Winter has officially arrived and for some people that can only mean one thing, it’s time to dig out the ski gear and hit the slopes! Not only does a ski trip help ease those winter blues; it is also a great opportunity to get out and explore breathtaking mountains in all of their glory. The best ski destination in Europe is undoubtedly the Alps, home to the largest ski area in the world as well as plenty of snow-sure resorts. With so much variety and choice, it can be difficult to choose the perfect resort for you. That is why we have picked our top three ski resorts in the Alps to help you with your decision.
Val d’Isere – France
Val d’Isere is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps and it is not hard to understand why with world-class runs, extravagant après ski parties and a phenomenal selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. This resort caters for everyone. For families, there are three nursery slope areas and plenty of ski schools for both children and adults to learn the basics. In the evenings, the resort’s leisure centre will keep the kids entertained with its choice of swimming pools, ice skating and climbing walls. For large groups looking for a good time, Val d’Isere is renowned for its electrifying nightlife and boisterous après ski parties at the mountain bar, La Folie Douce. On top of all this, Val d’Isere has some of the best ski slopes in France and is home to the infamous La Face black run which has become somewhat of a rite of passage for those visiting the resort.
Meribel – France
Situated at the heart of the World’s largest ski area, the location of the French ski resort of Meribel couldn’t be better. Charming in appearance and with runs for all levels as well as access to over 600km of pistes, Meribel is hard to beat. Meribel is surrounded by other world class ski resorts including the highest ski resort in France, Val Thorens as well as beautiful Courchevel and La Tania and with blue runs in and out of the resort, all levels of skier can get out and explore the area. The resort banned the building of large hotels or apartment blocks meaning the majority of the accommodation is made up of chalets, ideal for families and large groups. British tour operator Mark Warner has a great selection of chalets in Meribel which are ideal for families.
St Anton – Austria
If you are looking to ski hard and party harder, then St Anton, located high up in the Alberg region of the Austrian Alps, is the place for you. With plenty of snowfall and over 300km of pistes, the resort is almost always guaranteed to have plenty of snow all season long. Looking for some serious off-piste skiing? St Anton is up there with the best with plenty of areas to venture off into the fresh powder and 55km of marked off-piste areas. The resort caters for intermediate and advanced skiers but there are beginners’ zones and an abundance of ski schools. When the sun goes down, St Anton really comes to life. The party starts at the après bars scattered around the resort and on the mountain and continues until dawn in the town’s bars and nightclubs.
Image Credits: KCXD and Jerome Bon Flickr, (Feature) Stocksnap
