28.09.2019
The best ski resorts in Europe. The most beautiful ski resorts in Europe
If palm trees, beaches and oceans are boring, it's time to think about outdoor activities on snow-capped peaks. Fresh Mountain air, comfortable and safe slopes, the joy of downhill skiing, and soft snow-white snow - what could be dearer to the heart of a skier?
It is recommended to plan which resort to go to in the upcoming season in advance. The best ski resorts open hotel reservations a few months before the first snowfalls. Many athletes have favorite slopes: some fly to Aspen, others explore the Alps. But in addition to these locations, there are many resorts that attract professional skiers and snowboarders. Where are the best resorts with trails for aces, and where is it worth learning for beginners, where to go in 2018-2019 - you will find answers to these and other questions in our article.
Snowboarding and freestyle competitions are held annually in Aspen.
Rating of the best resorts in the world
Rating ski resorts of the world is opened by Whistler Blackcomb, rebuilt in Canadian province. There are modern lifts and slopes different levels, and polite friendly staff of numerous cozy hotels. But the popularity of the resort is not due to this. In Whistler Blackcomb, the steepest descent according to the Guinness Book of Records has been discovered. And anyone can leave it: beginners will be provided with an experienced instructor, coach and even a videographer who will record the conquest of the track.
In second place is Vail, Colorado, ranked as a favorite destination for winter holiday among US residents. Guests are offered not only the best ski hotels but also a variety of sports entertainment options.
Vail covers an area of 22,000 m? Tracks of different difficulty levels, slopes for snowboarding, skating rinks and rollerdromes have been built, there are even paths for dog sledding. Museums and galleries of modern art are open in the northern part.
Third place went to another North American resort - Stowe, Vermont. It was built relatively recently and is aimed mainly at professionals or experienced amateurs. The tracks are difficult, the descents are interesting and steep. This has its own charm: it is not crowded here and no one distracts from the sports and the harsh winter beauty of the gloomy Vermont mountains. Stowe is recognized as the most picturesque resort in USA.
The maximum length of the descent at the Stowe resort exceeds 6000 meters
Rating of the best resorts in Europe
In Europe, the rating of ski resorts opens a town with a difficult-to-pronounce name Kitzbühel. It was built 700 years ago and for centuries lovers of untouched mountain slopes have come here. The tracks are designed for both professionals and amateurs, there are several extreme options. The tourist infrastructure is well established and there are many places for those who want to take a break from sports.
A slightly smaller position in the top was occupied by the resort of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. He "made" a name for himself during the first French Olympic Games. The tracks were originally created for professionals of the "major league", but now many have been rebuilt for amateur requests. Tourists are delighted not so much with the technical side of the resort as with thoughtful and impeccable service. And another pride of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the longest paths in the world with a height difference of 3 km.
In sixth place in the ranking is another Olympic resort, but built not in France, but in Cortina d'Ampezzo. It wins hearts with landscapes, cozy hotel rooms, pleasant service and relatively affordable prices for the services offered.
The lists of the best rarely include resorts from other European countries, but this does not mean that the ski industry is not developed in them.
The popularity of resorts is growing every year. The Northern Territory is made for winter sports enthusiasts, and unlike many other regions, there are suitable training bases for cross-country skiers.
Budget holidays are offered by cities - routes in, and Vitosha are not inferior to the Alpine ones in length, elevation and picturesqueness. Service here is also kept at a good European level.
The Bulgarian resort of Bansko is located at an altitude of 936 meters above sea level.
The best ski hotels in Russia and Georgia
Thinking about which resort is better, you can not ignore the city and the neighboring one. The tourism sector in both countries is developing rapidly: significant capital is being invested in resort cities, which makes it possible to rebuild modern routes and equip them with technically thought-out lifts.
One of the best Georgian resort towns was built 120 km from. offers 23 pistes with a total length of 16 km. For greater convenience of vacationers, one slope is given for beginners: a training track has been laid, on which professional trainers work.
