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Book Early Ski Early in Europe and Avoid the Crowds
You may not realize it, but a number of Europe’s leading ski resorts are open for skiing in October, November and also December. So why not take advantage of the early ski season this year? You’ll enjoy the uncrowded slopes. Also, you’ll be paying less for accommodation and lift passes.
Early season skiing is usually limited to glacier areas. However, on the positive side, you’re likely to have the slopes to yourself. You’ll be able to travel leisurely through quiet airports. Also, you’ll be the first to try out the new season’s equipment. And if you’re traveling with family, the advantages continue to accumulate. Are you fed up with limited availability, crowded slopes, and sky-high prices? Wouldn’t you rather enjoy a more relaxing, peaceful and better value ski trip? Then get your skis on the snow in October or November instead.
It’s impossible to predict snow conditions for early season skiing in October or November, it’s hit and miss in the autumn. However, some years lucky skiers and boarders have been riding on powder a meter deep in the first weeks of October!
Early Season Skiing in Austria:
Along with Hintertux, Kaunertal and Pitztal, Austrian autumn glacier ski or board options include the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun; the Mölltal glacier, the twin glaciers of Solden; the Stubai glacier close to Innsbruck and the Dachstein glacier, not far from Schladming.
Early Season Skiing in Switzerland:
Well-known areas include Saas Fee and Zermatt. Four other good autumn choices, which may only be open at weekends until the main winter season begins, include Glacier 3000 between Les Diablerets and Gstaad; the Titlis Glacier above Engelberg another; the Vorab glacier at Laax the third and the Diavolezza glacier in the Engadin Valley close to Pontresina and St Moritz the fourth.
Early Season Skiing in France:
Tignes is the only French ski resort opening for almost all of autumn – re-opening around the last weekend of September after it had closed its summer skiing operation.
Les 2 Alpes traditionally opens its glacier ski area, which it claims is Europe’s largest, for a 10-day period (two weekends and the week in between) at end of October and start of November when they run an autumn snowsports festival with lots of fun events and gear testing. Then closes until the main season.
Early Season Skiing in Italy:
In Italy Val Senales and Cervinia usually opens at the end of October, offering access from the Italian side to the Klein Matterhorn glacier above Zermatt. The only other option is the summer ski centre at Passo Stelvio, normally open at least in to October.
Book Your Holiday Ski Trip– It’s Never Too Early
It’s never too early to start planning your holiday ski trip vacation to Europe. The exclusive and popular European resorts fill up fast for American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many vacationers wait too long and are stuck with lesser choices or no choice at all because they waited too long to book their dream holiday ski vacation trip.
Remember to book your ski vacation to Europe as soon as possible, because when the rooms are full at popular European ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Chamonix, St. Anton and Innsbruck ski areas, they are gone.
Request a Ski Trip Quote
We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
Culture, Cuisine and Salsburg. The Amadé Sports Region
This article is a reprint from the “Classic” version of the SkiEurope Report Newsletter. While some of the pricing is no longer accurate. The article gives a great overview of the region’s attractions.
A winter vacation in Salzburg is more than a ski vacation. This picturesque old city offers an extraordinary cultural experience and serves as a fantastic base for skiing more than 100 resorts throughout “Land Salzburg.” Salzburg is located on the site of the Roman town Javavum, once an important crossroad in the empire. The beautiful baroque city that you see today was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Museums and palaces bear witness to the city’s fascinating history.
Salzburg is a city, not a resort. But the surrounding area offers skiers and snowboarders just about any type of terrain that they could want. There are a number of different ski areas to explore. The Amadé Sports Region includes the scenic resorts of Altenmark-Zauchensee, Wagrain, Filzmoos, and Kleinarl. The Gastein Valley is home to three popular resorts: the spa resort of Bad Gastein, the quieter town of Hofgastein, and the family-oriented Dorfgastein. The Europa Sports Region includes the well-known resorts of Zell am See and Kaprun, and the scenic Hohe Tauern National Park provides many resorts at lower elevations. There are also ski safari programs that make it easier to ski several of the resorts in one trip.
The ski season in Land Salzburg generally runs from mid-December to mid-April, with year-round skiing available at the Kaprun glacier. About 60 percent of the resorts in the overall region are best suited for intermediates, with over 80 mountains to ski. Advanced skiers find fun off-trail terrain at Bad Gastein, Leogang, and Saalbach and for an even greater thrill there are off-trail glacier tours at Altenmarkt/Zauchensee, and the Kitzstein Glacier near Zell am See. While most of the resorts in the area are small, skiers will find challenging, varied terrain within a short distance of Salzburg.
