The best ski resorts in Europe. We ride all year round The largest snowpark in Europe
Playing your favorite sport turns out to be inextricably linked with travel. However, not every athlete wants to leave their native continent to ski. Especially for such people, we have compiled a rating in which we described the best ski resorts in Europe.
When describing the best places for skiing in Europe, Austria should be mentioned first. There are several bases with quality trails, luxury hotels and high-quality schools.
Sölden
We put the Austrian region of Sölden in first place. It will not leave even the most demanding European indifferent.
Advantages
Anyone who loves fun and variety will feel comfortable in this place. There are many entertainment venues here.
The local trails are accessible for skiing in almost any season. The snow cover in Sölden does not melt. And all because it is located surrounded by two huge glaciers, which are considered one of the most bulky in the entire country.
Ideal tracks, the ability to choose the difficulty of the descent, the availability of entertainment for athletes of any age and professional level - all this makes Sölden one of the most popular European regions offering alpine skiing.
Davos
The city of Davos is located in Switzerland. Not only people come here, but also people suffering from pulmonary diseases. The local climate greatly alleviates the consequences of their ailments for such guests.
Advantages
The main advantages of Davos include clean air. Thanks to her, being in this region has such a beneficial effect on health.
The slopes of Davos are not satisfactory and are highly rated by both amateurs and professional skiers.
Megève
Advantages
The height of the slopes in Megeve reaches 2.5 thousand meters. Even at an altitude of 1.8 thousand meters, coniferous trees grow here, which give the appearance of the area mystery, grandeur and beauty.
Megève is perfect for those who are used to vacationing with the whole family. It is very quiet and peaceful here. In addition, holidays in these places are inherently romantic.
Gudauri
Undeservedly, many avid tourists ignore Georgia. Meanwhile, there are also many excellent ski resorts with good quality slopes and beautiful nature.
Advantages
The Gudauri region became a resort not so long ago. Therefore, it has unbeaten trails and new hotels. Everything here meets the trends of the times. It's fresh and modern. Austrian specialists were involved in equipping the bases.
The length of the local slopes is not as huge as in other ski regions, and reaches only 16 kilometers. However, such a modest length is compensated by the high quality of the trails.
The highest descent begins at an altitude of three thousand meters. From this point athletes can admire the magnificent local landscape.
Another pleasant detail of Gudauri is the climate of this region. It's very soft.
Bansko
Advantages
Fans of this resort love it for its beautiful, inimitable nature and architecture with a slight touch of antiquity, because the city has an ancient history.
The skiing bases are located on the territory of the Bulgarian national park called “Pirin”. Thanks to this, some routes go straight deep into the forests. Lovers in beautiful places will not remain indifferent.
The local seasons are not as long as the Austrian ones: you can ski from December to April. Bansko is great for families with children. There are even kindergartens for little tourists here. Special routes are also created for them.
When describing the ski resorts of Europe, the Sierra Nevada cannot be ignored, if only because it is one of the most popular ski regions in Europe. It is located in the southern part of Spain.
Advantages
An athlete with any skiing experience will find a slope here that will suit him. Despite this, the place is rarely visited by novice athletes.
The peaks of the Sierra Nevada offer excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains. True, you can only enjoy it in clear sunny weather.
These places are rich in snow thanks to the nearby glacier. And just two dozen kilometers from the ski resorts you can already see palm trees, sand and beaches.
Those who like to relax in clubs and restaurants will find here many excellent establishments in which to spend time pleasantly.
Advantages
Thanks to its vast territory and the diversity of its mountainous alpine nature, Breuil-Cervinia boasts a huge variety of slopes. It is believed that riding in the same place here several times is an unforgivable mistake. After all, in a few days of rest here you may never repeat the route.
Here you can often see famous skiers and sports professionals.
There is a sea of excellent hotels, wonderful trails, and restaurants with delicious cuisine. But all this service comes at a high cost to tourists. Due to the high cost of services, we put Breuil-Cervinia only in seventh place on this list.
Winterberg
This popular place is located in Germany. Great for amateur skiers. Due to the modest size of the Winterberg peaks, the slopes here are gentle and easy.
Advantages
Many trails run through forests, which attracts flora lovers.
The town is quite large and has a large number of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. Despite the high demand, there are practically no queues here. The resort can easily accommodate one hundred thousand visitors at a time.
