Choose the most beautiful ski resort in the Alps it’s like choosing the most beautiful diamond.
Pristine peaks and shimmering snow make for an alluring package, but some alpine resorts carry a little more than just beauty.
The scenery, the architecture, the atmosphere, the personality – it all somehow adds even more desire to fans of these ski destinations in Europe.
These 10 European treasures will spark an instant craving for the Alps.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Unique Features: the famous village of Valais, world-class skiing, rich mountaineering history, iconic pointed peak.
From the sneaky peaks at first light to the “good night” before bed, the mesmerizing Matterhorn mountain grabs attention from the moment travelers arrive in Zermatt. This will happen for those traveling by train, taxi or helicopter, of course, as the jewel of the village of Valais is car-free and a paradise for hikers.
Zermatt is a cultural throwback in part to Swiss sophistication, where centuries-old barns perched on stone stilts to keep out mice mingle with cutting-edge creations.
A cog railway climbs the slopes around Gornergrat Mountain and offers stupendous views of the Monte Rosa mountain range, while cable cars up to the Klein Matterhorn (Little Cervino) summit offer up-close views of the icon itself, as well as access Cervinia, Italy.
Worth the trip: Chez Vrony on the slopes of Sunnegga offers quintessential mountain cuisine with the Matterhorn as a backdrop. In town, the Matterhorn Museum explores a rich history of agriculture and climbing.
Chez Vrony, Vrony and Max Cotting-Julen, Findeln, CH-3920 Zermatt, Switzerland; +43 027 967 25 52
Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, Zermatt Tourism, Bahnhofplatz 5, Zermatt, Switzerland; +41 27 966 81 00
2. Grimentz, Switzerland
Unique Features: beautiful cottages that could illustrate chocolate boxes, untouched valley, geraniums.
The small Valais village of Grimentz is the complete package. Alleys flank old cottages, rustic barns and sun-darkened stables, with porches doused in 34 varieties of geranium in summer. The setting is pretty lush, too.
Grimentz is located in the Val d’Anniviers, a side part of the great Rhône valley. At its southern end is the “Great Crown” of the four thousand (summits over 4,000 meters above sea level), including the Weisshorn, Bishorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.
Worth the trip: you can literally drink from the Grimentz heritage with a tasting of the legendary Vin du Glacier, a unique Anniviers wine that is complemented year after year. The Barrel do Bispo in the Maison Bourgeoisiale cellar dates from 1886.
Maison Bourgeoisiale, 3961 Saint-Luc, Switzerland
3. Wengen, Switzerland
Unique Features: Classic Swiss village surrounded by famous peaks.
The infamous north face of the Eiger Mountain casts an eerie shadow over this arm of the Bernese Oberland region. Not literally, though, as Wengen stands on a sunny shoreline down the hill from the “mordwand,” or wall of death.
The village, which can only be reached by train via the cog railway or cable car, overlooks the deep valley of Lauterbrunnen and the famous 4,000-meter peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
Wengen, with all the grand old chalets and kids sledding to school, is home to the famous Lauberhorn ski race on the World Cup circuit. The race passes through a tunnel of another cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg at 2,061 meters, where you can watch climbers on the north face of the Eiger from your lunch table.
Worth the trip: a train from Kleine Scheidegg climbs the Eiger, stopping to let passengers look out a rock window at the north face, before reaching the Jungfraujoch (3,454 meters) at the top of the vast Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for skiing and climbing.
Cable car Wengen Mannlichen, Postfach 396, Wengen 3823, Switzerland
4. Kitzbuehel, Austria
Unique Features: Tyrolean charm, cobbled streets, ski racing Mecca.
Ski racing’s answer to Wimbledon or Augusta National, is the old-school Kitzbuehel, iconic and spiritual home for daring skiers. The Tyrolean town hosts the historic Hahnenkamm race every January, when the world’s best skiers launch themselves across a steep strip of ice – reaching 40.4 degrees at one point – known as the Streif.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kitzbuehel was crowded during race week. Fans stocked up on schnapps screamed as their favorite skiers passed, then squeezed into the infamous London pub to sip beer served by the US and Canadian ski teams. The rest of the time, Kitzbuehel is charming and elegant, with a centuries-old center surrounded by the gentle peaks of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains.
Worth the trip: For an authentic taste of Tyrol, Huberbrau Stuberl offers an abundance of schnitzel, goulash and dumpling dishes in an atmospheric setting.
Huberbrau Stuberl, Vorderstadt 18, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria; +43 5356 65677
5. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Unique Features: Elegant gem enhanced by snow-encrusted dolomitic peaks from Italy.
This charming place in the southern Alps is a magnet for the beautiful set. Just two hours north of Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo sits in a sunny basin surrounded by the high peaks of the eastern Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of which reach over 3,000 meters.
Cortina hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and was the setting for a certain James Bond movie. When you look at it, you might even wish Cortina was “For Your Eyes Only”.
