European ski resorts. Formigal in Spain

Each of us imagines our long-awaited and incredibly desired vacation in our own way. A calm, comfortable and in all respects “warm” pastime on seashore, among green palm trees, golden sand and radiant sun - this is the best option relaxation for those who are tired of hard everyday work and want peace and tranquility. But if the pursued goal is to obtain adrenaline and unforgettable, vivid emotions, then best ski resorts in Europe– exactly what you need.

The ski resort of Sölden is located in Austria and is considered one of most popular places For ski holiday. The height of Sölden is 1377 m, and the total length of the trails is 144 km. The resort has two stations: upper and lower. This place cannot be called serene and calm; fun and delight always reign here.

The basis for skiing, as you know, is snow, or rather, its abundance. Therefore, if you have chosen a ski resort like Sölden, then there will be no problems with a lack of snow, because two glaciers (Tiefenbach and Rettenbach) located here will eliminate any troubles. By the way, the glaciers of this holiday destination are considered one of the largest glaciers in all of Austria, which is why Sölden is so famous and attractive. The resort does not stand still. It is characterized by constant development, the opening of new ski slopes, and at the bottom of some slopes you will be greeted by stunning snow cannons.

Davos has been a ski resort for quite a long time, and it received this proud title back in the days when skiing weren't that popular. Famous for being a member of the Best of the Alps club along with several others famous resorts Switzerland. The city is the highest in Europe.

Davos can be called the purest ski resort in Europe, because people came here to enrich themselves with mountain air back in the 19th century. It is still believed that the climate of this wonderful place cures all diseases and brings peace of mind. The skiing altitude ranges from 1560 to 2844 m, and the length of all slopes is 320 km. Nearby is no less famous resort Klosters, together with which Davos offers as many as 6 ski areas. Tourists come here not only for the descent from the snowy mountain, but also for a cozy holiday in local restaurants and cafes.

Relatively young, but quite actively developing and gaining increasing popularity among tourists from all over the world. The height of Gudauri is 2196 m, and the length of ski trails is 16 km. The lifts take you to a height of just over 3000 m to the top of the mountain, from which you can see a magnificent landscape.

The technical equipment of the resort is new and modern, and all this is thanks to the work of the Austrians. The ski season opens in November and ends in May. The snow cover reaches up to 1.5 m, but despite the height of the mountains and the mass of snow, the climate here is quite warm and mild. The slopes are quite open and spacious, suitable for both professional skiers and beginners.

The best, combining ancient history cities and modern ski areas. Bansko is considered one of the best places for active rest in Europe. The resort is located at an altitude of 936 m, on the territory of Pirin - National Park. The trails in this place, as they say, are for every taste. Everyone who visits Bansko has the opportunity to ride along a unique track that goes deep into the forest and allows you to ride through virgin terrain.

In addition to skiing, snowboarding is also taught here. The resort is quite popular among couples, as there is provision for children kindergarten with its own small ski road. The season lasts from December to April, which is why Bansko attracts many tourists.

The southern part of Spain is known for being home to one of the best and most famous European ski resorts. Numerous trails of any difficulty level are more suitable for ski lovers than for beginners. Sierra Nevada is located near the town of Granada, and in sunny weather from this place you can see the grace of the Atlas Mountains and the open spaces Mediterranean Sea. The snowy regions were formed thanks to the famous Valeta glacier. It is noteworthy that just 20 km from the resort there are palm trees and the seashore.

The center of the Sierra Nevada is Pradollano, a city of snowy peaks. There are so many different bars and cafes here that you want to visit each of them, but there is absolutely no time for this, since the interesting routes of the resort beckon and invite you to plunge into the world of vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions.

The greatest ski resort of the Alps, occupying three entire valleys of Switzerland and. The height of Cervinia is 2050 m. There are so many tracks that you can ski snowy mountains you can go for days and even weeks and never repeat your route, and the height of the slopes is so impressive that it seems as if the lifts are carrying spellbound skiers into the skies. There is more than enough snow here, and the ski season is long (from December to the end of May). It is in Cervinia that you can see outstanding skiers - professionals in their field.

Guests of Cervinia love to spend time in cozy establishments, where they are greeted by friendly staff and well fed. With all the fame and world fame of the resort, prices can hit your pocket, but it's worth it.