Encamp
This place is not as popular as those described above. This resort is located in Andorra.
Advantages
The Encamp trails are of high quality. They are most suitable for those athletes who have recently started skiing.
This place is located in a very favorable climatic zone. Thanks to this, there is a lot of snowfall here in winter, and in spring it is warm and pleasant to ride.
Encamp is famous for its nightlife, which is attractive to young people. There are many clubs and bars where young tourists enjoy partying.
Ylläs
Advantages
Ylläs is quite famous. It owes its popularity to the longest track in Finland, the length of which reaches three kilometers.
But there are shorter descents here. There are also bases with children's trails.
It's a pleasure to learn to ride here. There are several ski schools in Ylläs.
We have listed the best European ski resorts. To conclude the rating, I would like to recommend readers not to be afraid to visit new places and get to know new countries. It’s so nice to bring back from a trip not only sports, but also cultural discoveries.
If you want to tell us about another European ski resort that can rightfully be called the best, write information about it in the comments.
Ski holidays are just around the corner, and therefore it’s time to decide on options for destinations for an active winter holiday.
Take a look at the best ski resorts in Europe for the 2018-2019 season, where holidays are suitable for both beginners and snowboarders:
Val Thorens| France
Situated at an altitude of 2300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe and part of one of the largest ski areas in the world - Three Valleys.
Val Thorens, FranceThe ski resort is located in the department of Savoie in the commune Saint Martin de Belleville. Total length of tracks Three Valleys is more than 600 kilometers, all of which are interconnected. In addition to the ski slopes, there are also 17 cross-country ski trails, a snow park and facilities for skiing such as halfpipe and boardercross.
Val Thorens, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Resort Val Thorens has a modern infrastructure and is located literally at the intersection of the ski slopes, which allows you to immediately put on your skis at the exit from the hotel, and after skiing, drive up to the very threshold of the residence.
Val Thorens, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Year after year Val Thorens takes first place in the ranking of the best ski resorts in Europe and the world according to various versions.
Alpe d'Huez| France
Alpe d'Huez is the largest ski resort in the French Alps. Located at an altitude of 1860 to 3330 meters above sea level, the resort belongs to the territory of the commune of Huez in the Isère department, and is located 63 kilometers from Grenoble.
Alpe-du'ez, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Having first started its work in 1936, Alpe d'Huez and to this day it is a real paradise for snow lovers. The resort belongs to part of the mountain range Le Grand Rousse and has a special microclimate with maximum sunshine of more than 300 clear days a year. For that Alpe d'Huez often called "Sunny Island".
Alpe-du'ez, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 At the height of the winter season Alpe d'Huez is one of the most visited ski resorts in Europe. It is also one of the few resorts in the world where lifts operate with a height difference of more than 2000 meters.
Alpe-du'ez, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Track area Alpe d'Huez is more than 30,000 hectares, the total length of ski routes is more than 240 kilometers, and one of the tracks is "Sarenna"- 16 kilometers long, it is the longest in Europe and runs through a tunnel. From the highest point of the resort - Pica Blanca- offers an exceptional panorama and the Ecrins National Park.
La Plagne| France
La Plagne is a ski resort with a 50-year history, located in the French Alps at altitudes between 1250 and 3250 meters above sea level.
La Plagne, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 The resort includes 128 ski slopes of various levels, with a total length of more than 200 kilometers, all of which are connected by a network of 110 lifts. The length of the longest route in the resort is 15 kilometers.
La Plagne, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In addition to the ski slopes, the resort La Plagne It has a big air and halfpipe, a boardercross area, a slalom stadium and one of the best Olympic bobsleigh tracks in the world.
La Plagne, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 For lovers of other types of active recreation, the resort has skating rinks, a significant number of walking routes, tennis courts, and much more.
La Plagne, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In the resort's recreation area La Plagne there are many cozy bars and several cinemas and nightclubs, as well as many shops and boutiques.
Saint-François-Lonchamp| France
Ski resort Saint-François-Lonchamp located at altitudes between 1450 and 1650 meters above sea level and surrounded on several sides by massive mountain ranges.
Saint-François-Lonchamp, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 The resort offers excellent active winter recreation for visitors of any age and skill level.
