The following are my top ten international ski destinations.
My Top 10 ski resorts in America was the subject of our previous travel column. But America isn’t the only place where the weather is cold, the skiing is exciting, the nightlife is vibrant, and the winter wonderland scenery is breathtaking. In reality, it’s just one of many similar places! houses
My top ten foreign (non-US) resorts are listed below. I’m excited to hear your thoughts…and your personal favorites!
#10 — MYOKO KOGEN, JAPAN — AKAKURA ONSEN This could come as a surprise on my Top 10 list. But it’s a real find! Like many of the more well-known resorts, this one has picturesque ski lodges, spectacular mountains, and excellent facilities. However, it lacks the crowds that can be seen at more well-known foreign ski resorts; most of the people you’ll see on the slopes will be Japanese. There’s a lot to like about Akakura Onsen. It was, after all, Japan’s first foreign ski resort. For another, it has the country’s longest ski route. You’re also close to picturesque villages where centuries-old customs and building styles still prevail, as it hasn’t yet achieved the foreign “panache” of the major European resorts.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY — #9 — The jagged, sky-piercing peaks of the Italian Dolomites, which border Austria, include some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain scenery. Because of the height (and therefore the amount of snow) of some of the mountains, this resort offers skiing almost all year. The Veneto Region includes Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s no secret that it’s one of Europe’s most exclusive — and therefore costly — resorts. There’s a museum, art galleries, a movie theater, indoor tennis, and plenty of atmospheric restaurants and hotels in this lovely village. There are 47 ski lifts in this area, with a total elevation of 10,653 feet. Tobogganing, bobsledding, ice skating, and ice hockey are also available.
VAL THORENS, SAVOIE, FRANCE — #8 VAL THORENS, SAVOIE, FRANCE — Val Thorens, at 7,600 feet, is the highest ski resort in Europe, situated in the picturesque Belleville Valley of the French Alps. It also has the distinction of being the world’s largest ski destination, with 375 miles of trails. It’s a pedestrian-friendly setting, with no parking permitted on the streets…which only adds to the appeal of the fascinating village. More superlatives, please? It also has France’s biggest toboggan run. And, with over 60 restaurants (the operative word here is “France”), it’s become a true “foodie” destination (and 40 bars).
MONT TREMBLANT, QUEBEC, CANADA — №7 — To have a European-style skiing experience, you don’t have to go to Europe. Mont Tremblant is a picturesque resort village that resembles its French Alps cousins. And, with its French-Canadian ambiance, it sounds eerily similar to them. Mont Tremblant was known to the ancient Algonquins as Manitonga Soutana, or “the mountain of the spirits.” You can sense those spirits as you saunter down these difficult slopes through breathtaking scenery. There are snow parks where the more daring will have a good time. There are several options for lodging. There’s also a pedestrian-friendly village where the lights — and the fun — are kept on late.
#6 — FRANCE, CHAMONIX — Chamonix is a long-time favorite of mine…and several other skiers. After all, why not? It is one of France’s biggest ski resorts. It’s also one of France’s oldest resorts, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1924. In the French Alps, the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful scenery — and skiing. Ski de randonnée (ski touring), snowboarding, and heli-skiing are all common activities in Chamonix. Even if you aren’t in the mood to ski, there is plenty to do in this town. Take Europe’s highest cable car up Aiguille de Midi for breathtaking mountain views. Chamonix is also well-known for its lively après-ski scene.
#5 — GRAUBUNDEN, SWITZERLAND — ST. MORITZ This picturesque village, which is surrounded by alpine lakes, is known as the “Roof of Europe.” And if you’re searching for a spot where the rich and famous congregate — and a chance to rub elbows with them — St. Moritz is the place to be. They come from all over the world to ski these 217 miles of slopes, to relax in the valley’s mineral springs, to shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries (and chocolate shops! ), and to experience a special area where Romansch is the official language, with German spoken in town and Italian in the surrounding valleys. (However, the British were the first winter visitors to this area 150 years ago.)
INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA — #4 Innsbruck, which is over 800 years old, is a cultural as well as a skiing destination. It’s the capital of Tyrol, known for its stunning Middle-European architecture, delectable cuisine, lively cultural life, and world-class skiing. In reality, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1964 and 1976). Skiers and snowboarders can choose from more than 310 miles of trails in 25 resorts, all of which are linked by a free ski bus. Eight major ski areas with a variety of terrain offer great runs for beginners to experts, with ski lifts reaching a height of 10,500 feet. Cross-country skiing is common as well; few things are as thrilling as driving through the Tyrolean Alps’ snowy mountains and deep forests. (And nothing beats a nighttime horse-drawn sleigh ride in this town!)
CERVINIA, ITALY — #3 Cervinia is located on the opposite side of the Matterhorn (“Monte Cervino” in Italian) from Zermatt, Switzerland. This town isn’t as pretty as Zermatt, and it doesn’t have the cache of the posh European resorts…but that’s part of its allure. It’s less expensive, less crowded, more authentic, has excellent Italian food, and you’ll meet as many locals as foreign tourists. (However, if you really want a shot of “cache,” Zermatt is just a short drive away.) Cervinia also has a run that is more than 12 miles long, making it one of the world’s longest. It’s even possible to ski here almost all year.
ZERMATT, VALAIS, SWITZERLAND (#2) — Zermatt is located at the base of the Matterhorn, Europe’s most majestic mountain at 14,692 feet. The Zermatt region is Europe’s largest (and highest) summer skiing region, with 224 miles of slopes (and mountain railways all over the place). It’s no surprise that it’s known as “Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.” Gornergrat, a cog railway that climbs to 10,135 feet and offers a stunning view of the Alps, is one of the “extras” here. The Matterhorn Museum houses the equipment used to climb the Matterhorn for the first time in 1865. (which ended tragically). And there’s Gorner Gorge, which the brave can traverse through narrow bridges, steps, and a fixed-rope path.
And now for my own favorite international ski resort…
#1 — BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — WHISTLER If you weren’t familiar with Whistler prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics, you most likely were afterward. All of the skiing activities were held in this picturesque village. (As well as a nice place to hang out after the skiing events!) True skiers, on the other hand, have long known that the Whistler Blackcomb area has some of the finest skiing on the planet. With the snow-capped mountains and deep-green forests of British Columbia’s Coastal Range, this area, about two hours north of Vancouver, looks like a Currier & Ives postcard in the winter. Taking the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is one of the easiest ways to see them. It links Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and is the world’s longest free-span between ropeway towers at 1.9 miles. You’ll also be skiing in an active bear habitat in Whistler, so keep your eyes peeled!
These are, without a doubt, my favourites. So, how about you? Please contact us. This is your opportunity to promote your favorite!