No less famous and popular ski resort in Germany. Winterberg is distinguished by its low location of ski slopes, but it attracts visitors because the ski areas are very interesting and do not require high professionalism in skiing. Winterberg is located close to the Dutch border, which is an important factor in attracting tourists to this region. Almost all sites are located in forests, half of which are illuminated at night. There will be no problems with accommodation and food either, because the town can accommodate about 100 thousand tourists.

Encamp will become your favorite ski resort European resort for those who appreciate quiet places with a fascinating history and varied attractions. It combines the mysterious atmosphere of Andorra with excellent ski slopes. The sites are located at an altitude of 1 km. above sea level, which makes the resort attractive for skiers who have recently mastered this sport. The climate here is ideal, as spring is quite warm, and winter is famous for its abundance of snow. Best vacation in Andorra - Encamp, which combines exciting descents from the snow-white mountains and exciting nightlife in local clubs and bars.

This is famous for the longest track in the country, 3 km. The height of Ylläs is 718 m. The resort has 43 downhill slopes, including children's slopes. Here they practice not only skiing, but also sports such as slalom, freeride, snowboarding. For beginners, there are schools and highly professional teachers who will not only teach you how to ski, but also help you get the most out of such an active holiday. maximum benefit. Time spent in Ylläs flies by unnoticed, but with great pleasure and a great mood.

By choosing one of these wonderful European ski resorts , You will not only visit famous countries and enjoy their wonderful landscapes, but also experience incredible emotions that skiing from the snow-white slopes will give you. Have a great holiday!

Recently, more and more skiers and snowboarders from Russia are heading to the Alps. In this post I present to your attention a selection of the 10 best ski resorts in Europe and the most important information things you should know about them.

To begin with, I would like to provide a map showing all the main resorts in the Alps.

Chamonix Mont Blanc (France)

Nearest airports and flight costs to them:

Geneva, 104 km, air ticket Moscow - Geneva 116 Euro two ways;
Lyon, 224 km, air ticket Moscow - Lyon 128 Euro two ways;
Turin, 174 km, air ticket Moscow - Turin 71 Euro two ways;
Bern, 180 km, air ticket Moscow - Bern 348 Euro two ways;
Basel, 276 km, air ticket Moscow - Basel 143 Euro two ways.

Brief description of the resort:(French: Chamonix Mont-Blanc) - one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe and France. Chamonix is located in picturesque place at the foot of the high mountain Europe - Mont Blanc. In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix. Chamonix's most famous descent is the White Valley, 20 km long.

How do you like the idea of conquering some majestic mountain peak in Europe on skis or snowboards? Lose extra pounds after New Year's feasts, breathe in the cleanest air and have fun from the heart? Many of our tourists are delighted, for example, with Sölden! And it's awesome here! This is truly a second Ibiza, a winter option. Where else in Europe, besides excellent, breathtaking trails, great holiday après ski? We have prepared for you a convenient overview of the TOP 6 European ski resorts. Read, choose... And let's go! 🙂

**SOLDEN, Austria – parties until the morning from RUB 73,700. for two, for 7 nights in a 3* hotel with breakfast**

SNOW: The resort is located at a decent altitude, so there is a sea of snow already in December. Awesome freeride, get ready!

SKIING AREA: 1350 – 3340 meters above sea level. Sölden offers 3 peaks over 3 km high: Gaislachkogl, Giggijoch, the Golden Gate, as well as the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers.

APRES- SKI: The noisiest and funniest parties in Tyrol, starting right on the slopes and continuing in the city, open air festivals, 10 discos, 90 restaurants, nice cafes and bars, the sports Freizeitzentsentr - with an indoor pool, sauna, solarium, cinema.

TRAILS AND SKIFS: Mostly simple and medium difficulty. The total length of the trails is 145 km, good trails for beginners are 70 km, a special trail for those studying at the foot of the mountains, intermediate trails are 44.9 km, super difficult trails are 29.2 km. Modern high-speed lifts go down to the central streets and hotels.

FOR SNOWBOARDERS: Snowboard park with jumps, rails, walls, half-pipe and an amazing boardercross track, off-piste skiing on glaciers.

