St Anton, Austria

This is a fantastic resort that’s situated in the Arlberg and also between a range of different towns and villages in Western Austria. The area is snow secure and a actually the home of the modern snow slalom – it was invented here.

St Anton, Austria by Nick

Verbier, Switzerland

Situated just on the border between south west Austria and Italy’s northern border, this is a luxury ski resort with access to the Four Valleys lifting system. This means that it’s large and efficient and is as ideal for those looking to party as for families. This can be best seen from the mixture of Prada laden skiers performing side by side with silver taped skiers. So, whether you’re looking for luxury and the best of the best, or just a decent apartment at a good going rate, there’s plenty of choice. It’s also a great place for night’s out and is busy throughout the season.

Davos, Switzerland

This town is surrounded by a number of lifts and these allow access to a range of areas. Davos is also the highest town on the continent. Parsenn and Jakobshorn are the most well-known and also incorporate the most kinds of skiers. Slopes themselves are quite moderate, though there are some more challenging areas too. The area is served by a free transport service and the town itself provides a nice mixture of skiing, shopping and also cuisine.

Le Grand Massif, France

Those looking for a great value trip that is free of many of the pretensions of the typical big French resort will be happy to come across Le Grand Massif. The area is around an hour from Geneva airport and situated near Samoen and Morillon. The area offers an extensive range that most skiers will find the sort of area for them. The area is also beautiful during the summer time and offers amazing lakes, waterfalls and hikes throughout.

In addition, the towns of Samoen and Morillon offer working places where people live and are fully functioning all year round – something a lot of ski towns can’t claim. This means there are all sorts of shops, markets, entertainment and things going on throughout the four seasons. If you’re looking for a luxury ski chalet France for less, this is the place to go.

Le Grand Massif, France by Richard Allaway

Chamonix, France

The love/hate relationship people have with Chamonix is foretold aplenty. The area offers some of the world’s best skiing conditions, however it’s also extremely busy and too much room is not generally something people complain about. It’s a good place for people who like off-piste.

These are just some of the best Alps ski resorts on offer but some of our favourites. Where do you find offers more?

By Cormac Reynolds

Cormac Reynolds writes a range of articles for travel and tourism websites. He loves travel, food, sport and trekking too.

The post 5 Of The Best Resorts In The Alps appeared first on Europe Explored.

I enjoy a variety of winter sports and have been fortunate enough to visit a number of leading resorts. Here are my top 10 ski resorts in Europe:

1. Davos

The resort of Davos in Switzerland is most obviously associated with gatherings of the rich and famous. This should not, however, ignore the fact that it is also a location that provides beautiful ski conditions and a wide variety of entertainment.

Davos, Switzerland by Flyout

2. Verbier

The Swiss resort of Verbier is known as a place where you can enjoy luxurious accommodation, great ski conditions, wonderful restaurants and plenty of entertainment in the evenings. If you are looking for thriving nightlife, then Verbier clearly has a lot to offer.

3. St Anton

If you follow professional skiing, then you’ll know that Austria has a rich history in this area. It should come as no surprise, therefore, to see Austrian resorts within this list. The skiing in St Anton is fantastic and it’s worth noting that the resort is popular with leading celebrities too.

4. Levi

One of the advantages of choosing for a resort in Finland is that you’ll find that the ski season there is really extended. Indeed, you may even find that it’s possible to enjoy a ski vacation during the early part of the summer.

At first, you may feel that this seems a little unnatural. My own view is that it’s something that should certainly be embraced.

Levi, Finland by Leo-setä

5. Chamonix

Possibly the finest resort in France, where you can expect to have a pretty impressive experience. From gourmet food to stylish, French chic, this is a location that is not to be missed.

6. Pas de la Casa

Located within the tiny state of Andorra (in the Pyrenees, on the border between France and Spain), I have enjoyed skiing here in the past. If you do get bored, then it’s also nice to know that you have possibilities available to you in southern France and northern Spain, which are both within easy reach of Andorra.

