Looking to Hit the Slopes this Winter? Here are Some Resorts you Should Consider

Enjoying a good ski trip means picking the right resort. This should be somewhere that’s right for your skill level, budget, and personal taste. In Europe, there are a few worthwhile options – a minority of which command most of our attention every ski season. Let’s take a look at the places we might consider, and how we might get the most from them.

High-altitude Alpine resorts for reliable snow

If you want to be sure of good snow coverage, then you’ll need to pick out a resort that’s fairly elevated. It’s for this reason that Val Thorens and Tignes in France, and Zermatt in Switzerland, remain so popular. The latter is accessible exclusively by train, which means that you won’t need to worry about cars in the resort.

The advantage of a high-altitude resort is that you’ll be able to book later in the season, and thereby extend it. However, it’s always worth checking the weather before you head out, as the ski season can only be extended so far.

Budget-friendly resorts offering great value

If you want to limit your costs, then it’s worth looking beyond the handful of established skiing nations around the Alps. Certain parts of Austria represent great value, and the same can be said of more obscure and emerging nations like Bulgaria and Andorra. There’s Bankso and Borovets in the former, both of which offer a worthwhile blend of facilities and nightlife.

Resorts perfect for groups and social skiing

If you’re taking a large group, then the culture and atmosphere around the resort might be critical. This is where Val d’Isère, St Anton and Mayrhofen are particularly well-regarded. The atmosphere is lively, and the pistes are varied enough to welcome skiers of all abilities. Group ski holidays can be tricky to balance right – but if you pick the right resort, the job becomes that much simpler.

Family-friendly resorts for all abilities

Families will need a particular combination of features and facilities. Quality ski schools and private instructors are a must, as are welcoming nursery slopes for brand new skiers. You might also look for off-piste activities, in case you don’t take to skiing or snowboarding right away. This is where resorts like La Plagne, Les Gets, and Alpe d’Huez tend to excel. They offer a broad range of facilities, and they’re highly approachable if you’re new.