The best ski resorts in Europe 2022

Everyone has their own idea of ​​the perfect vacation. While some dream of relaxation, others dream of active sports. For those who are tired of everyday work and want to relax in a relaxed atmosphere, a warm sea coast with bright sun and palm trees will be an excellent solution for a vacation. But for bored residents who want to cheer up, get adrenaline and vivid impressions, the ski resort will be the best place to relax. The best ski resorts in Europe will be discussed in this article.

Ski resorts in France

Val Thorens

The winter resort of Val Thorens is located in the east of France in the Savoie department, which has the most mountainous terrain in the whole country. The station is located at an altitude of 2 kilometers 300 meters, which made it possible to rank it among the highest mountain skiing areas.

Val Thorens is spread over one of the most extensive areas for skiing, called the Three Valleys, the total length of the routes of which is about 600,000 meters. All of them are combined into one system with the help of 183 lifts. The resort is also equipped with 17 cross-country skiing trails and a snowpark. Huge opportunities open up for fans of new sports disciplines such as ski halfpipe and snowboard cross.

• the location of the hotels allows vacationers to put on their skis right from the doorstep, since all of them are located almost at the crossroads of the slopes;
• It has been on the leading positions in the ratings of top ski resorts for several years now.

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Alpe d'Huez

The resort is located in the Alps, the height of its location varies between 1860 - 3330 m.And it belongs to the Isere region. Alpe d'Huez is located near Grenoble - the distance between them is about 63 kilometers.

The Alpine resort has been one of the most favorite places for vacationers who prefer an active lifestyle and snowy landscapes since the first days of opening, which took place in 1936. Alpe d'Huez's location on the Le Grand Rousse mountain range allows travelers to call the resort "Sunny Island", as the sun shines brightly here for at least 300 days a year.

In winter, the Alpine resort is one of the most frequently visited European ski areas. L'Alpe d'Huez boasts a system of lifts that operate at altitudes more than 2 kilometers apart. Only a few resorts from all over the world have such indicators.

The highest point of L'Alpe d'Huez is Pic Blanc, from here you can fully enjoy the alpine landscape, as well as the view of the Ecrins National Park.

The total length of the ski slopes of the resort is 240 kilometers, which spread over an area of ​​30,000 hectares. The longest ski route in Europe is Sarenna, which passes through the tunnel. The length of this route is 16 kilometers.

• excellent system of lifts, which is convenient for vacationers;
• long routes.

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La Plagne

The resort appeared more than half a century ago and is also located in the Alps. Its height ranges from 1250 - 3250 m.

The total length of the ski routes is more than 200,000 meters, which consist of 128 slopes, the longest of which is a fifteen-kilometer ski track. All tracks with the help of 110 lifts form one single system.

The resort is equipped with a huge number of areas for lovers of various sports. These include snowparks with highpipe and bigair, boardecross, slalom stadium, skating rinks, hiking trails, tennis courts, fitness classes and more. And the La Plagne Olympic bobsleigh track is one of the most ideal in the world.
The territory of the resort is equipped with the most modern infrastructure. Here you can go to the cinema, bar, nightclub. For lovers of shopping, the resort has a huge number of boutiques and small shops.

• areas for lovers of various sports;
• the most ideal track in the world.

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Saint Francois Longchamps

The resting place is located at an altitude of 1450-1650 m above sea level. Its territory is surrounded by mountain ranges in several places.

Holidays in Saint-Francois-Longchamps are suitable for almost all age categories of tourists with any level of training.
At the resort, not only skiing, but also dog sledding and sledding have gained immense popularity. And the most popular relaxing services are thermal baths in the balneotherapy center.

Saint-Francois-Longchamps is connected with another resort - Valmorel. Their total area for skiing is 165 kilometers, and it is called Le Grand Domain.

• suitable for almost all age categories with any level of training;
• additional relaxing services.

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Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

The architecture of Saint-Gervais has been noticeably updated in recent years. However, the view of the resort still has the unique charm of the French countryside.

The ski resort belongs to the Mont Blanc region, which is the third largest ski area in the country.It is located in the southeast of France.

