Val Thorens offers snow-sure skiing for skiers of all levels with its 2,300m elevation and two glaciers, as well as recently being upgraded with five-star hotels attracting both older, well-off audiences as well as younger skiers.
The charming Italian village offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, plus doorstep skiing via its new revolving gondola. Furthermore, it hosts one of Europe’s longest winter seasons.
Long Winter Seasons
Ski resorts located at high altitudes across Europe take full advantage of their elevation, often offering glaciers that ensure snow throughout the season and creating an incredible winter wonderland experience. Beginners keen to try skiing can benefit from this magical wintery landscape while expert free skiers seeking endless challenges can enjoy this winter wonderland adventure.
Austrian ski resorts such as Lech and Obergurgl in Arlberg region take full advantage of this high altitude to maintain an extended ski season year-round. Their picturesque villages, connected by lift pass, provide luxurious skiing experiences within a relaxed atmosphere – no wonder celebrities and royalty visit here regularly!
Zermatt, Switzerland’s chic ski resort, takes advantage of its high altitude to its advantage. Home to the Matterhorn Glacier Ride – the highest aerial cableway in the world – this world-renowned destination provides panoramic views of the majestic Alpine landscapes from an altitude of 3,883m!
France’s famed La Plagne resort stands out among high altitude resorts by boasting an exceptional snow cover throughout winter, boasting beautiful village resorts and slopes from 1,250m to 3,250m in altitude. Beginners will appreciate its easy terrain while experts can challenge themselves on steep descents such as Grande Motte and Pisaillas glaciers.
Lots of Snow
Zermatt is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe and home to the iconic Matterhorn glacier, offering impressive snow conditions for skiers of all levels. Thanks to its altitude, Zermatt operates all year long for an extended season – boasting the world’s highest cable car ride and gondola service to reach the iconic Matterhorn peak, making this sophisticated Swiss resort well worth visiting.
Val Thorens is one of the three valleys within Paradiski and boasts breathtaking slopes to suit all abilities. Situated at 2,300m, this snow-sure resort provides access to 600km of pistes across two glaciers; many north-facing runs help ensure snow retention throughout your skiing days! Additionally, Tignes can be easily linked up allowing for extended ski days via purchasing a Paradiski lift pass.
La Plagne offers breathtaking mountain vistas in the heart of the Alps and features 120 miles (200km) of incredible ski runs spanning six villages at high altitude. Experience Belle-Plagne (2,050m), or stay in charming Plagne 1800 for all-inclusive hotels or luxury self-catered apartments and catered chalets; this resort also receives plenty of natural snowfall throughout the year making it an excellent destination for families, beginners, or advanced skiers.
Variety of Terrain
Skiing at high altitude offers many key advantages, including long seasons and ample snow. Furthermore, this terrain diversity makes skiing at altitude suitable for both newcomers and seasoned veterans.
Tignes is Europe’s highest ski resort, offering an abundance of terrain for every level. Situated at 2,100m, its proximity to Grande Motte glacier ensures slopes remain snow-sure. Furthermore, Tignes can be linked up via lift to neighbouring Val d’Isere and Les Arcs villages to form Espace Killy ski area that boasts more than 300km of slopes!
Cervinia, Italy offers another high-altitude ski resort with an exceptional variety of terrain: Cervinia. Overlooking it all is the majestic Matterhorn; guaranteeing another fantastic skiing season at this lofty destination. Ideal for family ski trips thanks to its convenient runs yet offering challenging terrain for experienced skiers as well.
Altitude also offers another advantage, in that your chances of experiencing altitude sickness are extremely slim due to your body becoming acclimated with its alpine environment, with symptoms typically appearing above 2,500m. Should anyone do experience symptoms they can usually take some puffs of oxygen to overcome them quickly.
Family Friendly
Val Thorens stands at an astounding 2,300m and forms part of the expansive Three Valleys ski area, making it Europe’s highest ski resort. Intended with families in mind, this snow-sure resort features plentiful ski-in/ski-out accommodation. A network of modern lifts and gondolas make getting from your chalet or apartment to the slopes an easy journey allowing you to wake up each morning to the sight of sunlight dancing across surrounding summits before hitting down directly onto ski runs below.
Les Arcs is an extraordinary high-altitude ski resort. Situated at France’s highest altitude, Les Arcs boasts premium snow quality throughout winter season and features beginner-oriented lessons as well as expert-level challenges – this resort truly provides it all.
Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt stands proud at an elevation of over 2,000m and attracts winter sports enthusiasts from across the world to its beautiful mountains and glaciers. This Alpine wonderland features the Matterhorn Glacier Ride cable car ride – boasting incredible panoramic views – as well as seamless connectivity between itself and neighboring Italian resort Cervinia via high-speed gondola; making exploring both areas with just one lift pass easy!
Emily Harrington specializes in green innovation, renewable energy solutions, and corporate sustainability. She writes about emerging technologies and sustainable business practices that drive long-term success.