Our criteria for the Best European Ski Resorts gives greater consideration to: annual snow fall, vertical rise, facilities/amenities, and scenery.
The Best
European Ski Resorts
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Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Trails: Beginner 23%: Intermediate 31%; Expert 46%,
Adult daily lift ticket: 48 Euro/$67 (2008/2009) Mont Blanc ski pass includes the following resorts:Courmayeur, Italy,
Megeve, France &
Les Contamines, France, Annual snow fall: 110 inches, Vertical drop: 2,808m/9,210ft., Ski able acres: 20,000 acres
Highly regarded as one of the world's best ski resorts, it's a challenging area for intermediate and expert skiers with a vertical drop of 2,808m/9,210ft, and the highest peak in the Alps and the second highest in Europe, and the longest run in Europe at 22km or 14 miles. Chamonix has seven ski areas with the Grands Montets being the most widely known, with two of the areas are interconnected. Some lift lines can be long, especially for the Grand Montet.
Chamonix is known for off-piste terrain with chutes, glaciers, and high bowls. The most famous off-piste run in the world is the Aiguille du Midi, a 12-mile thriller that begins at the top 12,606 feet high and ends in the valley some 9,000 feet below. It is a long, steady ride with dramatic terrain that is not too challenging, with the exception of a giant crevasse near the Mer de Glace glacier that your guide will warn you about repeatedly.
Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil, France, Switzerland
Trails: Beginner 44%: Intermediate 33%; Expert 23%
Adult daily lift ticket: 39Euro/$55 (2008/2009), Annual snow fall: 788 inches, Vertical drop: 2,165 ft., Ski able acres: 150 acres
The Portes du Soleil is one of largest contiguous ski areas in the world covering two countries and twelve ski resorts with access by a single ski pass. Our choice for the best of the 12 ski areas is Avoriaz. Portes du Soleil is on the Western edge of the Alps and has the best snow fall in Europe, and Avoriaz with north-facing slopes, is the the highest and has the most snow in Portes du Soleil. Avoriaz is a car-less resort with horse drawn sleighs and close proximity of the lifts to the resorts lodges, restaurants, shops and cafes.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Trails: Beginner 30%: Intermediate 40%; Expert 30%,
Adult daily lift ticket: 68CHF/$60 (2008/2009), Annual snow fall: 300 inches, Vertical drop: 2,200m/7,620/ft., Ski able acres: 394 acres
Few places can match its combination of great intermediate and expert runs, reliable snow, awesome scenery with a backdrop of the Matterhorn, Alpine charm, and mountain restaurants with excellent food. With limited access by a long train ride up the valley that limits the day skiers, Zermatt is a true destination resort. As a destination resort with few day trippers, you are apt to find shorter lift lines and a lively night life. The village has old world charm with horse drawn sleighs no cars or trucks. If you get the opportunity, take the lift to the Plateau Rosa, where you can ski 4,700 vertical feet down into Cervinia, Italy.
Cortina, Italy
Trails: Beginner 33%: Intermediate 62%; Expert 5%
Adult daily lift ticket: 40Euro/$56 (2008/2009), Annual snow fall: 300 inches, Vertical drop:1,882m/6,178/ft. Ski able acres: 2,433 acres
Italy's most famous and stylish resort is a destination ski resort set remotely from major population centers. Spread over three mountains with more than 50 lifts, it has awesome views of the jagged dolomites, and a picturesque town center where the beautiful people come to stroll in the latest ski fashions and furs. The town below is located in a valley at less than 4,000 feet in elevation, but the bulk of the runs are located above 6,000 feet. To reach the upper runs and lift network, skiers take long lifts or gondolas to to top. The best skiing is at Sella Ronda, a series of interconnected mountains that can be skied in one long day. The lift lines before 11am are empty, as many of the skiers are recovering from their late evening activities.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Trails: Beginner 44%: Intermediate 43%; Expert 23%
Adult daily lift ticket: 38.50Euro/$54 (2007/2008), Annual snow fall: 180 inches, Vertical drop:3,848ft. Ski able acres: 690 acres
Kitzbuhel, referred to as the "Pearl of the Alps" has five main ski areas with runs to accommodate every ability with challenging runs for the advanced skier and is home to the most challenging world cup circuit course, the Hahnenkamm Downhill course. Here you can enjoy world-class skiing, in a scenic backdrop of rugged mountains and a 700-year-old medieval walled village with wrought-iron street lamps, horse-drawn sleighs, and a lively nightlife.
You will find additional information very useful if you are looking for ski holidays in France, Italy, Switzerland or in any European country. Go and find that dream ski resort of yours!
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