Mountain ranges of Alps stretch thousands of miles spanning five European countries viz. Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and Germany. So coming up with few best Ski Resorts in the Alps is very difficult as their uniqueness differ along with their facilities. While narrowing down to selective resorts in the Alps, various factors such as the picturesque location, ambience, interiors, facilities, and skiing scope are considered.
What are the Best Ski Resorts in the Alps for Families?
The top 10 ski resorts for families in the Alps are:
Chamonix in France : One of the most popular resort in France. With activities varying from ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, paragliding, rafting, and canyoning, this place is where everyone can indulge in their favorite pastime adventure activity. The cable car ride is the most popular as it climbs up to the Aiguille du Midi which is 3,842 m(12,605 ft). It is also a favorite summer time mountain climbing resort with the massive climbs of the Mont Blanc.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy : This was rated one of the top 12 resorts in Europe under the "Best of the Alps" Category. Located at an elevation of 1224 m with 7ooo population, it is accessbile to Milano, Innsbruk, Venice and Austrian border. Surrounded by higher peaks, the Tofàna 3243m, Cristallo 3218m, Sorapìs 3205m. TO get more information, please click on the External References below for Resorts.
Davos, Switzerland : This is one of the oldest Alps resort which can be traced back to the 1830s. With Extensive ski areas, 143 limes of ski runs, sledding, skating rinks and about 45 ski lifts it is one of Switzerlands' largest ski resorts.
Kitzbühel, Austria : Being one of the top ten Alps ski resorts in Europe, this is a very well organized yet rustic town in Germany with cobblestone pathways and 12th century old stone walls. Hahnenkamm race course is one of the most challenging in the world Cup Circuit. Additional activities include, horse-drawn, sleigh rides, ice skating, indoor tennis, bowling and swimming.
Seefeld, Austria : This is a place for all generations. With vaious activities in both summer and winter, it boasts of exquisite shops, restaurants, casinos, unspoiled mountains, and a 279km crosscountry skiing. Skiboarding has some well developed slopes as well for a great experience.
Zermatt, Switzerland : Situated on the west side of Switzerland bordering Italy. One third of the health resorts in Switzerland are located in these beautiful mountains. In terms of Skiing experience, these are one of the welld eveloped slopes. With excellent climate and lesser rainfall than the rest of Switzerland it is a must to visit these ski slopes for the hardcore skiers. It has world class restaurants and for the eco-conscious, you will be amazed to know that they have only electric cars in service here since 1947. No combustion engines are run in the village.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany: Located in South Germany in the state of Bavaria, this twin town is more popular with the Germans, and surrounding places. It has a little of eberything which makes it a popular place to see both in Winter and Summer. Not too far from here are the castles such as the Lindenholf, an hour away is the Mittenwald and the monastery of Ettal are some of the few places that are worth checking out when you are not Skiing in Winter.
Grindelwald, Switzerland : One of the oldest resorts and well known for the "Festival International des Neiges", which is held in January, this place has a landscape which has high ski slopes on one hand and the Grosse and Kleine Scheidegg ridges which are perfect for cross country skiing.
Lech/Zürs, Austria : These 3 districts are very close to each other and with ski buses running between them frequently you can explore all 3 of them. Austria is about 4kms away and Lech and Zürs are pretty close to each other. While Zürs is a more of a Skiers village, Lech is a mountain village which charms visitors both in winter and Summer
St. Moritz, Switzerland : This resort has hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice and one can only imagine why. It has one of the steepest slopes with a vertical drop. Switzerland's biggest national reserve of 179 kms is located here.
Why is Wedelhütte, Hochzillertal one if the best Alpine SJi resorts?
Wedelhütte, Hochzillertal is located in Austria at a height of 2,350m. This is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps that offers spectacular views of the Tirol in Hochzillertal and the highest comforts provided. With a unobstructed view of the 3,000m peaks of the Zillertal Alps, Wedelhütte is between the Wimbachkopf and Marchkopf. It attracts tourists from around the globe every year for its panoramic romantic sunsets. With 11 suites equipped with all the contemporary amenities including saunas, DVD, Wi-Fi and the traditional chalet, this is a place to stay at if you plan to go to the Alps. You can enjoy sliding on skis or even the gondola. Snowshoe excursion is another option a tourist can opt for. After all these adventure, you can indulge in the four to five course dinner at their gourmet premium Weder Lounge which has quite a few delicacies to please your palette. They have a weekly Wine tasting event, with the grandeur of the Alps as the backdrop where you can taste some of the best wines from their wine cellar. Fashion show events, live music are some of the popular events held here.
What are features of the Matterhorn Glaciar Paradise Hut?
The Glaciar Paradise Hut is placed at the Klein Matterhorn Gandola top and comprise of eco-friendly bunk rooms equipped with the latest state-of-the art amenities. This Alps ski resort is especially for those who are hardcore skiers. The first tracks in the morning are very good for skiing and the super elevation of 3800 m can simply take your breath away. But it is advisable that you carry food, aspirin and a bottle of water while going up.
Why is Hamilton Lodge best for family?
If you are searching for a wide terrain for skiing, then Hamilton Lodge is the best option, especially if the requirement also includes skiing area for children. This Alps ski Resort is located in the UNESCO protected area of Aletsch Glacier, Bijou. This ski area is car free part of Belalp and is good for family holiday. The place has been recently restored and expanded. Now, it provides 22 rooms and suites. Apart from luxurious amenities and haute-rustic styled decorations, other amenities include handmade quilts, spa, and kid’s game rooms.
Which are some of the other Alpine Ski Resorts?
Here are some of the other well known Alpine Ski Resorts :
Hameau les Clèves, Haute Nendaz, Switzerland: This four valleys hamlet began its services in 2007, and is located in a very special snowbound territory. This ski Resort in the Alps offers the provision of pick up and hence if you do not have a mode of transition, you will be ferried along with your kit by the snowcat to this cozy destination. The hotel has two restaurants and around 10 rooms, with few options of luxury chalets included. The place offers skiing opportunity on the Piste which is the second largest ski area in Switzerland stretching across 400 km.
Hôtel Allodis, Méribel, France: If you are a great foodie and never like to compromise on your meals even on skiing expeditions, then Allodis is the right Alps ski Resort for you. This place boosts of a top class gastronomic restaurant with a terrace lunch provision. The ambience is tastefully decorated with deep red color and aroma of lilies dominating the surroundings. The luxuries include chocolate chaud wrap for guests and an open fire. A hammam, a pool and beautiful Clarins spa completes the picture of a perfect foodie ski resort. Placed on the top of Meribel village, Allodis is located on the periphery of Piste.
Hotel Maiensee, Austria: Arlberg in Austria is a top skiing spot of St. Christoph. Hotel Maiensee located is a classic Tirolean retreat famous for its pine lined Tirolean Stuben, aesthetically carved wine cellar resembling a small mountain and a breakfast buffet. The highlighting feature of this Alps Ski Resort is spacious wellness center equipped with hay baths, steam rooms, mud treatments and saunas.
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