High altitude ski resorts you've probably not heard of
2 Mar, 2023
4mins, 51s read
Sarah Cramer
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Heaps of snow? Heavenly views? Long seasons? Tick. Tick. Tick. High-altitude ski resorts sure do offer lots of extra perks. But their popularity means they can get busy, too. So here are some of Heidi'sfave high-altitude ski resorts that are 'quieter-but-brilliant' so you can avoid the crowds.
Isola, France
What’s that? You can ski just a snowball’s throw away from the Côte d'Azur? Yep, that’s right! Isola 2000 in France is a mere hour and a half’s drive from Nice, AND its terrain boasts epic mountains with decent altitudes up to 2,600m. Who would have thought it?! Enjoy super convenient ski-in, ski-out accommodation leading directly onto a great variety of pistes with thrilling runs for everyone in your group, especially beginners and intermediates.
Valmeinier, France
Soak up oodles of traditional French charm in the high-altitude ski resort of Valmeinier 1800. Spectacular mountain vistas create an epic backdrop for a holiday that will be loved by all ski fanatics. Tree-lined reds keep intermediates on their toes, while easygoing greens and blues help newbies build confidence. Nice one! Fresh flurries of snow often fall in March, and a decent cluster of slopes reach as high as 2,750m, so a late-season trip in April is usually possible.
Pila, Italy
Flying under the radar, Pila is one of Italy’s lesser-known ski resorts, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to high-altitude skiing. Located in the Aosta Valley close to the giant peaks of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, Pila’s pistes reach as high as 2,750m. The stuff of dreams! This beautiful alpine ski village is superb for families, and the groms will love the gentle bunny slopes. Want to head off-piste? Drop in on some peachy wooded freeride terrain. Bring on the pow!
Livigno, Italy
Hidden in the heart of Italy's Alta Valtellina, Livigno is a charming ski village with access to slopes reaching up to 2,800m. That’s some seriously big altitude! Both skiers and boarders will have a blast here with a good mix of red and blue runs. And if freestyl’n is more your gig, you’re in luck. Livigno will host the Freestyle Olympic Games in 2026. Go for gold! Oh, and the tax-free shopping makes it great value, too - fill your ski boots!
Neustift Im Stubaital, Austria
Welcome to the Stubai Glacier, aka ‘The Kingdom of Snow’. Popular for its high-altitude ski area Stubai is just a 45-minute drive from Innsbruck. But if you want to stay in the mountains, Neustift im Stubaital is the place to be. Open from mid-October until late-May, the glacier boasts a large selection of cruisy runs that’ll keep both skiers and boarders grinning from peak to peak. Feeling peckish? Stop by the Jochdohle, Austria’s highest mountain restaurant, for a delicious feast of wiener schnitzel and a stein of beer. Prost!
Kappl, Austria
Get your sunnies on for Kappl is not only a high-altitude ski resort, but it’s also renowned for its epic bluebird days. Soak up those rays! Set in Austria’s Paznaun Valley, this hidden gem is blessed with runs climbing as high as 2,690m, with everything from mellow blues to challenging off-piste verticals. Plus, mini skiers will love the Sunny Mountain Adventure Park. There’s no shortage of piste-side mountain huts here, either, so why not rest your legs and take in the spell-binding valley vistas. Simply magic!
Tux, Austria
Tux is Austria’s gateway to the lofty Hintertux Glacier, which, at 3,250m, is open for skiing no less than 365 days a year. Wowzers! Plus, there are plenty of cushty blues and reds further down the steep Zillertal Valley to keep everyone entertained. Many pros use Tux as a base for off-season training, and it’s ideal for a short weekend break for amateur aficionados wanting a warm-up session before the main season begins. There’s lots to do off the slopes too. Explore an underground ice palace in the glacier caves, and whizz down floodlit toboggan runs. Weeeee!
Kuhtai, Austria
With stunning views, a peaceful village and high-altitude skiing, what’s not to love about Austria’s highest ski resort, Kuhtai? Enjoy the convenience of ski-in, ski-out accommodation at 2,017m above sea level and ascend to the dizzying heights of 2,520m to enjoy a mountain load of cruisy red runs. Want to climb higher? Explore the Sulzkogel ski touring route, which rises as high as 3,016m. And if you’re looking for a late-season ski holiday, Kuhtai’s towering slopes often stay open until as late as May.
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