The continent of Europe is nothing short of a haven for skiing enthusiasts. From Finland to Italy, and from snowboarding to tobogganing. Here is a list of the best places to chill out in snow-capped Europe.
Since their inception in 1924, the Winter Olympic Games have been hosted 13 times by a European nation, making it the highest number for any continent.
Speaking strictly from a skiing point of view, Europe has it all―tall, snowy mountains, amazing weather conditions, and outstanding facilities for winter sports. As the skiing season begins, enthusiasts from all over the world head to Europe to ski, snowboard, and ice skate to their heart's content.
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Another reason that draws skiers to Europe is the relative ease of traveling from one country to another. So, whether you choose to visit one country or ten, it only adds to your skiing experience.
10 Amazing Places to Go Skiing in Europe
Zermatt, Switzerland
Our European skiing sojourn has to begin in Switzerland, for the simple reason that this is where the Swiss Alps are! The Swiss countryside is dotted with charming (but frightfully expensive) ski towns and villages.
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But the single aspect that puts Zermatt in this list is the domineering presence of the Matterhorn. Skiers come here to enjoy the three interconnected Swiss skiing zones, as well as two more across the border in Italy.
Beginners relish the endless cruising on the slopes, while experts get their thrills with vertical drops of up to 7,000 feet. Zermatt is located in the Swiss canton of Valais, close to the Italian border.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix easily ranks as the Mecca for all skiing enthusiasts. For starters, the town's location is legendary, with the massive Mont Blanc looming in the background.
Rugged, thrilling, and unpredictable is what best describes the skiing experience in Chamonix, with 11 ski zones in the vicinity. During peak season, skiers can enjoy vertical drops of up to 9,000 feet. Chamonix is located in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The Italian Dolomites lend a unique and picturesque landscape to the ski slopes in Cortina. People from around the world flock here to experience la dolce vita; so expect a lot of tourists here.
But amazingly, the ski slopes here aren't as jam-packed as some of the other obvious destinations in Europe, so you have a reason to rejoice. Cortina d'Ampezzo is a town in the southern Alps located in Veneto, northern Italy.
Innsbruck, Austria
The Innsbruck region has numerous options for skiing, including Hafelekarrinne, one of Europe's steepest runs, and Patscherkofel, based around the Olympic downhill course.
While these are more or less meant for experts, you'll also find dedicated areas for beginners and children. Innsbruck is located in the state of Tyrol, western Austria.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken receives thousands of tourists all year round, seeing as it is the go-through town for visiting Jungfraujoch, referred to as the 'Top of Europe'.
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What brings skiers here is the Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg trail, an Alpine trail that offers the most amazing views you'll ever witness. Interlaken is a town located in the Swiss canton of Bern.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen played host to the Winter Olympic Games way back in 1936, at the peak of the Nazi era. Its skiing reputation is heightened owing to the presence of Germany's tallest mountain, Zugspitze.
With 75 miles of downhill runs of varying difficulty levels, this area also has 68 miles of cross-country trails, and a terrain park as well. The Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in southern Germany.
Lapland, Finland
When you come to Lapland, considered to be the hometown of Santa Claus, what else do you expect to find but snow, snow, and more snow?
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Lapland is the perfect getaway for families wanting to soak in some history, as well as enjoy their time skiing. Besides the obvious, you'll also be able to witness the northern lights since you're so close to the Arctic. It is a province in northern Finland.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is where the glamorous set comes to ski. It goes without saying that staying here is super expensive. However, that doesn't take anything away from what the fabulous ski slopes have to offer.
St. Moritz is perfect for beginners, with easier rides, and tons of instruction schools that dot the area. It is a resort town located in the Eastern Alps, a part of the Graubünden canton.
Courchevel, France
What is considered by many to be a skier's paradise, Courchevel is where all the serious skiing fanatics come to.
The slopes here are considered perfect, and there's also a snowboarding area, along with designated places for ice skating, tobogganing and ice climbing. Courchevel is a resort town located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad truly is a gem of a skiing locale favored by European royalty. It has 5 skiing areas, which also include the glacial area in the Berner Oberland region.
Heiti Gsteig and Lauenen are favored by beginners, whereas snowboarders love to frequent La Braye. Gstaad is located in the canton of Bern, southwestern Switzerland.
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Europe offers the best in terms of skiing; be it facilities, or spell-bounding natural beauty. So, if skiing in Europe is on your mind, just take a pick from any of these amazing destinations and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!