location for a perfect Nordic break.
- Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Close to the Austrian and Italian borders, Kranjska Gora is nestled in the Zgornjesavska Valley in northern Slovenia, offering glorious views. The resort serves up some truly great skiing for all levels, patient instructors for beginners and challenging pistes for advanced skiers. Kranjska Gora is a winter wonderland with great events running throughout the season. It’s also a great alternative to the traditional ski spots.
- Sierra Nevada, Spain
This is the ideal choice for indecisive travellers, with great intermediate slopes, a variety of off-piste options for more advanced skiers and if all else fails, the Mediterranean sea, complete with sun and sand surprisingly close by. Sierra Nevada is a great all round ski stop with plenty to do nearby - including the national park with its wonderful natural views.
- Sam Dury