The second most popular resort in Georgia is. It is open next to and starts the season in November. There are relatively few slopes, as well as vacationers, so you don’t have to stand in long lines at the ski lifts or go down in a dense crowd of professionals and amateurs.
In Russia, the most advertised resort remains. Its popularity is explained not only by the Olympics, but also by high-class tracks, excellent service, and affordable prices, especially in comparison with the USA and Europe. The second most visited resort is located on the other side of the country: next to - Beaver Log pleases with several lifts, reasonable prices, thoughtful service and a good variety of tracks certified for sports.
Budget ski resorts How to ride cheap?
If you want to organize a ski vacation inexpensively, you will definitely have to forget about the resorts included in the world ratings. The only option to spend time in the Swiss, French or Austrian Alps on a budget is to “catch” a last-minute tour or come out of season.
But do not forget about other mountain ranges. For example, the Caucasus Range, thanks to the active development of tourism in this area, offers a wide range of well-maintained and modern ski slopes and cozy hotels.
Dombay tracks are at more impressive heights than Bulgarian resorts- 1630-3012 meters above sea level
Life hacks for those who want to relax inexpensively
Discover new places.
It is not only exciting, but also profitable. Do not be afraid to visit only the emerging resorts of Bulgaria, Georgia and Russia.
Take your equipment.
Most airlines are ready to provide convenient options for the safe transportation of sports equipment. Of course, in every hotel at a ski resort you can rent everything you need for a comfortable descent, but often the rental price is several times higher than the price of a ski pass.
Check for "burning" tours.
A bit of luck will help you relax in the picturesque areas of the planet at the lowest prices.
Pay attention to the resorts built near the city.
For example, the aforementioned Beaver Log was built near Krasnoyarsk, so some vacationers stay not in hotels, but in rented apartments. On big company This is the most affordable accommodation option.
Fill your life with bright adventures and choose the best resorts!
Every year, as soon as the ski season begins, it becomes topical issue: where are the best tracks, the most beautiful landscapes, clean air and excellent infrastructure?
Consider the top ten ski resorts in the world, which everyone who loves snow, skiing and snowboarding must visit.
There are a wide variety of trails in terms of difficulty and stunningly beautiful landscapes of the French Alps. Both lovers of well-groomed slopes and those who prefer skiing on virgin lands go to Meribel. The total length of the slopes of the resort is 150 km.
9. Next - the resort of the French Alps - Chamonix(chamonix)
One of the most visited ski centers in Europe. The legendary "White Valley" is located here - this is 20 km of virgin lands for fans of off-piste skiing. Chamonix has all the necessary modern infrastructure, which is not reflected in the splendor surrounding nature. The length of the tracks is 170 km.
8. In eighth place is Austrian Zell am See(Zell am See), Kaprun
Here you can experience the beauty of high quality Austrian ski slopes and excellent service for a relatively modest fee. Whole ski world calls Zell am See the "European Sports Region". It is noteworthy that skiing on the Kaprun glacier is year-round. The resort has 58 pistes with a total length of 130 km.
7. In seventh place is a magnificent Swiss resort Zermatt(Zermatt)
The total length of the marked slopes of the resort is 200 km, with 21 km available for skiing and in summer time of the year. Here is the highest lift station - Klein Materhorn (3885 m). The area for skiing is stunningly picturesque, Zermatt is surrounded by three Alpine peaks: Dom, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn. For environmental reasons, motor transport is prohibited in the resort.
6. Sixth place is taken by the Canadian Olympic area Whistler Blackcomb(Whistler Blackcomb)
This is the first ski resort in Canada. Local slopes may well compete with the most popular in the world. Helicopter tours delivering skiers to virgin lands are very popular with tourists. For beginners and children there are soft slopes and ski schools. The infrastructure of the resort is equipped at the highest level.
5. In fifth place is the world famous Aspen(Aspen), USA
Prestigious, sprawling and scenic, this resort combines four isolated ski areas - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, all linked by free bus service. The length of the slopes in Aspen is 200 km. The resort offers not only a developed ski infrastructure, but also a lot of other entertainment.
