Morillon Ski Resort Guide | Grand Massif
Quiet and unassuming, Morillon is a perfectly placed village that offers an escape from the grandeur and excess associated with some French ski resorts. Those looking for a more relaxed vibe and a friendly village should consider Morillon as a base to access the 265km of Grand Massif Pistes. The village of Morillon is split into two, the accommodation at the base of the gondola and Morillon Les Esserts at 1100m.
MORILLON FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My first day in Morillon was accessed from Samoëns where I skied down the wide pistes to the base of the gondola. Morillon grabbed my attention immediately with the ability to just cruise and carve your way without interruption. Morillon offers a good mix of beginner and intermediate terrain but with fantastic access to the rest of the Grand Massif where you can find more challenging runs.
MORILLON SKI AREA
Morillon village is the lowest base in the Grand Massif at 700m which can mean the slopes closer to the gondola base station are patchy in early and late season. It was possible to ski to the base in April but I wouldn’t say the conditions were enjoyable.
On my most recent trip, Dec 23/Jan 24 - skiing back to the village at 700m was not possible. throughout.
The Morillon ski area is small with 22 local runs, consisting of 5 green, 12 blue, and 5 red pistes. The local area is therefore well suited to intermediates and beginners with some beautiful wide pistes to help inspire some confidence. This however wouldn’t put me off booking accommodation in Morillon as a more advanced skier or snowboarder as the links to the rest of the Grand Massif are well-established. You will be required to take the Morillon gondola and then the Sairon chairlift which opens up the rest of the ski area.
From Morillon, you have easy access to the Coulouvrier chair, which at 2.9 km is the longest in Europe! This is one of my favourite chairs in the whole of the Grand Massif as it makes the whole Grand Massif accessible. From the top of Coulouvrier, it is possible to ski back to Morillon, down into Samoëns, across into Les Carroz or over to Flaine.
MORILLON FOR BEGINNERS
In Morillon 1100 you will find the beginner’s area which is well-positioned close to some restaurants and the ski-in ski-out village. From nearby you can take Les Esserts chair which will access some green terrain for when you fancy exploring for the first time. Morillon is also home to the green Marvel slope which is a 7km green trail that runs through the Morillon trees.
INTERMEDIATES IN MORILLON
Intermediates will love Morillon with a selection of blues available from the top of the Biollaires chairlift, Sairon is a particular favourite due to its 3km length and 600m vertical drop. Morillon is also home to several nice red pistes with Paccoty being an enjoyable route to the Coulouvrier chair. A much overlooked route is the short Freres blue route which can be lapped using the Vielle drag lift. This blue is tucked away near the start of the green Marvel run so is often overlooked.
Outside of Morillon, intermediates can explore the whole of the Grand Massif with some beautiful trails spread throughout the neighbouring resorts of Samoëns, Les Carroz and Flaine. If intermediates would like to experience a big day out… they should consider heading to Flaine and taking the 14km blue trail Cascades that runs to Sixt. From Sixt, you can return to Morillon using the free Navettes bus service.
ADVANCED SKIERS MORILLON
There isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders in Morillon ski resort but with easy access to Samoèns and Les Carroz, you will be able to find a challenge. Head to Les Carroz which offers some fantastic tree-skiing. Like most people in the Grand Massif, you will also want to explore Flaine which offers brilliant off-piste within its large bowl.
Within Morillon, the excellent Stade Morillon red is an opportunity to open the lungs and get some speed, when it isn’t reserved for the race kids. Morillon is also a good spot to find uncontested freshies on a powder day.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN MORILLON
Morillon has a small but fun terrain park that runs alongside a drag lift Vielle. The run has several banked turns, flat boxes and small jumps. The Morillon Ze KidzPark is aimed at a blue level of run and is intended to provide an intro to freestyle.
Morillon is sheltered from the wind so the lifts here remain unaffected when the resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz and Samoëns need to close their upper installations.