Saint-François-Lonchamp, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In addition to skiing, dog sledding and sledding are also popular here, and for relaxation there is an entire balneotherapy center with many thermal baths.
Saint-François-Lonchamp, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Ski area Saint-François-Lonchamp connected to the area of another interesting French resort Valmorel, forming together with it a 165-kilometer area of ski slopes called "Le Grand Domaine".
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains| France
Over the past few years, the ski resort Saint Gervais significantly updated the appearance of its classic, while maintaining the unique charm of the French village.
Saint Gervais, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 The resort belongs to the third largest ski area in France - the region.
Saint Gervais, France| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In winter in Saint Gervais Plenty of active entertainment is available, including evening and night skiing.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm | Austria
Resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm is the largest ski resort in Austria, with a length of slopes of more than 270 kilometers.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In 1991, the 31st World Alpine Ski Championships took place here.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 The resort has 70 lifts and 50 cozy hut-restaurants serving local cuisine. In addition to traditional skiing along the slopes, on slopes Saalbach-Hinterglemm also quite popular.
Kitzbühel| Austria
Kitzbühel is one of the most famous and, but also of all the Alps.
Kitzbühel, Austria| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 IN Kitzbühel A wonderful combination of classic Tyrolean country houses and designer boutiques from international brands.
Kitzbühel, Austria| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 One of the slopes of the resort - Hahnenkamm- is the traditional venue for competitions as part of the annual Ski World Cup.
During the summer season, major tennis tournaments are held here, such as ATP Challenger And Austrian Open Cup, and since 1988 the resort has become home to the annual festival of ancient - Kitzbüheler Alpenrally.
Gstaad| Switzerland
Located at the junction of four mountain regions 80 kilometers from Bern, Gstaad is one of the most prestigious winter resorts in the world, which is loved by big stars, movie stars and even kings of states.
Gstaad, Switzerland| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Throughout the year, Gstaad hosts numerous sporting events, including beach volleyball tournaments and an international polo tournament. Hublot Polo Gold Cup and open tennis tournament Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad. At the same time, the resort is a popular place for various musical events.
Gstaad, Switzerland| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Switzerland's most prestigious private school regularly moves to Gstaad during the winter season Institut Le Rosey, called the "school of kings".
Baqueira-Beret | Spain
Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, Baqueira is one of the largest and best ski resorts in Spain. You can get there from Barcelona in about 4 hours by car, following the surrounded waterfalls.
Baqueira Beret, Spain| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 The resort consists of three large ski areas: Baqueira, Beret And Bonaigua. Thus, in Baqueira you can enjoy classic ski slopes of any difficulty, while Beret offers wide slopes with gentle slopes that will appeal to beginners and lovers of other outdoor activities, such as cross-country skiing or sledding and dog sledding.
The Bonaigua area, in turn, is perfect for both experienced skiers and beginners. There are more than 500 “guns” located throughout the valleys, which help keep all the trails in excellent condition, regardless of the amount of snow that has fallen.
Baqueira Beret, Spain| The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 Resort Baqueira has three children's parks, as well as one of the best ski schools, which employs more than 200 instructors teaching all types of winter disciplines: from heli-skiing to halfpipe.
In the valley Baqueira-Beret Members of the royal family and even the President of Spain often prefer to spend their time. The ski season here lasts from December to April.
Ore [Åre]| Sweden
One of the largest and highest quality ski resorts in Northern Europe, Ore — Jämtland. The resort offers some of the best winter activities in Europe, from skiing on snow-covered slopes to extreme adventures like heli-skiing.
The total length of the slopes of the Åre resort is almost 100 kilometers, all of which are connected by 40 lifts.
Are, Sweden | The best ski resorts in Europe 2018-2019 In 2007, the resort hosted the World Ski Championships, and already in 2009 it was named the winner of the competition for the world's best winter resorts according to the British magazine.
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Ski season is just around the corner. It's time to start preparing your skis in advance and take a closer look at the best winter resorts in old Europe.
Courchevel (France)
Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious ski resort in the French Alps. Wealthy people and celebrities from all over the world like to relax here. The territory is divided into four main areas: rural traditional La Praze (1300 m), Courchevel 1550 m, Courchevel 1650 m and Courchevel 1850 m. The Courchevel valley is dominated by wide and smooth “blue” and “green” pistes, as well as virgin slopes. The most difficult routes are Jean Blanc and Couloir Emile Allais. The longest route in Courchevel is 3.9 km long. For snowboarders there is an excellent half-pipe and snow park.
