1. Solden, Austria
Situated in the Öztal, Solden is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the Austrian Alps, where 34 ski lifts and gondolas connect 151 kilometres of slopes. The Alpine Ski World Cup venue covers two glaciers and is the only place in Austria with three mountains higher than 3,000 metres. The ski resort is a popular party destination for young people who start their après ski parties around 4pm every day.
2. Merano 2000, Italy
Merano is the one of the most popular ski resorts in the Bolzano Province. Located 2,000 metres above sea level, its 40 kilometre ski slopes, are easily accessible from Schenna town or from Falzeben. Merano is also well known for its Christmas Market and for its thermal baths.
3. Zell am See, Austria
Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See is part of the European Sports Area near Salzburg in Austria. The ski resort has 77 kilometres of slopes (25 kilometres of which are classified as “black”), ranging from 750 to 2,000 metres. Ski runs in Zell am See often cover over 1,000 metres difference in altitude. The resort also offers a lot for snowboarders:
4. Ischgl, Austria
The Silvrette Arena in Ischgl-Samnaun has 39 lifts and ropeways and 215 kilometres of ski runs. The resort is located above 2,000 metres which ensures that 90 per cent of the area has guaranteed snow from the end of November until the beginning of May. The Swiss border is accessible on the slopes, so there is no problem skiing into the Swiss duty free zone of Samnaun. The Austrian village Ischgl, 100 kilometres from Innsbruck, has a variety of bars and is renowned for its late-night partying.
5. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, located in the French Alps at an altitude of 2,300 metres. The highest skiable peaks are in Pointe du Bouchet (3,220 metres) and Cime de Caron (3,200 metres). It is the most international ski resort in France: more than 70 per cent of its visitors are foreigners. Val Thorens is an ideal resort for late season skiing, this year there was snowfall until the 23rd April, with the last week of skiing at the beginning of May.
6. Verbier, Switzerland
Located in the southwest of Switzerland, Verbier is a paradise for freeride skiers. It is an international meeting point for experienced skiers and snowboarders who take advantage of the vast amount of backcountry. Safety equipment and a high level of experience are required in this region; a popular filming destination of Teton Gravity Research. Verbier is also a popular holiday destination for the likes of international stars, such as James Blunt, Victoria Beckham and the British princes William and Harry. It is one of the most expensive ski regions in the Alps.
7. Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria
In the heart of Salzburg Alps is one of the largest ski areas in Austria, Saalbach Hinterglemm. Connected to Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm offers 200 kilometres of ski runs, 90 per cent of which can be artificially snowed by snow canons. Numerous ski huts, pubs and discos invite for après ski events; the Hinterhack Alm located at the Turnlift is the place to be at 4pm, with live music every day. A lot of nationalities choose this ski resort, particularly the German’s, Dutch and British. With good snow conditions the Schattberg run is a great way to finish a day of skiing.
8. Vielha e Mijaran, Spain
Baqueira – Beret is located in Vielha e Mijaran which is the largest ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees and a popular retreat for the Spanish royal family, who go there every winter. With over 100 kilometres of slopes Baqueira – Baret has a variety of slopes for every type of skier, as well as 7 kilometres of cross country ski.
9. Saint Lary Soulan, France
The ski resort Saint Lary Soulan is located close to the French border, and has all the charm and character of a mountain village. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the French Pyrenees with over 100 kilometres of downhill slopes. There are 55 ski runs, ranging from slopes for experienced skiers to family slopes. During the summer the Tour de France frequently runs through Saint-Lary-Soulan, most recently in 2005.
10. Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
The Dolomiti Superski in Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the best ski resorts in Italy and is great family resort. It’s located in the Dolomite Mountains in northeast Italy, between Trento, Bolzano and Belluno provinces, in Val di Fassa. Skiers can enjoy over 350 kilometres of slopes in 90 ski regions.
The results are based on the opinions of the three million visitors to trivago.co.uk in October.
trivago GmbH: The European Internet travel portal based in Düsseldorf, Germany, was founded in April 2005. trivago operates one of the largest user driven travel portals in Europe, issuing high quality travel information and ‘insider’ tips for perfect travel planning. It allows users to find and book great hotel deals with the benefit of other travellers' experiences and advice. For further information visit trivago.co.uk