SEASON: Almost all year round, the snowiest period is from December to April.

**VAL DI FASSA, Italy – endless trails and routes from RUB 52,100. for two, for 7 nights in a 2* hotel with breakfast**

SNOW: The heights are average, but there is no doubt about the presence of snow on the slopes. Plus, almost 100% of the trails are equipped with snow cannons. Off-piste skiing is difficult.

SKIING AREA: 1320 – 2950 meters above sea level. An unimaginably huge area where you can roll out - it can compete with Austria. Val di Fassa is part of the Sella Ronda system, which unites 4 large resort areas - Alta Badia, Arabba Marmolada, Val di Fassa and Val Gardena.

APRES- SKI: Many cafes and restaurants, sleigh rides, toboggan, sports center with an Olympic swimming pool with saunas and massages.

TRAILS AND SKIFS: Includes 470 lifts, 1,220 km of pistes and is part of the world's largest ski alliance, Dolomiti Superski. Easy (blue) – 244 km, medium difficulty (red) – 854 km, difficult (black) – 122 km.

FOR SNOWBOARDERS: 2 snowboard parks with half-pipes.

SEASON: In the presence of snow - from November to April.

**MAYRHOFEN, Austria – frenzy and eternal holiday from 48,320 rubles. for two, for 7 nights in a 3* hotel**

SNOW: High mountainous region, reliable snow throughout the season.

SKIING AREA: 630 – 2500 meters above sea level. The territory includes the regions Penken, Horberg, Raskogel, Eggalm. Ahorn stands out separately - ideal for parents with children, with a study area.

APRES- SKI: Lively night life, restaurants, cafes, bars, disco clubs. One of the most famous bars in Austria, ICE BAR, is located at the bottom station of the Penkenbahn lift. Family water park Erlebnisbad with water slides and Crazy River - plunge into summer! International festival of dance and electronic music Snowbombing - thunders in April. National Austrian evenings, theatrical performances.

TRAILS AND SKIFS: Mayrhofen boasts the longest cable car, the steepest slope in Austria - Harakiri (slope 78%), 136 km of slopes: 40 km blue, 66 km red, 30 km black. 57 lifts, 5 gondolas start from different villages of the valley.

FOR SNOWBOARDERS: You won't be bored! There is a town for snowboarders, a Vans Penken park with 6 thematic areas - a pleasure for fans of freestyle and snowboarding of all levels, with its own 4-chair lift, a huge rainbow box, half-pipes, rails, jumps and 6 more parks.

SEASON: From early December to April.

ZELL AM SEE, Austria – the most democratic and romantic resort in Tyrol, from RUB 51,990. for two, for 7 nights in a 2* hotel with breakfast

SNOW: There is a lot of snow, but few queues and people - perfect!

SKIING AREA: 750 – 2000 meters above sea level. In the Salzburg region of Pinzgau. Without coolness and big size, but there are quite a few places to go for a ride, and for the beauty of nature near the frozen lake - simply the highest score!

APRES- SKI: Classical-aristocratic. Quiet evenings near the fireplace with a mug of mulled wine in the company of family or friends. You can go to Salzburg or Munich for a day. The resort has 90 restaurants, 35 cafes, 35 night bars, health Center with indoor pool, sauna and solarium.

TRAILS AND SKIFS: Dedicated to beginners and advanced students. Although there are 2 steep black trails from the very top down, the Kaprun Glacier. 130 km of trails include beginner trails - 25 km, intermediate trails - 27 km, and the most difficult ones - 25 km. More than 40 brand new lifts.

FOR SNOWBOARDERS: Well, they are not extreme sports enthusiasts, not extreme sports enthusiasts... Although there is a fun park and a half-pipe.

SEASON: From late December to April.

ISCHL, Austria – for professionals in skiing and crazy apres-ski, from RUB 108,980. for two, for 7 nights in a 4* hotel with breakfast

SNOW: Stable snow cover throughout the season.

SKIING AREA: 1400 – 2864 meters above sea level. A wonderful area in the Paznaun Valley, diverse and compact, close to the Swiss border.

APRES- SKI: After skating - wild parties. Inexpensive shopping at prices below duty free. Gastronomic restaurants for gourmets. Cool swimming pool and sauna with a nightclub, cafes, bars, restaurants.