On a bluebird ski day, Morillon is one of my favourite resorts. The slopes here get ample sun coverage and there are a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a beverage on the sun terrace.
LIFTS MORILLON
Morillon has a total of 9 lifts in the resort with the longest being the Coulouvrier. From the village of Morillon, you will need to take the Morillon Gondola that will drop you at the satellite village of Morillon 1100 Les Esserts. From Morillon 1100 you have the option of Sairon or the shorter Les Esserts chairs. The Les Esserts chair only serves the lower part of Morillon so if you want to reach the summit you will need to take Sairon chair.
From the top of the modern Sairon chair, it is possible to ski across to Les Carroz and the Gron chair and Le Kedeuze gondola. Alternatively, you can ski towards Coulouvrier and the links to Samoëns and Flaine.
The lifts in Morillon could do with some updating but actually, this is part of the appeal of staying in Morillon. The slower lifts can make Morillon less popular than some of the other Grand Massif villages so is a fair price to pay for quieter runs.
@geoffreyarduini Biollaires Chairlift
SKI SHOP RECOMMENDATION
Located in Morillon 1100 next to the Les Esserts chairlift is the shop Ski One. During my stay, I received fantastic service from the store which repaired quite a bad core shot in my snowboard. Morillon doesn’t have many great ski shops with some of the equipment being quite dated across the other stores. Therefore if you are looking for ski rental, repairs or to pick up some gear I would recommend Ski One.
You can book rental online by using this link. This is NOT an affiliate link but a recommendation based on fantastic service.
SEASON DATES
The ski season in Morillon opens in December and closes in late April. Early season conditions have been variable over the past couple of seasons so be aware the whole area may not be open in December. If this is the case, skiing will still be possible above 1100m and in the nearby Grand Massif resorts.
MORILLON VIDEO
MORILLON GALLERY
GRAND MASSIF PISTE MAP
GETTING AROUND THE GRAND MASSIF FROM MORILLON
MORILLON TO SAMOËNS
Getting from Morillon to Samoëns is possible via skiing between the resorts or taking the local Navettes (free shuttle service). Information and timetables on the Navettes can be found by clicking the picture below.
Using the buses between the ski stations is not a necessity as all resorts can easily be skied between however they can be a lifesaver if you have tired legs and can’t face the ski commute back.
TRAVEL TO MORILLON
Most international guests to Morillon will arrive at Geneva Airport where a short transfer to the village is possible. Depending on traffic and weather conditions your transfer should take no longer than 1 hour.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Geneva to Cluses whether you will then need to take a local bus service.
NEARBY SKI RESORTS
MORILLON ACCOMMODATION
As previously mentioned Morillon has two main bases; the village of Morillon at 700m and Morillon 1100 Les Esserts.
MORILLON VILLAGE
Staying in Morillon 700m will mean that you need to make the morning commute up the gondola however this could be well worth it. Although Morillon village is a quiet village, staying at Morillon 700m does give you access to several restaurants, bars and other amenities. I enjoy staying in Morillon village as it also provides flexibility in case you would prefer to take a Navette and start your ski day in another ski resort.
Morillon Village is also nice if travelling with family or pets. A short walk from the main street you can be down by the river where there are footpaths between Morillon and Samoëns. This area is also home to a lake, pump track, mini golf and children’s high ropes climbing area.
MORILLON LES ESSERTS
The satellite village of Morillon Les Esserts is a ski-in-ski-out village for those who would like to be as close to the action as possible. Staying at Morillon 1100 gives you more direct access to the slopes and you can avoid the morning gondola commute, however, there are fewer amenities in this part of the village.
BOOK MORILLON ACCOMMODATION
MORILLON PROS
Morillon is an affordable base for your Grand Massif ski holiday providing access to 265km at a fraction of the cost of Flaine accommodation.
The local area of Morillon has some fantastic pistes that are normally in great condition.
The Morillon ski area is fantastic for intermediates with numerous blue and red trails.