Resort guests can combine a ski holiday with exclusive shopping: there are many luxury shops in Courchevel. 70 restaurants await gourmets, seven of which have been awarded Michelin stars. Excellent relaxation opportunities are provided by 32 hotel spas. The Forum sports complex offers visitors an ice skating rink, bowling alley, squash, ice karting and a fitness center. The resort offers snowmobiling and dog sledding. The ski season in Courchevel lasts from late November to early May.
Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy)
Cortina d'Ampezzo is called the queen of the Dolomites. This is the only Italian resort included in the prestigious group of the best Alpine resorts Best of the Alps. There are stunningly beautiful mountains here, recognized as a UNESCO natural heritage, and excellent opportunities for relaxation after skiing.
For professionals, the routes from the peaks of Forcella Staunies (2930 m) and Ra Valles (2470 m) are suitable. On the slopes of Tofana Peak (3243 m) there are short trails for intermediate skiers. Also, “average” people should pay attention to the slopes of Pomedes (2345 m). It is better for beginners to try their hand at the slopes of the town of Sokrepes.
Cortina d'Ampezzo has cross-country ski trails, an ice palace with a large skating rink, bobsleigh tracks and jumping hills. For snowboard lovers there is a snowboard park and a half-pipe. Well, in the evening it’s so nice to stroll along the pedestrian street Corso Italia, where fashion boutiques of the world’s leading brands of clothing, shoes, perfume, watches, and jewelry are located. The season at the resort lasts from December to April.
Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Photo credit: MaiDireLollo, commons.wikimedia.org
Bansko (Bulgaria)
The Bulgarian resort of Bansko has excellent ski slopes and a developed tourist infrastructure. The total length of the trails is about 70 km. The resort itself is divided into three skiing areas: Chalin-Valog, Shiligarnika and Banderishka Polyana. The Shiligarnik, Stara Pista, Todorka and Plateau slopes are suitable for beginner skiers, Banderitsa and Crna Mogila - for experts. The resort has a ski school and a ski kindergarten for children over 4 years old. The region's sports facilities include cross-country ski trails, a biathlon shooting range, and a winter sports stadium.
There are about a hundred taverns in the city, one of the most famous is Dedo Pene. There is a swimming pool, sauna, discos. Bansko is not only the most famous Bulgarian ski resort, but also a beautiful ancient city with many museums and attractions. The historical center of the city is a living museum of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture. There are 140 cultural and historical monuments in Bansko.
Kitzbühel (Austria)
Kitzbühel is an ancient ski resort in Tyrol, one of the most famous and fashionable winter resorts in Austria. In January, Kitzbühel annually hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup, including the downhill competition on the famous Streif, considered the most spectacular ski slope in the world.
There are four ski areas in Kitzbühel, but only two of them are connected. The most extensive slope is Hahnenkamm. It is worth paying attention to the ski safari, the route of which is marked with red arrows. The route ends at Pass Thurn, from where you can return to Kitzbühel by bus.
The city has many good restaurants with affordable prices, quite decent shopping, and a casino. You can relax after a day of sports at the Aquarena complex with swimming pools, water slides and a nudist area. A local attraction is the 3S aerial tram, the longest span aerial tramway in the world. Skiing season is from December to April.
Zermatt (Switzerland)
Zermatt is one of the most fashionable resorts in Switzerland. The resort offers a luxurious ski area surrounded by three peaks: Dom, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn. Zermatt has one of the best snow parks in Europe. Zermatt is one of a dozen Best of the Alps resorts.
Zermatt in winter is a real tourist Mecca, offering more than 200 km of slopes of all difficulty levels and 72 lifts. In general, the resort is aimed at well-prepared skiers - there are only 34 km of “blue” slopes, the rest are “red” (118 km) and “black” (48 km), and the highest point of the ski area lies at 3883 meters. 15 km of mogul trails, 115 km of flat ski tracks, 2 fun parks, 2 toboggan runs, and a ski school are open.
The resort has 15 indoor swimming pools, 20 saunas and steam baths, 12 solariums, 2 tennis courts, a squash hall, billiards, more than 100 restaurants, bars and discos, as well as 38 mountain restaurants. It is worth noting that the ecology here is beyond praise: car traffic is prohibited at the resort, you can only drive electric cars here. The ski season in Zermatt lasts from mid-December to the end of April.
