Top destinations for a weekend ski break in Europe
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Image Photo by Chris Biron on Unsplash
Sometimes the best way to escape the weekly grind is to book a weekend away. If you need a bit of adrenaline to refuel you, then why not book a ski weekend in Europe? Europe offers a whole host of destinations which are perfect for a quick getaway to enjoy the slopes. Here are four destinations for you to discover as you head down to the slopes...
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is world-famous for its challenging runs that meander through stunning alpine scenery. Nestled beneath Mont Blanc, the area is just over an hour from Geneva Airport, making it an ideal choice for a quick visit. Although many weekends away are a bit more spontaneous, booking your flights in advance can help you get a great deal on flight prices.
This resort was the host of the first-ever Winter Olympics back in 1924 meaning visitors from across the globe descend all year round. Whilst the history is undoubtedly a draw for skiers, the range of slopes is also a huge plus point.
Whilst Chamonix caters to skiers of all levels, offering a range of slopes and off-piste sections, advanced skiers will enjoy the challenge of runs such as Aiguille du Midi and Vallée Blanche.
St Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Austria is home to many wonderful cities and attractions, but some would argue the skiing opportunities eclipse all of that. Booking a weekend ski break isn’t just about the slopes – you want to have some time to relax in the evenings, for example. St Anton am Arlberg is famed for its lively après ski scene combined with an extensive ski area.
The area combines traditional Austrian charm with modern amenities seamlessly so you get the best of both worlds when you visit. Similarly to Chamonix, St Anton is roughly an hour’s drive from Innsbruck Airport, meaning you can land and get straight on the slopes.
If you are visiting for a chance to let your hair down, head to the Krazy Kangaruh and Mooserwirt bars which are conveniently located opposite the slopes. Both bars offer a great atmosphere and live music so you can immerse yourself in the experience.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is perhaps one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world, but it is absolutely worth the price tag. Located in southwest Switzerland, Verbier is part of the extensive 4 Vallées ski area. The sunny open pistes are perfect for beginners or the more casual skier. If you class yourself as an intermediate skier, then Mont Gelé will be a favourite for you.
If you fancy a real challenge, head to Mont Fort. Here you will find the Col des Gentianes with an altitude of 2,950m. Take some time to take in the incredible vistas before you plummet down the side of the mountain at adrenaline-inducing speeds.
Bardonecchia, Italy
If your budget is a little bit smaller, then Bardonecchia in Italy may be more suitable. Offering affordable skiing options without compromising on quality, the resort has slopes for all abilities as well as a charming atmosphere.
Easily accessible from Turin Airport, the area is home to a web of slopes that start at 1,330m above sea level at Campo Smith and ascend to 2,400m at the peak of Vallon Cros. If this all seems a bit overwhelming, make sure you take advantage of the ski school which has over 250 instructors who have been certified by the Italian Federation of Ski Instructors.
For downtime between the slopes, Bardonecchia has restaurants to cater to every taste. Harald’s Restaurant and Chesal 1805 Restaurant offer incredible views of the alpine regions surrounding you, so you can enjoy dinner with a view.
Tignes, France
Located in the heart of the Alps, Tignes has 300km of slopes to explore, with a range of runs suitable for all levels of skiers. There are dedicated areas for beginners to practise, which have their own ski lifts specifically for them.
It is a great resort for a weekend away as with high speed chairlifts you can get the most out of your brief visit by reducing time spent waiting to get back up to the top of the slopes. Tignes is also linked with the ski resort of Val d’Isere to give you even more terrain to explore.
The high altitude of the mountain means the area is open most of the year with the ability to ski the glacier during the summer months.
Ischgl, Austria
With its snow-sure slopes, Ischgl in Austria’s Tirol is a popular destination for skiing. One of the largest ski resorts in Austria, Ischgl has 238km of slopes that are open for you to enjoy from the end of November through to early in May.
It is also an ideal location for foodies with its award-winning gourmet restaurants – and for those looking for a little bit of luxury on their weekend away there are plenty of four- and five-star hotels to choose from. Ischgl is also known for its events including the Top of the Mountain concerts which have previously seen artists such as Ellie Goulding and the Black Eyed Peas perform. This year One Republic will be closing the series on 3rd May.
Courmayeur, Italy
An alpine resort in the north west of Italy, Courmayeur is at an altitude of 1,224m with stunning views to be enjoyed during its ski season, which runs from the end of November to the beginning of April.
With Mont Blanc as its backdrop, there are a range of blue, red and black slopes to try out as well as endless off-piste runs. For those who enjoy acrobatics there is also a snowpark for you to have some fun.
While you are there take the chance to reach the highest point in Italy with a trip on the Skyway Monte Bianco with its rotating cable cars to take in all of the views.
This is a guest post and therefore these are not necessarily the views of Index Digital.
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