Separate your coats and cold boots as the snow season approaches – at least in the Northern Hemisphere.
As temperatures begin to rise over the next few months in Brazil and across the southern part of the world, the cold is crawling in the upper portion of the planet.
And after the tips on where to enjoy the winter season in the United Statesit is time for the Europe .
snow season
Switzerland , France and Italy are among the countries I most admire in the world. But in addition, some cities and locations in these incredible territories take advantage of sub-zero temperatures to be true snow resorts.
Great slopes for skiing and snowboarding only seem like details in these places, as star-studded cuisine, super-sophisticated hotels and breathtaking views await us around the mountains.
It is worth remembering that the landscapes are so impressive that even a ranking with the Europe’s most beautiful ski resorts was carried out by CNN International.
be in Zermatt in Switzerland, or in Courchevel in France, the ski resorts still get extra hustle in the après-ski that is, in the post-ski period, when the animation takes over the restaurants and the lively centers with shops and galleries.
The season usually runs from the end of November to April and the best thing is that it can be enjoyed in different ways: whether as a couple on a more romantic trip, whether with the family or even with programming geared towards children.
So, although it sounds contradictory, the cold is the factor that warms us up here.
Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or not, it’s also always beneficial to check out the tips on what to pack and the explanation of some terms related to snow sports. in this little practical guide.
Prepared? So dress up and travel with me in these tips on where to enjoy the snow season in Europe:
Courchevel, France
Considered the ski capital of the world, Courchevel pulsates right in the heart of the French Alps.
The resort was created precisely to be a luxury ski resort and integrates the region of Les Trois Vallées (the Three Valleys), in which it is located in the largest interconnected ski area in the world – which also includes Val Thorens and Meribel .
Most of the peaks are above 1,800 meters, that is, they guarantee us quality snow throughout the winter season, when we ski with amazing landscapes, with the Mont Blanc mountain in the background, for example.
The area has more than 600 skiable km, 318 slopes and 170 lifts (cable cars that take skiers), divided into four villages: Courchevel 1300 , Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850 .
Each number refers to the altitude and the interesting thing is that the atmosphere changes each time you climb: while 1550 is more family-oriented, party entertainment packs Courchevel 1650 and, finally, 1850 is home to 5-star hotels and a center full of shops. designer.
With this information, we can already have an idea of what we find in the area. But Courchevel goes further and surprises gastronomy lovers from all over the world, as the small French village corresponds to the ski resort with the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.
O Read 1947 , for example, has been awarded three Michelin stars, a feat unheard of in the Alps and throughout France. The restaurant is inside Hotel Cheval Blanc a super-luxury hotel in Courchevel 1850, and has an unrivaled seven-time tasting menu.
In addition to being able to perform almost all types of snow sports, we can also get a taste of the mountains from above: paragliding tours are carried out with the accompaniment of a professional and fly over the Col de la Loze, a mountain pass in the French Alps at a altitude of more than 2,300 meters.
And the little ones also have guaranteed fun in the middle of the cold: there are countless activities aimed at all ages, ranging from ski lessons, monitored games in the snow, entertainment inside the hotels and even an indoor aquatic center, the aquamotion with several activities that make them forget about the cold.
know more about where to eat , stay and find the liveliest restaurants of Courchevel here.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a city of about six thousand inhabitants that carries the essence of the Swiss Alps.
With the face of a village, the place presents us with hints of romanticism and magnificent landscapes of the Matterhorn a mountain that is the protagonist of the Alps and is on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Thus, Zermatt, at an altitude of around 1,600 meters, is the right choice for snow sports and spaces for skiing at different levels. Adventurers can enjoy the 360 km of tracks, which are divided into different areas.
Snowboard lovers also have a specific area to practice: the The Snowpark Zermatt which has privileged views of the Matterhorn and is open year-round, welcomes all types of adventurers.
The center – which looks more like a movie set – has several cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, and the charm is very clear on the main street, Bahnhofstrasse.
The cool thing is that cars stay at home: their traffic is prohibited in the small town (only some electric transport from the hotels are allowed), which makes Zermatt a suitable place to be discovered on foot.
Children don’t stop here either: there’s even a mascot that welcomes them to the city, Wolli, a friendly sheep. Snow lessons, programming at hotels in the city and snow areas for children are some of the options.
And if you want a taste of the Italian side, the Theodul Pass at an altitude of over 3,200 meters, connects Zermatt with Breuil-Cervinia, a village in the Aosta Valley region.
Interlaken, Switzerland
In addition to being one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe, Interlaken it also shows an extra charm for its streets, buildings and landscapes, as the purest alpine essence is visible in every corner.
Refinement, warmth, good restaurants and hotels come together to create one of the most incredible areas of the European country – and of the entire continent.
Interlaken is the starting point for the Kleine Scheidegg-Mannlichen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn regions, which have more than 200 km of ski slopes for all levels of difficulty.
Sledding, winter trails, paragliding, fishing and ice skating are also on the agenda for those who don’t just want to ski – summer also attracts outdoor enthusiasts, as the landscapes give way to activities such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing.
Tours in neighboring villages or even by boat on Lakes Thun and Brienz are programs that make your eyes sparkle and stay in the memory forever. The small town also reserves some surprises on foot, where along the way, on the main road, we find shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants and chocolate shops.
Interlaken is also the basis for the trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains the latter considered Top of Europe that is, the top of Europe, since its altitude exceeds four thousand meters.
Here is the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in all of Europe . The route, by the way, is fabulous, in which we contemplate mountain landscapes covered with snow and sharp cliffs.
At the station there is a lookout for the mountains and the largest glacier in the Alps, the Aletsch, as well as being home to a climate study station and a real snow entertainment complex – which appears here all year round.
An ice bar, zip lines, restaurants and skiing complete the activities. Whether in summer or winter, with sun or rain, we have several activities here.
It is 3,454 meters above sea level, where we are also graced with several angles overlooking the glacier. There is also access to the Ice Palace, where works sculpted in ice are arranged in the midst of sub-zero temperatures.
dolomites, italy
mountain range of the Italian Alps, the dolomites are considered World Heritage Sites by Unesco and span five charming provinces.
Many travelers even choose to take a day trip from Venice, which is not far from the heart of the region, to see the beautiful landscapes of the region for themselves.
Of stunning beauty, lakes, mountains, green fields and historic villages are scattered here.
And skiing becomes a popular activity in winter, in which the giant complex Dolomiti Superski Area – union of 12 resorts that total about 1,200 km of slopes that can be accessed with a ski pass – guarantee slopes for all tastes and levels of difficulty.
With so much beauty and charm, snow sports and resorts are just one of the incredible things to see and do around here: the Dolomites are also home to some amazing towns and offer a variety of dining options, boutiques and a typical italian climate.
Cortina D’ampezzo is one of those places that house a historic center, five-star resorts and trendy restaurants amidst the rocky peaks.
Val di Funes is another recommended region: belonging to Bozano, the valley looks like a mix between Switzerland and Austria, both in terms of scenery and local culture.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