Mountain peaks of Zermatt, Switzerland. Photo credit: Christopher Michel, commons.wikimedia.org
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany)
The popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze (height 3 km). The resort's trails will appeal to both professionals and beginners. The most suitable time for an active winter holiday in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is from the beginning of January until the end of March. The length of ski slopes of varying difficulty is about 120 km.
Two main ski areas: Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze. Garmisch-Classic is in turn divided into Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. Skiing on the Zugspitze Glacier is possible from October to May. Hausberg is suitable for beginners. There are gentle “green” and wide “blue” trails, which can be walked several times, choosing different routes. There is also a Kinderland children's park here.
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen there are 6 ski schools, 1 snowboard school, and a children's ski school. There are ice and ski stadiums, and an Olympic swimming pool. Tourists can enjoy about 100 restaurants, more than 30 bars, a theater, a casino, and museums. Classical music concerts are held in December and January. And at the top of the Zugspitze there is the world's highest exhibition hall.
Peaks of the Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Photo credit: US Army, commons.wikimedia.org
Ruka (Finland)
The Ruka ski resort is one of the largest in Finland, located near the city of Kuusamo. It has been operating since the 1950s, and in recent years has become widely popular among Russian tourists. The Ruka resort is already real mountains up to 493 meters above sea level. 28 ski slopes of the Ruka resort are laid in different parts of four mountains and are suitable for skiers of any level of training. Thanks to artificial snow-spray devices and early frosts, the Ruka resort opens the skiing season among the first in Finland.
The Ruka ski resort is planned according to the Alpine model: a network of lifts connects all the slopes, so you can make a spiral along the entire mountain. The pride of the resort is the “Superpipe Vuosseli” and “BorderCross” tracks for snowboarders, which meet all world standards.
The range of entertainment at the resort is wide. These include cross-country skiing (500 km of trails), snowmobile safaris, dog sledding and reindeer sledding, ice fishing, winter karting, snowshoeing, winter diving, ice climbing, winter karting and all-terrain vehicle racing.
Northern Lights in the Finnish resort of Ruka. Photo credit: Timo Newton-Syms, commons.wikimedia.org
Trysil (Norway)
Trysil is Norway's largest ski resort. Clean mountain air, centuries-old coniferous forests, high quality trails and accommodation fill your stay here with unforgettable emotions. Simple and difficult trails at this resort are located very close, which is very convenient for different levels of skiing in one company.
In total, there are 65 trails on Mount Trysilfjellet, connected by 32 ski lifts. There are slopes of any difficulty level: 11 black, 16 red, 17 blue and 21 green slopes, where students of the largest ski school in Europe train. Local instructors will put a beginner on skis or boards, help improve their skills, hone their carving technique or learn a new style.
Snowboarders and fans of new school simply must visit the best snow park in Norway - the famous Trysil Terrain Park. There are two half-pipes and tons of drops and jumps for crazy tricks. As many as three zones are allocated for the youngest guests of the resort. Kids run fearlessly along the children's slopes, and safe children's lifts take them to the top. Trysil boasts a very long ski season - from late October to early May.
Competitions in the resort of Trysil, Norway. Photo credit: Trysil, commons.wikimedia.org
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France)
The oldest winter resort in the world, Chamonix, is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, at an altitude of 1035 meters. Almost 90% of all ski slopes are above 2000 meters. Chamonix has been used as a mountain resort for about two hundred years, and therefore an extensive and diverse recreation infrastructure has been formed here.
In a winding 16-kilometer valley, there are 3 thousand hectares of specially prepared slopes, 69 marked trails (21% “green”, 33% “blue”, 32% “red” and 14% “black”) with a total length of 140 km , conditionally divided into several autonomous ski areas. The Chamonix Valley includes several ski areas: Grand Montet, Les Tours, Les Houches, Breven, Flegere, as well as the famous White Valley - an off-piste descent about 20 km long from the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3843 m).
There is a snow park with a half-pipe, a boardercross track, 30 km of marked walking routes, a sports center with swimming pools (including a children's pool), a water slide, a sauna and a hammam, a fitness center, a climbing wall, a tennis center (6 indoor and 3 squash courts ), several ski schools, an indoor Olympic skating rink and 42 km of flat ski trails.
