Are you trying to figure out where to ski this winter? Perhaps you’re considering the wide, open skies of Canada or the Alpine slopes of France? Take a look at our pick of the hottest places to ski during the upcoming season to help you decide.
Panorama, Canada
To truly feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland, there can be no better choice than Canada, with the iconic Rocky Mountains, generous falls of snow and relatively quiet pistes. Panorama is nestled at the foot of the Purcell mountains and is suitable for a variety of abilities: over half of its terrain is ideal for intermediate skiers, and there’s a number of nursery slopes for beginners as well.
It also has adventurous options that include the Extreme Dream zone, which, with its runs through tight trees and abundance of cliffs, provides numerous twists and turns to keep even the biggest thrill-seekers happy. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, the resort has one of the best hair-raising heli-skiing experiences in the world. There are opportunities to try out dog-sledging and snowmobiling too. The après-ski scene here is laid-back yet cheerful, with plenty of live music and outdoor drinking terraces on offer.
Alpe Cimbra, Italy
For quick weekend getaways during the winter season, hop over to Alpe Cimbra in northern Italy. The resort’s 50 slopes can be reached in just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Verona airport, so you can maximise your time enjoying tree-lined runs and wide open slopes.
For sun-seekers, Alpe Cimbra is an excellent choice, with glorious sunshine even in the depths of winter. Italy’s first ever ski lift was built here, and you can still enjoy stunning, panoramic views from each stop. When the sun goes down, work your way around the many tempting pizzerias and pasticcerias, which serve local, mouth-watering dishes like Vezzena – an Alpine cheese with bacon and honey.
Courchevel, France
Located in the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel is one of the world’s most glamorous places to ski, attracting billionaires and private jets. As well as appealing to snow hounds, Courchevel is a favourite destination for foodies, with the most Michelin stars of any Alpine resort.
For a luxury stay in this chic resort, treat yourself to a few nights at the Fahrenheit Seven hotel. A complete renovation has given the hotel a modern, cosy feel with a vintage twist, while its ski-in, ski-out location and panoramic views mean you’re as close to the action as possible. The terrace is the place to be seen for a piste-side lunch, and you can head for the sauna to rest tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Sample the hotel’s excellent dining experiences at Le Panoramik restaurant, which serves delicious Alpine delicacies such as fondue and has live music in the evenings.
Megève, France
You’ll find many things to tempt you to stylish Megève this season, including 300km of varied pistes, magical forest-lined runs and views of Mont Blanc. The new attraction this year is the opening of Europe’s first Four Seasons in the mountains.
Styled to retain the history and character of the area, this five-star boutique hotel has just 55 rooms, most of which come with a fireplace and private balcony – ideal for admiring the spectacular setting. Nestled at the base of the Mont d’Arbois slopes, this luxurious haven is perfectly positioned for direct access to the runs. As for après-ski, it has the region’s largest spa and no fewer than five indoor-outdoor options for wining and dining, including a Michelin-two-star restaurant.
Trysil, Norway
Trysil is a fantastic choice for family-friendly fun, with a slalom course for younger skiers and virtually queue-free lifts – perfect for little ones. As one of Norway’s largest and oldest resorts, it is well-loved for a varied terrain that spans 66 runs, from easy greens to thrilling blacks.
Both beginner and more demanding slopes are located next to each other, which makes life simple for families with varying abilities. For an on-piste pit-stop at the end of the day, head to the cosy Stallen pub, one of four log cabins on the Knettsetra mid-mountain plateau, which hosts live music every afternoon. In the evening, parents can relax with a quiet drink at one of The Radisson Blu’s sophisticated bars.
Craig Burton is Managing Director of Ski Solutions.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Craig Burton is Managing Direct of Ski Solutions, Britain’s original ski travel agency and largest tailor-made ski tour operator, arranging ski holidays across Europe and North America. Ski Solutions is an Active Travel Group brand.
