{"id":855,"date":"2011-04-28T18:19:03","date_gmt":"2011-04-28T16:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/?p=855"},"modified":"2014-10-04T08:59:26","modified_gmt":"2014-10-04T06:59:26","slug":"the-best-ski-resorts-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/features\/the-best-ski-resorts-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Ski Resorts in the World?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>What is the best ski and snowboard destination in the world?\u00a0A tough question. If the snow or weather are poor, even the best resorts will struggle to provide as good an experience as a smaller resort with clear skies and powder snow. Fighting with herds of other skiers to get on the lifts, or get served in the restaurants or\u00a0have some\u00a0room on busy slopes can put anyone off any resort. Ski-in\/ski-out convenience, off-piste activities, rustic charm, apres piste… all these count for some people as more important than mile after mile of pristine piste.<\/p>\n

However it is fair to say that there are some resorts that have everything that can make for a fabulous winter sports holiday. The following 30 winter sports destinations have the largest amount of piste of anywhere in the world, and no less than 10 of them are in Switzerland<\/a>. France also has 10, Austria 8, Italy 3 and Canada and the USA 1 each.<\/p>\n

Each ski region listed has over 200km piste and you can be pretty certain that every one has funparks, toboggan runs, off-piste, freeride opportunities, Nordic circuits, plenty of bars and a host of other amenities. Which are the very best, though? here are my choice of ten.<\/p>\n

I rate some of the Austrian resorts less highly for on-piste than off-piste. They do get good snow, but are often lower than the French and Swiss resorts. Also many of the areas are not linked and in effect comprise a geographically close collection of relatively\u00a0small resorts. However St Anton<\/a> in the Arlberg is definitely one of the premier ski destinations in the world, and Ischgl<\/a> almost makes the cut.\u00a0I remember when you could ski a circuit round St Anton and St Christoph to Lech and Zurs, but now they are a short bus or taxi ride away.<\/p>\n

France has the best linked ski areas in the world, with the Trois Vallees and L’Espace Killy definitely in my top 10 winter sports destinations in the world. Avoriaz in the huge Portes du Soleil<\/a> that links it with Switzerland\u00a0would also just make the cut. Not as extensive a ski area, but just outside my top 10 would be Chamonix<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Whistler and Vail are\u00a0the pick of the North American resorts, although there are many other excellent and slightly smaller destinations.<\/p>\n

Italy has many wonderful medium-sized resorts, but Cervinia is the only one I would include in the very best resorts, largely as part of the wonderful Matterhorn ski area it shares with Zermatt<\/a>. Cortina gets an honourable mention.<\/p>\n

And rounding out the top 10, would be St Moritz<\/a>, Verbier<\/a> and Davos<\/a>–Klosters<\/a> from Switzerland. I would probably rate the Jungfrau<\/a> as being as good if not better than Les Portes du Soleil, and honourable mentions go to Saas-Fee<\/a> and Val D’Annivers<\/a> (which, with 220km of piste spread over the valley probably should be in the top 30). But top of the list… Zermatt!<\/p>\n