The Salzburg Super Ski Card is valid in 22 ski regions in Land Salzburg covering 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) of trails. Passes are available for anywhere between three and 14 days. The Amadé lift pass is valid in 28 ski destinations covering 860 kilometers (538 miles) of trails. Skiers can travel by ski shuttle between different resorts for €13 (US $16).
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is one of the most popular resorts in the area for snowboarders. There are two half-pipes, a boardercross, and a funpark that is lit at night. There are 12 kilometers (eight miles) of terrain dedicated only to snowboarders. There are also funparks at Bad Hofgastein, Flachau, Saalfelden, and Grossarl. There’s plenty of off-trail terrain, but boarders must be aware of avalanche risks. There are lessons available to instruct boarders on survival techniques as well as the finer points of snowboarding.
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts enjoy over 220 kilometers (137 miles) of trails in the Wagrain Region, 76 kilometers (47 miles) of trails at Abtenau, and over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of cross-country trails in the scenic Hohe Tauern National Park. Ice climbing is available for those who prefer to scale the frozen stuff rather than ski down it. Climbers can sign up for tours and receive instruction before heading out. Advanced climbers love the Salzach Gorge and waterfalls located 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Salzburg.
Most resorts in Land Salzburg have toboggan runs. Some of the best in the area are at Bad Hofgastein, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Wagrain. Most resorts also offer horse-drawn sleigh rides. Many companies offer sleigh rides in the Grossarl Valley and in Bad Gastein, some of which include a stop for snacks at a mountain inn.
Après-ski is lively throughout Austria and the Salzburg region is no exception. Saalbach has a reputation as the best of the resorts for rowdy nightlife. There are almost 40 bars keeping the night alive. Zell am See is also a good spot for those who like to party. Bad Gastein draws an older, more serene après-ski clientele. In Salzburg itself, there’s a wide range of nightlife opportunities. In the bars that line the left side of the Salzach River, you’ll find everything from Irish music to heavy metal. Along the Steingasse are numerous bistros and bars, among many others in the Old City.
One of the main perks of staying in Salzburg is the abundance of cultural events and activities to experience. Salzburg is known for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the city celebrates his life in many ways. From Mozart Square to Mozart’s birthplace, there are ample opportunities to learn more about the composer. Salzburg’s Old City is listed on UNESCO’s list of world cultural heritage sites and is always popular with sightseers. There are excellent museums in Salzburg including the Museum of Natural Science in the center of the Old City.
With so many Austrian traditions to learn about and enjoy, Salzburg is the perfect choice for vacationers looking for a cultural experience in addition to first-rate skiing.
Méribel, France; Great Intermediate Skiing!
Méribel continues to be one of the most popular European ski destinations and with recent improvements to the resort it just keeps getting better. Méribel provides access to the 144 kilometers (90 miles) of trails that snake down the mountainsides into the Méribel Valley. Add on the terrain of the entire Three Valleys (Trois Vallées) area and you have 600 kilometers (1,104 miles) of trails reached by 198 lifts.
Méribel has recently introduced the “hands-free” lift pass which has been accepted by nearly all lift operators in the Three Valleys ski area. The system automatically detects and validates the ticket at the lift departure point. The new pass lets skiers keep their gloves on and stay a little warmer as well as speed entry into the lift gate. A new half-day (hands-free) pass is available for those who prefer early morning skiing. Another tool added by the resort is the GPRS system that allows skiers with mobile phones to access real-time weather reports, snow conditions, and trail openings and closures.
Méribel is known as an “intermediate’s paradise” but beginners will find 15 percent of the resort’s trails dedicated to them, as well as excellent ski schools including the renowned L’Ecole Du Ski Francais. Seventy-one percent of the trails are designated for intermediates. Strong intermediates also enjoy the challenge of the Three Valleys’ off-trail skiing. The remaining 14 percent of the trails belong to the experts as well as all of the off-trail terrain throughout the larger area.
Snowboarders also flock to Méribel because of its reputation for being one of the best resorts for off-trail ’boarding. Terrain includes miles of open slopes and bowls. The Méribel-Mottaret Plattières Snowboard Park is a favorite for freestylers and offers new features including trail signs and information panels, a welcome chalet, security guidelines, detailed mapping, flags and inflatable structures and gates. The Arpasson Snowboard Park, also known as “Moonpark,” provides a competition-level half-pipe 145 meters (471 feet) long with a vertical drop of 45 meters (146 feet) and a 125-meter (81-foot) half-pipe for novices. It also boasts a boardercross with tables and obstacles.
