OK, 2020 hasn’t been a classic year for adventure pursuits.
But lockdown will end. And when it does, what better way to celebrate our freedom to travel than by enjoying the phenomenal ski and snowboarding opportunities that exist across Europe?
Whether you’re seeking gentle slopes followed by a steaming hot chocolate at the chalet or off-piste adrenaline-fuelled madness, European ski resorts have something for every skill level.
And with most ski resorts staying open until April/May, we’re optimistic that this damn pandemic won’t stand in the way of some serious fun in the new year (roll on 2021, eh?).
That’s why battleface has put together a list of the best European ski and snowboard destinations to get your adventure fix.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Boasting the scene-stealing magnificence of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the most-beloved ski resorts on the planet for a reason. Its car-free town ticks every box going for weathered but charming chalets crouched amongst narrow streets. The resort has 200km of pistes across three linked areas but favours more-experienced skiers and snowboarders over novices or young children.
Find out more here: https://www.zermatt.ch/en/ski
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131806380@N05/45287081244/in/photolist-2bZS8tA-2hijhT6-4AWrT-RXLwPn-2hjTMrX-3KD2o1-MbebGE-Mbe9Qo-N5SJiw-N5SG7C-MXKiRN-MXJNao-N8Y5KV-2j2DWte-MFKyZN-7F2Tsr-MbecBL-aqejug-2jgG6wG-N8Yn6a-5RqFmm-fiNhxx-MFKMSb-KFu7WK-KFu83r-KFu7xt-MXKoiJ-2iZRKmN-LbS4SC-KFu8Rv-MXK1HQ-KFu8oB-KFu8xz-Lzk8Yd-LbS5C5-Lzk99y-KFu2gM-KFu7jc-KFu7ci-5Rmemk-Lzk8uN-MXKpwL-Lzk8bm-29itks5-2jiPFC4-fj39Vs-29itk7L-aqej6n-fj3qF5-fiNasB
Image by Rob Hodgkins
Sölden, Austria
Sölden holds the honour of hosting the first Alpine World Cup races of the season (in October) and was also the shooting-location for several scenes from the 2015 James Bond film Spectre. If that’s not enough to get you booking a flight, it also has one of the best après ski scenes in Europe with a host of bars and clubs welcoming revellers into the early hours.
Find out more here: https://www.soelden.com/winter.html
Image by Leo-setä
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
One of the oldest ski resorts in Europe, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the jewel in the crown of the Italian Dolomites – not least because of its reputation as a winter mecca for some of Europe’s most chic citizens. Although beginners are well catered for, it’s intermediates who will get the most out of its three unlinked ski areas.
Find out more here: https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Ski-areas/Cortina-d-Ampezzo
Image by Leo-setä
Val Thorens, France
Being the highest ski resort in Europe (at 2,300 metres) means purpose-built Val Thorens is the go-to destination for guaranteed snow cover anytime between November and May. The slopes here range from beginner level all the way to advanced – meaning mixed-ability groups are well catered for.
Find out more here: https://www.valthorens.com/en/
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Image by Richard Allaway
Megève, France
The medieval centre of Megève has drawn the rich and powerful from French society for as long as anyone can remember (well, at least one hundred years, anyway). But fear not, those on a slightly-more meagre budget have plenty of options as well. And with an extensive skiing area (best suited to intermediates), why leave it to the elite to have all the fun?
Find out more here: https://megeve.com/en/winter/the-village/discovery/
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Image by Leo-setä
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