TRAILS AND SKIFS: Ischgl has both forested and treeless ski areas. There are 38 km of trails for beginners, 155 km for intermediate skiers, and a sufficient number of black trails for pros – 45 km. More than 40 lifts, including the world's first double-decker lift for 180 people.

FOR SNOWBOARDERS: Huge valleys of untouched virgin soil, 4 jumps, a half-pipe with music, a fun park - just paradise!

Ski resorts have a lot of nuances that affect the quality of your vacation. Some shortcomings “pop up” when changing something is problematic. This question is especially acute for those who are going to ski resorts for the first time.

When choosing a ski resort, you need to proceed from two parameters: the amount you are willing to spend on your vacation, and your wishes regarding the conditions of your vacation.

With the price, everything is more or less clear: there are cheaper/more expensive hotels, the price depends on the rise/fall in demand ( New Year's tours 15-20% more expensive than the same thing at the end of January), the cost will increase by different Additional services and so on.

How to determine the criteria of the resort itself?

Ski resorts in Europe

Difficulty level of ski slopes

Ski slopes in Europe are usually marked with a certain color depending on their difficulty. Each resort has its own set of trails, information about which should be clarified when choosing a vacation spot.

Green route– the easiest level, for children and beginner skiers. The track is usually quite wide, the slope is no more than 15%, the snow is treated with a snowcat (a special machine that compacts freshly fallen snow and levels the surface of the slope, since deep ruts and unevenness form when skiing on it)
Blue track– simple difficulty level, similar to green, but has a steeper slope (from 10% to 25%). Processed with a snowcat. Those who have mastered the most basic skiing skills move here

An example of ski slope markings in Europe

Red route– average level of difficulty, can be quite narrow, slope from 20 to 40%, processed with a snowcat only where equipment can pass, has safety fences in dangerous areas. Suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders
Black track- difficult, only for very trained people. Steepness - 40-50%, sharp lateral slopes and drops, often not treated with a snowcat, but has safety fences and is patrolled by the resort rescue service
Yellow or orange track- such markings are available at some ski resorts - super-difficult-level pistes with non-standardized slope angles. Suitable exclusively for extreme sports enthusiasts, not processed, not patrolled or fenced

Distance of routes from the location

The tracks are sometimes located at a considerable distance from each other and from hotels. If it is important for you to ski close to the hotel and not depend on transport (ski buses), pay attention to this option.

Hotel location

It happens that hotels stand alone, away from the main village and general infrastructure (cafes, shops, entertainment, etc.). Not everyone likes to live on the outskirts - if you are one of them, check the distance of the hotel from the main entertainment

Resort infrastructure

Entertainment and additional services are available at any ski resort, but their range varies. Find out whether the resort has what you need: Russian-speaking instructors, kindergartens, separate excursions, and the like.

Ski resorts in Europe: general features

Despite all the diversity of ski resorts in Europe, there are several common features inherent in them as a whole. Wherever you go, you can definitely count on:

Fine developed infrastructure for relaxation: cafes and restaurants for any budget, spas and nightlife, shops and attractions, etc.
At any ski resort you will have the opportunity to go on a historical excursion to some nearby medieval city OK

Ski resort Chamonix, France

Small distances between settlements: in one trip you can visit several ski resorts and even countries
Well developed transport network and communications: internet, telephone, taxi, excursions and regular bus service are everywhere
High level of service and life in general: even in a 2* hotel you will receive quality services, decent rest and helpful staff
At all resorts you will find equipment rentals, ski schools, various types of lifts (skittles, tow ropes, capsules), storage rooms, etc.

Ski resort Val Thorens, France

Ski resorts in Austria

Most of Austria's territory is located in the Alps - perfect place for all types of activities winter sports, especially alpine skiing and snowboarding. Austria probably has the highest density of ski resorts per capita. The variety of local ski areas dazzles your eyes. Here you can find a resort to suit any needs and budgets, for the most varied companies and all categories of skiers.

Ski resort Saalbach, Austria

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Expensive, prestigious, impeccable service, pistes in perfect condition. Hinterglemm is quiet and family-friendly, Saalbach is parties, fireworks, get-togethers. Blue, red and black tracks. The ski lifts run directly from the village. The nearest city is Salzburg, 90 km away.

