Skiing in Europe

There is a bewildering amount of choice and many factors to consider when it comes to deciding where to ski in Europe. Are you most interested in a wide range of pistes? A traditional village? Guaranteed snow conditions? Après Ski? Family friendly? Just some of the factors to think about when choosing a resort.

Famous for the Hahnenkamm racecourse, the most challenging on the world cup circuit, Kitzbuhel has large, attractive and varied slopes. There is a wide range of accommodation, ranging from elegant and expensive hotels to low budget guest house accommodation. Off the slopes there are good amenities for non-skiers plus a vibrant nightlife and lively mountain restaurants.

Nightlife is one of the things St Anton is famed for. The resort has a reputation as Austria`s most glamorous and the nightlife reflects this glitzy image. However the skiing provides plenty of challenges as well, with lots of slopes for intermediates and excellent powdery snow particularly around the powder bowls of Valluga. Heavy snowfalls and back up snow machines mean that you can enjoy the sunny slopes to the full, especially with the excellent lift system.

Famed for being amongst the most picturesque of all European resorts, Cortina has excellent beginner slopes and is good for intermediate skies looking for long cruising runs. For expert skiers there is access to the Sella Ronda and other Dolomite super ski resorts. The resort is very attractive with lots of up-market shops, reflecting its position as among the most expensive of Italian resorts.

St Moritz has a spectacular panoramic setting, beside a lake. The resort offers good snow, extensive and largely intermediate slopes and good mountain restaurants. Off piste there are a wide range of activities including the famous Cresta run. There is a wide choice of après ski activities to suit all tastes. In addition the resort can be reached by direct rail access from Zurich.

With 250km of trails Zermatt offers good skiing for every level and is particularly good for intermediates. Snowboarders are also welcome. Set against the backdrop of the Matterhorn, the altitude means reliable snow conditions. The village has an alpine charm, with the additional benefit of being car free but with some smart shops. There are some excellent mountain restaurants and an extensive and varied nightlife.

Chamonix, which includes the Mont Blanc Masif as one of its surrounding peaks, offers rugged beauty as well as excellent off piste, snowboarding and good intermediate skiing. For those interested in non-skiing activities there is snow mobiling and ice climbing. A casino forms part of the excellent après ski on offer.

Val D`Isere is one of the world`s best resorts for expert skiers, including excellent lift -served off piste. The resort is linked with Tignes to offer a huge skiing area, with runs for all level s. The high altitude means almost guaranteed snow. The attractive town is well featured amongst package holidays and offers a wide range of accommodation and lively night life.

With five villages making up the resort and linking in to the extensive trois valles, Courcheval has something for everyone, including some of the most exclusive restaurants and hotels in the Alps. The slopes are varied and extensive, with particularly good facilities for beginners and lots of long easy runs for less confident intermediates plus more challenging slopes for experts. There is a good life system.

Davos offers long intermediate runs, particularly in the Parsenn area, spread over six different areas and good cross country. There is also good walking and shopping off piste. It has a big city feel, however for those seeing more of a traditional alpine atmosphere, Klosters is nearby.

Kranjska Gora in Slovenia is one of the birthplaces of downhill ski and offers good downhill, cross country plus ski jumping nearby. The slopes are good for beginners and intermediates. The town centre is attractive and old and offers an excellent choice of accommodation and après ski.

Snow conditions in Europe do vary, particularly in resorts situated at lower altitudes and package holidays are available for even the most glitzy resorts, so it is always worth looking out for holiday deals, particularly when conditions are favourable.