Morillon is home to Marvel a 7km long green run fantastic for beginners.
Morillon has great access to the other Grand Massif resorts and from the top of Sairon you can be straight into Les Carroz, one lift from Samoëns and two lifts from Flaine.
MORILLON CONS
Morillon has been suffering in the early season meaning its lower slopes have not been open. The resort run back to the base of the gondola is fantastic so this has been a real shame.
The lifts in Morillon are slower than in other parts of the Grand Massif and could do with updating.
The village of Morillon is small and quiet, for me this can be a positive, but many would prefer Samoëns or Les Carroz for their busier towns.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I feel that Morillon offers a good option for a holiday in the Grand Massif. Getting from Morillon to the other Grand Massif ski areas is not a problem and the local area has enough to offer. However, I can see why many would prefer to base themselves in a busier village and visit Morillon on a ski day.
I am fond of Morillon however the issues it has faced over the past couple of seasons with early season snow would make me think twice about basing myself here for a Dec-Jan trip.
AROUND THE GRAND MASSIF
Orelle Ski Resort Guide
Orelle is a small village in the Maurienne Valley that is linked to the world’s largest ski area the Three Valleys. From Orelle, the new Orelle gondola whisks you to high-altitude skiing and snowboarding above 2,000 m. Direct links between Orelle and Val Thorens ensure the local area has access to 150km of pistes to keep you occupied.
Referred to as the Fourth Valley, Orelle has an exceptional snow record with the ski area base really starting at 2350m. In addition to an excellent snow history, Orelle has 870m of vertical drop between the top of Bouchet chair and Plan Bouchet. There is a limited number of pistes in Orelle however the area has plenty of opportunity for off-piste and easy access to Val Thorens with a more extensive piste map.
ORELLE IN VIDEOS
ORELLE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Orelle is strange for French skiing because you arrive at the bottom of a gondola not close to the ski area. The area around the gondola has a car park, ticket office and small ski shop where ski and snowboard hire is possible.
View from the 3 Vallees Express gondola.
The Orelle gondola, formerly the 3 Vallees Express gondola, takes you to the base of the Orelle Ski Resort at 2350m. This journey takes 13 minutes and has some incredible views. Within 20 minutes from the car park, you can be on top of the Cime Caron at 3200m where you see the real beauty of skiing in the Three Valleys. Orelle feels small, but within minutes you can be skiing in the world’s largest ski area, this is a small ski area with a Mary Poppins bag full of surprises.
Ticket office in Orelle, next to the now replaced 3 Vallees Express gondola.
ORELLE SKI AREA
Locally the skiing in Orelle is based around Plan Bouchet your arrival point in Orelle. From Plan Bouchet it is possible to take two lifts, the Rosael or the Peyron. Both lifts access brilliant intermediate terrain with some fantastic blue trails leading back to Plan Bouchet. You can also continue to the Cime Caron using the new Orelle - Cime Caron gondola.
Taking the Rosael chair you can opt to remain in Orelle and descend via blue or red trails from the Col de Rosael. Alternatively, you can use this chair to drop into nearby Val Thorens where between the two resorts 150km of trails are shared.
The Peyron chair and trail are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Those looking for more challenge are encouraged to take the Bouchet chair to the highest point in Orelle, Sommet des 3 Vallees at 3230m. From the top of Bouchet, you can access two stunning red trails, however the more adventurous can also find great off-piste in this area.
Finally, the new Orelle-Cime Caron gondola links the village of Orelle with the Cime Caron at 3200m. From here it is possible to ski over to Val Thorens or take the Combe Rosael black trail back towards Orelle.
The ski area of Orelle is small in terms of pistes with 8 runs listed on the trail map. This doesn’t really do a good job of explaining the appeal of snowboarding in Orelle with plenty of fantastic off-piste options, links to Val Thorens, and high altitude snow-sure skiing.
