The Alps are where skiing was born. If you want a classic alpine atmosphere look no further. This is where die-hard skiers and snowboarders spend their time. From the legendary parties in the poshest ski villages, to the jet-set lined slopes of St. Moritz, to the avalanche of runs at Les Trois Vallées, Europe has everything a skier or snowboarder could want.
- Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère and its astounding 130 runs was host to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Europe’s premier resort has a bit of everything: world class runs, good terrain for both skiers and snowboarders, and a classic alpine village and party atmosphere.
- Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is the classic Swiss ski scene: 70 well groomed runs, cable cars, glaciers, beginner slopes, backcountry hikes, and a bustling alpine village free of cars.
- Zell Am See, Austria
World Cup downhills, glacier skiing, off track runs, and much, much more at Zell Am See. There are just 27 lifts and runs, it’s not nearly the biggest in the country, but the quality is without compare.
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is the stuff of legends. When you’re not mingling with celebrities and the jet-set, explore the 88 runs that see snowfall almost year round.
- Les Trois Vallées, France
Eight different resorts combine to make the largest ski area in the world at Les Trois Vallées. You can buy joint lift tickets by the week to run all of the 200 different lifts.
- St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton in the Arlberg region of Tirol has 83 lifts spread out over more than 12,000 snowy acres. The resort has Austria’s largest ski school and a lively alpine village.
- Lillehammer, Norway
Lillehammer is a full out winter sports resort that was home to the 1994 Winter Games. There are ski jumps, lifts, ice rinks, and hundreds of miles of cross country trails.
- Riksgränsen, Sweden
Riksgränsen’s 34 great runs sit 130 miles north of the Arctic circle so there are days and weeks when the sun never sets and the lifts don’t close until 1am.
- Courmayer, Italy
Thanks to a wide variety of advanced and intermediate runs this is the best resort in Italy. It sits on the Italian side of Mont Blanc where lifts take you as high as 11,000 feet.
- Chamonix, France
More than 80 runs under the shadow of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. Chamonix is an advanced skier heaven, with miles of long runs, ungroomed terrain, and steep descents. Mountain guides are recommended.