There’s an abundance of other winter sports activities to enjoy here. Cross-country trails run from Méribel to Courchevel and LaTania and a 13-kilometer (eight-mile) track winds in and around Méribel amidst scenic forests. Ice climbing is popular and best done with assistance from the Bureau de Guides. A special treat is a run down the bobsled track built for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. In addition, visitors can skate at the Olympic skating rink, or try dog sledding, sleigh riding, and snow hiking in the area.
Méribel’s restaurants and bars fill the après-ski hours. Menus vary from delicious local specialties to Italian and Spanish cuisine, among others. A new restaurant, the Darbollées, opened in the Belvedere district near the Adray chair lift and offers skiers high quality meals. Bars and discos keep the party atmosphere going and often have theme nights. There are quieter spots, though, in wine and piano bars, often found in hotels. Many visitors also enjoy a bit of sightseeing and take mini-bus tours of medieval villages, vineyards, and historic churches in the area. Shoppers find goods ranging from local hand crafts to ski gear.
So, Méribel just keeps getting better and continues to welcome skiers and boarders flocking to its slopes with a combination of local tradition and high-tech innovation.
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Or, call our reservation center toll free for more information about other European destinations: 800-333-5533.
Skiing the Massive Jungfrau Ski Top Region!
Interlaken’s winter resort status became official however with the launch of The Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 100 miles of trails in ski centers above Grindelwald, all linked to Interlaken by a mountain railway included in a ski pass. The average length of runs in the area is a remarkable four miles.
It’s possible to ski a different ski area every day for a week. Interlaken shares the Jungfrau Top Ski Region with the triumvirate of Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald. The largest ski area is Kleine Scheidegg-Mannlichen, which spans the area between Wengen and Grindelwald. This area has some 35 marked trails, and will please the intermediate skier or boarder.
Chalet-Hotel Oberland offers guests modern and spacious rooms. Rooms are equipped with a TV, alarm-clock radio and mini-bar. The Mercato restaurant offers a wide choice of Italian specialties for lunch and dinner. The Chalet restaurant offers a choice of delicious hot meals throughout the day. Luncheon menus and a variety of a la carte dishes are served at this hotel restaurant.
Find Out More: Interlaken Ski Vacation from $1,660
Request a Ski Trip Quote
Looking for something different? We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
Or, call our reservation center toll free for more information about other European destinations: 800-333-5533.
Destinations for Early Powder in Europe This Year
If you’re planning a ski trip for this coming season, why not think about skiing a bit early this year. There are a myriad of reasons for skiing early in the season. It’s cheaper, quieter and you’ll have the slopes to yourself. Here’s a list of European resorts that should be on your radar if you are considering skiing early this year.
- Val Thorens, France
- Chamonix, France
- Ischgl, Austria
- Tignes, France
- Hintertux, Austria
- Breuil-Cervina, Italy
- Obergurgl, Austria
- Saas Fee, Switzerland
- You can read more about these resorts on the SkiEurope website:
- https://www.ski-europe.com/
- And don’t forget to check out our Best Ski Season Vacation Deals. Skiing in Europe this year starts from $1,498 per person and include: roundtrip air, 6 or 7 nights hotel accomodation (double occupancy), buffet breakfast, transfer as specified, airline fuel surcharges and local taxes and service charges in Europe.
https://www.ski-europe.com/deals/index.html
Spend the Holidays Skiing in Europe
If you want to create lasting memories for you and your family, there’s nothing like spending your holidays skiing in Europe. Culture and history add to the experience of traveling in Europe. Fine cuisine, quaint villages and remarkable scenery await your arrival as you enjoy new worlds of experience.
It’s never too early to start planning your holiday ski trip vacation to Europe. The exclusive and popular European resorts fill up fast for American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many vacationers wait too long and are stuck with lesser choices or no choice at all because they waited too long to book their dream holiday ski vacation trip.
Remember to book your ski vacation to Europe as soon as possible, because when the rooms are full at popular European ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Chamonix, St. Anton and Innsbruck ski areas, they are gone.
Request a Ski Trip Quote
We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
»Request a Ski Trip Quote
»View Our Ski Trip Vacation Deals (2014/2015 SuperSki Trips!)
Plan Your Holiday Ski Vacation Now Before the Ski Season Fills!
It’s never too early to start planning your holiday ski trip vacation to Europe. The exclusive and popular European resorts fill up fast for American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many vacationers are stuck with lesser choices or no choice at all because they waited too long to reserve space for their holiday ski vacation trip.
Remember to book your ski vacation to Europe as soon as possible, because when the rooms are full at popular European ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Chamonix and St. Anton and Innsbruck ski area, they are gone.
Request a Ski Trip Quote
We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
»Request a Ski Trip Quote
»View Our Ski Trip Vacation Deals (2014/2015 SuperSki Trips Coming Soon!)