Mayrhofen

Low heights, suitable for small children and pensioners. Trails of all difficulty levels. Snowboard park. There are Russian-speaking instructors. Some routes and hotels are at a considerable distance from the center. The nearest city is Innsbruck.

Ski resort Mayrhofen, Austria

Solden

Several villages over a large area. Picturesque, mild climate. Trails: blue, red, black, most are difficult. Huge park for snowboarding, freestyle, ride. Most hotels are near ski lifts. Not much expensive hotels, reasonable prices.

Zell am See

Three villages, active life in the center. There are all kinds of trails, the easiest ones are in the village of Kaprun. Skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier is possible all year round. There is a kindergarten in every village, a large selection of hotels, which can be overcrowded during the season. The nearest city is Salzburg, 80 km.

Ski resort Zell am See, Austria

Ischgl

Very stretched, look at the location of the hotel when choosing. Lots of Russians, generally crowded. There are many luxury hotels, everything is expensive. There is a large duty free zone nearby. Blue, red and black tracks.

Kitzbühel

Nice medieval town. With tracks of all difficulty levels, the Streif is one of the most dangerous in the world. Four ski areas cable cars not available everywhere. There are ski safaris. Different prices. During the World Cup, prices skyrocket.

Ski resort Kitzbühel, Austria

Innsbruck

Big city, sights, great excursion. Seven large ski areas, the closest is 10 minutes from the city. Trails of all levels. Cheap equipment rental. The level of hotels is lower than at other resorts, reasonable prices.

Bad Gastein

Located on three levels. Five ski areas, some of which can only be reached by bus. Trails of different levels, ski school for children 3-5 years old. A lot of thermal springs, including open ones (t +36). Medical and health complexes, casinos.

Ski resort Bad Gastein, Austria

St. Anton

It is considered expensive and prestigious. Most ski slopes are difficult. The ski lifts are located almost in the center of the resort. Some of the best ski schools. Noisy and crowded, especially on weekends.

Lech

A vacation spot for aristocrats and bohemians. The only resort where skiers are officially allowed to be transported by helicopter to extreme ski areas. There are exclusively children's ski areas with excellent infrastructure. Best restaurants in Austria.

Ski resort Lech, Austria

Ski resorts in Italy

Italy in the view of the average person is hot southern country, soaked in the sun, sea and the smell of lemons. Few people remember crunchy snowdrifts and endless snowy plains when they hear the sound of a tarantella. But in vain. Winter holidays in Italy it is no less good. Do you want to see the crazy Italian temperament against the backdrop of harsh Alpine snow? Ski resorts in Italy are not cheap, but very original.

Val di Fassa

Family resort, calm, most fun in Canazei. It stretches for 20 km, there are many villages, some are difficult to access. Blue and red tracks are not interesting for professionals. Modest hotels. The lifts do not always work, you can get stuck.

Ski resort Val di Fassa, Italy

Val Gardena

Best family resort in the Dolomites. Good trails, many hotels, children's entertainment. Expensive, a lot of people. There are few trails and entertainment for young people. Picturesque villages, large territory. There are ski safaris. The nearest cities are Verona and Venice.

Cervinia

Reasonable prices, compact location of routes and hotels. Trails of all levels, there is “virgin land” for extreme sports enthusiasts. It gets crowded. On the upper slopes there is often wind and skiing is prohibited. The nearest cities are Milan and Turin.

Ski resort Cervinia, Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo

small town OK. There are a lot of Italians (they don’t ski, they just relax). Active nightlife, great shopping, many excursions. Beginner and intermediate level trails. Prices are above average. Small ski area. The nearest city is Verona.

Sestriere

Not crowded, comfortable, large ski area. Heel-skiing and snowboard parks. There is not much entertainment: a couple of nightclubs and one kindergarten. Good sports infrastructure: swimming pools, gyms, saunas, skating rink. The nearest city is Turin.

Ski resort Sestriere, Italy

Courmayeur

Prestigious, expensive, near Mont Blanc. The ski area is not large, but interesting, more suitable for experienced skiers. Good freeride. Some hotels are far from the ski lifts. There are many luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Fantastic shopping experience.