In winter, Saint-Gervais offers tourists a range of snow activities and activities. And it is allowed to ride here even at night.

• third place in terms of the area of ​​​​the ski area in the country;
• many different kinds of active sports and entertainment.

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Megeve

No wonder France is referred to as the most romantic country - the Megeve ski resort offers the most picturesque and attractive panorama. Its territory is located in the mountains, the height of which reaches 2500 meters. Spruces and firs grow in the resort area, which give this place a special charm.

Megeve has three areas for skiing, and each of them fascinates in its own way, so it is unlikely that you will be able to choose your favorite. The ski resort will be an excellent holiday for the whole family, not only due to the variety of entertainment, but also because of its tranquility.

• gorgeous panoramas;
• all kinds of active sports.

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Chamonix

Almost all the best winter resorts are located in this country. Among them is Chamonix, which has its own unique charm. The resort is one of the most famous and oldest in the country. Here in 1924 a memorable historical event took place - the Olympic Games.

Due to the fact that Chamonix is ​​located on Mont Blanc, whose height reaches more than 4 kilometers, the ski slopes here are the longest. Some of them are 20 kilometers long. The most difficult route is equipped with a steep descent with a length of 3 kilometers. To overcome it, you will need a lot of skiing experience.

Many tourists choose this particular ski resort, due to which its attendance is more than 5,000,000 people a year. Chamonix is ​​distinguished by its stable, even snow cover and ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. Both athletes with many years of experience and children who do not even know how to stand on skis will feel great here.

The location of the resort allows vacationers to visit not only France, but also Italy and Switzerland, as some of the slopes are in their possession.

The ski season of all French resorts begins in December and lasts until April.

• the longest ski slopes;
• all kinds of active sports for adults and children.

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Ski resort in Georgia

Georgian Gudauri

The resort is considered relatively young, but it is developing very quickly and is gaining more and more popularity among vacationers from all over the world. Gudauri is located at an altitude of 2196 m and has a length of tracks of about 16,000 meters. On the lifting elevators you can climb to the top of the mountain, the height of which is 3 km. From here a magnificent panorama opens up.

Thanks to the Austrians, the recreation area was equipped with modern technical equipment. The ski season here lasts from November to May, and the height of the snow cover reaches 150 centimeters. However, the climate in Gudauri is still mild and relatively warm.

• ski slopes of the resort have different degrees of difficulty;
• both professional skiers and beginners will be able to ride here;
• active sports for adults and children.

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Ski resort in Bulgaria

Bansko

Bansko is considered to be the best snow resort in Bulgaria.In one place, ancient history and modern ski areas are harmoniously combined. Bansko is located on the territory of the Pirin National Park, its height is almost one kilometer. The resort is equipped with a wide variety of trails, so any tourist can find one that will meet his wishes. Here, tourists have an exceptional opportunity to travel through virgin areas, thanks to a special route that goes into the forest.

As vacationers in the resort, you can often meet couples with children. After all, a kindergarten with its own ski track has been built here for kids.

The ski season here lasts from December to April. There is also an opportunity to learn snowboarding. All this contributes to the attraction of more and more tourists.

• ski slopes, both professional and for beginners and kids;
• active sports for couples with children.

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Austrian ski resorts

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

The resort is equipped with ski slopes, the total length of which is 270,000 meters. Therefore, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is considered the largest skiing area in Austria. Moreover, thanks to good slopes, the resort is also popular with freeriders.

One of the most famous historical events took place here - the 31st Alpine Skiing World Championships. It was held in 1991.

On the territory of Saalbach-Hinterglemm there are 70 ski lifts and 50 restaurants in the form of huts, the menu of which is based on local cuisine.

• considered the largest area for skiing;
• excellent entertainment program, developed infrastructure.

• not detected.

Sölden

The resort has two stations - one is located below, and the other is slightly higher. The highest point of Sölden is located at an altitude of 1377 m. The total length of all ski routes in the resort is 144,000 meters.

The resort is famous not only for its stunning slopes, but also for the largest glaciers in the country. It is thanks to them that there is never a lack of snow here.