Skiing Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina’s aprés-ski activities rank among the best and most varied in all of Europe. After an evening stroll through the quaint pedestrian center, dining, dancing, and drinking keep the fun rolling into the night. With the alpine charm of a Tyrolean village, all the style of Milan, and all the typical art and architecture of Italy, Cortina is not to be missed.
Celebrities, students, and honeymooners alike come from around the globe to take advantage of the resort’s excellent nursery slopes, profusion of intermediate runs, and challenging expert courses. Cross-country skiers enjoy a variety of trails. Snowboarders find the slopes here friendly and off-trail adventurers seek rugged terrain in the pristine backcountry.
Hotel Olimpia in Cortina d’Ampezzo is a stylish and recently renovated bed and breakfast hotel. It is situated in the center of Cortina, yet the hotel is in a quiet area away from traffic. The hotel is within walking distance of the ski lifts. All rooms have a bath or shower, telephone and satellite TV. The hotel has a sauna and jacuzzi to help guests relax after a day on the slopes.
Read More: Cortina, Italy Ski Vacation from $1,698
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Looking for something different? We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
Skiing Chamonix, France: History of a Skiers Paradise
The mystique of Chamonix, captured in photographs and vintage ski posters, reflects the ruggedly spectacular scenery and over 200 years of mountaineering history. The legendary Mont Blanc peak draws climbers and sightseers while the picturesque town, complete with babbling river, provides an excellent base for skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding slopes.
The Chamonix Valley was settled by mountain farmers when two Englishmen “discovered” it in 1741. The stories of their travels sparked a new interest among Europeans to experience this scenic paradise in person. The first guest house was opened in 1770 and the first luxury hotel was built in 1816. The village of Chamonix has come a long way since then. While the year-round population is about 10,000, the village opens itself for up to 60,000 guests in the winter and 100,000 during the summer season.
The scenic Chamonix Valley, known as the “Cradle of Mountaineering,” is nestled among some of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, including the Mont Blanc massif (4,810 meters/15,632 feet). The valley is situated in the crossroads of three countries. It’s just a 25-minute trip to Italy through the Mont Blanc tunnel and about the same amount of time from Chamonix to Switzerland traveling over the Col des Montets.
Skiers and snowboarders have the run of 145 trails adding up to 140 kilometers (87.5 miles). Forty-nine percent of the area’s trails are marked for beginners. The best areas for children and beginners include La Vormaine, Les Chosalets, Le Savoy, and Les Planards. Fifty-two percent of trails are best suited for intermediates. The La Tour and Les Houches areas provide good intermediate terrain as well as the more difficult Les Grands Montets, Le Brevent, and La Flégère ski areas. While only 12 percent of trails are designated for experts, the off-trail terrain is extensive. Locals recommend skiing off-trail only with a guide, though. The Les Grands Montets area offers some steep vertical drops and spectacular glacier skiing. Recently, upgrades have been completed replacing double-seater lifts with quad lifts in the new parking area in Le Brévant.
Snowboarders flock to Chamonix for on and off-trail thrills. The Argentière and the Grand Montets provide a challenge for advanced boarders. Chamonix is recommended for experienced boarders rather than beginners. The Le Tour area has a natural half-pipe and at Grands Montets there is a snowpark and a half-pipe. Cross-country skiers have 45 kilometers (28 miles) of trails to explore in two scenic areas designated for classical and skating style skiing. One runs through the Argentière and the other area starts from the center of Chamonix.
Chamonix is well-known for its good ski schools. One of the most popular is the Ecole du Ski Français. Not just beginners benefit from the ski schools as there are specialized courses in ski touring, glacier and couloir skiing, off-trail, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The Ski Assis Evasion and the Association Handi-challenge are ski schools for the disabled.
Non-ski activities abound at Chamonix and include snowmobiling, ice climbing (also best done with a guide), ice hiking, snowshoeing, sleigh riding, and dog sledding, among others. Snow hikers can explore trails from the foot of the Drus, La Verte, and Les Grande Jorasses peaks. From the arrival station, visitors can see the crystal gallery, the Alpine fauna exhibition, and the ice grotto.
Those who would like to do a little sightseeing in the area may want to visit the Alpine Museum and the Mont Blanc Observatory. Take an unforgettable cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi (which rises to the elevation 3,482 meters/11,316 feet). A red cog-wheel train climbs to the scenic Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier. There are historic churches and villages nearby to explore and with more than 280 shops and boutiques in Chamonix, there’s lots of shopping to be done. On March 1, 2006 adults and children will dress up and parade through the streets of Chamonix to celebrate carnival week.