Alta Badia

Six villages, the noisiest is Corvara, the rest are quiet. Prices are above average, crowded. Most of the tracks are in one place (blue and red, few black). Trails for snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Amusement park, kindergartens, discounts for children in hotels and rental offices.

Alta Badia ski resort, Italy

Ski resorts in France

The ski resorts of France are of excellent quality and unique French charm in everything - from the interiors to the style of service. All resorts are located in the French part of the Alps and are constantly used as a site for various winter international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships. Therefore, the quality and variety of trails, as well as the level of service in France, are simply excellent.

Val Thorens

The highest mountain in Europe road transport no, long transfer to the resort. Blue, red and black slopes, skiing from the door. Family friendly, there is animation for children and a large play center. Excellent restaurants, one Michelin.

Restaurant in the ski resort of Courchevel, France

Courchevel

Large territory - four villages, crowded, very expensive. There are many social events, some of the public come only for entertainment. Easy and medium level trails. The ski lifts are close to the hotels.

Chamonix

Very old resort(200 years), special atmosphere. Not far from Mont Blanc. Several skiing areas, trails of all difficulty levels, freeride. Casinos, cinemas, nightclubs, children's activities. We are especially proud of our branded coffee shops with baked goods.

Meribel ski resort, France

Meribel

Strongly stretched, and vertically, from remote places to the center steep roads up or down. Accommodation in chalets and apartments, almost no hotels. Village atmosphere. Prices are above average. Not suitable for kids or partygoers.

Megève

Rothschild residence, bohemian place. An ancient aristocratic town. Picturesque forest trails, easy to intermediate level. There are black trails nearby. Your own airfield, lots of entertainment. The guests are all celebrities, everything is very expensive.

Ski resort Megeve, France

Alpe d'Huez

Large ski area, trails of varying difficulty. Lots of sun, crowded, short transfer to the resort. It is considered the best in terms of entertainment and leisure. Prices are average, the level of hotels is affordable. The lift system between all parts of the resort makes it easy to get to.

Val d'Isere

An extensive ski area, difficult trails, many pros and freeride enthusiasts, there are night trails. Small area for beginners. Some hotels are on the outskirts. Prices are high. Hotels are expensive, chalets are cheaper. Lots of family fun and spa treatments.

Les Deux Alpes

Located near a glacier, skiing is available all year round. The ski lifts are close to the hotels. Trails of all levels. There are a lot of young people and families with children, entertainment for every taste, prices are average. Nearby is La Grave - the dream of all extreme sports enthusiasts. Prices are average.

Ski resort Les Deux Alpes, France

Ski resorts in Switzerland

Switzerland is a stronghold centuries-old traditions, solidity, stability and calm. The same atmosphere reigns at the ski resorts of Switzerland. Local resorts are considered a standard, like everything Swiss. Holidays here are expensive, but very comfortable. It’s worth forking out money for Switzerland not only for the best tracks in all of Europe, but also for purely aesthetic pleasure: such fabulous landscapes and gingerbread houses surrounded by mountains you won't see anywhere else.

Ski resort St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz

One of the best in the world. Respectable, expensive, elegant. Comfortable climate, few trails for beginners, some areas are difficult to access. Entertainment to match the public, many social events and international events.

Davos

Six ski areas connected by ski buses. Not boring, pistes for all categories of skiers. Snowboard area: cheap, great park, lots of young people. A huge children's area is a hotel city. There is an area of difficult trails for pros. Hotels are average.

Ski resort Davos, Switzerland

Grindelwald

Unreal beautiful mountains. Elite place, but there are inexpensive apartments. Trails of varying difficulty. Few spas and nightclubs, many activities for family tourists. Very popular at Christmas - good program entertainment.

Villars-Gryon

A picturesque place, a family resort, a very large area. Trails of all levels. 5 amusement parks, near Lausanne, Geneva, Montreux. Lots of events at the resort itself. Good spa and restaurants. Live music, there are few night bars. For large companies.

Hotel in the ski resort of Villars, Switzerland

Zermatt

Geographically very stretched, travel by ski bus (choose your hotel carefully). Motor transport is prohibited. Universal trails, skiing all year round. The price level is above average. There are inexpensive hotels. Suitable for families and large companies.

