Best ski resorts in Europe 2020

Every person has their own idea of ​​the perfect vacation. While some dream of relaxation, others - about active sports. For those who are tired of everyday work and want to relax in a calm atmosphere, a warm seaside 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 best place to stay will be a ski resort. The best ski resorts in Europe will be discussed in this article.

Ski resorts in France

Val Thorens

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

Val Thorens spreads over one of the most extensive skiing areas, called the Three Valleys, with a total length of about 600,000 meters. All of them are combined into one system using 183 elevators. The resort also has 17 cross-country skiing trails and a snow park. Huge opportunities open up for fans of such new sports disciplines as ski halfpipe and snowboard cross.

• the location of the hotels allows vacationers to put on skis right from the doorstep, since all of them are located practically at the intersection of the tracks;
• it has been on the leading positions in the ratings of top ski resorts for several years already.

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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 Isère region. Alpe d'Huez is located near Grenoble - the distance between them is about 63 kilometers.

The Alpine resort, from the very first days of its opening, which took place in 1936, has been one of the most favorite places for vacationers who prefer an active lifestyle and snowy landscapes. The location of the Alpe d'Huez on the Le Grand Rousse mountain system allows travelers to call the resort "Sunny Island", since 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. Alpe d'Huez boasts a system of lifts that operate at altitudes that are more than 2 kilometers apart.Only a few resorts from all over the world have such indicators.

The highest point of the Alpe d'Huez is Peak 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 trail in Europe is Sarenna, which runs through a tunnel. The length of this route is 16 kilometers.

• excellent lift system, which is convenient for vacationers;
• long tracks.

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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 to 3250 m.

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

The resort is equipped with a huge number of zones for lovers of various sports. These include snowparks with highpipe and bigair, boardecross, slalom stadium, ice rinks, hiking trails, tennis courts, fitness classes and much 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 shoppers, the resort has a huge number of boutiques and small shops.

• zones 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 in the range 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.
In the resort, not only skiing, but also dog sledding and sledding has gained immense popularity. And the most demanded relaxing services are thermal baths in the balneotherapy center.

Saint-François-Longchamps is connected with another resort - Valmorel. Their total skiing area 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 inimitable charm of a French countryside.

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

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

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

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Megeve

It is not for nothing that France is named as the most romantic country - the Megève ski resort opens up the most picturesque and attractive panorama. Its territory is located in the mountains, the height of which reaches 2500 meters. Fir and fir trees grow in the resort area, which give this place a special charm.

Megève has three ski areas, and each of them is mesmerizing in its own way, so choosing the most favorite is unlikely to work. The ski resort will be a great vacation for the whole family, not only because of the variety of entertainment, but also because of its tranquility.

• gorgeous panoramas;
• all kinds of active sports.

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Chamonix [Chamonix]

Almost all of 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, the height of which reaches more than 4 kilometers, the ski slopes are the longest here. Some of them are 20 kilometers long. The most difficult trail is equipped with a steep slope of 3 kilometers. To overcome it, you will need a lot of ski experience.

Many tourists choose this particular ski resort, due to which its attendance is more than 5,000,000 people per year. Chamonix is ​​distinguished by its stable, flat snow cover and ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. Both athletes with many years of experience and children who cannot even 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 in all French resorts starts in December and lasts until April.

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

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Ski resort in Georgia

Georgian Gudauri

The resort is considered to be 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 track length of about 16,000 meters. Elevators take you to the top of the mountain, which is 3 km high. A magnificent panorama opens from here.

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 varying 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

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

As vacationers at the resort, you can often meet married 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 how to handle a snowboard. All this contributes to the attraction of more and more tourists.

• ski tracks, 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. This is why Saalbach-Hinterglemm is considered the largest skiing area in Austria. Moreover, thanks to the good slopes, the resort is also popular with freeriders.

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

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

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

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Sölden

The resort has two stations - one at the bottom and the other slightly higher. The highest point in Sölden is 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 trails, 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 is the snow cannons, which are located at the end of some of the slopes.

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

• this place cannot be called quiet.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps.

An unforgettable resort atmosphere, which perfectly combines the traditional style of Tyrolean villages with modern brand boutiques, will leave a lasting impression on any tourist.

The most famous slope of the resort is Hahnenkamm. It is here that the annual skiing world cup competitions are held.