Après-ski is an art form in Chamonix. Restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars, and even a casino fill time not spent on the slopes. There are more than 100 restaurants in Chamonix and 14 mountain restaurants. Choices range from the Chalet le Cerro, a quaint wooden chalet serving traditional foods of the region with a view of Les Bossons glacier, to L’Eden which serves classic French food with a modern twist. Cafés offering a fantastic array of pastries should not be missed. The Casino of Chamonix is popular with both visitors and locals. A free restaurant guide is available at the Chamonix tourist office.
It is no surprise that Chamonix continues to be one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. With the combination of exceptional winter sports opportunities and the beauty of this high-altitude alpine town, it is hard to beat. Not to mention the parties . . .
Austrian Luxury, Style and Skiing … Lech, Austria
Lech, sometimes referred to as the “Aspen of Austria,” promises its guests a wealth of the two quantities which are the ultimate in luxury – time and space.
In addition to the full 110 kilometers (68 miles) of trails within its boundaries, the resort is surrounded by 180 kilometers (112 miles) of off-trail skiing possibilities. Lech assures that space isn’t crowded by limiting the number of skiers on the slopes to a mere 14,000 a day. The limited number of snowsport enthusiasts and an excellent lift system assure that precious ski time isn’t lost in lift lines. Lech operates 34 lifts of which five are cable cars, 18 chairs, and 11 are draglifts.
There is a top-notch ski school for the greenest of beginners, but the skiing may be too challenging for these earliest learners once they leave the gentle slope of the nursery slopes. Lech is designed primarily for intermediates, with 44 kilometers (27 miles) or 38 percent of the 110 kilometers (68 miles) available marked red.
In addition to venturing off-trail, experts can travel to St. Anton and Zürs for more advanced challenges.
Lech is a great resort for beginner and intermediate snowboarders as there is a park and a half-pipe.
Located at an altitude of 1,450 meters (4,757 feet), Lech is a cozy, relaxed, high-class village that provides contemporary comforts without detracting from its commitment to tradition.
After the skiing is done, the village offers a limited amount of high quality après-ski. Restaurants serve mainly Austrian, Italian, and French cuisine. Surprisingly, some of the best food in town is to be found in the hotels. Hotel Montana has the best wine cellar in town. The Arlberg is highly recommended with an Austrian influenced gourmet menu. Hotel Krone is known for local cooking with a delicious integration of local ingredients. The cafés emulate the Viennese style and atmosphere and the handful of bars are lively after the lifts close down. Après caters primarily to an older, more sophisticated crowd in Lech.
After a day on the slopes, your muscles will thank you if you find your way to the Erlebnis Badeparadis (experience swimming paradise). Open throughout the year, it offers 400 square meters (4,306 square feet) of different pools with waterfalls, ground whirl, massage swirl, whirlpools, and a panoramic heated terrace that makes you feel like you have traveled to a different climate.
For those days off the slopes (even if it’s all your days in Lech), there is a full range of winter activities to keep the visitor actively enjoying the area. You will even find activities, such as feeding the wildlife, that aren’t common to ski resorts in other areas. But in between the sleigh riding, snow hiking, ice skating, curling, tobogganing and other activities, visitors will revel in the main activity in Lech – simply taking in the beauty that surrounds them in this magical place.
Obergurgl; One of Europe’s Best Kept Skiing Secrets
Obergurgl is a perfect example of why it’s important to shop around for ski resorts.
While some dedicated fans of this Austrian resort love nothing better than its snowsure beginner and intermediate runs, expert skiers or those with a taste for a high level of nightlife will most likely find themselves bored here.
Obergurgl’s greatest attractions are its slopes and the thick blanket of snow that covers them every season.
Obergurgl consists of two large skiing resorts, Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, which are connected by an eight-seater gondola that opens the magnificent view on the Ferwalltal and the Königstal. The resort includes 110 kilometers (68 miles) of north and south exposed alpine trails of which 35 kilometers (22 miles) are beginner, 55 kilometers (34 miles) intermediate, and 20 kilometers (13 miles) are expert. Continue reading
Great SuperSki Week to Garmisch, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany’s undisputed Winter Sports Skiing and Snowboarding Capital, located only a short distance from the Austrian border. Once the host of the Winter Olympics, Garmisch is a large, cosmopolitan town with plenty to see and do both on and off the ski slopes.
The resort is built around the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze, with an altitude of 2,962 meters (8,832 feet). The top of the mountain is actually a glacier with amazing ski terrain for advanced skiers ranging from bowls to natural, ungroomed drops. There’s ample opportunity for leisurely, intermediate skiing on the 75 miles of trails in the resort.