Gstaad

Cozy, small, with its own contingent of vacationers. A classic of alpine holidays, the highest service, but without pathos and glamor. Easy trails. Family. Individual approach in everything. The price level is decent. There are many celebrities among the vacationers.

Ski resort Gstaad, Switzerland

Le Diableret

Very similar in atmosphere to Gstaad (see above), but the prices are much lower. Family entertainment, few expensive hotels. There are no spas or wellness centers. The slopes are average, the ski area is small. Quiet, calm: a rural idyll.

Saas-Fee

Year-round resort, varied trails. Very drawn out - be careful when choosing a hotel. Cars are prohibited, but there are subways and electric cars. Suitable for all categories of tourists with any budget.

Ski resort Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Ski resorts in Bulgaria

Bulgarian ski resorts are not distinguished by impeccable service and comfort. Winter recreation in Bulgaria began to develop relatively recently, and so far they are far from perfect. It is believed that the local resorts have very affordable prices. True, recently Bulgaria has been losing the title of “the cheapest European country,” but holidays here can still be called economical. Other advantages: there is almost no language barrier, ease of obtaining a visa and a short flight.

Borovets

The oldest and largest resort in the country. Plus: the ski areas are located in the forest - picturesque, windless, safe. A lot of entertainment . Minus: the village's infrastructure is very chaotic, some routes cross roads.

Ski resort Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko

The newest and most fashionable in Bulgaria. Mild climate, lots of snow. Trails of all difficulty levels. The ski area is remote from the village, but some hotels provide transfers. A UNESCO natural heritage site, there is a lot to see.

Pamporovo

The southernmost and sunniest. The trails are not difficult, are located in a forest area, and are maintained in good condition. Modern lifts. Family friendly, lots of excursions. Many clubs, restaurants, large selection of hotels.

Ski resort Pamporovo, Bulgaria

Ski resorts in Spain

The main feature of all Spanish ski resorts is that they are located near the coast. Skiing on any of them can be combined with a beach holiday, since many of them are located high in the mountains, and you can almost always find tracks where the snow does not melt all year round. The second undoubted plus is that from any ski resort in Spain you can organize an excursion trip to nearby cities, which are famous for their history, medieval beauty and a huge number of attractions.

Ski resort Sierra Nevada, Spain

Sierra Nevada

Located in Andalusia. Six ski areas. Trails of all categories, good technical equipment, high service. Eat Russian speakers instructors Lots of entertainment, including for toddlers. Prices are moderate.

La Molina

Extensive ski area, good trails of varying difficulty. Not very crowded, mostly Spaniards. There is little entertainment, but a good excursion (near Barcelona). Hotels are cheaper in neighboring villages. Cheap, calm, cozy.

Ski resort La Molina, Spain

Formigal

Wide trails, easy and medium. Mogul, heli-ski, 2 snow parks, fireride. A lot of sun . Family friendly, fun, quality hotels and entertainment. There are nightclubs, a zoo, an amusement park, golf courses and wineries with tastings.

Serler

The highest mountain in Spain, two ski areas, easy access. Well thought out and high-tech. Trails for everyone. Half-pipe for snowboarding. Accommodation: hotels, hostels, apartments for rent - prices vary. Lots of family fun.

Ski resort Formigal, Spain

Espot Eskui

Calm, family friendly, forest trails of all difficulty levels. Very cozy atmosphere. Hotels of any category, there are apartments for rent, many wooden eco-houses. Excellent service at very reasonable prices. Young people can be bored.

Baqueira - Beret

The most popular in Spain, 3 ski areas for all categories of skiers. Ski lifts near hotels. Two snow parks. Cheap, fun. There are night clubs, children's animators. The prices are high, the crowd is decent. Favorite resort of the King of Spain.

Ski resort Baqueira Beret, Spain

Panticosa - Los Lagos

Small town, two ski sectors. One of the best in the Pyrenees in terms of service. Family friendly, most of the trails are simple and moderate. Good equipment, convenient infrastructure, comfort in everything. Prices are average.

