Heidi Blog
8 of the Best High Altitude Ski Resorts
Whether you’re looking for a late-season skiing getaway or a snowsure resort with plenty of powdery off-piste terrain, high-altitude ski resorts deliver mountain loads of fun. Here's Heidi's lowdown on some of the best-known and most popular high-altitude ski resorts that guarantee to make you smile from peak to bar.
Val Thorens, France
Home to the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is one of the most popular high-altitude destinations out there. And with easy access to Les Trois Vallées, you'll be living the high life, cruising the world's largest ski area. Bring on the shred! Skiers of all abilities will have a blast, as well as families, snowboarders and off-piste fanatics. Climb up to 3,200m to ride some of the most reliable snow in the French Alps from November to May.
Tignes, France
If summer skiing is on your bucket list, the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes, France, boasts runs at over 3,000m in June. Carve 20km of glacier runs and soak up the sunshine on the scenic terraces. Don’t forget to pack your sunnies! The snow is peachy the rest of the season, too, with most of the runs open from November through to May. Keen to head off-piste? Drop in on heaps of fresh freeride verticals and fluffy tree-lined tracks.
La Plagne, France
A firm favourite amongst British skiers, La Plagne's pistes climb as high as 3,200m. And with access to 425km of runs across France's Paradiski area, there's something for everyone at this popular high-altitude ski resort. Beginners can master snow ploughs on gentle bunny slopes while intermediates cut their skis on mellow blues and tree-lined reds. For more challenging runs, head up the mountain to Glacier de Bellecôte to explore steely blacks or catch the double-decker cable car over to Les Arcs.
Obergurgl, Austria
A true gem of a ski resort, Obergurgl, aka 'The Diamond of the Alps,' is a shining example of an epic high-altitude location. With oodles of Alpine charm and beautiful uncrowded slopes, most runs descend from over 2,000m, and some climb as high as 3,000m. This makes it one of Austria's most snowsure resorts. Bring on the pow! Get this on your shortlist for an early or late-season ski trip. And if you have the kids in tow, they will love the easy-to-access bunny slopes and mini skiers Funpark.
Cervinia, Italy
With heaps of easygoing blues and reds overlooking the mighty Matterhorn, Italy's Cervinia is a high-altitude ski resort brimming with epic scenery. Sitting at 2,050m, this lofty snowy playground climbs as high as 3,500m, providing superb snow all season. Get ready for a send-fest! Freeride daredevils will love off-piste adventures over the border in Switzerland's Zermatt, while beginners and intermediate skiers will have endless fun on the local slopes.
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France, is big in every way. Big ski area. Big apres. And big altitude! From sky-high glacier skiing to lofty forest-lined slopes, the snow is mint all season. Plus, you can often ski right until the end of April. Snow-good! Newbies can enjoy high-rise pistes with easygoing blue runs overlooking the spectacular Mount Blanc skyline. And if you're itching to explore some backcountry terrain, there are plenty of off-piste drops to shred.
Ischgl, Austria
As one of Austria's most snowsure ski resorts, Ischgl boasts incredible groomed pistes over 2,000m. Carve your way down long blue and red runs from November to April, and enjoy frequent bluebird days at Easter. Or dare to head off-piste and make the most of pristine backcountry trails. It’s what dreams are made of! The apres ski will also have you on cloud nine; get ready to dance ski boots off at the legendary 'Top of the Mountain' concerts.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Buckle up for takeoff and cruise at high-altitude in Zermatt. Switzerland's most-loved ski resort is home to endless intermediate runs, powdery off-piste peaks, out-of-this-world mountain vistas, and, most importantly, some of the highest slopes in Europe. What's not to love?! With superb snow from November to May, it is ideal for an early or late ski holiday. Or, if you fancy some summer skiing, the towering Klein Matterhorn Glacier is open all year round.
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