Vacation Trip includes; Seven nights accommodation Hotel Alpina (3-star), Buffet breakfast at the hotel, Round-trip air via Lufthansa Airlines, Round-trip transfer via bus, local taxes Europe and airline fuel surcharges. Prices based on double occupancy.
Read More: Ski Garmisch-Partenkirchen from $1,798
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Looking for something different? We can help you plan your vacation of a lifetime! Get a free customized vacation proposal at 60+ resorts in 6 countries.
Or, call our reservation center toll free for more information about other European destinations: 800-333-5533.
Best Snow-Sure Ski Resorts in Europe
Ski Val Thorens, France
The highest resort in the Alps and one of the most snow sure, with north-facing slopes guaranteeing good snow for a long season, even off the glacier. Val Thorens is Part of huge 3 Valleys. and home to the highest bar of any ski resort. Great for when it’s too warm and slushy elsewhere …
Val d’Isère and Tignes, France Skiing
Val d’Isere and Tignes, France, share the vast, snow-sure Espace Killy ski area, which includes two glaciers where year-round skiing is possible. The terrain is excellent for confident intermediates and experts. Tignes is appreciably higher, more convenient, surrounded by better intermediate terrain, and has quick access to the Grande Motte glacier.
Hintertux, Austria
Hintertux is one of the best glaciers in the Alps, but it also has some additional non-glacial terrain which is also high, shady and very reliable for snow. At its highest point the ski region reaches a height of 3,250 m (10,660 ft) in the saddle between the peaks of the Gefrorene-Wand-Spitzen. It is open all year round with skiing in the winter, and hiking activities in the summer.
Lech/Zürs, Austria
The slopes in Lech and Zürs do not reach glacial heights, but do share the snowiest major ski area in the Alps. Grooming and snow-making are also excellent, so snow conditions are very reliable. Lech are Zürs are the most glamorous and expensive resorts in Austria.
Obergurgl, Austria
Arguably the most snow-sure, non-glacial resort in the Alps, Obergurgl has a long season. Its altitude is exceptional by Austrian standards, many of its slopes face north or north-west and the resort claims 100% artificial coverage. Obergurgl has an excellent area for beginners, timid intermediates and families.
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl does not have a glacier, but it does have the greatest extent of high altitude skiing in Austria – more than 80% of its 238km of pistes are above 2000m. Ischgl excellent snow-making and snow conditions are highly reliable. The resort has lively après-ski which may or may not be to everyone’s taste.
Sölden, Austria
Sölden boasts not one but 2 high quality glaciers, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, that guarantee good snow throughout a long season. Even outside these glaciers the average skiing height is good by Austrian standards, and snow cover is reliable. The resort also has short transfers and day trips to nearby Innsbruck.
Cervinia, Italy
Despite the westerly aspect of its main slopes Cervinia is comfortably the most snow-sure of the major Italian resorts. The village sits at 2050m with slopes reaching 3450m (3820m if you count Zermatt). Nowhere else in Italy comes close to offering this extent of high altitude terrain. Link with Zermatt in Switzerland provides some spectacular views and good lunches.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is one of our favorite places. It oozes Swiss charm and the setting is stunning – spectacular glaciers and 4000m peaks surround the place. And good snow is guaranteed, even late in the season: the altitude you spend most of our time at – between 2500m/8200ft and 3500m/11500ft – is unrivaled in the Alps.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Since the Zermatt ski resort stretches across three individual mountains that rise over 10,200 feet (3,100 meters), there’s an incredible amount of skiable terrain here. These three mountains have a northern orientation and they’re quite high, so the winter ski season here, which lasts from late November through early May, is longer than most other resorts in Europe.
Read More: SkiEurope SuperSki Weeks
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European Ski Resort Openings for 2013-2014
The 2013-2014 ski season will be starting soon, so here are some opening dates for key resorts in Europe.
FRANCE
Tignes – Open November 03
Val d’Isere – Open November 29
Serre-Chevalier – Open December 13
SWITZERLAND
Davos/Klosters – Open November 15
Engeleberg/Titlis – Open October 19
Grindelwald/Wengen – November 16
Les Diablerets/Glacier 3000 – November 02
Zermatt – Open November 04
AUSTRIA
Hintertux – Open November 04
Kitzsteinhorn – Open November 04
Molltal Glacier – Open November 04
Soelden – Open November 04
St. Johann – Open December 06
ITALY
Bormio – Open November 04
Breuil-Cervinia – Open November 04
2014 SuperSki Weeks Are Here!
The 2013-2014 ski season is right around the corner. Now is the time to lock in the best dates and the best prices.
Our 2014 ski weeks trips start from $1,598 per person (Innsbruck) and include: roundtrip air, 6 or 7 nights hotel accomodation (double occupancy), buffet breakfast, transfer as specified, airline fuel surcharges and local taxes and service charges in Europe.
