Superb slopes for skiing, dotted with picture perfect Alpine villages, has made the Alps a legendary hotspot for skiers from around the world for decades.With epic powder being dumped on the Alps the prospect of the new upcoming ski season affording a much smoother escape is high on the cards.
That said, though the Alps have an undeniable appeal, with over 4000 resorts to choose from, how do you find one where you are sure the mountain air will make you feel truly alive again?
So we will let you know which resorts snowboarders should consider, the ones that are best for beginners and above all a resort where families can spend quality time with the kids. This is our ultimate guide to the best ski resorts in the Alps for 2022 and beyond. Companies such as Alpine Elements offer amazing deals and packages to these ultimate ski resort destinations.
St Anton, Austria
Best for: snowboarders
Most of the resorts in the Alps are catering for first time skiers and beginners and it is not difficult to understand why. With business gradually picking up after two years, the industry needs to survive somehow or the other.
This is where, despite the uncertain times, St Anton managed to retain its reputation as a challenging resort and continued to cater only to intermediate and advanced skiers. The various snowboard parks became an excellent place for guests to hang out in.
Several snowboard areas with excellent terrain can be accessed here with a single Arlberg ski pass. First timers too can be linked up with outside tour operators for guided packages on popular terrain as well as off-piste areas.
When you are done with the mountains, you can enjoy the lively Austrian nightlife at any of the bars and restaurants, like Krazy Kanguruh or Mooserwirt on the cobbled streets of St Anton.
Best places to stay in St Anton:
Chalet Golden Marmot (from€560/unit)
Apartment Simons Paul (€200/unit)
St Moritz, Switzerland
Best overall for unabashed glamour
Home to Europe’s first ski club on the Corviglia mountains, it is difficult not to talk about St Moritz when it comes to comparing the best ski resorts in the Alps.
This glamorous town is the original home lauded for holding winter sports for over 150 years. Visitors flock to the lavish hotels and exclusive sports clubs for members in addition to go skiing over an area spanning 218 miles of high elevation pistes, several large and small ski areas and a plethora of upscale mountain restaurants.
From the village of Zermatt it is actually possible to ski to Italy, such is the excellent infrastructure in place which has a direct link to the Italian ski station of Breuil-Cervinia across the border. Make sure that you ski back at the end of the day.
Best places to stay in St Moritz:
Suvretta House(€400/night)
Kulm Hotel(€700/night)
Les Deux Alpes, France
Best for beginners
A perfect mix of fun and relaxation, Les Deux Alpes is a favorite resort with beginners. That doesn’t mean couples, friends and experienced skiers will feel out of place here, as Les Deux Alpes is endowed with facilities that are in harmony with the other features of the resort.
The resort is perched at an altitude of 1650m on top of a high plateau situated on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, to the southeast of the city of Grenoble. The two Alps refer not to the mountains but to the high pastures that were once owned by the two neighbouring villages of Mont de Lans and Venosc.
Les Deux Alpes is the largest of its kind in the Osian’s area and is home to the largest skiable glacier in entire Europe.This means one can enjoy action on the snow throughout the summer.
The resort offers several free runs for beginners and some easy slopes as well. Combine this with the vibrant atmosphere of a French resort village and you will understand why Les Deux Alpes is number one on the beginners list.
Best places to stay in Les Deux Alpes:
Chalet Mounier(€300/night)
Hotel Les Flocons(€120/night)
Val Thorens, France
Best for families
A part of the gigantic Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens is a good family ski vacation destination because no matter where you stay, you never have to walk far to reach the slopes. In fact, some slopes run right through the village.
Additionally, the lift network in Val Thorens is very efficient with regards to the numbers of winter sports enthusiasts it can carry every day. The ski area also is large enough to tackle huge crowds.
In Val Thorens there is entertainment non-stop. From après ski to hanging out in the bars and discos till the early hours, everything is more extensive in Val Thorens
Mid-February onwards is the perfect time to travel here with children. The hotels and apartments are located near the slopes, so one never has to travel far with ski equipment
Best places to stay in Val Thorens:
Hotel Koh-I Noor(€583/night)
Les Neves(€160/night)
Courchevel, France
Best for partying
Courchevel and its six interconnected villages are located in the world famous Three Valleys ski area where celebs and the rich and famous merrymakers flock not only to ski, but to party, unwind and above all shop at the over 100 upscale boutiques which are located here.
The multi-level resort boasts of a dedicated children’s ski area and the Children’s Village with over seven acres of ski terrain for the toddlers to learn to progress. Snowfall here is abundant and Courchevel 1850 is so high that you will find snow here even during April.
No wonder, skiers find it difficult to go elsewhere after tasting the impressive Courchevel hospitality and the incredible dining scene.
Best places to stay in Courchevel:
L’Apogee Courchevel(€1500/night)
Cheval Blanche Courchevel(€2000/night)
Val d’isere, France
Best for endless skiing for intermediates
The Canadians may brag about the Whistler-Blackcomb area, but every knowledgeable skier knows that the Espace Killy which includes Val d’Isere is five times larger. The terrain is great although some trails are tougher than what the color suggests.
The resort is in no way as glamorous as the others in the Alps, but the reputation they have for snow all season long and a good and fast reliable ski system has made it a hit with experts and intermediate skiers wishing to ski at high altitudes.
However, the thriving valley town has a bustling vibe and a large number of types of accommodation to choose from and is more of an atmospheric place than the other neighbouring resorts.
Best places to stay in Val d’isere:
Chalet Skadi(€700/night)
Airelles Val d’isere(€1400/night)
Featured Image: Best ski resorts in the Alps. Relaxing on a blue-sky day on the snow.
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