If you’re like us and are feeling the post-Christmas and New Year blues, it could mean only one thing: a holiday might be in order. Whilst many dream of lavish vacays in some of the world’s hot beauty spots with all-year-round sun (Yes, we’re thinking Dubai), many look forward to the Winter holidays and all the fun and craziness they can bring. And if you’re reading this article and have never set foot in the Alps or the Piste, below you’ll see why the “The Annual Ski Holiday” in all its glory can be alluring.
We list the top 5 best European Ski resorts for Winter 2024 and how there’s so much more on offer than chasing the blue, red and black runs all day!
Meribel, France
Are you looking to improve your skiing skills? Meribel offers access to the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, with over 600km of slopes that are 60% beginner-friendly. Once you have mastered the basics, you can advance to the more challenging slopes of Courchevel or Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort. Meribel is known for its consistent snow quality, supported by snow cannons to ensure decent slopes for all levels of Skier for a majority of the season.
What’s more, there are many non-ski activities to enjoy whenever you need a break from skiing or if you prefer not to go up the mountain and Ski at all. Non Skiing activities, aside from the great Apres Ski at ‘Le Rond Point’ include husky sledging, snowmobiling, and a 3.4km Mission Black Forest toboggan run, which features 28 exhilarating corners and a whopping 470m vertical drop!
Chamonix, France
There is always something happening in Chamonix, which is widely considered ‘the winter sports capital of Europe’. A century after hosting the first Winter Olympics, Chamonix is a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, climbers, mountaineers, runners, cross-country skiers, and paragliders.
Many visitors enjoy the stunning views of the massif surrounding the Alps’ highest peak, Mont-Blanc. What’s more, Chamonix skiing options are vast, with options for fearless skiers who tackle the steep blacks of le Grand Montets or the favoured Valleé Blanche.
Chamonix is not just for the daredevils, however. Beginners are equally catered for with plenty of green and cruisy pistes, which account for over 150km of placid runs. After a day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy hearty French Alpine cuisine, including Fondue and Tartiflette, and dance the night away in the many Discothèques open to the early hours. Chamonix also boasts a casino, which, according to leading casino guide CasinoFans, comes highly recommended for those in town who love card games or slot machines.
Obergurgl, Austria
In Obergurgl, the highest non-glacier resort in Austria, the snow is deep and crisp thanks to its safe and steady snowfall record. Obergurgl is a tranquil Tyrolean village situated at nearly 2,000m, while lifts reach 3,000m. The Top Mountain Star panoramic bar is perched at the top, boasting must-see views.
Together with those of its even higher sister village of Hochgurgl, a total of 112km of marked and groomed runs are suitable to all types of skiers and snowboarders alike. Most of these runs are blue, fast, and efficient; new-age ski lifts serve them. For those who prefer a more traditional Austrian après-ski experience, it is available just down the valley in the lively Sölden resort.
Verbier (Switzerland)
Located in the Four Valleys, Verbier has been awarded the title of ‘Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort’ for the fifth time in the last six years at the prestigious World Ski Awards 2023. Verbier is a popular destination for the international jet set due to its lively après-ski scene, high-end and luxurious chalets, and the reputation for hosting high-profile events.
The stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the Mont Fort glacier only add to the appeal of this premier Swiss skiing and snowboarding destination. This season, skiers and snowboarders can test their skills at the Verbier Race Experience, a newly dedicated area at the top of the La Tzoumaz-Savoleyres area. With a state-of-the-art timing system and an exhilarating giant slalom course featuring around 15 gates, the Verbier Race Experience is open to everyone to have a go!
St. Anton am Arlberg (Austria)
St Anton Am Arlberg offers a vast terrain that connects with Lech, Zürs, and St. Christoph, making it an excellent option for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and capabilities. Add to that the legendary and bustling après-ski atmosphere, including the Mooserwirt and KrazyKangaruh; it is no wonder that St. Anton consistently ranks among the top ski destinations in Europe.
Moreover, foodies can indulge in a diverse range of gastronomic delights with over 90 restaurants catering to all budgets and tastes, including cosy mountain huts that serve traditional Austrian menus. This season, new restaurants have opened in the Galzig Mountain Station offering great food and stunning views. The village of St. Anton is full of Tyrolean charm, and the resort is a popular choice among those looking for challenging slopes and exciting nightlife.
We hope we’ve inspired you to get on the slopes this season by naming the top 5 of this yearsmust visit resorts. There’s still plenty of time before the lifts shut and summer season in the Alps begins (but… that’s a whole other story to be published soon!).
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