7. Bansko

One of the newly emerging budget resorts, this Bulgarian town offers the skiing and entertainment, with a no-frills atmosphere.

Bansko, Bulgaria by Amorphisman

8. Les Arcs

Les Arcs is a French ski resort that caters to all tastes. Whether you are seeking a luxury escape, or a frugal family break, you’ll find that everything is possible in Les Arcs.

9. Livigno

The Italian resort of Livigno often seems to be overlooked, but it actually offers some fantastic budget skiing options. If you want the excitement of an Italian ski resort, without the high prices, then you can’t go far wrong with Livigno.

10. Kraniska Gora

You may already have heard of some of the resorts that I’ve mentioned, but Kraniska Gora is viewed as being a little away from the beaten track. Young families are often thrilled to spend time in this beautiful Slovenian resort.

Keith Barrett always investigates Verbier ski accommodation online, prior to heading for the popular Swiss resort. He also enjoys planning ski trips and experiencing the thrills offered by the slopes.

The post The Top 10 European Ski Resorts appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by m.prinke

Tyrol is one of the most popular Austrian lands at all – not only because of its landmarks such as mountains, forests, mountaineering and winter sports, but also because of traditional folklore. Land, situated to the west of Austria is divided into a larger North Tyrol and smaller East Tyrol. Those two parts are separated by the city of Salzburg. But its metropolis and the largest city of the Land is Innsbruck.

The entire area of Tyrol is covered by Tyrolean Alps. Broad and deep valley of the Inn river forms a natural border between the northern – limestone Alps and central – crystalline Alps.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by NH53

Tyrol is now mainly known as winter ski vacation, the most famous centers include Kitzbühel, St. Anton im Tirol, Kaiserwinkl or Lienzer Dolomiten. All Tyrolean ski areas have high quality facilities and offer a wide range of sports. Great selection of slopes, sun and snow will satisfy even the most demanding skiers. Evening staying in a nice warm pub with good food and “schnapps” with a typical Tyrolean background music enhances the mountainous romance.

Equally attractive is the Tyrol in the summer, which is a popular destination for hiking. The most beautiful trails leading across the Stubai Alps, Ötztal Alps, Kitzbühel Alps and Zillertal Alps, can be defeated on foot or by bike. Natural beauty of mountain valleys, streams and snow-covered Alpine peaks scenery guarantee an unforgettable holiday. The more experience you can enjoy by visiting the renowned summer Festival of Early Music at Ambras Castle. You can stay in Tyrolean metropolis and enjoy the quality and hospitality of Innsbruck hotels or after a hard sporty day relax in numerous thermal baths and water worlds.

View Tyrol – a paradise for hikers, climbers and lovers of mountains Austria in a larger map

The post Tyrol – a paradise for hikers, climbers and lovers of mountains | Austria appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by stuben.com

Resort St.Anton-St.Christoph-Stuben offers a total of 115 km of ski slopes, which are located at an altitude ranging from 1304 metres to 2811 meters above sea level. 49 kilometres are ski slopes of blue difficulty, 53 km are of red slopes and 13 kilometers of tracks boasts black level. Additional 100 kilometres are off the groomed slopes.

There are a total of 38 lifts in operation here (5 cabins, 17 chair lifts, 16 poma lifts). They can transport over 58,000 skiers per hour. Of course there is a number of snow parks and a ski schools and you can even use approximately 40 km of cross-country ski trails.

Lifts in St.Anton-St.Christoph-Stuben runs from 8:45am to 4:15pm. Adult daily ski pass costs €45.50, and six-day ski pass costs €219.

An offer of après-ski activities in the village of Stuben can not even compare to the well known and famous St.Anton, the legendary town, which is the main site of an area. But anyway Stuben is still very nice and suitable for all types of skiers and offers really nice skiing in Austrian Alps with great view of the surrounding peaks.

For further information visit an official site of Stuben ski resort.

View Stuben – Cradle of Alpine Skiing Austria in a larger map

The post Stuben – Cradle of Alpine Skiing | Austria appeared first on Europe Explored.