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It is easy to go on the summer vacation. You just need to pack a few shirts and swimsuit, sun cream and a lot of goodwill. Sun will do the rest. But, when you want to go on the winter vacation, you need serious preparations. This means pack your suitcases, including the procurement of all ski equipment and picking usually very expensive resorts.
Regardless of whether you are a complete beginner or a master of ski sport, you can easily find the best place for your holiday in Europe.
I am talking about The Alps, of course!
The great thing is that you can choose a place, but also a country because the Alps stretch through seven countries.
Why should you go on a Skiing Holiday?
If you have never been on the winter vacation, it is time to start. A skiing holiday is great for your body and mind. On the mountain, you get most fresh air and your adrenaline and serotonin rise. While focusing on learning or enjoy this amazing skill, you will feel refreshed.
When you book a high resort, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Good conditions in most of them are pretty much assured and all that beauty won’t disappoint you whether you’re booking early or late season. Booking with places like Bluehouse Skis is just the start of it all.
Where to go?
Best friends, who want to turn their winter vacation into a party, and to enjoy the remarkable cuisine, go to France. Those who are clever enough to realize the importance of enjoying in picturesque villages for a family with kids, including fantastic hotels and a warm traditional welcome, go to Austria or Italy.
But, it is known that hardcore skiers go to Switzerland. In many respects, this country is hard to beat because it has the most captivating traffic-free old mountain villages, the best mountain restaurants, and some of the most impressive ski runs.
There is a wide choice in front of you. Define your priorities and options, choose wisely and pack your suitcases.
Believe or not, the Alps are an excellent choice for beginners
Don’t worry. It does not matter if you don’t know to ski. There are so many opportunities for beginners in many resorts all over the Alps.
My first choice for complete beginners is definitely Alpbach in Austria which is remarkably unchanged during the years. You really don’t need the complexity of a large resort when you can easily explore the respectable 109 km of slopes served by 46 lifts there. Two valleys there offer great value for money because prices are low, even by Austrian standards.
If you want something more exclusive, pick out a Villars, the reassuringly slow-paced resort for beginners in Switzerland. You can start in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere and after first ski classes, you can start enjoying long, easy runs in pretty surroundings up the mountain after mastering those first turns.
You will not make a mistake if you choose France. There are four areas that make up the Chamonix valley with around 100 miles of pistes. This place is primarily intended for beginners but you can enjoy in top-notch slots too. If you are fancy the scenery as much as the slopes, there are remarkable ski tours run here. Plus their nightlife scene is for remembering.
There is one more place in France I like. It is Les Menuires, the perfect resort for skiers of all abilities and ideal place for a family holiday too. There are plenty of beginner pistes for those who put skis on for the first time in life. If you are on vacation with friends or family, there’s tons of other fun in this charming little town, including trampolining, rubber-ring toboggan rides and snowshoeing.
If you are an expert, you already know where to go
If you are a ski expert, there is a wide range of resorts all over the Alps only for you. You just need to find the most attractive ones.
St Anton in Austria is one of the top resorts in Europe for serious skiers and snowboarders. Basically, it is a small village with just one main street lined with old hotels and inns, sports shops and cafés. Snow cover is usually very good and all the action takes place on the Valluga side of the village. This place cannot be described. It is ‘must see’ at least once in a lifetime.
If you prefer France, go to Val Thorens, resort crowned with a trophy rewarding this year. It has been elected three times “European Best Ski Resort” by now. I don’t think there’s a need to tell you anything more. Perfect place!
Or choose Tignes which has a ski area with fabulous terrain for all levels, but it is perfect for real experts. Maybe you have already heard about this attractive old village which is among the highest resorts in the Alps. It’s about time to visit it during the long season from November to May.
Italian Monterosa Ski represents an unspoiled area located beneath the mighty Monterosa massif. This resort stretches over three valleys and has a modern 60-person cable car to the high point of the area. It is really worth to see.
But, if you can afford the highest prices in the Alps, you should discover all the secrets of Verbier in Switzerland. It is the place known for steep slopes and lively partying. Plus, their tough slopes are the best in the world. Don’t surprise when you see steep black pistes. That are itineraries, meaning they are marked but not groomed or avalanche-controlled.
Best choices for families
Obergurgl in Austria is the perfect choice for your family ski holiday, especially if you are taking young children to the Alps. Since there is a lot of snow for a long time, you can make your holiday here either pre-Christmas or towards the end of April after Easter. The big plus is their Ski school which has been teaching the basics to children and adults since 1922. Keep in mind that there is no non-ski kindergarten either, but many of the hotels offer daily childcare.
There are two more resorts in Austria which you will love enormously.
Ellmau is an ideal place for young families, especially for parents who are keen to get some serious skiing in while the kids are in ski school or kindergarten. Recommend you wide nursery slopes close to the center. Even there is a good variety of bars and restaurants, the nearby resort of Soll is where the real partying takes place.
In the other hand, Filzmoos is perfect for groups with young children who need family hotels and older teens who need a bit of life. There are excellent nursery slopes in the resort, a good snowboard school, and family-friendly après ski bars. All of that is enough to keep the teens happy even they are on vacation with parents.
But, if you prefer romantic France, Mongenèvre is for you. This is a historic ski resort that has delighted hundreds of thousands of skiers from around the world for years. It is absolutely perfect family and sports resort which combines the charm and authentic character of an alpine village with the modern international ski area the Via Lattea. You just need to relax and enjoy your impeccable holiday there.
Don’t miss France if you go to the Alps with your best friends
Do you want to enjoy your ski holiday with friends? If you ask me, France is the best choice with perfect cuisine and marvelous wine. I will write about two resorts there and no matter which one you choose, you will be fully satisfied.
Grenoble is the beautiful town blessed with stunning scenery. It is very lively and youthful, with a large student population and some great hiking routes running into the mountains. The best thing is that ski slopes can be reached within a few minutes.
The other resort perfect for your pals is Courchevel, one of the most famous resorts in the world. It is widely known for its exceptional setting, remarkable ski pistes, and luxurious accommodation. There are around 25 deluxe hotels, the world largest ski area and one of the most beautiful playgrounds whatever your ski level is.
All in all, whenever you go, no matter what choice you make, keep in mind the more important thing – you should be in a good company, with people who you love and with the smile on your face and excellent skis on your feet.
The Alps will provide you with everything else.