The Alps, fondly known as Europe's rooftop, span about 1,200 kilometers and grace seven different countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. This guide highlights the distinct features of each area, from the Western Alps to the Central Alps, Eastern Alps, Northern Limestone Alps, Southern Limestone Alps and Julian Alps, and provides all the essential information you need to plan your next ski holiday. Covering everything from the best places to ski in the Alps, the best skiing times, and necessary travel documentation, this guide has it all.
The Western Alps, home to some of the most iconic peaks like Mont Blanc, offer a thrilling skiing experience with dramatic landscapes and challenging terrains. Renowned for its high-altitude resorts, this region includes world-famous destinations such as Chamonix, Zermatt, and Courmayeur. The area is perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and luxury, with access to expansive ski areas, legendary off-piste opportunities, and picturesque alpine villages.
The Central Alps, spanning parts of Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy, are known for their extensive glacier skiing and high mountain passes. This region offers a diverse skiing experience with resorts like Davos and St. Moritz in Switzerland, Livigno in Italy, and Ischgl in Austria. Skiers can enjoy a mix of challenging slopes, well-maintained pistes, and a vibrant après-ski scene, all set against the backdrop of some of the highest and most dramatic peaks in the Alps.
The Eastern Alps, with their lower elevations and gentler slopes, are ideal for those looking for a more relaxed skiing experience. This region is home to the stunning Dolomites in Italy, where resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Selva di Val Gardena offer breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience. Austria's Kitzbühel and Innsbruck also provide world-class skiing, with a mix of challenging runs and family-friendly slopes, making the Eastern Alps a versatile destination for all types of skiers.
The Northern Limestone Alps, located primarily in southern Germany and Austria, offer a unique skiing experience characterized by rugged limestone peaks and expansive plateaus. This region includes famous resorts like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden in Germany, where skiers can enjoy well-groomed slopes and picturesque Bavarian villages. The area's natural beauty and diverse terrain make it a favorite for both winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Southern Limestone Alps, stretching across northern Italy and Slovenia, are known for their dramatic landscapes and varied ski terrain. The Dolomiti Superski area in Italy, featuring resorts like Kronplatz and Val di Fiemme, is a highlight of this region, offering a vast network of slopes with stunning limestone cliffs as a backdrop. This region is perfect for skiers looking for both challenging runs and the opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage in charming alpine towns.
The Julian Alps, primarily located in Slovenia, offer a unique and less crowded skiing experience in a region known for its dramatic peaks and deep valleys. Resorts like Kranjska Gora and Bovec provide a mix of well-groomed slopes and off-piste opportunities, all set in a picturesque landscape. The Julian Alps are ideal for those seeking a quieter, more intimate skiing experience with the added bonus of exploring Slovenia's rich natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Zermatt is a legendary ski resort nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, boasting a base elevation of 1,620 meters and reaching a dizzying 3,899 meters at its highest lift. With over 360 km of pistes, Zermatt is renowned for its high-altitude skiing, extensive terrain, and year-round snow reliability. This resort offers a unique blend of challenging runs and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and picturesque alpine views.
St. Moritz located in the Engadin Valley at a base elevation of 1,856 meters, is synonymous with luxury and world-class skiing. The resort’s highest lift reaches 3,305 meters, offering access to 350 km of well-groomed pistes. Known for its sun-drenched days and glamorous atmosphere, St. Moritz is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of challenging slopes, upscale amenities, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Courchevel sits within the expansive Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. With a base elevation starting at 1,300 meters and lifts reaching up to 2,738 meters, it offers 150 km of pistes. Courchevel is celebrated for its diverse terrain, luxurious accommodations, and excellent facilities, making it a top choice for families, beginners, and seasoned skiers alike. Its reputation for high-end experiences and varied skiing options makes it a must-visit in the French Alps.
Chamonix nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, starts at a base elevation of 1,035 meters and rises to 3,842 meters at its highest lift. Offering 170 km of varied pistes, Chamonix is a mecca for extreme skiers and mountaineers. The resort is known for its challenging off-piste terrain and stunning high-mountain scenery. With a vibrant town full of history and culture, it’s perfect for those who seek thrilling skiing experiences paired with a rich alpine atmosphere.
Verbier is a part of the extensive 4 Vallées ski area, starting at a base elevation of 1,500 meters and ascending to 3,330 meters at its highest point. With 410 km of pistes, Verbier is known for its challenging off-piste opportunities, lively après-ski, and stunning panoramic views. It’s an ideal destination for advanced skiers looking for adrenaline-filled runs and a vibrant social scene.