Great ski vacation values include: Chamonix, France from $1,660, Cortina d’ Ampezzo, Italy from $1,698, Kitzbühel, Austria from $1,698, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany from $1,798. We also have stunning locales such as Zermatt, Switzerland from $1,998 and Courchevel 1850 (France) from $2,998. Prices are per person and double occupancy.
Find Out More: 2014 SuperSki Weeks
Grindelwald, Switzerland; Experience the Jungfrau Top Ski Region
The small village of Grindelwald is nestled in the Swiss Alps of the Bernese Oberland. Along with the resort towns of Mürren and Wengen, Grindelwald is part of the famed Jungfrau Top Ski Region that offers magnificent scenery, diverse wildlife, and some of the best skiing in Switzerland.
Grindelwald’s history stretches back over 850 years. It wasn’t until the early 1800’s that the farming village turned its eye toward tourism. The first hotel was built in 1818, and the tourists have been coming ever since. The town’s Swiss chalet-style buildings add a traditional ambience to this Alpine town.
Three ski areas surround Grindelwald: the First, the Männlichen, and the Kleine Scheidegg. A Jungfrau Top Ski Region pass covers all of the lifts, trains, and ski buses that connect them. The region provides 213 kilometers (133 miles) of skiable terrain, with 30% designated for beginners, 50% for intermediates, and 20% for experts.
Grindelwald is the best of the three villages for beginners to use as their base. New skiers may want to take some lessons from the resort’s outstanding ski school. Scenic beginner trails run from Kleine Scheidegg down into the town. Beginners may also want to try the First ski area, as well.
Intermediates will have a hard time trying to ski all the slopes available to them in a week’s vacation but they can certainly enjoy the effort. Twenty-eight trails adding up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) of runs descend to Grindelwald itself. Intermediates also enjoy terrain in the larger Jungfrau region and the descent down the Eiger Glacier.
Advanced skiers have less terrain at Grindelwald but with access to the entire Jungfrau region it is still a good base. Grindelwald’s First and Männlichen ski areas boast some steep terrain with long trails to challenge the advanced skier. Experts will want to try the Schilthorn Mountain, the highest skiable terrain in the Jungfrau at 2,971 meters (9,748 feet). A 45-minute train ride takes skiers from Grindelwald to the Schilthorn.
In addition to skiing, there is an abundance of winter activities in Grindelwald. Snowboarders are thrilled by the vast array of boarder-friendly slopes at the resort and throughout the Jungfrau region. Grindelwald’s three ski areas all have their own snowparks.
Ice climbing is another popular sport in the area. Grindelwald lies below the north face of the Eiger Mountain, providing convenient access to climbers. Climbing courses and local guides are available for instruction. Grindelwald, and the larger Jungfrau region, is a playground for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing (30 kilometers/19 miles of tracks), and tobogganing, bobsledding, and sleigh riding.
Grindelwald après-ski activities begin with a meal at one of the area’s 40 restaurants. The local restaurants serve the wonderful specialties of the region including Swiss fondue, Raclette, and Rösti, as well as international meals. A visit to a café is a must with its apple strudels, breads, chocolates, and turnovers. Later in the evening the après-ski scene moves to clubs, bars, and discos.
It would be a shame to travel to Grindelwald and not take a trip up to the Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe. A cog railway climbs to an elevation of 3,471 meters (11,280 feet), offering a spectacular panorama of mountain peaks reaching as far as France and Germany. This train ride takes visitors to the Ice Palace (a glacial ice cave exhibiting ice sculptures), as well as the Aletsch Glacier and the Sphinx observation terrace. Travelers also enjoy the novelty of riding on a sled pulled by a team of Greenland dogs.
Another popular excursion is a trip to the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant perched at the top of the Schilthorn. The restaurant, built for the filming of a James Bond movie, is reached by gondola from Mürren. The view is so spectacular that diners may even forget to eat their meal.
Back down in Grindelwald, visitors enjoy shopping for Swiss souvenirs and ski wear, relaxing in a spa at the sports center, or exploring the local history museum.
After one trip, visitors know that they will have to come back for many winters to enjoy all of the beauty and all the adventures that await them in Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region.
Resorts Openings and Fresh Snow
Austrian Snow and Resorts
In the last few days, the snowy white powder has been falling in Austria. The heaviest snowfall was in the western Austrian resorts but snow fell across the country, so fresh powder skiing be easily located. On Thursday, Mayrhofen (3/25cm) opened for the first time this season, thanks to the fresh snowfall. Pitztal (36/164cm) has three opened lifts and Solden (15/130cm) has six lifts have been operating.