ORELLE FOR BEGINNERS
A green nursery slope awaits at the top of the Orelle gondola, which is also the meeting place for the local ski school. Orelle does have nice wide blue trails that will be good for skiers and snowboarders developing the confidence to ski around the mountain.
On my trip to Orelle, a few of my friends were beginners and they found the area a good place to progress with blues to explore.
ORELLE FOR INTERMEDIATES
Orelle is perfect for intermediates, especially with the wide selection of blue and red runs shared between Orelle and Val Thorens. As an intermediate Orelle is a ski area where you can clock up the miles as you nail down that technique and gain confidence linking your turns.
For the more advanced intermediate, Orelle is a good place to explore to the side of the piste getting confidence in riding in changing snow conditions. My pal Mark made the best of the fresh snow making his first forays into the off-piste within the Orelle ski area.
ORELLE FOR ADVANCED
Snowboarding for the more advanced in Orelle is centred around the off-piste that is available. Yes, the reds from Bouchet and the Col de Rosael are excellent but the best terrain is found between the pistes. At every point of the resort you can look to the side of the piste and see something fun to ride. If you manage to combine your trip to Orelle with fresh snowfall, there is little need to head into the rest of the Three Valleys.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE ORELLE
There is no terrain park specifically in Orelle, however, the VT Park in Val Thorens is within an easy ride from the Col de Rosael. Within Orelle, you will find a boardercross track.
VT Park Val Thorens
OFF-PISTE ORELLE
Between Orelle and nearby Val Thorens there are many options to explore the off-piste. I enjoyed the off-piste from the Cime Caron and Bouchet chair specifically. From the Bouchet chair, the adventurous may want to attempt the Pierre Lory itinerary that you can read about here.
LIFTS ORELLE
As discussed previously, Orelle has recently upgraded the 3 Vallees Express gondola to a two-stage gondola between Orelle and the Cime Caron. This major lift investment is reflected across the Three Valleys where you will find excellent lift infrastructure throughout.
Besides the new gondola taking skiers from the village of Orelle to the Cime Caron in 20 minutes, there are three other lifts in Orelle; Rosael, Bouchet, and Peyron. I can not remember standing in a lift queue in Orelle and this is down to the quality of lifts.
Orelle Chairlifts
One issue that I had during my visit to Orelle was that the weather closed the resort for one and a half days. For me this wasn’t an issue as I was able to drive to another part of the Three Valleys that was open. It is worth noting that this can happen anywhere so maybe my timing was unlucky in this regard.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER ORELLE
As mentioned above the weather can greatly affect your experience during a ski trip and sadly my first trip to Orelle was hit by wind closures. Orelle is also way above the treeline so there is little in the way of places to hide out during whiteout conditions. This is similar for nearby Val Thorens so if you are in Orelle during a whiteout consider heading down to St Martin de Belleville.
ORELLE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Orelle
ORELLE GALLERY
ORELLE VILLAGE
Orelle is located in the Maurienne Valley and can make for a quieter more affordable base to access the Three Valleys ski area. Orelle’s location is fantastic as a gateway to Val Thorens and the wider Three Valleys.
The village itself is divided into 10 hamlets that are spread between 880m and 1200m. The hamlet of Francoz is where you will find the gondola access and most tourist activity with the ticket office, ski rentals and more. The village of Orelle offers a different type of holiday to the purpose-built villages of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel. In Orelle, you will find narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses set amongst a mellow atmosphere which is perfect for that more chilled ski trip vibe.
ORELLE SKI SEASON DATES
Orelle joins Val Thorens with having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe closing around three weeks after Courchevel and Meribel. Access to Val Thorens and Orelle is from Nov 25th and the ski area remains open until the first week of May.
TRAVEL TO ORELLE
WHERE IS ORELLE SKI RESORT?
Orelle is very accessible by car, rail and plane. The closest airports to Orelle are Lyon and Chambéry however access is still possible from Geneva. Geneva Airport is popular with British skiers who appreciate it for the regular flight schedule during the winter season, and the numerous ski resort transfer companies.