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

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

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Ski resorts in Switzerland

Gstaad

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

Gstaad is popular not only in winter. Various sports events take place here all year round - beach volleyball, tennis and polo, as well as music festivals.

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

• 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 him the king of the Alps. As tourists, you can most often see members of royal families, show business stars and millionaires.

Due to the excellent condition of the ski slopes, championships in this sport are constantly held here. All routes are natural and re-formed annually.

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

The resort's best pistes are located at Piz Noir, and experienced skiers will love them. The length of trails in the territory of St. Moritz is 350 kilometers, which are connected by 55 elevators. The resort boasts a huge variety of ski routes and slopes. The most prestigious European restaurant - La Marmite is located in St. Moritz.

• one of the most prestigious resorts in the world;
• the sun shines brightly here all year round, thanks to which the resort is considered 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 in this way for at least a whole week, and unconquered tracks will still remain. When viewed from the bottom of the route, it seems that the lift lifts take skiers to the very skies.

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

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

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

• expensive.

Winterberg

Winterberg is one of the most famous health resorts in Germany. It gained its popularity thanks to its low slopes, the conquest of which does not require any special experience in skiing. Even though Winterberg is not so high, the routes 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 in this resort are located in the forest, with 50% of them 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 impressive routes.

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Encamp

This ski resort will especially appeal to those who prefer a quiet environment, as well as are fond of ancient history and sights. It harmoniously combines the mysterious spirit of Andorra with excellent ski slopes. The skiing areas start at an altitude of 1 km, so that even beginner skiers prefer to rest on Encamp.

The total length of the ski routes of the resort is more than 200,000 meters, all of them are combined into one single system using elevators. There are also schools here, and not only for teaching skiing, but also snowboarding.

• calm atmosphere;
• many attractions, in addition to skiing trails;
• parents of toddlers will definitely like the presence of a kindergarten.

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Ylläs in Finland [Ylläs]

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

Among the tourists in Ylläs there is a huge number of fans of snowboarding, slalom, and freeriding. For beginners, there are special schools with experienced instructors who will teach you not only proper driving, but also getting the most out of an active lifestyle. A vacation in this place flies by almost instantly, but still unforgettable impressions and good mood remain with tourists for a long time.

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

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Ski resorts in Spain

Baqueira Beret

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

There are three large ski areas here: Baqueira, Beret and Bonaigua. The first of them is equipped with traditional ski slopes with varying degrees of difficulty. But in the Berets zone, the routes pass on more gentle slopes, so beginners and fans of other winter sports - sledging and dog sledding, as well as flat skiing, most often gather here. The third zone is suitable for tourists of all skill levels.

The entire territory of the resort is equipped with snow cannons, so the ski slopes are always in excellent condition, even if the winter is not very snowy.

Baqueira-Beret has three parks for children and a ski school with more than two hundred teachers. You can learn any kind of winter sports here, from heli-skiing to halfpipe. It is here that the President of Spain prefers to rest, as well as all representatives of the royal dynasty. The ski season in Baqueira Beret lasts 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 the south of Spain. The Sierra Nevada tracks have different categories of difficulty. However, experienced skiers prefer to have fun here. The nearest resort town is Granada. On clear days, you can observe a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains from here. The snowy lands appeared thanks to the legendary Valeta glacier. And just twenty kilometers from the snow resort, you can see the azure coast with green palm trees.

The heart of the resort is Pradollano, 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 all of them, since fascinating ski slopes take up almost all of your free time.

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

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Ski resort in Sweden

Are [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 on the slopes, but also try themselves in other extreme winter sports.

The total length of all tracks in Are is one hundred kilometers. And they are all connected with 40 elevators.

In 2007, the Alpine Ski World Championship was held on the territory of Are. Thanks to this, a year later the British magazine Condé Nast Traveler announced him the winner in the competition for the best winter resorts in the world.

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

Skiing is allowed here even at night, especially for this, some tracks are equipped with a lighting system. There is usually enough snow here and the snow cover is natural. But even a lack of snow cannot spoil the rest. In this case, the slopes of Are 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 riding reindeer sleds.

• the presence of lifting elevators;
• skiing even at night;
• entertainment establishments.

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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 is enough to make you fall in love with skiing once and for all.