St. Moritz (Switzerland)
St. Moritz is one of the most famous and aristocratic ski resorts in Switzerland. It is part of the elite club of the best alpine resorts Best of the Alps and bears the proud title of Top of the World, which is an officially recognized mark of quality.
There are good conditions for trained skiers: 36 “black” slopes and 136 “red” slopes, as well as many opportunities for snowboarders, cross-country skiers and skaters. The total length of the region's ski slopes is 350 km, and the flat ones are 150 km. The area is divided into three sectors: Corviglia (2488 m), Corvatx (3451 m) and Diavolezza (2973 m).
The resort is famous for its luxurious hotels, gastronomic restaurants, endless opportunities for sports and recreation, an interesting cultural program, exclusive shopping and a busy calendar of events. St. Moritz is also considered the birthplace of bobsleigh. The track in St. Moritz hosts major bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions.
Ski lifts in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Photo credit: Andreas Faessler, commons.wikimedia.org
Instead of translating the pretentious introduction from the source, let’s do a little analysis.
In second place is Austria with 3 parks, which is true, they talked about Mayrhofen 2 times, it’s so cool there.
In third place is Switzerland with 2 parks, and there is also Norway, apparently so as not to be accused of alpine discrimination =)
Note to freestylers: if you look at the map, you will find that most of the places hang out in the French-Swiss zone; Thus, as part of a modest Eurotrip starting from Geneva, you can visit 6 of the top 10 parks in Europe.
Mayrhofen – Tyrol, Austria
Perhaps the best complex of parks in Austria. Mayrhofen is part of a vast ski area and occupies a top position in the ranking of snowboarders, allowing you to do freeride, freestyle, visit the Snowbombing Festival, Burton Park and Vance Penken Park. Just 43 miles from bucolic Tyrolean Innsbruck, this place has majestic mountains calling your board into action. There are kilometers and kilometers of slopes, and a lot of opportunities for snowboarders, especially now that Burton has built his own snow park.
Snowboarding is taken to the limit at Vans Penkenpark Mayrhofen, with its 11 kickers, 2 pyramids, 34 jibbing figures, which certainly deserves a separate discussion. There are zones of intermediate and advanced difficulty, a fan zone and a pro zone, as well as a children's safe zone.
Laax – Switzerland
In the Swiss Alps you will find Laax with 4 snowparks, a huge halfpipe, freestyle slopes and a freestyle academy. Lax is suitable for everyone, from those just starting out on the board to Olympic champions; not a single visitor will remain indifferent there. The park has 7 carriages, 4 gondolas, 7 chair lifts, 8 rope tows and 3 children's lifts. The slopes are evenly distributed in difficulty between easy, medium and advanced, and the total number reaches 60. Among boarders, Lax boasts a reputation as one of the best parks in Europe.
Laax also has one of the best places to practice snowboarding even in the summer.
Les Deux Alpes – Vénosc and Mont-de-Lans, France
Tucked away in the west of France, picturesque Les Deux Alpes is an all-season resort for all styles of skiing, with its famous snow park, wide range of off-piste opportunities and a spectacular glacier. This is one of the largest and friendliest resorts in France. There are a large number of kickers and rails, 2 halfpipes and a kicker with a 24-meter table. In the summer, camps are held on the glacier aimed at freestylers.
Snowson's Avoriaz – Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz was the first park to open its arms and slopes to snowboarders. Ever since the first boarder landed on its slopes, Avoriaz has never ceased to be a fun destination. The resort is located in the west of France on the border with Switzerland, providing miles of freestyle skiing. There are various types of terrain for any level of ability, from easy slopes for fun to expert-level areas with trees, rocks, powder. There are several inspiring areas including Ski Adventures, Chapelle Snowpark and Freestyle Park. In the Freestyle Park you can find the Superpipe, Arere Snowpark, Stash, Mini Stash, Burton Children's Alley and Bordercross. There is certainly a lot to do here, it will take a whole month if you intend to explore this place on weekends (oh, if only).
