Winter is here which means it’s time to hit the slopes. Musement shares nine of the best places in Europe to go skiing this winter.
With the wind in your face, while the sun shines above as you hit the slopes full speed, it’s easy to fall in love with skiing. In addition to being a great way to stay in shape during the holidays and long winter months, skiing is about being in touch with nature, immersing yourself in beautiful whitewashed landscapes.
Whether you’re looking to discover Italy’s most beautiful ski slopes or want to explore neighboring European countries, read on to discover 9 beautiful locations to ski this winter:
1) Val Gardena, Italy
Located in the Dolomites, Val Gardena is one of (if not the) most beautiful resorts in Italy. The resort is divided into three areas. Thanks to its proximity to “Dolomiti Superski” and the nearby “Alpe di Siusi”, Val Gardena is a veritable playground for skiers: 175 tracks for all levels and more than 1,000 vertical meters! As part of Europe’s largest cross-country ski area, the resort boasts something for everyone. Indeed, the Dolomiti Nordic Ski has about 1,000 km of cross-country trails that are accessible with a single package! The Vallunga cross-country trail, 30 km of riding in the heart of nature, is reputed to be one of Europe’s most beautiful trails.
Val Gardena is perfect for both families and beginners, and non-skiers will find a plethora of activities such as paragliding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, and climbing.
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2) Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the world’s most photographed mountain. Mystical and majestic, this Swiss emblem is one of the Alps’ highest peaks and as a result, Zermatt is snowy year-round and skiing is available 365 days per year. The huge Matterhorn region offers 360km of trails for all levels between Switzerland and Italy, the only place in Europe where you can find something like this. The other specificity of Zermatt: the exceptional amount of sunshine…300 days per year with very little annual rainfall! In Zermatt, you can surely inhale a breath of genuine fresh mountain air as, since 1947, electric vehicles only without combustion engines are the only permitted means of transportation.
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3) Kalavryta, Greece
At 2,300m high, Kalavrita is one of the most famous Peloponnese resorts. Located on the northwest slopes of Mount Helmons near Lake Styx (the lake in which Thetis threw his son Achilles to make him immortal), the resort is easily accessible from Athens. The eleven trails are named after Zeus’ mistresses, with Nefeli being the longest (3.2km). The resort also has a snow park, which is definitely worth visiting if you’re up for the challenge! From Kalavrita you can take a small train to the Gulf of Corinth on the Odontotos railway line (the shortest in Europe), which was built by French engineers. This magical ride is full of contrasts, leading down from the mountains to the seaside town of Diakofto. Dive into the water for a swim then head back up the slopes to ski!
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4) L’Alpe d’Huez, France
One of Europe’s longest black diamond ski runs is located at Alpe d’Huez. The 16km route is a pure adrenaline rush and includes a vertical drop of 1800 meters! It’s impossible not to associate Alpe d’Huez with its famous black diamond path”Sarenne”, which offers an hour of non-stop skiing in an extraordinary environment between Mont Blanc and the Massif des Ecrins at 3000m high. Alpe d’Huez is a family ski resort with 250 tracks that are accessible to everyone! Quick tip: Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by going down the Sarenne at sunset and by taking the last Pic Blanc cable car of the day.
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5. Sestriere, Italy
The Kandahar Nasi is a very famous ski slope in Sestriere. It is one of the few ski runs in the world to have hosted the Olympics, Skiing World Cup, and the Alpine World Ski Championship. In this paradise for those who love skiing and snowboarding, there is more than 400 km of trails, including the Vialattea. But the activities you can do in Sestriere are endless, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing to ice skating and to the wellness center.
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6. Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel, located in the Austrian Tyrol, is one of Austria’s most famous ski resorts. Known as the City of the Chamois, it is located right in the heart of the Alps and is overlooked by two mountains: Kitzbüheler Horn, and Hahnenkamm, where the historic alpine skiing competition is held. Although the peaks are not particularly high, the area has 170 km of slopes, of which the Streif is undoubtedly the most famous. For those who love cross-country skiing, there is 60 km of groomed and illuminated trails, while two long trails are dedicated to those who want to enjoy sledding.
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7. Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen is a small Swiss village, closed to traffic and a part of the famous Jungfraujoch Tour. Due to its location and exposure, it is usually sunny and a particularly family-friendly resort. The Small Scheidegg-Männlichen ski area, which starts in Wengen, consists of 110 km of trails varying in difficulty. The most famous ski slope is the Lauberhorn where the Lauberhorn ski competition has been held since 1930. It is also known for being the longest trails of the Alpine Ski World Cup. For those who prefer to walk, the winter hiking trails include about 50 km of paths.
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8. Garmisch, Germany
Located in Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most famous ski resorts in Germany. The town is overlooked by the Zugspitze, which at 2,962 meters is the highest peak in the country. Of the 108 km of ski trails, 30 km are dedicated to cross-country trails. The Kandahar is a very popular ski slope, not only famous for its extraordinary beauty but also for its 92% slope, reaching the point of “Free Fall”.
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9. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is a winter sports resort in the municipality of Les Belleville, France. Situated at 2,300 meters above sea level, the resort is part of the Les Trois Vallee ski area. With over 600 km of trails, it is one of the largest ski areas in the world. This is the perfect place for those who love the adrenaline rush. In fact, if the slopes weren’t enough, test your courage with the 1800-meter-long zipline, which goes up to 65 meters high!
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If winter sports are your thing, check out our article on the most unusual winter activities ever.