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8 Comments
Can’t wait for the forthcoming ski season. I’ll be in the Alps for sure – not sure exactly where just yet, but maybe Megève given the new Four Seasons hotel there.
Canadian ski trip is definitely one for the bucket list. My most recent trip took me to Borovets in Bulgaria, surprisingly incredible considering it is so close to home!
Whilst the Alps certainly seems to be the ‘go to’ location for European skiers, I personally favour resorts in Scandinavia such as Trysil in Norway (mentioned here) and Åre in Sweden. Yes, Scandinavia can be expensive but let’s be honest, a family skiing holiday in the main season (school holidays) is never cheap anywhere. If you are on a limited budget, this is probably not the site for you but Andorra is worth a look also.
Great to hear Åre in Sweden is one of your favourite ski destinations! Did you know you can now fly direct from London to Åre/Östersund Airport during the Winter season.
I simply have to make time for a visit to Courchevel, although as a keen skier any of these destinations would be perfect for my family. Courchevel especially would make for a romantic trip away with my husband – sometimes it’s nice to get away without the kids and indulge in some true luxury.
I agree that Canada would be the best choice for skiing, I’m desperate to get there. Living in Britain I’m not THAT used to lots of snow, but I’ve aaaalways been a lover of it – I’m sure the first few days of my ski holiday would involve lots of falling over. The photograph of Courchevel is truly stunning though, it almost looks like a model town!
Panorama is definitely a favourite of lots of us Canadians – my personal go-to favourite is the much smaller Marmot Basin in Jasper (but I’m a long coasting type skier – no black diamonds for me!). I also love Sunshine Village in Banff. A dear friend from Ireland absolutely loves Garmish (and I likely spelled that totally wrong) in Germany – I hear that’s really nice. Someday I will get over to the other side of the Atlantic and experience what France, Germany, Italy and places like that have to offer for skiing, and such!
I’ve always wanted to visit Canada to go skiing, it looks like such a beautiful place. Panorama is definitely going on my list of places to go. Courchevel in France also looks pretty amazing, will probably go there first to see how good I am at skiing. Some brilliant suggestions here though!
It also has adventurous options that include the Extreme Dream zone, which, with its runs through tight trees and abundance of cliffs, provides numerous twists and turns to keep even the biggest thrill-seekers happy. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, the resort has one of the best hair-raising heli-skiing experiences in the world. There are opportunities to try out dog-sledging and snowmobiling too. The après-ski scene here is laid-back yet cheerful, with plenty of live music and outdoor drinking terraces on offer.
Alpe Cimbra, Italy
For quick weekend getaways during the winter season, hop over to Alpe Cimbra in northern Italy. The resort’s 50 slopes can be reached in just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Verona airport, so you can maximise your time enjoying tree-lined runs and wide open slopes.
It also has adventurous options that include the Extreme Dream zone, which, with its runs through tight trees and abundance of cliffs, provides numerous twists and turns to keep even the biggest thrill-seekers happy. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, the resort has one of the best hair-raising heli-skiing experiences in the world. There are opportunities to try out dog-sledging and snowmobiling too. The après-ski scene here is laid-back yet cheerful, with plenty of live music and outdoor drinking terraces on offer.
Alpe Cimbra, Italy
For quick weekend getaways during the winter season, hop over to Alpe Cimbra in northern Italy. The resort’s 50 slopes can be reached in just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Verona airport, so you can maximise your time enjoying tree-lined runs and wide open slopes.
For sun-seekers, Alpe Cimbra is an excellent choice, with glorious sunshine even in the depths of winter. Italy’s first ever ski lift was built here, and you can still enjoy stunning, panoramic views from each stop. When the sun goes down, work your way around the many tempting pizzerias and pasticcerias, which serve local, mouth-watering dishes like Vezzena – an Alpine cheese with bacon and honey.
Courchevel, France
Located in the world’s largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel is one of the world’s most glamorous places to ski, attracting billionaires and private jets. As well as appealing to snow hounds, Courchevel is a favourite destination for foodies, with the most Michelin stars of any Alpine resort.