GETTING TO ORELLE
If your plan is to fly and self-drive, you can reach Orelle within one hour from Chambéry and two hours from Geneva. Fly and drive arrivals are also possible from across the border in Italy with Turin under two hours from Orelle. One benefit of self-drive holidays to Orelle is that the parking at the Orelle gondola is free!
Visiting Orelle via train is possible with connections via Paris and Milan on the TGV. The nearest train stations to Orelle are St Michel/Valloire and Modane. Train tickets can be purchased on RailEurope and are not cheap. However, travel by train does offer a certain freedom and is a fantastic way to travel to a ski resort.
Self-drive direct from the UK is possible with the most popular channel crossings via Dover and Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, the drive to Orelle takes around 9 hours when utilising the French toll roads. Driving to French ski resorts is great for when travelling in groups and wanting to bring extras for self-catering accommodation.
ORELLE LIFT PASS OPTIONS
There are multiple ski pass options for Orelle and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Orelle/Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area. Using this pass from Orelle can account for some long ski safaris between Orelle and the resort of Courchevel at the far end of the Three Valleys.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to the ticket office in Orelle where you will be given your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Orelle should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Orelle and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
ORELLE PROS
Orelle offers cheaper accommodation than Val Thorens but has quick access to the epic terrain shared between the two resorts. The new gondola ensures you are close enough to the action in Orelle.
Orelle is quieter than Val Thorens meaning you can often have no rivals for freshies on those powder days.
Orelle has access to 600km of pistes depending on your choice of lift pass, meaning that you can access the largest combined ski area in the world.
ORELLE CONS
Orelle is not central within the Three Valleys, therefore it can take a while to ski to the resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Orelle however does have good access to Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
Orelle doesn’t have the amenities of Val Thorens or Apres scene…. actually for me this is a positive but some will rate this as a negative.
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ORELLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU SKI FROM ORELLE TO VAL THORENS?
Yes, the resorts of Orelle and Val Thorens are linked from the top of the Cime de Caron. From here, you can ski between the two resorts. Orelle and Val Thorens share 150km of pistes and are accessible on the same lift pass.
WHAT IS THE SKI ALTITUDE IN ORELLE?
Although the village of Orelle sits below the ski area, within minutes you have access to high-altitude skiing via the new gondola. The ski area in Orelle is situated between 3,230m and 1,100m offering 2,130m of vertical drop. The ski area of Orelle is very snowsure with the majority of its skiing above 1,800m.
ORELLE FINAL THOUGHTS
When heading to Orelle for the first time I made the decision to stay in Orelle due to budget constraints. Honestly, I was worried that I would be heading to the Three Valleys but wouldn’t get the proper experience. I can say now from experience that I would happily base myself in Orelle again as it delivered on so many levels.
The recent improvements with an upgraded gondola ensure that links to Val Thorens are seamless and efficient. Add to this some of the best off-piste areas in the Three Valleys and Orelle has to be high on most skiers and snowboarders watch-list.
Les Menuires Ski Resort Guide
Les Menuires is often overshadowed by its neighbours within the Three Valleys. With nearby Val Thorens being the highest ski resort in Europe, Courchevel being the playground of the rich and famous, and Meribel being the centre of the world’s largest combined ski area, Les Menuires can often be an afterthought. Honestly, that is a MASSIVE mistake and overlooking Les Menuires could just hurt your experience and your wallet.
Les Menuires is a fantastic family ski holiday destination with affordable ski-in-ski-out accommodation in a major ski area. Locally the 150km of local pistes combine with some excellent off-piste snowboarding to ensure Les Menuires has enough to entice visitors on its own. Les Menuires combines a great local ski area with excellent connections to Val Thorens, Meribel and St Martin de Belleville that help it pack a punch for skiable terrain and value.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
LES MENUIRES FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Driving to Val Thorens I passed through Les Menuires and was impressed by what I could see of La Masse from the road. This was reason enough to make Les Menuires one of my first stops on my most recent trip to the Three Valleys ski area.
