Megeve, France by Leo-setä

Perhaps a beautiful wooden chalet in a rustic alpine hamlet nestled in a picturesque snowy valley is what you are looking for? Unfortunately the most rustic and charming ski resorts are becoming harder to find. They have either given in to the pressures of commercial skiing and grown to become larger ski resorts, struggling to hold on to the idyllic image that once made them popular, or they have rejected this path all together. In the latter scenario this means you are unlikely to be able to get much more than a token bit of skiing in, or won’t see another person all week.

So, which ski resorts  have managed to combine that ‘chocolate box’ scenery with good lift access to quality ski areas, and a fun atmosphere?

Megeve, France

Back in the 1920s, this medieval town became perhaps one of Frances first purpose built ski resorts. Thankfully they had more of an eye for picturesque detail than they did the in the 60s and 70s, so the centre of town really is reminiscent of a fairytale winter destination. The ski area is large, varied and uncrowded, though the lifts system is a little tired in places.

Grand Bornand, France

This historic farming town, also one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva, is amazingly still something of a hidden gem. The classic cobbled town square is the perfect place to grab a sunny coffee and take in the stunning views of the Aravis mountains rising above the eye catching church spire. When you get up onto the mountain things don’t change. The mountain restaurants are all beautiful old farmhouses, and the skiing, on all sides of one main peak, has plenty to keep you entertained for a few days at least.

Grand Bornand, France by Michael McKechnie

Canazei, Italy

This charming village of cobbled streets and traditional buildings is set against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Dolomites. The resort is well linked with the mighty Sella Ronda network of over 433km of pistes, which is the ideal location for those who want to clock up some miles, before settling back and enjoying Italian mountain scenery at it’s best.

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Is Saas Fee one of those resorts that ticks all the boxes? Undeniably it has the mountain charm factor, with it’s car free village centre, good restaurants, family atmosphere and dramatic surroundings. It also has the snow sure factor – most of the 100km of skiing is between 2500 and 3500m. Perhaps the only downside is the limited expert terrain. If you have skied it all, it isn’t far to get to Saas Grund and even Zermatt (which nearly made this list).

Murren, Switzerland by BigJimInDC

Murren, Switzerland

Car free Murren is part of the Jungfrau ski area which includes the slightly better known resorts of Wengen and Grindelwald. Despite having limited nightlife and only a small amount of skiing directly linked to this town, it simply had to make the cut. When you have taken the cable car from town to the Schiltorn, or are looking out across the valley to the most famous of peaks, the Eiger, you will certainly agree.

Alex works for SkiWeekender.com, who specialise in short ski breaks in charming villages of Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Samoens in the French Alps.

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France – Offers the best value for money in Europe. France offers large accommodation resorts, that are situated almost always right on the slope.

Courchevel Ski Resort in Parc national de la Vanoise is one of the best ski resorts in France. It is located in the eastern part of the country, in the region of Rhône-Alpes, in Les Trois Vallées, at an altitude of 1300 – 2740m. Courchevel Ski resort is also the oldest and most luxurious ski resort in Les Trois Vallées. It offers a total of 180 km of slopes of several types. Transport is providing by 25 lifts and 40 ski-tows with a total carrying capacity of 68 350 persons per hour. Ski resort Courchevel is divided into four villages. The lowest one is Courchevel 1300 m, where you can see admire the local architecture. There are houses from the 13th century. Upper one is Courchevel 1550, which offers a nice entry to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 is another historic part with the typical wooden houses of Savoy. The highest part of Courchevel 1850 offers the best access to the lifts. After skiing you can enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and bowling.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leo-setä

Italy – Offers high quality ski slopes and higher quality of Italian accommodation standards. Another positive thing is that there are beautiful mountain sceneries. The disadvantage is that Italians are not consistent, and thus you can often find something that is out of order or goes wrong. You also should start to learn Italian before your trip.

Cortina d’Ampezzo – Olympic slopes with an international atmosphere. In 1956 there were Olympic Winter Games in the resort and became famous also far beyond the borders of Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the village in the Dolomites, surrounded by peaks Tofana (3244 m), Monte Cristallo (3221 m) and Sorapis (3205 m). It is located in the Veneto region, at an altitude of 1224 m.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Peter Stevens

Austria – Offers technically the best equipped ski resorts and also the reliability is very high. However the prices are higher, so skiing in Austria can be really expensive.

St. Anton belongs to the exclusive association of the best Alpine area – Best of the Alps. It offers comfortable St Anton hotels, but even more accommodation options in private. Despite the fact that it is becoming a bit busier resort, it has kept the pleasant and welcoming Tyrol atmosphere. The minor disadvantage of St. Anton are parking fees. Although St. Anton offers over 30 modern lifts, there are often queues in the early morning hours.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by vuorikari

Switzerland – here you can be sure to have snow during your skiing vacations. Switzerland offers comfortable accommodation, skiing in the middle and beautiful contrast between the modern and technologically obsolete lifts. Among the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland are Veysonnaz. It’s one of the most prestigious ski areas, situated near the highest point of Mont Fort (3300 m). Another beautiful alpine ski resort is Saas-Fee, which is located at 1 560-3 600 m. The world-famous Jungfrau ski area offers approximately 190 km of slopes and e.g. Crans Montana have beautiful scenery and excellent skiing.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TRAILSOURCE.COM

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