How to choose a ski resort that’s right for you
There are lots of excellent ski resorts right on our doorstep. Whether it’s the variety of France, the charm of Austria or the allure of Switzerland, finding the right ski resort can be a daunting task. There are certain attributes unique to each ski destination that keep regulars coming back season after season. We are sharing some of the things you should consider when choosing your ski holidays. Where will you go?
Transfer time
Before choosing a resort, ask yourself what your preferred journey time is. The shorter the transfer, the lower altitude your resort will be in. We do recommend a longer transfer time as it rewards you with higher altitude and snow-sure resorts like Val d’Isere. However, when travelling with young children, this can be difficult. One of our favourite resort for a short transfer time is Megève. Just 75 minutes from Geneva, this medieval-style village has an authentic charm and its slopes are perfect for beginner to intermediate skiers.
Time of year
If you are concerned about transfer time, we recommend that you travel during peak season. This is when the snow conditions are at their best. However, if you choose a longer transfer, you could be enjoying t-shirt skiing in April on snow-sure slopes like Zermatt, Val Thorens and Verbier. The resorts of France and Switzerland are preferred over Austria for snow-sure slopes, especially in December and April. Many families have no choice but to travel during the school holidays. If you are a group or a couple, we recommend avoiding peak weeks.
Who you are travelling with
Before choosing a resort, ask yourself what type of trip you are looking for; couple, group or a family ski trip? There are some resorts that are more suited than others. If you are travelling as a couple or in a group, Verbier, Courchevel, Kitzbühel and Val d’Isère are ideal. They all have a luxurious feel with excellent on-the-mountain dining and après ski options. Kitzbühel also works well for families as well as Zell am See. St Anton and Méribel are both perfect for beginners and they also have great facilities and activities for children.
Ski level
Before choosing a resort, it is important to consider your ski level. Great all-rounder resorts include Courchevel and Méribel. Both are great options for visitors with different ski levels. For beginners, it is important to find resorts that are renowned for their ski schools and guides. Megève and Zell am See are great places to start. Here, mountain slopes offer
well-groomed, wide pistes, ideal for improving your technique. For veteran skiers and those looking for a challenge, the Swiss resorts of Verbier and Zermatt are the best options. Both snow-sure resorts, they offer quality slopes, scenic views and legendary off-piste.
On-mountain dining
For foodies, there are certain resorts that offer superb dining experiences. Verbier, Megève, Courchevel and Zermatt are the top contenders. For panoramic Matterhorn views on the slopes, Zermatt is a great choice. Not only is it home to the celebrated Chez Vrony, it has effortlessly chic restaurants and renowned fondue eateries. Verbier, sitting on the sunny plateau of the Four Valleys, is home to excellent restaurants like Chamois and Vieux Verbier as well as family-friendly alpine dining at Al Capone. Megève and Courchevel, both home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, are perfect for sampling refined alpine cuisine at celebrated restaurants like the three Michelin starred, Le 1947, in Courchevel and Flocons de Sel in Megève.
Après ski?
Après-ski is key to fun-filled ski holidays. After a day of skiing, there is nothing like entering a place with great music and wine to get you excited for dinner. Après-ski is a perfected sport at some of the European ski resorts, which can explode into a daytime party at places like Courchevel and Verbier. In Val d’Isère, the resort is linked to a group of villages which gives it its youthful feel. It is also home to the legendary Folie Douce. Expect a vibrant après scene throughout the Three Valleys. Celebrations often start in Folie Douce in Meribel before continuing to Courchevel for refreshing sundowner cocktails and live music. For a more laid-back après atmosphere, Megève is perfect.