Anyway, by size of piste, here are the top 30:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Country<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nName<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nResorts<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nPiste Km<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n# Lifts<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nLifts\/Hr<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nBottom m<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nTop m<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland & France<\/span><\/td>\nLes Portes du Soleil<\/span><\/td>\nChamp\u00e8ry, Les Crosets, Torgon (CH), Avoriaz, Morzines, Les Gets (F)<\/span><\/td>\n650<\/span><\/td>\n200<\/span><\/td>\n256000<\/span><\/td>\n1000<\/span><\/td>\n2460<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nTrois Vall\u00e9es<\/span><\/td>\nCourchavel, Meribel, les Menuires, Val Thorens<\/span><\/td>\n600<\/span><\/td>\n198<\/span><\/td>\n260000<\/span><\/td>\n1300<\/span><\/td>\n3300<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France & Italy<\/span><\/td>\nVoie Lact\u00e9e\/Via Lattea<\/span><\/td>\nMontgen\u00e8vre, Clavi\u00e8re,Cesana, Sansicario, Sestri\u00e8re, Sauze d\u00b4Oulx<\/span><\/td>\n575<\/span><\/td>\n138<\/span><\/td>\n100000<\/span><\/td>\n1860<\/span><\/td>\n2823<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nMeg\u00e8ve<\/span><\/td>\nMeg\u00e8ve, Combloux, Saint-Gervais, La Giettaz, St Nicolas de V\u00e9roce, Les Contamines Montjoie<\/span><\/td>\n490<\/span><\/td>\n206<\/span><\/td>\n52000<\/span><\/td>\n850<\/span><\/td>\n2350<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nBregenzerwald<\/span><\/td>\nBezau, Alberschwende,\u00a0Egg, Andelsbuch etc<\/span><\/td>\n450<\/span><\/td>\n174<\/span><\/td>\n131528<\/span><\/td>\n600<\/span><\/td>\n2050<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nZillertal<\/span><\/td>\nMayrhofen, Finkenberger, Tux, Hintertux, Zell, Gerlos, Konigsleiten<\/span><\/td>\n433<\/span><\/td>\n115<\/span><\/td>\n107820<\/span><\/td>\n630<\/span><\/td>\n3250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00a0Italy<\/span><\/td>\nAosta Valley<\/span><\/td>\nEspace San Bernardo, Monte Rosa, Alagna, Pila<\/span><\/td>\n429<\/span><\/td>\n108<\/span><\/td>\n123000<\/span><\/td>\n1200<\/span><\/td>\n3260<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nLes Arcs-La Plagne<\/span><\/td>\nLes Arcs, La Plagne<\/span><\/td>\n425<\/span><\/td>\n131<\/span><\/td>\n207044<\/span><\/td>\n1250<\/span><\/td>\n3250<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nEngadin<\/span><\/td>\nSt.Moritz, La Punt, Maloja, Pontresina, Samedan, S-chanf, Sils, Silvaplana, Zuoz<\/span><\/td>\n350<\/span><\/td>\n54<\/span><\/td>\n67480<\/span><\/td>\n1730<\/span><\/td>\n3303<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nSalzburg<\/span><\/td>\nFlachau, Wagrain, St. Johann-Alpendorf, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Kleinarl, Eben, Filzmoos<\/span><\/td>\n350<\/span><\/td>\n187<\/span><\/td>\n140000<\/span><\/td>\n650<\/span><\/td>\n2200<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland & Italy<\/span><\/td>\nMatterhorn Ski Paradise<\/span><\/td>\nZermatt (CH), Breuil-Cervinia, Valtournenche (I)<\/span><\/td>\n350<\/span><\/td>\n52<\/span><\/td>\n86751<\/span><\/td>\n1524<\/span><\/td>\n3883<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\n4 Vall\u00e9es<\/span><\/td>\nVerbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz<\/span><\/td>\n331<\/span><\/td>\n88<\/span><\/td>\n79710<\/span><\/td>\n1400<\/span><\/td>\n3330<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nAdelboden-Lenk<\/span><\/td>\nAdelboden, Frutigen, Lenk<\/span><\/td>\n311<\/span><\/td>\n98<\/span><\/td>\n52420<\/span><\/td>\n1100<\/span><\/td>\n2400<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nLes Sybelles<\/span><\/td>\nLe Corbier, St-Jean-d\u00b4Arves, La Toussuire, Les Botti\u00e8res, St-Sorlin-d\u00b4Arves, St-Colomban-des-Villards<\/span><\/td>\n310<\/span><\/td>\n73<\/span><\/td>\n30000<\/span><\/td>\n1550<\/span><\/td>\n2620<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nL\u00b4Espace Killy<\/span><\/td>\nVal d\u00b4Is\u00e8re, Tignes<\/span><\/td>\n300<\/span><\/td>\n87<\/span><\/td>\n155925<\/span><\/td>\n1550<\/span><\/td>\n3456<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nInnsbruck<\/span><\/td>\nNordpark, Patscherkofel, Axamer Lizum, K\u00fchtai, Muttereralm, Rangger K\u00f6pfl, Glungezer, Schlick 2000, Stubaier Gletscher<\/span><\/td>\n285<\/span><\/td>\n79<\/span><\/td>\n68000<\/span><\/td>\n856<\/span><\/td>\n3210<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nArlberg<\/span><\/td>\nSt. