European Snowboard Guide
As a continent, Europe offers an unrivalled experience when it comes to the variety of cultures you can experience on the slopes. With an expanse of terrain and accommodations available on every budget, Europe should be on everybody’s snowboard bucket list. Whether you intend to ski big lines in the Alps and Dolomites or smaller resorts in Eastern Europe there is plenty of choice. A ski trip to Europe offers world-class resorts, renowned backcountry routes and a mix of diverse cultures and cuisines that make for a memorable trip.
Europe has hundreds if not thousands of ski resorts but their density means that you can often ski a number of resorts on the same trip. Coupled with conjoined ski areas and multi-resort passes it is possible to not only ski multiple resorts on the same day but also multiple countries. Start your day in France and ski over to Switzerland for lunch… or stay in more affordable Italy and ski during the day in France. Europe is an incredible option.
Also making Europe an appealing option is the ease of access and transport between the many ski areas. Multiple major international airports are ideally placed to act as gateways to the mountains. A flight to Geneva or Milan gives you access to world-class skiing within a 2 hour drive. Whether taking a transfer or self-driving the resorts of the French & Swiss Alps or the Italian Dolomites are within reach. Even more adventure is available when you consider train journeys to Bourg Sainte Maurice or the Pyrenees as a unique way to access the pistes. Similarly, Switzerland has incredible train journeys to access Grindelwald and Verbier.
Europe is home to many snow sure resorts at high altitudes, some offering glacier skiing and supplementing natural snowfall with extensive snowmaking facilities. Consider the resorts of Les 2 Alpes and the Les Trois Vallees for decent snow. The season tends to run between November and May in Europe but most ski resorts will open December through April. For the best conditions aim for January and February when resorts receive ample snowfall. Europe offers guaranteed skiing not only in winter but year-round. Resorts like Sass-Fee open their glaciers throughout the summer and with long seasons experienced in Scandinavia there is plenty of exploring to be done. If you are a fair-weather skier consider heading to Italy and the Dolomites in April or May where skiing is possible on Presena Glacier in full sunshine mode. If you can avoid school holidays, you should. European resorts can become busy during the peak weeks and this will result in long lift lines. There are still some spots that are less prone to the crowds so a bit of research will ensure you can still enjoy your trip.
If you’d like some input and advice for planning your European Ski or Snowboard holiday consider booking a Trip Planning Session.
MULTI-RESORT LIFT PASSES
AUSTRIA
Snow Card Tirol
The Snow Card Tirol covers over 90 ski areas including; Hintertux, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen and Sölden. For €850 you get unlimited access to the 90 resorts which include glacier skiing between October and May.
Super Ski Card
Covering 22 ski resorts across Austria the Super Ski Card offers exceptional value. €805 will give you access to; Kitzbühel, Flachauwinkl, Dachstein and many more.
FRANCE
Portes Du Soleil
One of Europe’s most popular areas is the Portes Du Soleil. Ski between France and Switzerland on this multi-resort pass that includes; Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets. In total, you get access to 12 resorts for around €900 which is fantastic value. The resorts of the Portes Du Soleil also offers some of the shortest airport transfer times in the French Alps.
Coming in at a whopping €1300 is Les 3 Vallées ski area in France, but is it worth it? A season pass in Les 3 Vallées offers access to the world’s largest combined ski area and some of the best skiing and snowboarding throughout the French Alps. The big hitters of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens are all on this pass, but my favourite is Orelle.
One of my favourite season passes in Europe in the Grand Massif pass. If you buy it before December you can receive a 50% discount meaning you can have a whole winter on snow for around €500. The Grand Massif pass includes five resorts; Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt Fer a Cheval.
ITALY
Skirama Dolomiti
The Skirama Dolomiti pass includes 8 resorts, 150 ski lifts and 380km of slopes in the stunning Dolomites. One of my favourite ski passes, the Skirama Dolomiti pass includes the world-famous Madonna Di Campiglio as well as best kept secrets like Pejo 3000. For an early buyers price, you can ski from November into May for €820.
Aosta Valley
Does skiing with views of Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn sound good to you? Well, the Aosta Valley Skipass may just be what you are looking for. Including Courmayeur and Cervinia it is possible to add Zermatt to this ski pass as well but it will set you back nearly €1300.
SWITZERLAND
Magic Pass
The Magic Pass is nearly too good to be believed. An early bird discount can see you grab unlimited ski resort access for under 400 CHF. The Magic pass covers 30 resorts including; Saas Fee, Les Diablerets and Grimentz. What makes the Magic Pass even better value is the access to these lift installations during the summer months