4. The fourth place in the ranking is given to the Swiss resort St. Moritz(St. Moritz)
This is the most aristocratic and one of the best Alpine resorts. Members rest here royal families, politicians, billionaires and show business stars. The high cost does not scare away tourists - a year and a half million people visit St. Moritz. Extreme lovers are attracted by the possibility of descent from Mount Korvatsch (3300 m). The total length of the slopes of the resort is 350 km.
3. French opens the top three Val d'Isère(Val d'Isere)
Together with the ski resort of Tignes, Val d'Isère is part of one of the most famous ski areas of Espace Killy, which offers skiers and snowboarders more than 300 km of well-prepared slopes of varying difficulty. Off-piste skiing in Val d'Isère takes place in unusually picturesque places and gives fans a lot of fun.
2. In second place is the fashionable and world-famous Austrian resort St. Anton(St. Anton)
It was here that the world's first ski school was opened in 1922. And here today are the most expensive ski hotels in Austria. St. Anton is a real paradise for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski area for beginners is quite small. Total duration trails - 276 km. There are also ample opportunities for skiing on the virgin lands. The resort has five ski schools. And for snowboarders, the Rendl Beach fan park is equipped with many elements: ski jumps, half-pipes and others.
1. The Austrian resort became the leader of our rating Leh(Lech)
It is part of the Arlberg region in western Austria. The Arlberg is the cradle of Alpine skiing, with 276 km of pistes today. Both the rich and famous and ordinary skiers come to Leh to ski. Ski slopes will satisfy the needs of both experienced athletes and beginners. Lech is Austria's snowiest resort, so the pistes remain perfect throughout the season.
Not surprisingly, most of the top ski resorts are located in Austria. This destination from year to year becomes the best according to the voting results of the National Geographic Traveler Awards.
Ski holidays are always popular. The presented list includes the best ski resorts in the world, which are offered by the Alpine countries of Europe and North America. They are united the highest level winter vacation.
It is impossible to evaluate European ski tourism without mentioning the "Best of the Alps". "Best in the Alps" is an association of twelve most prestigious ski resorts from five countries. All proposed European resorts are among the "Best".
Zermatt, Switzerland
One of the oldest ski resorts in the world, the village of Zermatt is located on the northern slopes of the Matterhorn in the Pennines. This is the highest European resort.
It's forbidden here industrial enterprises, from transport only electric vehicles. The purest air, the bright sun and the breathtaking beauty of the scenery attract many tourists.
ski season lasts all year round thanks to non-melting glaciers. On the slopes of the Trockener Steg (2939 m) and the Klein Matterhorn (3883 m) snowboarders, skiers and other winter views sports do not notice the summer. The grandiose snow park, thanks to its location on the glacier, is open all year round. Regular snowfalls provide permanent snow cover.
The total length of groomed slopes is more than 300 km, of which 21 km are suitable for skiing in the summer season. Elevation changes allow you to quickly pick up speed, which is very appreciated by snowboarders. There are 72 lifts for skiers. One of the lifts lifts tourists to a vertical descent, the height of which is the second highest in the world. There are many routes of increased complexity, which attracts professionals.
IN summer period ecotourism is very developed here.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
The oldest Swiss ski resort, a fashionable (and expensive) meeting place for the elite. It is located in the Engadine Valley, on the shores of the transparent mountain lake Lei da Sant Murezzan.
St. Moritz is rightly proud of a series of famous tracks for bobsledders, skiers, lugers, which host world-class competitions.
Guests are offered 350 km of ski slopes, 180 km for cross-country skiers. There are five main skiing sectors for athletes of different levels. The most popular are Corviglia (2488 m, dangerous slopes and difficult slopes for professional snowboarders and skiers), Diavolezza (2973 m) and Corvatsch (3451 m) - gentle slopes and safe slopes for beginners. A sledge track 4.2 km long has been laid. It offers tourists 60 funiculars and lifts.
