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SnowWorld's top 12 ski areas

Did you know, you can ski and snowboard almost all over Europe? Even in Spain, just outside Madrid, there are slopes on natural snow. The most famous ski areas are generally in Austria, France, Switzerland or Italy. We list the best ski areas for you.

The different winter sports countries

WINTER SPORTS IN AUSTRIA

By far the most famous winter sports country is Austria. Known for its cozy and authentic mountain cabins and famous for its après-ski. Austria is slightly more expensive than France, but in return you get the authentic Austrian winter sports atmosphere. 

In general, the ski resorts in Austria are quite extensive and connected to several villages, so you will not get bored during your ski vacation in Austria

WINTER SPORTS IN FRANCE

So skiing in France is a lot more affordable compared to Austria. On the other hand, you do have a bit less après-ski - depending on where you are. Ski resorts in France are often snow-assured, because the areas in the French Alps are generally high up. In addition, the nice thing about France is that many hotels are located on the slopes! France is really a winter sports country to cover a lot of kilometers: if you consider a winter sports holiday in France, then you really choose for the sport!

WINTER SPORTS IN SWITZERLAND

Life in Switzerland is already a bit more expensive everywhere, and so is a winter vacation. If you choose a ski vacation in Switzerland, you are generally choosing luxury.

WINTER SPORTS IN ITALY, NORWAY, CZECHIA, SPAIN ETC.

These winter sports countries are also becoming more familiar to the Dutch winter sports audience. A ski vacation in Italy is by far the best known of the bunch, but providers like Dutchweek also go to a ski resort in Norway every year. So the other countries are also becoming increasingly popular.

SnowWorlds top 12

1. Espace Killy

The name of this area in France might not tell you much, but the villages of Tignes or Val d'Isere might! Tignes, one of the most famous ski villages in the area, has hosted a number of freeride events and is therefore also known for its off-piste capabilities. Both Tignes and Val d'Isere are two of the highest ski villages in the world. Snow is therefore as good as guaranteed! Because of the many facilities for children, Espace Killy is also very child-friendly. Convenient if you go on ski vacation with the whole family.

2. Les 3 Vallées

By far the largest ski area in the world is Les 3 Vallées in France. With the famous Val Thorens as its highest point, this ski area will surely not have escaped your notice. In addition, well-known ski villages such as Courchevel and Meribel also are included in this wide area. Going down a high slope with stunning views or among the trees, the choice of slopes is vast. This also ensures that both experienced skiers and beginners can enjoy themselves to the full here. Les 3 Vallées is also a good option for winter sports with children. There is even a mini club for the smallest snow fans.

3. Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes, despite its compact size, is a powdery ski resort in France. Because of this, there is less challenge for the skier who likes to ski day tours. But because of the glacier in the area, the area is snow-assured for a very long time, so you can go there for a long time during the year. Besides the slopes, Les Deux Alpes also has a wide range of other activities such as an ice skating rink, ice climbing or paragliding.

4. Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn (Salzburgerland)

Quite a mouthful, but a result of many mergers between ski areas. In short, lots of winter sports fun! Skiing in Austria is guaranteed fun, so too in this ski area! Due to the many runs between the trees and slopes around the main villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm, this area is ideal for various tours.

 

5. Zillertal Arena

Zillertal Arena in Austria, with Gerlos as its central spot, is very popular among Dutch winter sports enthusiasts. This also ensures that there are many Dutch ski instructors working in the ski area. Due to the many different types of slopes, both beginners and advanced skiers can have a great time.

6. Filzmoos (Salzburgerland)

Filzmoos is located in the middle of Ski Amadé and has 20 kilometers of slopes. Filzmoos is one of 25 ski villages in Ski Amadé, Austria's largest ski paradise with as many as 760 kilometers of slopes. Filzmoos is known for its guaranteed snow and easy slopes. Ideal for winter sports with young children or if you are a novice skier. If you are tired of skiing for a while, take a hike! With well-maintained hiking trails you will make a beautiful trip.

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7. Ski Arlberg

With Lech and Sankt Anton, this area in Austria is very well known among Dutch guests, even the Royal Family. Not only for the challenging slopes you can go here, but also for a cozy après ski! Thanks to its location, there is plenty of snow and runs on the slopes are almost always possible.

8. Alpe d’Huez

You may know the name Alpe d'Huez as a cycling mecca, but there is also more than fine skiing to be had. This challenging ski area is part of Grand Domaine, a ski area ideal for beginners as well as seasoned adventurers. Because of the many options after skiing such as stores, bars and restaurants, there is something for everyone!

9. Zell am See - Kaprun (Salzburgerland)

The frozen bank of the Zeller, the glacier on the 3,000-meter-high Kitzsteinhorn, ensures that this area of Austria is also snowy. Both advanced and first-time skiers can have a great time in this area. Also with families, Zell am See is a great ski area, however, this area attracts a somewhat younger audience.

10. Zermatt

Zermatt is a Swiss ski resort known for its views of the famous mountain "the Matterhorn. Also here you ski on a glacier, which makes the area snow-sure. From Zermatt it is also possible to ski into Italy.

11. Livigno

Livigno, the only Italian ski resort in this list, is located at an altitude of 1820 meters and between the Stelvio and Engadin national parks. Livigno has an isolated location, which makes the area very snowy, sunny but also very cold.

12. Gstaad

Just to the right of Lake Geneva you will find the winter sports village of Gstaad. Perhaps unknown, but Gstaad is known as one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in the world. For a ski pass you pay between 400 and 450 euros for a week, the average for an affordable stay hovers between 1,500 and 2,000 euros for a week with 2 people. Prices of 25,000 euros for a week are certainly not out of the question.

If you ask us what the best ski area is, we say: as long as there is snow! Do you want to book a winter holiday soon? Then check out our partner Tui Winter Sports. In addition, do not forget to prepare well. How? Read it in our other blogs. Want to experience the feeling of the snow? Then book a lesson or reserve your track time at SnowWorld.

Get prepared for winter sports