Sölden is actively developing and is constantly opening more and more new tracks. Another distinctive feature of the resort are snow cannons, which are located at the end of some slopes.

• Sölden is a zone for active sports, thanks to which there are always many enthusiastic and cheerful tourists here;
• excellent entertainment program, developed infrastructure.

• This place is by no means quiet.

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel belongs to the group of the most famous ski resorts located in the Alps.

The unforgettable atmosphere of the resort, which perfectly combines the traditional style of Tyrolean villages with modern branded boutiques, will leave an indelible impression on any tourist.

The resort's most famous slope is the Hahnenkamm. It is here that the annual competitions for the World Cup in skiing are held.

Kitzbühel is in demand not only in winter, but in summer professional tennis tournaments and a festival of old cars are held here.

• chic atmosphere;
• in demand both in winter and summer.

• not detected.

Ski resorts in Switzerland

Gstaad

The Swiss territory for winter recreation is considered one of the most prestigious in the world. This holiday destination is chosen by many stars, businessmen, as well as kings. The resort is located 80 km from Bern at the intersection of 4 mountain regions.

Gstaad is popular not only in winter. All year round there are various sports events - beach volleyball, tennis and polo, as well as music festivals.

For the winter period, an elite school moves here - Institut Le Rosey, which is considered the School of Kings.

• the most prestigious resort in the world;
• in demand both in winter and summer.

• very expensive.

St. Moritz [St. Moritz]

This place is so luxurious and aristocratic that tourists began to call it the king of the Alps. As tourists, you can most often see members of royal families, show business stars and millionaires here.

Thanks to the excellent condition of the ski slopes, championships in this sport are constantly held here. All routes are natural and are formed anew every year.

The sun shines brightly here all year round, and there are so few cloudy days that you can count them on the fingers. The snow cover in St. Moritz is incredibly white.

The best slopes of this resort are located on the peak of Piz Noir, experienced skiers will be delighted with them. There are 350 kilometers of pistes in St. Moritz, which are connected by 55 lifts. The resort is famous for its huge variety of ski routes and slopes. St. Moritz is home to the most prestigious European restaurant - La Marmite.

• one of the prestigious resorts in the world;
• the sun shines brightly here all year round, thanks to which the resort is considered to be in demand at any time of the year.

• very expensive.

Ski resorts in the Alps, Germany and Andor

Breuil-Cervinia

The resort is located in the Alps in the three valleys of Switzerland and Italy. The height of its location reaches more than 2 kilometers.You can ride this way for at least a whole week, and the unconquered tracks will still remain. When viewed from the bottom of the route, it seems that the ski lifts take skiers to the very skies.

The snow cover here is always stable. The ski season opens in December and closes only at the end of May. Many professional skiers prefer to ski in Cervinia.

Tourists who come to relax in Cervinia are very fond of comfortable establishments with friendly staff and delicious dishes. Prices here, of course, bite a little, but still it's worth it.

• numerous tracks allow vacationers to enjoy skiing without repeating their route;
• comfortable establishments with friendly staff and delicious dishes.

• expensive.

Winterberg

Winterberg is one of the most famous spas in Germany. He gained his popularity thanks to the low slopes, the conquest of which does not require special experience in skiing. Even despite the low location of Winterberg, the routes here are fascinating and impressive in their own way.

The resort is a close neighbor of Holland, which attracts additional tourists. Most of the ski areas of this resort are located in the forest, and 50% of them are illuminated at night. Winterberg is able to accommodate more than 100,000 tourists at the same time, while there will be no problems with food or accommodation.

• low slopes;
• fascinating and in their own way impressive routes.

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encamp

This ski resort will especially appeal to those who prefer a quiet environment, and are also fond of ancient history and sights.It harmoniously combines the mysterious spirit of Andorra with excellent ski slopes. Ski areas start at an altitude of 1 km, which is why even beginner skiers prefer to relax on Encamp.

The total length of the resort's ski routes is more than 200,000 meters, all of them are combined into one single system using lifts. There are also schools here, not only for learning to manage skis, but also snowboarding.