St. Moritz offers a large number of modern ice rinks, toboggan runs, bobsleigh and rock climbing. Polo and cricket games, curling, horse racing, etc. are held on the ice of the lake. World-class winter sports competitions are constantly held here.
In the valley 322 sunny days in a year. The ski season lasts from the second decade of December to the end of March.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
The Chamonix Valley, which gave its name to the famous resort, lies at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc. It was here that the first winter Olympic Games 1924.
The ski season lasts from December to March, in the highlands - until mid-May. There are web cameras on the ski slopes that provide up-to-date information about the weather and snow conditions.
High-class professional ski slopes are characterized by a height difference from 1000 to 3300 m, their total length is about 170 km. The slopes vary in variety, from extreme ones for experienced skiers (for example, the 17 km long slope of Valle Blanche or the slopes of Grant Monte) to gentle slopes for beginners (blue and green slopes). For beginner skiers there are schools with experienced instructors.
The maximum height of the vertical descent, which is difficult even for experienced skiers, is 2807 m. Here is the longest ski slope in Europe - the legendary "White Valley", 22 km.
Numerous original villages of the valley offer diversified different types recreation for tourists.
Megeve, France
The Savoyard town of Megeve has managed to preserve the spirit of antiquity, combining it with modern comfort. Majestic mountain peaks (only 20 km to Mont Blanc) surround it from all sides. The special atmosphere of the town with cobbled streets and old buildings is emphasized by the surroundings spruce-fir forests protecting it from the winter winds.
325 km of ski slopes with maximum height 2350 m are intended for skiers of different skill levels.
The longest route is 9 km. Many trails are laid in woodland which makes them especially attractive. There are 41 lifts in operation.
Megève offers three well-equipped ski areas: Mont d'Arbois, Rochebrune-Cote and Les Jails. Mont d'Arbois is located in the southwest, offering difficult slopes and steep drops for experienced skiers. It is connected by a pendulum road with Rochebrune-Cote. Rochebrune is a long descent through the forest, as well as difficult trails. A cable car takes you to the nature reserve. Here, for fans of extreme sports, there is a certified track for downhill skiing.
The first snow falls in October and stays until April. The ski season lasts from December to March.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The only representative of Italy in the "Best of the Alps", this ski resort is located in the north of the country, in the Dolomites. The 1956 Winter Olympics were held here. The Sun Valley stretches at an altitude of 1224 m above sea level. Surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks, it is a breathtaking sight. The beauty of the "Queen of Dolomite" has long been appreciated by filmmakers.
The ski areas are divided into seven levels of varying difficulty. The slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo are not of interest to high-class athletes, but are very attractive for intermediate and entry-level skiers.
The total length of the tracks is 140 km. The most high point for skiing - 3240 m. The largest elevation difference is 1715 m.
Used to maintain trails snow cannons. About 40 lifts are constantly operating. The first of them begin to work in November, but the opening of the season falls on the beginning of December. The ski season lasts five months - from December to April.
The resort is lively social life, many come here just for her sake.
Kitzbühel, Austria
One of the first Austrian resorts, the town of Kitzbühel attracts tourists both in winter and in summer.
Since 1931, one of the most difficult stages of the World Cup in Alpine skiing has been held here, on the legendary Streif slope. The track is famous for its complexity and danger, and victory on it is proof of the highest skill.
For skiing, 60 ski slopes of varying difficulty are offered. Length for skiing 145 km, cross country 120 km.
The whole territory is divided into three zones. Hahnenkam offers long and challenging runs through cliffs and forests. The Pengen track is laid here, 7 km long, with a height of slopes up to a kilometer. Horn Zone offers easy slopes for beginners. There are also trails for snowboarders. The multi-kilometer trails of the third zone - Aurach - pass next to Kitzbühel and are distinguished by a variety of landscapes.
The mountain climate ensures mild winters with plenty of snow and sun. Due to the low altitude, the snow cover is unstable, so snow cannons are used.
