According to statistics, each year 1.76 million of us decide to pack our bags and head to the slopes for a week of fun. Although sending yourself hurtling down a mountain at speed might not sound like everyone’s definition of fun, many of us see the appeal and routinely search for the best ski resorts to test out each year.
If you’re a ski lover ready to hit the mountains or simply want a winter getaway trying something different, we’ve rounded up the best ski destinations for 2023 below.
Before you go…
Before you decide to throw yourself down a mountain, it’s important to remember that you ‘ll need lessons as a first timer. Skiing is a dangerous sport, so you’ll need to learn how to stop, turn and keep safe before you go it alone.
So, when deciding on your next ski resort, make sure to pick a resort that has a beginner’s section or a gentle slope where you can get expert help from a ski tutor.
The best skiing locations that can’t be missed
- Val d’Isere, France
Val-d’Isère is a commune of the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoie department in southeastern France. It lies 5 km from the border with Italy and borders the Vanoise National Park. Its natural beauty, atmosphere, and superb quality slopes make it the ideal ski holiday for singles, couples, and families.
The season starts usually in November and closes in May.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
If you’re serious about skiing, Zermatt might be the place for you. Home to Switzerland’s greatest vertical drop and highly skiable terrain, this resort sits at a whopping 3,900 meters.
Zermatt, sitting just below Matterhorn, is one of Europe’s best ski areas. Linked to Cervinia, just over the border in Italy, Zermatt offers over 250km of pistes. Although there are 50 lifts dotted around for convenience, you might have to wait to get to the top of the mountain in the morning. But once you’re there, you won’t regret it!
3. St Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Although Austria has recently come under fire for an avalanche, serious skiers should head straight to Austria’s Arlberg region for no-nonsense high-challenge skiing. For the most daring of athletes, the longest slope here is the demanding 10-kilometer Valluga-St. Anton, with an elevation differential of 1,347 meters. If you don’t feel up to the challenge of the Valluga-St Anton, you can always choose one of the other ski routes. With 200km of marked ski routes available, skiers and snowboarders alike will be spoilt for choice.
If you’re looking forward to a winter break, you can’t go wrong with any of the above ski resorts. So now all that’s left to do is pack your skis and head to the slopes…