Var/Rizoul – From the Alps, France
Var/Rizoul was also one of the first parks to welcome snowboarders. Surfland Snowpark has been around for over a decade and, having undergone many renovations over the years, now features rails for beginners and advanced jibbers. The snowpark was chosen as the training ground for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin due to its versatility and challenging shapes. The resort is confident that the concept of black, red and blue slopes is outdated, and is moving towards creating themed areas, such as, for example, a freeride zone.
Valparc - Val d'Isere, France
Valpark in Val d'Isere is known as a paradise for snowboarders. The city itself, not to mention the park, fully encourages snowboarding and boarders. There are no slopes on the mountain where snowboarders are prohibited from riding. The park has a large area with spines, kickers, boardercross and halfpipe. This wide variety allows snowboarders of all skill levels and abilities to enjoy the experience and has received the highest rating from the French Snowboard Association and is considered one of the best snowboard parks around the world.
Hemsedal Park – Hemsedal, Norway
Thanks to its stable and long skiing season, Hemsedal Park is also one of the best places for snowboarders. The mountain is able to accommodate twin halfpipes, big air, quarterpipes, funboxes and other snowboarding activities that other parks often forget about. The mountain itself is more suitable for snowboarding than others in the Scandinavian region due to fewer flat areas. This allows snowboarders to enjoy freeride on the mountain as well as in dedicated snowboarding areas. All this makes Hemsedal one of the best snowboarding destinations.
Le Crozet – Val d'Ilier, Switzerland
Le Crozet is a small, cozy ski village offering some of the best snowboarding conditions in Switzerland. Easy access to freeride makes this place extremely interesting for boarders of all levels. Perhaps the best descents can be made under the Mosset Swiss lift. From the top of the climb you need to turn around, go left, and you can hit the slope directly below the lift. The slope is wide, steep enough at the top to gain speed, with a couple of rocks for drops. Roll out from the descent straight onto the track.
Vance Penken Park – Mayrhofen, Austria
On the sunny side of Mount Penken, Vance Penken Park stretches along the entire length of the slope. There are several zones, from children's to pro level, and a large area just for fun. The park has shapers and engineers who keep the slopes in working order and introduce new shapes throughout the season, so the park is constantly changing. The slopes are shaped for progressive snowboarding and free skiing, and there are always a little more kickers than in a regular park. Penken Park won the 2010 European Park of the Year nomination and hosts the crazy snowboarding and music festival Snowbombing on its slopes, an event that simply cannot be missed.
Hintertux – Zillertal, Austria
Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Hintertux is located at the very top of the valley, at the foot of the glacier of the same name. Hintertux has many advantages: first of all, thanks to the glacier, but in addition to being one of the best European resorts for summer skiing with a stunning all-season park, the place also boasts significant amounts of snow in the winter months. The expanses of freeride terrain provide excellent powder fields, not overcrowded with morning crowds of skiers. In summer, the amount of snow cover along the entire length of the slopes is often greater than at many resorts in winter. The slopes are always deserted, and skiing in a T-shirt is the norm here.
Each of us imagines our long-awaited and incredibly desired vacation in our own way. A calm, comfortable and in all respects “warm” pastime on the seashore, among green palm trees, golden sand and radiant sun - this is the best relaxation option for those who are tired of hard everyday work and want peace and tranquility. But if the pursued goal is to obtain adrenaline and unforgettable, vivid emotions, then best ski resorts in Europe– exactly what you need.
The Sölden ski resort is located in Austria and is considered one of the most popular places for ski holidays. The height of Sölden is 1377 m, and the total length of the trails is 144 km. The resort has two stations: upper and lower. This place cannot be called serene and calm; fun and delight always reign here.
The basis for skiing, as you know, is snow, or rather, its abundance. Therefore, if you have chosen a ski resort like Sölden, then there will be no problems with a lack of snow, because two glaciers (Tiefenbach and Rettenbach) located here will eliminate any troubles. By the way, the glaciers of this holiday destination are considered one of the largest glaciers in all of Austria, which is why Sölden is so famous and attractive. The resort does not stand still. It is characterized by constant development, the opening of new ski slopes, and at the bottom of some slopes you will be greeted by stunning snow cannons.
Davos has been a ski resort for quite a long time, and it received this proud title back in the days when alpine skiing was not so popular. It is famous for being a member of the Best of the Alps club along with some other famous resorts in Switzerland. The city is the highest in Europe.
