It is not only because of the mountains that you will find some of the world’s best skiing in Europe. There is of course also the European culture. When going on a skiing or snowboarding holiday, Europeans tend to not only focus on the sports side of the holiday, but food and drinks are equally – if not more – important.

There is a huge après-ski culture, which essentially means having several drinks (shots or big pints of beer) after a couple of hours of downhill fun. The nightlife at European ski resorts is lively to say the least. Just like most other European activities, winter sports are a combination of fun, food and drinks.

The best snowboarding and best skiing in Europe is found in the Alps. The combination of majestic peaks and long valleys is unique and creates some of the best winter sports areas in the world.

While there is also great skiing in the Pyrenees and in Scandinavia, it is without question that the Alps offer the best snowboarding and skiing in Europe.

The best skiing in Europe

Austria

Austria is almost completely covered by the mountain ranges of the Alps and it therefore offers some of the best skiing in Europe. Even more so, it is the birthplace of alpine skiing. The country has an extremely long tradition of winter sports and many resorts have been around for a long, long time.

Sölden: The ski area around Sölden boasts one of the biggest glacier ski areas in the country. Skiers can do a day tour of three nearby 3,000-meter peaks or go to other slopes along the highest road in the eastern Alps, offering amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

St Anton: For après-ski activities there is no better place than St Anton. Its nightlife is infamous and it is not unusual for parties to start mid-afternoon.

Ischgl:The ski resort in Ischgl offers a combination of both entertainment and winter sports. It is famous for its entertainment, which includes many a competition, music concerts and entertainment parks.

Other popular resorts are located in Innsbruck and Kitzbudel.

Switzerland

Switzerland is another major winter holiday destination in Europe. It is known for its modern amenities, picturesque villages and tall mountain peaks. The nightlife in Swiss resorts isn’t as wild as it is in other ski countries. There are some parties though, but the focus lies more on atmosphere and gastronomy.

Andermatt: One of the rising ski destinations in Europe is Andermatt. While it is still a modest alpine town, the big hotels are on their way. It is one of the best destinations for off-piste skiing in Europe.

Zermatt: Winter vacationers and partiers will find some nightly entertainment in Zermatt. This resort has approximately sixty restaurants and après-ski bars. There is a five-star restaurant and a champagne bar. It is situated on three mountains and there are almost 250 kilometers of runs. Zermatt is located in the shadow of the Matterhorn and the scenery in the area is stunning.

Verbier: In Vervier visitors will find great accommodation and wonderful food. A stunning 410 kilometers of slopes are easily accessed on fast ski lifts. Beginners and inexperienced skiers will feel comfortable in St Moritz.

France

France combines long and wide slopes with excellent food and drinks. Add to that the generally friendly nature of the French residents and you know why the French Alps are such a popular winter destination.

Chamonix: One of the greatest ski resorts in the world lies in Chamonix. This valley consists of a vibrant village and five ski areas. The highest mountain in Europe, the Mont Blanc, lies nearby.

La Plagne: In La Plagne winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 kilometers of slopes and one of only seven bobsleigh slopes in Europe.

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort on the continent and also happens to be located in the largest ski area in the world.

Trois Vallées: The Trois Vallées offer 600 kilometers of fabulous interconnected slopes.

Austria, Switzerland and France are the three most popular winter holiday destinations in Europe. Additionally, Italy, Spain, Slovenia and the Scandinavian countries have excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts as well. Generally speaking however, it would be fair to say that the three above-mentioned countries offer the best skiing in Europe.

Click here to read more about the best skiing in Europe and Resorts In The Alps.

 

 

Share this Post[?]