• calm environment;
• many attractions, in addition to ski slopes;
• parents of toddlers will definitely enjoy the presence of a kindergarten.

• not detected.

Ylläs in Finland [Ylläs]

The snow resort is famous for having the longest ski run in the country. Its length is 3,000 meters. Ylläs is located at an altitude of 718 m. On the territory of the resort there are 43 slopes for descent, among which there are also children's slopes.

Among the tourists of Ylläs there are a huge number of fans of snowboarding, slalom, and freeride. For beginners, there are special schools with experienced instructors who will teach not only how to ride correctly, but also how to get the most out of an active lifestyle. Vacation in this place flies almost instantly, but still unforgettable impressions and good mood remain with tourists for a long time.

• schools for beginners;
• experienced instructors;
• interesting entertainment programs.

• not detected.

Ski resorts in Spain

Baqueira-Beret

The resort is located almost in the heart of the Pyrenees and is the largest ski area in Spain.The path from Barcelona to Baqueira Beret passes through mountain roads that are surrounded by mesmerizing waterfalls. By car, the distance between them is overcome in 4 hours.

There are three large areas for skiing: Baqueira, Beret and Bonaigua. The first of them is equipped with traditional ski slopes with various degrees of difficulty. But in the Beret zone, routes run on gentler slopes, so beginner skiers, as well as fans of other winter sports, such as sledding and dog sledding, as well as cross-country skiing, most often gather here. The third zone is suitable for tourists with any level of training.

The entire territory of the resort is equipped with snow cannons, so the ski slopes here are always in excellent condition, even if the winter turned out to be little snowy.

Baqueira-Beret has three children's parks and a ski school with more than two hundred teachers. You can learn any kind of winter sports here, from heli-skiing to half-pipe. It is here that the President of Spain prefers to relax, as well as all representatives of the royal dynasty. The ski season in Baqueira-Beret runs from December to April.

• ski areas for different categories of tourists, both for beginners and professionals;
• children's parks and ski schools;
• experienced teachers.

• very expensive.

Sierra Nevada

The famous European ski resort is located in southern Spain. The Sierra Nevada trails have different categories of difficulty. However, experienced skiers prefer to have fun here most of all. The nearest city of the resort is Granada. On clear days, you can observe a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains from here.The snow-covered regions appeared thanks to the legendary Valeta glacier. And just twenty kilometers from the snow resort you can see the azure coast with verdant palm trees.

The heart of the resort is Pradogliano, which received another name - the city of snowy peaks. There are a huge number of bars on its territory, but it is unlikely that you will be able to visit them all, since fascinating ski slopes take up almost all of your free time.

• chic views;
• entertainment facilities of the highest class.

• not detected.

Ski resort in Sweden

Ore [Åre]

The resort is located in Jämtland and is one of the largest and most prestigious in northern Europe. Here tourists can not only go skiing, but also try other extreme winter sports.

The total length of all Ore tracks is one hundred kilometers. And they are all connected with the help of 40 lifting elevators.

On the territory of Åre in 2007, the Alpine Skiing World Championship was held. Thanks to which, a year later, the British magazine Condé Nast Traveler announced it as the winner in the competition of the best winter resorts in the world.

Of course, this result was influenced by modern infrastructure, excellent tracks and slopes, beautiful nature and service at the highest level. It is here that couples with children can go to feel the comfort of home.

Skiing is allowed here even at night; for this purpose, some tracks are equipped with a lighting system. Snow here is usually sufficient and the snow cover is natural. But even the lack of snow will not be able to spoil the rest. In this case, the slopes of Ore are equipped with snow cannons.

Fans of all kinds of entertainment will enjoy spending time in round-the-clock clubs and restaurants, as well as taking a ride in a reindeer sleigh.

• availability of lifts;
• skiing even at night;
• entertainment establishments.

• not detected.

There are many other lesser known ski resorts in Europe. To determine which one is right for you, you need to visit it. Even if you have never skied, one trip will be enough to fall in love with skiing once and for all.