54 lifts deliver guests to the mountain slopes. The ski season lasts from the beginning of December to the end of April. In summer, Kitzbühel becomes the center of ecotourism.
Lech, Austria
According to the National Geographic channel, this is the best ski resort in the world. It is located in the west of Austria, the Arlberg region. In this region, in addition to Lech, there are several more resorts connected common system cable cars and lifts.
Located at an altitude of 1450 m, the resort offers about 60 high-class pistes of varying difficulty. The total length of the trails is about 300 km, the longest is 5 km. Altitude difference - 1000 m.
The resort offers excellent conditions for virgin skiing - about 200 off-piste routes. This is the only resort in Austria where off-piste skiing is allowed with freeride enthusiasts lifting up by helicopter.
For snowboarders, Lech offers a limited number of the most interesting slopes.
The 22 km circular route connecting Lech, Oberlech, Zürs and Zug is a legendary white ring– became the longest ski run in the world.
The local snow cover is considered the best in Austria.
The condition of the tracks is under constant control. Snowmaking systems have been installed on 70% of the area, and laser measurements and GPS are used to level the slopes.
The absence of glaciers limits the season from early December to early April.
Representatives of the American continent, which are included in the top famous ski resorts in the world, are no less popular.
Lake Louise, Canada
An unusual ski resort is located around the glacial Lake Louise, in the center national park Banff. With a combination of lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks, this Canadian ski resort is famous for its unique majestic beauty.
The climate of the resort, located at an altitude of 1646 m, provides reliable freezing in winter not only of the lake itself, but also of waterfalls. Even the grandiose Takakkaw Falls, whose height is 380 m, freezes over. The 2.4 km x 1.2 km glacial lake becomes a huge skating rink.
For ski holidays, there are about 140 tracks for flat and alpine skiing of various levels of difficulty. For professional athletes, the slopes of Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay are of interest. Guests have at their disposal 11 lifts, the cable car rises to a height of 442 m, from where a breathtaking snowy panorama opens up. The highest point of the resort is 2637 m. The skiing area is one of the largest in the world - about 1700 hectares.
The ski season runs from mid-November to early May. The annual international festival of ice sculptures, held in January, is very popular.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
The largest winter resort North America with an area of 3307 hectares located in the Rocky Mountains near Vancouver. The 2010 Olympic Games were held here. The name of the resort was given by two mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb, connected by a cable car. A special pride is the eternal glacier, thanks to which you can ski in the northern part of the resort all year round.
This is one of the snowiest places in the world, the snow cover reaches 915 cm. The height above sea level is 675 m. There are about 200 slopes of different difficulty levels on the slopes. Elevation difference 1560 m. The longest mountain track is 11 km, the track for flat skiing is 21 km. There are 24 lifts at the disposal of athletes, the highest station for which is 2240 m.
This ski resort is very popular with freeriders because of the many excellent slopes. A helicopter is used to climb virgin roads.
The ski season lasts from November to the end of May. The season does not end on the Horstman glacier, skiers ski even in summer.
The luxurious ski complex is famous for its infrastructure.
Aspen, USA
The American state of Colorado is known for its comfortable mountain resorts, the best of which is Aspen. The town that has preserved the charm of antiquity, which gave its name to the resort, is located in the beautiful valley of Roaring Fork at an altitude of 2400 m above sea level. The resort is divided into 4 sectors: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass.
Aspen Mountain offers extreme trails, difficult slopes, wooded areas - for professionals. There are less extreme sections for the intermediate level. There are no trails for beginners.
Aspen Highlands offers different routes, but difficult ones prevail - many long descents, elevation changes of more than 1000 m.
Buttermilk is famous for its gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates; there are no conditions for professionals here.
Snowmass is the largest sector. It is focused on golden mean”- difficult for beginners, but for experienced ones it is unlikely to be interesting. There are separate trails for children's education.
The four zones are connected by a system of lifts. The total length of the tracks is more than 200 km, the longest is 5 km.
The ski season lasts 5 months - from November to April.
