Ah, the joys of winter sports! Quiet or more sporty descents, sublime snow-covered landscapes, breaks in front of a mulled wine in an altitude restaurant, snowball battles ... This incomparable atmosphere will allow you to recharge the batteries by taking a good breath of fresh air ! But which ski resort in the Alps to go to? Whether you are with family, friends or on your own, here are the best spots for a successful vacation, in France, Switzerland, or Austria!
The best areas
The ranking of the best areas takes into account all the elements that will mark your stay: the offer of accommodation, the quality and variety of ski slopes, the catalog of activities on offer, the beauty of the villages and mountain landscapes, etc. . In the French Alps, you can opt for Alpe d'Huez, the Three Valleys or La Plagne to be sure to spend unforgettable moments. If you want to discover new horizons and be disoriented, choose a resort in the Austrian Alps, comme Arlberg, Checked, Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ou Kitzbühel.
Alpe d'Huez station
About this ranking:
Specializing in ski holidays throughout Europe, SnowTrex is THE reference site for fans of snow sports and winter sports. From its experience, and feedback from its customers, SnowTrex has established this ranking for help you choose the Alpine resort that's right for you. Depending on your family composition, your desires or your level, you are sure to find the best spot for your snow holidays!
The longest ski slopes
If you are looking for long slopes to be able to make the most of them without going through the “ski lifts” box too often and have a multitude of wonders to explore, the award goes to Corvatsch station - St. Moritz, Switzerland, with its 350 km of ski area. If you prefer a resort in the French Alps, direction Les Sybelles (310 km) or Tignes - Val d'Isère (300 km). Austria also has impressive runs, such as Arlberg (305 km) or Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm (270 km).
St. Moritz and Suisse
The highest ski areas
Gaining height will allow you to have abundant snow of incomparable quality. It is in the Alps that you will find the highest ski areas in Europe and there are many of them! French side, les 2 Alpes peak at 3 m., while Tignes - Val d'Isère is at 3456 m. Direction Switzerland, in Zermatt, to be in the highest station, at 3 m. altitude! Austria also has beautiful hilltop estates, such as Pitztaler Gletscher & Rifflsee (883 m.) Or Sölden (3 m.).
View of the ski resort “Les 2 Alpes”
The most important differences in height
Why choose an Alpine resort with a steep drop? For fill up on thrills ! Confirmed skiers and seasoned freeriders, this selection is for you. To get your adrenaline pumping up in France, paradise is in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont-Blanc, with 2 m of vertical drop. In Europe, the steepest drop is in Austria, in Ski & Gletscherwelt Zillertal with 2m. For a little quieter, but still impressive descents, you can opt for a Swiss domain, for example in Gstaad (620 m.) Or Davos (2 m.)
Chamonix, for freeriders
Activities outside skiing
Going on winter sports vacation also means having the possibility of enjoy many activities apart from skiing. These include, for example, hot springs, snowshoe hikes, shopping and even the Spa. In France, Val Thorens and Les Menuires are at the top of the best resorts. In Austria, you can opt for Silvretta Arena or Arlberg. In the German Alps, direction Winterberg or Willingen. Wheras'in Swiss you will have to drive towards Arosa-Lenzerheide or Corviglia - St. Moritz.
Les Menuires
Resorts for families
Going skiing with your children is quite an organization! It is therefore better to choose well an ideal Alpine resort for your family. In France, the “Famille Plus” label selects the most suitable villages for skiing holidays with children, from 18 months. This is particularly the case of Chamrousse or SuperDévoluy. Elsewhere you can go to Austria, to Kitzbühel or to Ski Juwel Alpbachtal; in Germany, in Oberjoch / Bad Hindelang or in Großer Arber; but also in Switzerland in Meiringen-Hasliberg.
SuperDévoluy
Stations for beginners
You've never been to skiing and the prospect scares you a bit? Don't panic, some stations are perfect for beginners like you. Quiet slopes, friendly teachers, pleasant temperatures ... everything is there to be able to progress at your own pace in a dream setting. In France, you can choose Tignes - Val d'Isère, La Plagne or Galibier Thabor eyes closed. Do you prefer to go to our Swiss neighbors? Direction Arosa-Lenzerheide or Adelboden-Lenk for a successful stay.
Tignes
Areas for pros and freeriders
Are you used to spending all your winters skiing since you were a child? You are a freeride fan and you are looking for a resort adapted to your desires for nature and thrills ? Here is our selection of the best resorts: in France, Tignes - Val d'Isère, La Plagne and Val Thorens are must-haves. In Austria you can enjoy splendid areas in Kitzbühel or Ski Juwel. While in Switzerland, Arosa-Lenzerheide, Corviglia - St. Moritz or Engelberg-Titlis await you for a sporting holiday.
Kitzbühel in Austria
Stations popular with celebrities
If you dream of see stars going down the slopes from an Alpine resort or quietly seated next to you, go to Switzerland for put the odds in your favor. Madonna has her habits in St. Moritz and Zermatt, Verbier sees the parade of Hugh Grant, Prince Harry or James Blunt… and if you are a fan of crowned heads, the British royal family likes to go to Davos-Klosters. In France, it's no surprise in Courchevel that the stars go the most, like Bruce Willis, Gérard Depardieu, Naomi Campbell, George Clooney or Victoria Beckham.
Courchevel by night
Ready to go for winter sports?
Prepare the hats, mittens, après-ski and off you go for a totally schussing trip to a resort in the French Alps! And if you are looking for an environmentally friendly resort, do not hesitate to consult our article on the 7 ecological resorts for responsible skiing.
