Choosing the right ski resort is the foundation of a successful skiing holiday. The basic planning for most skiing trips from the UK includes flights, airport transfers, accommodation, ski passes and perhaps equipment hire. However, the choice of resort itself often makes or breaks the holiday.
This article is for those who are new to skiing or have been only a few times. It does not pretend to tell you which resort is the one for you. That’s unnecessary and impossible to attempt, especially if you’ve skied before. However, it does provide insights into how to identify the type of resort that will suit you best, and perhaps encourage you to try something new. The focus is primarily on Europe but it’s also worth considering well-known resorts in the USA and Canada.
Experience level and skiing goals
If you are experienced skiers intent on pushing boundaries, select a ski resort with a variety of challenging runs. As the icing on the cake, go for high-altitude resorts as they often guarantee better snow conditions. For example, Chamonix in France is known for its extensive and challenging terrain, with numerous black and red runs to test advanced skiers. And its location in sight of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi definitely delivers altitude. St. Anton in Austria is another contender, offering steep slopes and a vibrant après-ski scene.
For families or groups with mixed experience levels, the grading of ski runs is crucial. A resort with a wide range of easy and medium routes ensures everyone has a good time. La Plagne in France is a great family-friendly destination, with plenty of blue and green runs and excellent ski schools. Courchevel, also in France, offers a good choice of skiing options, from gentle beginner slopes to more challenging runs. It’s ideal for mixed groups.
Type of skiing and ski resorts
Your preferred skiing style influences your resort choice. If you enjoy going off-piste, larger resorts are more likely to have designated areas for skiing off-piste safely. Verbier in Switzerland is famous for its off-piste opportunities and extensive freeride terrain. If you prefer cross-country skiing, Cortina in the Italian Dolomites and Davos in Switzerland offer impressive networks of trails through scenic landscapes, catering to classic cross-country and some skate skiing too.
Lifestyle choices
If luxury is what you’re after, consider ski resorts known for their opulence and social scene. Courchevel 1850 in France and Cortina are synonymous with luxury, offering five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants, and high-end boutiques. Aspen in the USA provides a similarly glamorous experience, with top-notch amenities and a celebrity-studded visitor list.
For a more relaxed experience, explore resorts away from the most popular Alpine destinations. Consider French resorts in the Massif Central, and in the Vercors near Grenoble; as well as the Pyrenees, with resorts like Baqueira-Beret in Spain, which is known for its excellent skiing and relaxed atmosphere. Zakopane in southern Poland offers a charming and affordable alternative to the Alps, with beautiful scenery and good skiing conditions.
For UK skiers, Scandinavian resorts are definitely worth considering too. One of the best-known is Trysil in Norway but there are many others. Their northerly latitude makes up for not being quite as high as the Alps, so snow is usually reliable. The resorts in central Norway and northwest Sweden provide a relaxed experience with good skiing and fewer crowds. In the less well-known resorts you are also likely to find more family-run restaurants and hotels, and an atmosphere which is an excellent antidote to hectic modern life. Scandinavia is the home to cross-country and Nordic Skiing (yes, they are slightly different) so these resorts are the ideal destination if you want to get really fit!
Ski resort character
This is another important consideration. Purpose-built resorts offer easy ski-out/ski-in opportunities and modern conveniences. Avoriaz in France is a prime example, with its car-free centre and direct access to the slopes. Traditional resorts, based around towns or villages, provide more character and a unique cultural experience. Kitzbühel in Austria, with its medieval town centre and historic charm, blends excellent skiing and cultural appeal.
Evaluate the range of facilities and après-ski activities. A variety of restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and non-skiing activities enhance the holiday experience. Ischgl in Austria is famous for its lively après-ski scene, while Zermatt in Switzerland offers a range of activities, including luxury spas and gourmet dining, alongside stunning views of the Matterhorn. And a resort where there is plenty to do should bad weather close the slopes has a definite advantage.
Accessibility and Value for Money
Consider how easily you can get there. Factor in flight durations and the distance from the airport to the resort. Shorter transfer times can make a significant difference, especially for families with young children. For instance, the resort of Mayrhofen in Austria is just an hour’s drive from Innsbruck Airport, making it very accessible. And once you’re there, how big is the resort and – another consideration for families – how easy is it to move around?
Finally, assess whether the resort offers good value for money. This is not the same as cheap. Ensure that the overall experience will leave you feeling rejuvenated and that your skiing will have improved. Resorts like Les Deux Alpes in France offer excellent value with extensive skiing terrain and reasonably priced accommodation. In North America, once you’ve got there, Banff in Canada provides great value with its stunning scenery, wide range of runs, and affordable lodging options.
Choose the ski resort that’s best for you
Selecting the perfect ski resort involves understanding your skiing goals, experience levels, and personal preferences. They may not be the same as your friends’. But whether you seek the thrill of challenging runs, the comfort of a family-friendly environment, or the luxury of high-end resorts, the right choice will ensure a memorable holiday. Plan carefully (including taking some local currency in cash – you’ll be surprised at how useful it still is) and consider what’s important to you. Work backwards from there; with a little effort you’ll find a ski resort that matches your needs and provides an exceptional skiing experience too.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Essiell Ltd and Money4Travel.
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