~ Top 10 Resorts for Winter Sports Lovers in Europe ~

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Top 10 Resorts for Winter Sports Lovers in Europe


1. Zermatt, Switzerland   



One of the best climbing and ski centres and one of Europe's premier resorts, is the tiny village in the Swiss Alps, called Zermatt. This amazing place is dominated by the gracefully curved and majestic mount Matterhorn - the most photographed mountain in the world. With population of approximately 6,000 inhabitants and no cars at all, the picturesque Alpine village of Zermatt boasts peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, nice and fresh air and not to mention the awe-inspiring mountain landscape. Zermatt is no auto through-route and all journeys there are on ski or foot; people go there to rejoice in the mountain and to wander around the snow-covered cobbled paths of town. There are 3 major ski areas surrounding the village with the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the whole world and the ideal opportunities for skiing 365 days a year. Believe it or not in Zermatt you can even ski during the summer months on the glacier.

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2. Saint Moritz, Switzerland   



Punctilious and lavish Swiss hospitality, breath-taking scenery, excellent facilities and abundant outdoor activities are just small part of the virtues that make Saint Moritz a first class winter resort. The fact it is the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism, its cosmopolitan ambiance, elegance and chic are the major factors, which give this unusual place an unparalleled grandeur. The area's most popular sports venues are represented by large frozen lake and hundreds of miles of ski trails. Cable cars arise to three different nearby mountain tops to offer the tourists an incredible views and experiences. Saint Moritz actually owes its original fame to its remarkable therapeutic springs, which have been extremely popular for over 3,000 years. With its excellent hotels and top class restaurants, the resort guarantees glamorous and unforgettable time, great sporting attractions, amazing cultural highlights and exceptional leisure. Its unique "champagne climate", the Upper Engadin lake landscape and the rich array of attractions contribute to making the Saint Moritz and international symbol of quality.

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3. Val d'Isere, France   



Val d'Isère holidays are the most popular breaks for serious party, ski and board enthusiast in Europe and around the world. The Val d'Isère itself offers wide range of ski conditions and facilities for everyone, including kids and beginners: a beautiful snow park, 300 km of slopes, an outstanding geographical situation and free-ride itineraries. The most distinguished picks in the area is the Grande Motte glacier with its 3656 meters height. Its slopes are the highest of this skiing region and this is the reason why every year several skiing races in the framework of the alpine ski world cup and the World Championships in 2009 were held exactly on the slopes that surround the Val d'Isère. If you, however, prefer to ski in less risky and demanding slopes, there are plenty of selections available for you in the resort. Additionally, from the station Val dIsère, you could easily and quickly get directly to all the different areas of the skiing region.

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4. Jungfrau Region, Switzerland   



Located south of Interlaken, the Jungfrau Region is probably the most memorable and dramatic mountain scenery one could ever see in the whole of Switzerland. The region offers the enthusiastic snowboarders and skiers the vast 214 kilometres of pistes to enjoy, as well as some of the most attractive sledge runs in the world. The three giant peaks that dominate the area and rise side-by-side to 4000 m, are Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau. The main focus is Jungfrau, as it is the third highest mountain of the Bernese Alps, after the Aletschhorn and Finsteraarhorn. The unspoiled snowy landscapes of the area will undoubtedly impress you. Two picturesque valleys divide a few km south of Interlaken:  the famous Lauterbrunnen valley to the west and the narrow Lütschen valley to the east, where the multiple visitors could take advantage of the excellent skiing and hiking possibilities all around.

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5. Verbier, Switzerland   



Beyond any doubt, Verbier is trying really hard to retain its visitors from all over the world by improving over the last few years its lifts, snow-making and ski schools. The village of Verbier is located in the in the canton of Valais in south-eastern Switzerland and is recognized as one of the greatest "off-piste" locations in the world, and one of the largest ski areas and holiday resorts in the Swiss Alps. The place has attracted many top skiers that have settled there, tempted by the opportunity to take advantage of the resort culture, steep slopes and varied conditions. Verbiers ski area is divided into four sectors and a common ski pass allows to take the exciting tour all the way from Verbier to Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Les Masses and back. One of the main virtues of the resort is the fact it offers seven different snowboard and ski schools providing: performance coaching, private lessons, specialized clinics and courses and group lessons.