La Masella

Typical alpine resort, forest trails. Lots of snowboarders. Ski slopes of all categories. Russian speaking staff in many establishments (hotels, cafes, ski schools). Good spa, wide selection of entertainment.

Ski resort La Masella, Spain

Ski resorts in Germany

Germany's main ski resorts are concentrated in Bavaria on the German side of the Alps. There are many old villages and coniferous forests typical of Bavaria. The infrastructure of the resorts is thought out with German meticulousness down to the smallest detail: the ski slopes are in perfect condition, the hotel service is impeccable, there is no fault with the ski schedule, there is entertainment for all categories of tourists. Prices, as elsewhere in Germany, are steep, but the level of ski resorts is worth it.

Ski resort Garmisch-Pertenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch-Pertenkirchen

The ratio of easy and difficult trails is 50/50. Several ski areas, good infrastructure, two snow parks and an international level half pipe. Lots of entertainment, local festivals, excursions.

Berchtesgaden

Five towns, a thermal resort, outdoor pools and salt adits, a national park. The trails are easy, there is a bobsleigh track and night skiing. Winters are warm and snowy. Huge selection of accommodation options. Very short ski season.

Ski resort Berchtesgaden, Germany

Oberstdorf

Three ski areas, pistes of different levels. World class sports grounds: alpine skiing, speed skating, carving, snowboarding, trampolines, curling. Respectable, expensive, many celebrities. Excellent SPA center, excursions.

Wright-im-Winkl

Large ski area, slopes for pros and beginners, half-pipe and son-park. Sunny, picturesque. Entertainment is traditional Bavarian (beer pubs, folk music, walks through ancient towns) or sports (bowling, curling, swimming pools, etc.).

Ski resort Obersdorf, Germany

Ski resorts in Andorra

Andorra is essentially one big ski resort. People come here first of all to ride, secondly to go shopping (the entire territory of Andorra is a duty-free zone), and thirdly to have a good time with a large group. Its unique location allows you to visit two countries with the richest excursion routes at once - Spain and France, and getting to the nearest Barcelona, Carcassonne or Toulouse is not difficult. The main advantage of Andorra: prices are much lower than European ones.

Ordino-Arcalis

A very diverse landscape, popular with all categories of skiers. Small, behind the scenes, with its own contingent of regular tourists. Most skiers are local. Good family infrastructure, best trails for beginners.

Ski resort Ordino, Andorra

Pal-Arinsal

Two ski areas with a common network of lifts. Gentle slopes, trails for beginners and advanced. Separate children's areas. There is almost no wind. Lots of entertainment, good service. At the peak of winter, the ski tracks reach directly to the hotels.

Grandvalira

A huge ski area, the largest in Europe - 6 resorts (Pas de la Casa, Grau Rouge, El Tarter, Encamp, Soldeu, Canillo). There is a single ski pass for all areas. The infrastructure defies description: there is everything for everyone, it is impossible to list even briefly. Prices vary, you can find options to suit any budget.

Grandvalira ski resort, Andorra

Ski resorts in Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region where alpine skiing is not only a way to attract tourists, but also an integral part of the national culture and a favorite sport of local residents. Scandinavians build ski resorts primarily for themselves, and only then for various visiting foreigners. Therefore, the ski resorts of Scandinavia are organized with the highest knowledge of the matter and great love for alpine skiing.

Ski resort Ruka, Finland

Kuusamo-Ruka (Finland)

Near the Arctic Circle (you can see the aurora). Trails of different categories include slalom and cross-country skiing. Two ski areas: easy (eastern) and difficult (western). Everything for snowboarding. Sports and family entertainment, yes aquapark.

Vuokatti (Finland)

Calm, measured, family. A lot of simple tracks, good base snowboard. Aquapark, sports entertainment, village Santa—Klaus, fishing—deer—canine sleds, some museums. Trails different levels, freeride, snow—a park, children's entertainment. Highlight: local serpentine iron road With amazing species.

Lillehamer (Norway)

One from the best V Scandinavia, universal tracks. Small city, homeland elves And trolls (chip resort). Four zones skating – carrying out international competitions. Three zones skating, different level difficulties. Superpipe (height 6m). Snowkiting. Entertainment: traditional Scandinavian (dogs, fishing, motor sleigh). Funny, crowded.