Worth the trip: if it’s good enough for Mr Bond, the five-star Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel might be good enough for you too. Or take inspiration from 007’s mission and add some excitement to an Olympic bobsled race.
Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel, Via Pezie 103, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy; +39 0436 4201
6. Lech, Austria
Unique Features: Old-fashioned elegance with royal approval.
Another successful former farming village, luxurious Lech caters to the most discerning and empowered as well as royal-style vacations. Diana, the Princess of Wales, was a fan. The city is like an open bowl between gentle peaks on the banks of the River Lech, part of the famous Arlberg region, which includes neighboring Zurs, St. Anton, St. Christoph and Stuben.
Worth the trip: those who like long distances can try the White Ring ski circuit – 22 kilometers of groomed slopes and 5,500 meters of vertical that surrounds Lech and Zurs. Adrenaline junkies can hire a guide and brave the steep north face of Valluga.
For lunch, there is the option of staying at the legendary Hospiz Alm in St Anton.
Hospiz Alm, St. Christoph 118 Arlberg Hospiz, St. Anton am Arlberg 6580, Austria
7. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Unique Features: high mountain scenery, old wooden barns, glaciers right in front of you.
Saas-Fee hit the right notes as the setting for Wham’s 1984 “Last Christmas” music video, and his vibes continue to wow visitors. It’s another pleasant Swiss village nestled in an imposing alpine circus filled with traditional “raccards”, or barns, and old-style chalets between glaciers and majestic mountains.
Fabulous 4,000-meter peaks such as the Dom, Taschhorn and Alphubel dot the horizon, and it is from here that the extended version of the Zermatt-Chamonix Haute Route begins. Ski slopes, usually in between, flow down alongside glacial tongues marked by gaping crevices.
Worth the trip: to mingle with true climbers, the Britannia Hutte is a climber’s haven 15 minutes away on foot or a quick snowmobile ride from the nearest cable car. A simple lunch on its sunny terrace offers sublime views.
Britannia Hutte, 3906 Saas Fee, Switzerland
8. Alpbach, Austria
Unique Features: Beautiful, par excellence, unpretentious.
The beautiful Alpbach has long known what her best features are and has made a point of showing them off. The traditional wooden farmhouses of the medieval village proved to be an attraction for early tourists and planners took note of this.
All upper floors of new buildings must be clad in wood to preserve the feel of the past. The cute, homey look – farming is still very much alive – won the award for “the most beautiful village in Austria” – and this competition is tough.
The ski slopes are generally smooth and low – the village is just 1,000 meters above sea level – but this Tyrolean treasure lives up to the name of the ski area it shares with the neighboring Wildschonau valley – Ski Jewel.
Worth the trip: Rustic Boglalm is an Alpbach favorite near the top of the Galtenberg cable car, offering authentic Tyrolean dishes like goulash soup or grilled würstl (sausage).
Böglalm, 6236 Alpbach, Austria; +43 5336 5177
9. Megeve, France
Unique Features: views of Mont Blanc, elegant center, scent of pine.
Megeve makes the list because of its location, with close-up views of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at 4,810 meters. The town was one of the first purpose-built resorts in the Alps, developed by the wealthy Rothschild family in the 1920s, but unlike more recent builds like this one in France, the old agricultural roots have been retained.
The picturesque cobblestone center lends an authentic feel, while cruising the beautifully wooded lower slopes fills your nostrils with the pleasant scent of pine.
Worth the trip: Gourmets are spoiled for choice in Megève, but top of the list is the three Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel by chef Emmanuel Renaut.
Flocons de Sel, 1775 Route du Leutaz, 74120 Megeve, France
10. Courmayeur, Italy
Unique Features: great mountain landscapes, historic town, restaurants, Mont Blanc.
It’s hard not to feel neck pain in Courmayeur. The picturesque old town sits on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc tunnel (strictly, it is now Monte Bianco) and the vast walls and buttresses of the highest mountain range in the Alps soar above, seemingly soaring forever.
The ski slopes begin on a sunny plateau above the city, with stupendous views of more than a dozen of Europe’s highest peaks. Courmayeur is known for its numerous mountain restaurants offering simple Italian dishes, while the historic center is a great place to dine.
Worth the trip: For the ultimate high mountain experience, you can get a guide and take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car to Punta Helbronner (3,462 meters) to access the famous 20-kilometer Vallee Blanche glacier to Chamonix, France.
Skyway Monte Bianco, Strada Statale 26, 48 Strada della Brenva / Strada Statale 26, 48, 11013 Courmayeur, Italy
Editor’s Note: Rob Hodgetts is a journalist and editor who has worked for companies such as CNN Sport, BBC Sport, BBC News and Reuters and has covered some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including multiple winter and summer Olympics, the US Masters of Golf and Ryder Cup
Source: CNN Brasil
