Home » Travel Destinations » Best Snow Ski Holiday Spots: A Mix of Luxury and Thrills
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I believe that the incredible rush of excitement you get just before starting a run is the reason so many people adore skiing. One of the most well-liked winter sports in the world, skiing is difficult to perfect and calls for a lot of ability and technique.
I love skiing! But before I took my first ski trip twenty-one years ago, I had no idea why anyone would want to spend a week outside in the bitter cold and snow. And to crown it all, I am NOT a fan of cold weather. I am THE biggest fan of summer! The warmer, the better.
However, what you don’t do for love. Due to some modest peer pressure from my then-partner/now-husband, I gave in to joining him on a ski trip. And that was it. I was convinced after the first trip.
I remember that at the time of our first ski trip, I thought snow skiing was the ultimate idea for corporate team building. There is a challenge for everyone, no matter your rank or title. Besides the breathlessly beautiful surroundings of Mother Nature, it is a great social experience.
Our annual ski-holidays were non-negotiable, and apart from Megêve, we made a point of always skiing in a new location. It’s such a terrific way to travel and discover unfamiliar places in the world. However, Megêve was SO worth breaking our tradition that we returned three times!
To conclude from my personal ski experience, it is the best for burning calories and losing a few kg’s despite indulging in cheese, goulash soup, gluhwein and, and, and!
So, what is there NOT to love about skiing! I hope you enjoy my selection of ski resorts. From my days as beginner, to double-black diamond skiing* in California (which I’ll chat about in the follow-up article).
Happy skiing!
*Double-black diamond skiing: These are the mountain’s most difficult and hazardous runs. Double black diamond runs are steep and are frequently located near the summit of the ski resort. Additionally, they could be small, feature trees, cliffs, or cornices that drop into the run. These trails should only be used by experienced skiers.
Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, France
World Ski Awards crowned Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel as the World’s Best Ski Resort Company 2023. So you’re in good company when you ski Kitz!
This small ski village is ideal for beginner skiers and family fun in the snow.
St. Anton is well known for its amazing off-piste skiing, copious snowfall, and wild après-ski scene. And since it is connected to the 306 km of slopes that make up the Ski Arlberg, things have only gotten better.
According to FOREX Ski Index, Bansko is the 3rd cheapest ski resort for 2024. The FOREX Ski Index shows the cost of spending a week at 30 ski resorts worldwide. It includes prices for lift passes and equipment rental.
Every ski run leads to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Dolomites’ queen! This treasure is difficult to match, especially when it comes to skiing.
The Axamer Lizum is a ski resort that welcomes athletes of all levels and the entire family. Every valley run concludes at the guest and bus parking area. Nine ski lifts and a contemporary funicular serve the major Olympic ski area at Axamer Lizum, which has a vertical drop of 762 meters (2,477 feet).
Briançon is a gateway to the Serre Chevalier ski resort, one of the largest ski areas in Europe.
In the heart of Portes du Soleil lies Avoriaz, where twelve French and Swiss resorts meet up. Avoriaz is free of vehicles and 100 ski in/ski out.
At the center of the Domaine Évasion Mont-Blanc, Megève is a sizable ski resort with 235 slopes for all skill levels and pleasures, ranging in altitude from 1113 to 2350 meters.
According to FOREX Ski Index, Zakopane is the 2nd cheapest ski resort for 2024. The cheapest ski destination of the year is Kopaonik in Serbia.
Snow skiing and snowboarding must-haves!
Source: Statista Research Department
In 2024, France’s Les Trois Vallées was ranked as the best ski area in the world with a ski index score of 84.42 out of 100. Meanwhile, Les Portes du Soleil on the French-Swiss border ranked second, scoring 76.71.
As of 2024, Italy’s Bardonecchia was the most budget-friendly ski resort in Europe, according to an analysis of 36 destinations in the region. The total average weekly cost of skiing at the Italian resort was roughly €619 (£532). On the other hand, the average weekly cost in Ruka, Finland, was estimated at nearly €856 (£735).
In 2024, Jahorina in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the most budget-friendly European ski resort for families, according to an analysis of 36 destinations in Europe. That year, the average total cost of a one-week ski package for a family of four was roughly €1,928 (£1,657) at Jahorina. The same package at Geilo in Norway cost an average of €2,588 (£2,205).
With your expert guide by your side, enjoy a spectacular 4-day snowshoe journey in the Pallastunturi National Park.
Rovaniemi is home to Ounasvaara Ski Resort, which offers a variety of slopes for different skill levels. Ounasvaara features downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing trails. The resort provides a scenic winter sports experience with the added charm of being located near the Arctic Circle, where you can also enjoy other winter activities like seeing the Northern Lights and visiting Santa Claus Village.
From Alta to Karasjok, this is the traditional scooter excursion across the Finnmarksvidda. Listed as one of the top five travel destinations in the world by Forbes Travel Guide and referred to as “the inner file of Finnmark.”
The Alta Ski Resort, also known as SarvesAlta Ski Resort, provides a range of slopes suitable for different skill levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. Additionally, Alta is famous for its cross-country skiing trails, offering extensive networks that cater to enthusiasts of this sport. The area is also well-known for its opportunities to experience the Northern Lights, making it a popular winter destination.
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