For a luxury stay in this chic resort, treat yourself to a few nights at the Fahrenheit Seven hotel. A complete renovation has given the hotel a modern, cosy feel with a vintage twist, while its ski-in, ski-out location and panoramic views mean you’re as close to the action as possible. The terrace is the place to be seen for a piste-side lunch, and you can head for the sauna to rest tired muscles after a day on the slopes. Sample the hotel’s excellent dining experiences at Le Panoramik restaurant, which serves delicious Alpine delicacies such as fondue and has live music in the evenings.
Megève, France
You’ll find many things to tempt you to stylish Megève this season, including 300km of varied pistes, magical forest-lined runs and views of Mont Blanc. The new attraction this year is the opening of Europe’s first Four Seasons in the mountains.
Styled to retain the history and character of the area, this five-star boutique hotel has just 55 rooms, most of which come with a fireplace and private balcony – ideal for admiring the spectacular setting. Nestled at the base of the Mont d’Arbois slopes, this luxurious haven is perfectly positioned for direct access to the runs. As for après-ski, it has the region’s largest spa and no fewer than five indoor-outdoor options for wining and dining, including a Michelin-two-star restaurant.
Trysil, Norway
Trysil is a fantastic choice for family-friendly fun, with a slalom course for younger skiers and virtually queue-free lifts – perfect for little ones. As one of Norway’s largest and oldest resorts, it is well-loved for a varied terrain that spans 66 runs, from easy greens to thrilling blacks.
Both beginner and more demanding slopes are located next to each other, which makes life simple for families with varying abilities. For an on-piste pit-stop at the end of the day, head to the cosy Stallen pub, one of four log cabins on the Knettsetra mid-mountain plateau, which hosts live music every afternoon. In the evening, parents can relax with a quiet drink at one of The Radisson Blu’s sophisticated bars.
Craig Burton is Managing Director of Ski Solutions.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Can’t wait for the forthcoming ski season. I’ll be in the Alps for sure – not sure exactly where just yet, but maybe Megève given the new Four Seasons hotel there.
Canadian ski trip is definitely one for the bucket list. My most recent trip took me to Borovets in Bulgaria, surprisingly incredible considering it is so close to home!
Whilst the Alps certainly seems to be the ‘go to’ location for European skiers, I personally favour resorts in Scandinavia such as Trysil in Norway (mentioned here) and Åre in Sweden. Yes, Scandinavia can be expensive but let’s be honest, a family skiing holiday in the main season (school holidays) is never cheap anywhere. If you are on a limited budget, this is probably not the site for you but Andorra is worth a look also.
Great to hear Åre in Sweden is one of your favourite ski destinations! Did you know you can now fly direct from London to Åre/Östersund Airport during the Winter season.
I simply have to make time for a visit to Courchevel, although as a keen skier any of these destinations would be perfect for my family. Courchevel especially would make for a romantic trip away with my husband – sometimes it’s nice to get away without the kids and indulge in some true luxury.
I agree that Canada would be the best choice for skiing, I’m desperate to get there. Living in Britain I’m not THAT used to lots of snow, but I’ve aaaalways been a lover of it – I’m sure the first few days of my ski holiday would involve lots of falling over. The photograph of Courchevel is truly stunning though, it almost looks like a model town!
Panorama is definitely a favourite of lots of us Canadians – my personal go-to favourite is the much smaller Marmot Basin in Jasper (but I’m a long coasting type skier – no black diamonds for me!). I also love Sunshine Village in Banff. A dear friend from Ireland absolutely loves Garmish (and I likely spelled that totally wrong) in Germany – I hear that’s really nice. Someday I will get over to the other side of the Atlantic and experience what France, Germany, Italy and places like that have to offer for skiing, and such!
I’ve always wanted to visit Canada to go skiing, it looks like such a beautiful place. Panorama is definitely going on my list of places to go. Courchevel in France also looks pretty amazing, will probably go there first to see how good I am at skiing. Some brilliant suggestions here though!