Val d'Isère is located in the Tarentaise Valley, with a base elevation of 1,850 meters and lifts reaching up to 3,456 meters. The resort offers 300 km of pistes, making it a paradise for serious skiers. Known for its reliable snow, challenging terrain, and lively village, Val d'Isère attracts those looking for a mix of great skiing, vibrant nightlife, and French alpine charm.
St. Anton lies in Austria's Arlberg region, known as the birthplace of modern skiing. With a base elevation of 1,304 meters and lifts reaching up to 2,811 meters, the resort offers 305 km of pistes. St. Anton is famous for its deep powder, challenging terrain, and legendary après-ski scene, making it a top choice for advanced skiers and those looking for a lively atmosphere.
Lech-Zürs part of Austria's prestigious Arlberg ski region, starts at a base elevation of 1,450 meters and reaches up to 2,811 meters. With 305 km of pistes, this resort is known for its consistent snow conditions and upscale ambiance. Lech-Zürs offers a quieter, more refined skiing experience, perfect for those seeking luxury, exclusivity, and excellent skiing in a serene alpine setting.
Cervinia located at the foot of the Matterhorn, starts at a base elevation of 2,050 meters and has lifts reaching up to 3,883 meters. Offering 150 km of pistes, Cervinia is known for its high-altitude skiing and long, wide runs. It’s an excellent destination for intermediate skiers and those seeking reliable snow conditions and breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn.
Cortina d'Ampezzo is situated in the heart of the Dolomites at a base elevation of 1,224 meters, with its highest lifts reaching up to 2,930 meters. Known for its stunning landscapes and 120 km of pistes, Cortina d'Ampezzo combines a rich history with a vibrant après-ski scene. The resort offers a blend of luxury and tradition, making it a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated ski experience amidst breathtaking scenery.
Kitzbühel is a historic ski resort, with a base elevation of 800 meters and a highest lift reaching 2,000 meters. The resort offers 234 km of pistes and is famed for the annual Hahnenkamm downhill race, one of the most challenging in the world. Kitzbühel's charming medieval town, combined with its diverse terrain, makes it an ideal destination for both history buffs and skiing enthusiasts.
Méribel is nestled in the heart of the Les 3 Vallées ski area, with a base elevation of 1,450 meters and a highest lift reaching 2,952 meters. The resort offers 150 km of pistes and is known for its quintessential alpine village charm, excellent family-friendly facilities, and easy access to one of the largest ski areas in the world. Méribel’s picturesque surroundings and vibrant après-ski make it a favorite among skiers of all levels.
Davos-Klosters situated in the Graubünden region, offers a base elevation of 1,560 meters and lifts reaching up to 2,844 meters. The resort boasts 269 km of pistes and is famous for its extensive ski area, variety of slopes, and vibrant town life. Davos-Klosters is ideal for skiers looking for a diverse range of runs, a lively après-ski scene, and a blend of traditional and modern alpine experiences.
Sölden is a high-altitude resort, starting at a base elevation of 1,350 meters and reaching up to 3,340 meters at its highest lift. Known for its reliable snow conditions and extensive glacier skiing, the resort offers 144 km of pistes. Sölden is popular for its vibrant nightlife, modern lift systems, and the opportunity to ski on glaciers, making it a prime choice for skiers looking for both excitement and excellent snow throughout the season.
Courmayeur is located at the foot of Mont Blanc, starting at a base elevation of 1,224 meters with its highest lift reaching 2,755 meters. With 100 km of pistes, the resort is known for its stunning alpine scenery and charming village atmosphere. Courmayeur is perfect for those seeking a balance of challenging slopes, fine dining, and a welcoming alpine village experience.
Most major ski resorts open their ski lifts by the end of November or early December, marking the 'official' start of the winter ski holidays season. A month-by-month analysis shows that different resorts offer different experiences throughout the year. For instance, December is great for Christmas family vacations, January is perfect for skiing in Austria, while February offers deepening snowpacks, but is also the start of the 'high season'. Meanwhile, March is excellent for skiing in the Dolomites, and April brings softer snow and lower prices. The skiing season in the Alps generally ends by mid-April. However, some high altitude resorts, such as Zermatt, Hintertux and Mölltal in Austria, and Val Thorens in France, stay open longer due to their favourable weather conditions and higher elevations.
As of the start of 2021, UK citizens can travel visa-free within the Schengen area, which includes Switzerland, France, Italy, and Germany, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, a valid passport is required, and it should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. If your destination is Switzerland, please note that it is not in the EU, but it is part of the Schengen area.
Embarking on a ski trip to the Alps allows you to immerse yourself not only in spectacular snow-covered landscapes, but also in a wealth of distinctive cultures, each with its unique etiquette and customs. Embracing these local traditions will not only enrich your travel experience but also foster a sense of respect and connection with the local communities. Here are some common customs across the Alpine regions that can help you navigate your journey:
