Verbier, Switzerland

Often dubbed as Europe’s premiere skiing destinations, Verbier does not disappoint. You will be enticed by the flourishing international atmosphere and trendy bars and restaurants in this French-speaking area of Switzerland.  Rub shoulders with old money living the champagne life to family holiday-makers and young European travellers on a budget in the après scene.

Verbier, Switzerland by Leo-setä

The magical snow topped chalets in Verbier village nestle in a sunny bowl is truly a picturesque site. The Swiss destination has an abundance of hostels to luxurious chateaus where celebrities congregate.

Skiers will enjoy the 400km terrain and beginners can practice their carving skills with experienced instructors. Experienced snow ski enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the intense black runs and off-piste terrain Verbier offers.

Innsbruck, Austria

This western Austrian city is world renowned for excellent slopes and powder during peak months of December to March. Europeans and international ski aficionados flock to Austria to revel in cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skating.

Innsbruck, Austria by James Cridland

The city has a strong winter sport history and has hosted 4 Winter Olympic Games. Its beginner friendly and also challenging for elite athletes ready for a hair-raising experience.

Snowboarders rejoice with the intense vertical Nordpark. Take the Nordketten cable car from the city centre. This is the gateway to embark on your snow adventure and you will find the majestic vistas mesmerising. This is a cloud-free panorama for an astonishing 350 days a year.

Those who are truly experienced should try Hafelekarrinne. This is one of the steepest runs in Europe and not for the fainthearted!

Innsbruck also features the Nitro Pro Skylinepark where you will be treated to picturesque views of the Innsbruck skyline. Just take the Nordkettenbahn cable car up to winter sport heaven! Hoards of boarders, skiers and elite athletes flock to this park to board and ski in cutting-edge facilities but be prepared for some queues.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is championed as the most prestigious skiing destination in France with 108km of pistes and five ski resorts. You will discover an array of bistros and restaurants that suit every palate, from gastronomic French cuisine to hearty Italian.

Chamonix, France by Jason Hickey

Take to the slopes of Vallee Blanche and explore the glaciers and crevasses. Chamonix is more than accommodating to beginners. There are five different beginners areas to hone your skills including Le Tour and Les Pianards close to the Chamonix centre.

Chamonix is undoubtedly a winter wonderland and an experience you can’t miss if you plan to Ski Europe.

After a tiring day on the slopes, satiate that appetite with scrumptious wining and dining options and select from restaurants specialising in organic local produce. There is also a great mix of cafes and delis for lunchtime cravings.

Rebecca Parish+ is a fan of exotic travel destinations and quirky adventures.

The post Ultimate European Skiing appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by Zugspitze.de

The resort in the valley of Loisach river offers a completely ideal ski conditions and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1936, World Cup in downhill skiing in 1978, FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2011 and many others. It is ideal both for lovers of challenging downhill skiing as well as cross-country skiers. In addition, Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort offers a skating track, slopes for alpine skiing and other winter sports.

Popular resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is divided into two areas; Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze.

Garmisch Classic has 40 kilometers of slopes at an altitude ranging from 700m to 2050m and consists of winding slopes leading below the peaks Hausberg, Kreuzjoch and Osterfelderkopf. Here you find both family slopes and killer black slope called Kandahar, which is the most difficult slope of all in the area.

Slopes on the Zugspitze glacier are situated at an altitude ranging from 2050m – 2962m and are mostly red, nicely rugged. The peak of the highest German mountain offers spectacular views over the surrounding Alpine peaks. Since this area is situated on the glacier, it provides a good snow conditions from November to May

Photo by Zugspitze.de

Ski pass prices and opening hours
You can buy Top Snow Card which allows you to use the extended range of up to 87 lifts in 215 km of slopes in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort and the wider area. Two-day ticket costs €72,50 for adults and €43,50 for children from 6 to 15 years. Seven-day card costs €218 and €131 for children.

The area also offers a top-level service and luxury hotels and atmosphere of a real mountain resort. You can find here also a ski school, rental equipment and a variety of wellness services.

For further information visit Zugspitze.de.

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