LES MENUIRES SKI AREA
The ski area of Les Menuires is split across both sides of the Valley de Belleville with the village at 1850m. This lower base makes for a shorter season than nearby Val Thorens but there are plenty of areas in the resort that have great snow throughout the season with skiing possible to above 2800m.
The layout of Les Menuires offers a good variety of skiing and scenery with everything from wide-open pistes, to freeride zones, and high alpine skiing at Pointe de la Masse.
The area between the village at 1850m and the Col de la Chambre at 2850m offers 1000m of decent via mostly mellow beginner and intermediate terrain. The runs on this side were really fun, however the closer to the village you got crowds formed, especially close to the Sunny Express lift.
On Pointe de la Masse, you will find the more challenging terrain, including the Liberty Ride Zone and Dame Blanche. The terrain on both the La Masse side and closer to the village offers 1000m of vertical drop so Les Menuires is fantastic for long descents.
Within Les Menuires, there are 150km of pistes locally that combine with Val Thorens and St Martin de Belleville to form 300km of pistes within the Valley de Belleville. Further aside, the Les Menuires ski area also combines with Meribel, Courchevel, and Orelle to form the world’s largest combined ski area Les Trois Valley (3 Valleys).
LES MENUIRES FOR BEGINNERS
Les Menuires caters really well for beginners with a number of magic carpet learning areas dotted around the village. Dedicated beginner’s pistes help to make the process of learning easier for first-time skiers and snowboarders in Les Menuires, but beware these can be busy during peak weeks. Beginners in Les Menuires will appreciate the mellow green trails around the village, as well as the opportunity to progress onto the wide blues that spread across the eastern side of the Valley de Belleville.
LES MENUIRES FOR INTERMEDIATES
Les Menuires comes into its own for intermediates, especially those who have either the Valley de Belleville lift pass or the Three Valleys lift pass. Both locally and throughout the Three Valleys there is an extensive selection of blue and red terrain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders to explore. I particularly enjoyed the runs beneath the Bruyeres 1 and Bruyeres 2 gondolas that link together forming 1000m of vertical drop towards the village.
LES MENUIRES FOR ADVANCED
More experienced skiers and snowboarders visiting Les Menuires should head straight for La Masse. Pointe de la Masse, offers some of the best and most challenging terrain in Les Menuires and if you avoid the blues on La Masse you should also avoid the crowds.
View from Pointe De La Masse
FREESTYLE LES MENUIRES
In Les Menuires, there are a few freestyle areas. The Pixel Area Snowpark is the most traditional style terrain park in Les Menuires with features sized XS to L. Snowboarders and skiers can choose features in this area to suit their ability and progress accordingly. Les Menuires also has a boardercross track which can be found at the top of the Becca Chairlift. Finally, the Friendly Natural Park on La Masse offers a slalom alongside ski games.
OFF-PISTE LES MENUIRES
In Les Menuires, the off-piste snowboarding is a real draw to the area. The freeride areas known as the Liberty Ride Zones are perfect for finding untracked snow. There are two of these within Les Menuires, La Masse and Les Pylônes. La Masse is accessed via the Pointe de al Masse gondola and can be seen in my Les Menuires Ski Resort Review here (2.25). Les Pylônes Liberty ride zone is accessed from the Sunny Express chairlift.
If venturing off-piste in Les Menuires, the Park des Menuires AVD gives you the opportunity to practice search and rescue and check that your beacons are working. This can be found via the Roc 1 gondola.
LIFTS LES MENUIRES
Les Menuires lift infrastructure blends modern gondolas and fast chairlifts with some older installations like Croisette that serve their purpose. The new gondola to Pointe de la Masse is fast and quick rising 1000m in around 8 minutes. Similarly, the Bruyeres two-stage gondola is modern but can have serious queues during peak times at Bruyeres 1.