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Z\u00fcrs, Lech, Kl\u00f6sterle\/Sonnenkopf<\/span><\/td>\n280<\/span><\/td>\n85<\/span><\/td>\n123600<\/span><\/td>\n1304<\/span><\/td>\n2811<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nLe Grand Massif<\/span><\/td>\nSixt, Samoens, Flaine, Morillon, des Carroz<\/span><\/td>\n265<\/span><\/td>\n73<\/span><\/td>\n85603<\/span><\/td>\n700<\/span><\/td>\n2500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nDavos-Klosters <\/span><\/td>\nDavos, Klosters<\/span><\/td>\n260<\/span><\/td>\n48<\/span><\/td>\n64421<\/span><\/td>\n810<\/span><\/td>\n2844<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nSerre Chevalier<\/span><\/td>\nBrian\u00e7on, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, Le Mon\u00eatier-les-Bains<\/span><\/td>\n250<\/span><\/td>\n62<\/span><\/td>\n77000<\/span><\/td>\n1200<\/span><\/td>\n2800<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nGstaad Mountain Rides<\/span><\/td>\nRougemont, Saanen, Gstaad, Saanenm\u00f6ser, Sch\u00f6nried, St. Stephan, Wasserngrat, Wispile, Zweisimmen, Ch\u00e2teau-d\u2019Oex, Eggli, La Videmanette, La Braye, Rinderberg,\u00a0 Rellerli, Glacier 3000<\/span><\/td>\n250<\/span><\/td>\n62<\/span><\/td>\n57600<\/span><\/td>\n1000<\/span><\/td>\n3000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nWilder Kaiser\/Brixental<\/span><\/td>\nS\u00f6ll, Kirchberg, Ellmau, Brixen, etc<\/span><\/td>\n250<\/span><\/td>\n89<\/span><\/td>\n140000<\/span><\/td>\n650<\/span><\/td>\n1965<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nL\u00b4Alpe d\u00b4Huez<\/span><\/td>\nMassif des Grandes Rousses<\/span><\/td>\n237<\/span><\/td>\n82<\/span><\/td>\n101000<\/span><\/td>\n1120<\/span><\/td>\n3330<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Canada<\/span><\/td>\nWhistler Blackcomb<\/span><\/td>\nWhistler, Blackcomb<\/span><\/td>\n228<\/span><\/td>\n39<\/span><\/td>\n65907<\/span><\/td>\n653<\/span><\/td>\n2284<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
France<\/span><\/td>\nLes Deux Alpes<\/span><\/td>\nLes Deux Alpes<\/span><\/td>\n220<\/span><\/td>\n46<\/span><\/td>\n71767<\/span><\/td>\n1600<\/span><\/td>\n3566<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nFlims Laax Falera<\/span><\/td>\nFlims, Laax, Falera<\/span><\/td>\n220<\/span><\/td>\n27<\/span><\/td>\n40410<\/span><\/td>\n1100<\/span><\/td>\n3018<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Austria<\/span><\/td>\nMontafon<\/span><\/td>\nGolm, Kristberg, Scruns, Gargellen, Gaschurn<\/span><\/td>\n219<\/span><\/td>\n61<\/span><\/td>\n90320<\/span><\/td>\n650<\/span><\/td>\n2300<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USA<\/span><\/td>\nVail<\/span><\/td>\nVail<\/span><\/td>\n215<\/span><\/td>\n32<\/span><\/td>\n57802<\/span><\/td>\n2450<\/span><\/td>\n3527<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland & Austria<\/span><\/td>\nSilvretta Arena<\/span><\/td>\nSamnaun (CH) Ischgl (A)<\/span><\/td>\n215<\/span><\/td>\n45<\/span><\/td>\n78900<\/span><\/td>\n1700<\/span><\/td>\n2900<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switzerland<\/span><\/td>\nJungfrau<\/span><\/td>\nWengen, M\u00fcrren, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen<\/span><\/td>\n213<\/span><\/td>\n34<\/span><\/td>\n44150<\/span><\/td>\n940<\/span><\/td>\n2971<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is the best ski and snowboard destination in the world?\u00a0A tough question. If the snow or weather are poor, even the best resorts will struggle to provide as good an experience as a smaller resort with clear skies and powder snow. Fighting with herds of other skiers to get on the lifts, or get … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “The Best Ski Resorts in the World?”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-855","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=855"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1682,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855\/revisions\/1682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.oatridge.co.uk\/nic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}