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6. Chamonix, France   



A magnificent historic climbing and ski town, situated on the picturesque side of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers greatest lift-served vertical drop in the world and is regarded as one of the best destinations for winter sports in Europe. Despite the fact it is not very large, the town attracts millions of visitors annually that visit it to experience both the breath-taking landscapes and the perfect conditions for winter sports. The major tourist attraction in the region is probably the Mont Blank peak with its remarkable 4808.75 m, although there are several other peaks in the area, which exceed the impressive 4000 m high. Except for these merits, the town of Chamonix also boast rich history. Its fame origins in the travel journal by two English aristocrats, who in 1741, during their expedition discovered the beautiful Chamouny valley. But the event that triggered a real hysteria among the tourists from all the ages all over the world, was the organization and the conduct of the first edition of the Winter Olympics in Chamonix, in 1924. Nowadays the resort has gained worldwide fame and attracts over 5 million visitors annually.

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7. The Arlberg, Austria   



Arlberg Austria is a vast and massive mountain range that lies between Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria with highest peak the Mount Valluga (2,809 m). The skiing areas there are very well- organized; many valleys connect to each other and all sorts of transportation are offered. This is the reason why practically the chance that you start skiing in one of the valleys in the morning and will end up in another one in the end of the day, is very rare. The Arlberg Ski Area is one of the most popular skiing areas and includes 248 individual pistes, as the levels of skier ability, from beginner to expert, are really well-catered for.  The Arlberg is famous for its long skiing history, for the luxurious accommodations and its small cozy villages, such as:  St. Anton, Zürs, Lech. Because of the incredible facilities and the altitude of its tracks in approximately 2200 m, which guarantees perfect snow conditions, The Arlberg is highly preferred ski destination for the tourists from all countries around the world, as well as the Royal British Family itself.

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8. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy   



Often ranked alongside Saint Moritz, the Cortina d'Ampezzo is located in a sunny wide valley amongst the magical Dolomitic scenery, and is believed to be Italy's most stylish resort. It is known as a popular winter sport resort, which stands out with its incredible ski-ranges, marvellous scenery, après-ski scene, perfect accommodations and numerous shops. The commune has started attracting celebrities of all types for being one of the top ritzy ski resorts since hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. The resort has three major ski areas and all the visitors are given Cortina card, which provides them discount to many of the numerous not-to-be-missed facilities available off the slopes. The spectacular surroundings of Cortina have been location for a rich number of different movies, among which: Cliffhanger, The Pink Panther and Krull. The resort has been location for the emblematic James Bond 007 film For Your Eyes Only, as well.

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9. Meribel, France   



With over 600 km of fantastic skiing and snowboarding, Méribel offers a unique ambience and is regarded as an exclusive winter sports location. Méribel Les Allues was developed really close to the traditional hamlet of Morel, with its small centre situated approximately at 1400 meters above sea level. The enchanting ski resort has been found by Peter Lindsay, who was Scottish Colonel, looking for some fresh and new winter sports site, away from the ski resorts in Germany and Austria. This magnificent resort is characterized by traditional Savoy architecture, represented by wood-panelled chalets on one hand and a modern skiing station on the other. The most famous and popular run in Meribel is the Combe Vallon, which could be easily found on Mont Vallon (2952 m). The second to none with major amounts easily accessible from the lifts, is the off-piste in Meribel.

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10. Kitzbuhel, Austria   



Situated in the Kitzbüheler Alps, the villages of Kitzbühel offer the ideal conditions for winter sports and high altitude training. The main allure of Kitzbühel is concentrated in its beautiful and contrasting landscape, which offers exceptional opportunities for leisure and sports and is therefore ranked as the prime Australian holiday resort. Go there in order to find out why Kitzbühel is world famous as the "Best of the Alps" resort. One of the most significant skiing events, the eminent "Hahnenkamm" race, has been held there since 1931 and contributes to the reputation as an Apres Ski town. This is what makes the area around Kitzbühel the most exclusive and distinguished skiing region in Tyrol. Once you arrive, you will never wish to leave this magical place.