New Snow in France
Significant amounts of fresh snow have been falling across the French Alpine resorts, advantage to the fresh snow. Tignes (82/140cm) and Val d’Isere (82/140cm) now have remarkable piste depths and there is fresh snow across the whole Espace Killy area. Les Deux Alpes (10/100cm) had a fantastic day skiing on Thursday.
French resorts scheduled to open on Saturday, December 10th, include Les Menuires (32/80cm) and Meribel (30/80cm) in The Three Valleys. Courchevel (40/70cm) and Val Thorens (100/130cm) are now open. Continue reading
European Ski Resorts, What’s New for 2012
In Austria, Saalbach is ready to welcome the new season with new charilists and gondola. Further upgrades and eplacement lifts are also ready to welcome visitors in Hintertux, Schladming and Kitzbühel.
In France, Val d´Isère, already a top-tier resort, now boasts almost 160 ski slopes. Valpark, one of the best snow parks in Europe has installed 8 new snow cannons. The old Rochassons chairlift in Châtel has been upgraded and to a comfortable 6-seater lift up to the 650km of the Portes du Soleil area! Valmorel also has a new 6-seater chairlift which will open for the Christmas holidays.
In Switzerland, Champéry has replaced the Grand-Conche chairlift to the Portes du Soleil ski area.
More news as it becomes available…
European Ski Resort Season Open Dates 2011-2012
- The ski season is closing fast and we’re all looking for a great season of endless white powder. Most of the major resorts look to be opening in the first week of December this years with a few exceptions.
- Chamonix (France) has already received substantial snowfall. The official resort open is the first week of December, but the area will be open for the last two weekends in November if snow conditions permit.
- Resorts opening during the last week of November include Patscherkofel – Igls (Innsbruck, Austria) and Schmitten – Zell am See (Salzburg, Austria).
Best European Ski Resorts for Early Snow
If you’re planning a ski trip for this coming season, there is a great article in the Guardian UK which lists the top 10 ski resorts for early snow. Of the top 10 ski resorts, the first 8 listed are European:
- Val Thorens, France
- Chamonix, France
- Ischgl, Austria
- Tignes, France
- Hintertux, Austria
- Breuil-Cervina, Italy
- Obergurgl, Austria
- Saas Fee, Switzerland
European Resorts for Late-season Snow
Don’t worry if you haven’t made plans for your European ski trip yet. As the season winds down in some areas it continues to go strong at high-altitude resorts, especially those with glaciers. There’s still time to book a late-season ski vacation in the Alps.
Take a look at some of the European resorts with good spring skiing and boarding: Continue reading
Try Something Different: Adventure In Paradiski
The giant French Paradiski area that encompasses 20 resort villages which are part of the resorts of les Arcs, la Plagne and Peisey Vallandry, is encouraging skiers and boarders to think outside the snowbox in 2010 and consider trying one of the numerous adrenalin-pumping, side-splitting and quirky sports they offer besides downhill skiing and boarding.
Not for the faint hearted, Paradiski offers the more adventurous the chance to experience bobsleighing on France’s only Olympic bobsleigh run, ski-joering, ice climbing, snow rugby, speed-flying, watersliding and much more.
With the Bobsleigh run at la Plagne, you shoot down the 1.5km Olympic bobsleigh run either in a four man ‘bob-raft’ at 80kph, a ‘mono-bob’ with speeds exceeding 90kph, or go for the awesome 120kph ‘taxi-bob’ steered by a professional driver.
Paradiski is the only ski area in Europe with a special ski-joering course where skiers sign up for a unique horse-drawn skiing experience that is an age-old Scandinavian tradition .
Ice Climbers can scale the heights of Europe’s only 22 metre artificial ice tower in Champagny le Haut. There are 26 different routes that are suitable for intermediate climbers and professionals.
If you’re in resort on St Patrick’s Day you can take to the pistes at an altitude of 2,300 metres for a game of snow rugby on a pitch approved by the French Rugby Federation. Then battle it out in the final at the end of the day in the centre of the Vallandry resort.
Finally speed-flying is a thrilling combination of skiing and paragliding you can try is Les Arcs ( www.alerion.fr)
To end the day put on your skis and take a run up and attempt to cross a 12-metre long swimming pool situated next to the Altipost high-altitude restaurant. What’s more, watersliding is free of charge and to add to the fun you can place bets on who will sink first.
If you do still want to squeeze in some regular skiing and boarding you’ll find Paradiski has 425km of runs divided in to 236 runs, a 2050m vertical, two peaks at over 3,000 m, 153 km of cross country trails, two snowparks, five boardercross courses and two half-pipes.