Davos can be called the purest ski resort in Europe, because people came here to enrich themselves with mountain air back in the 19th century. It is still believed that the climate of this wonderful place cures all diseases and brings peace of mind. The skiing altitude ranges from 1560 to 2844 m, and the length of all slopes is 320 km. Nearby is the equally famous resort of Klosters, with which Davos offers as many as 6 ski areas. Tourists come here not only for the descent from the snowy mountain, but also for a cozy holiday in local restaurants and cafes.
Relatively young, but quite actively developing and gaining increasing popularity among tourists from all over the world. The height of Gudauri is 2196 m, and the length of ski trails is 16 km. The lifts take you to a height of just over 3000 m to the top of the mountain, from which you can see a magnificent landscape.
The technical equipment of the resort is new and modern, and all this is thanks to the work of the Austrians. The ski season opens in November and ends in May. The snow cover reaches up to 1.5 m, but despite the height of the mountains and the mass of snow, the climate here is quite warm and mild. The slopes are quite open and spacious, suitable for both professional skiers and beginners.
The best, combining the ancient history of the city and modern ski areas. Bansko is considered one of the best places for active recreation in Europe. The resort is located at an altitude of 936 m, on the territory of the Pirin National Park. The trails in this place, as they say, are for every taste. Everyone who visits Bansko has the opportunity to ride along a unique track that goes deep into the forest and allows you to ride through virgin terrain.
In addition to skiing, snowboarding is also taught here. The resort is quite popular among couples, because for children there is a kindergarten with its own small ski track. The season lasts from December to April, which is why Bansko attracts many tourists.
The southern part of Spain is known for being home to one of the best and most famous European ski resorts. Numerous trails of any difficulty level are more suitable for ski lovers than for beginners. Sierra Nevada is located near the town of Granada, and in sunny weather from this place you can see the grace of the Atlas Mountains and the expanses of the Mediterranean Sea. The snowy edges were formed thanks to the famous Valeta glacier. It is noteworthy that just 20 km from the resort there are palm trees and the seashore.
The center of the Sierra Nevada is Pradollano, a city of snowy peaks. There are so many different bars and cafes here that you want to visit each of them, but there is absolutely no time for this, since the interesting routes of the resort beckon and invite you to plunge into the world of vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions.
The greatest ski resort of the Alps, occupying three entire valleys of Switzerland and. The height of Cervinia is 2050 m. There are so many slopes that you can ski from the snowy mountains for days and even weeks and never repeat your route, while the height of the slopes is so impressive that it seems as if the ski lifts are carrying spellbound skiers into the skies. There is more than enough snow here, and the ski season is long (from December to the end of May). It is in Cervinia that you can see outstanding skiers - professionals in their field.
Guests of Cervinia love to spend time in cozy establishments, where they are greeted by friendly staff and well fed. With all the fame and world fame of the resort, prices can hit your pocket, but it's worth it.
No less famous and popular ski resort in Germany. Winterberg is distinguished by its low location of ski slopes, but it attracts visitors because the ski areas are very interesting and do not require high professionalism in skiing. Winterberg is located close to the Dutch border, which is an important factor in attracting tourists to this region. Almost all sites are located in forests, half of which are illuminated at night. There will be no problems with accommodation and food either, because the town can accommodate about 100 thousand tourists.
Encamp will become a favorite European ski resort for those who appreciate quiet places with a fascinating history and a variety of attractions. It combines the mysterious atmosphere of Andorra with excellent ski slopes. The sites are located at an altitude of 1 km. above sea level, which makes the resort attractive for skiers who have recently mastered this sport. The climate here is ideal, as spring is quite warm, and winter is famous for its abundance of snow. The best holiday in Andorra is Encamp, which combines exciting descents from the snow-white mountains and exciting nightlife in local clubs and bars.
This is famous for the longest track in the country, 3 km. The height of Ylläs is 718 m. The resort has 43 downhill slopes, including children's slopes. Here they practice not only skiing, but also sports such as slalom, freeride, snowboarding. For beginners, there are schools and highly professional teachers who will not only teach you how to ski, but also help you get the most out of such an active holiday. Time spent in Ylläs flies by unnoticed, but with great pleasure and a great mood.
By choosing one of these wonderful European ski resorts , You will not only visit famous countries and enjoy their wonderful landscapes, but also experience incredible emotions that skiing from the snow-white slopes will give you. Have a great holiday!