The lifts at Les Menuires ensure swift connections to the rest of the Three Valleys meaning skiers and snowboarders can be in Val Thorens or Meribel within a couple of lifts.
Network of Ski Lifts in Val Thorens.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LES MENUIRES
The majority of the skiing in the Belleville valley is treeless due the high altitude of Val Thorens and Les Menuires. In whiteout conditions, consider skiing down into St Martin de Belleville or taking the links to Meribel where the trees will provide greater context.
LES MENUIRES PISTE MAP
LES MENUIRES GALLERY
LES MENUIRES VILLAGE
The villages in Les Menuires are renowned for being unattractive eyesores that blight it as one of the ugliest ski resort villages. What the village at Les Menuires 1850 lacks in looks it makes up in convenience with ski-in-ski-out accommodation throughout the village.
Photo Credit @yannallegre
Les Menuires has 5 districts or villages that are served by free shuttle buses allowing easy travel between the villages. La Croisette is as described, the ugly purpose-built village that is the centre of Les Menuires. Below Croisette is Preyerand, which is a good shout for finding affordable accommodation. If you are looking for some charm then the Grand Reberty area has nice accommodation on the slopes with good access to the pistes of Les Menuires. Bruyères has good access to Val Thorens via its gondola that departs from the village.
LES MENUIRES SEASON DATES
Les Menuires opens in December and closes in April but that shouldn’t limit your visit to these months only. Val Thorens is open for longer and can be accessed by bus or self-drive when Les Menuires is closed for the winter. This can make Les Menuires an affordable base for a Nov or May trip to Val Thorens.
TRAVEL TO LES MENUIRES
WHERE IS LES MENUIRES SKI RESORT?
Les Menuires is in the Vallèe de Bellevilles in the Savoie region of France. Located between the villages of Val Thorens and St Martin, Les Menuires is a central location to explore the Vallee de Belleville.
Les Menuires is easy to access within France’s Savoie region which is cluttered with world-class ski areas. The high proximity of ski resorts in the Savoie ensures that many facilities and businesses are geared around travel to the ski areas.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY AIR
Flying to Les Menuires is the fastest and easiest way to get to Les Menuires from the UK. Flying into Geneva airport represents your best bet with regular flights and many transfer operators in the terminal building. Alternative routes into Lyon are also possible.
From both Geneva and Lyon airports you can then either self-drive, take a transfer or continue your route by train towards Moutiers.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY TRAIN
Taking the train to Les Menuires is possible with trains from London via Paris arriving at Moutiers which is within an hour from Les Menuires. Arriving in Moutiers by train you can connect to Les Menuires via local bus services. Train and bus journeys to Les Menuires are great for minimizing your carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. Driving to Les Menuires is straightforward although cumbersome driving long distances down motorways. Having driven to nearby Val Thorens when travelling with my dog, I found the journey really simple. The car journey to Les Menuires will be slightly shorter than the journey to Val Thorens.
Driving to Les Menuires will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Les Menuires, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LES MENUIRES BY COACH
Travelling from London to Les Menuires by coach is an affordable option but is probably most people’s least favourite method of transport. Operating from London Victoria Coach Station Snow Express operates weekly departures to Les Menuires throughout the winter season.
The coach to Les Menuires travels through the night until arriving in Moutiers where you will change onto a public bus service (included in your ticket) to arrive into the resort.
LES MENUIRES LIFT PASSES
There are multiple ski pass options for Les Menuires and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - LES MENUIRES/ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE
The local area pass for Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville allows access to the 150km of runs within these ski areas. Purchasing the local pass will save you around €10 each day when compared to the Three Valleys Pass. I would recommend this lift pass if you are a beginner or early intermediate, as 150km is plenty of terrain to get started with.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area. This is a great option for those looking to explore further than Les Menuires but without the need to ski in every Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €10 per day more expensive than a local Les Menuires lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to La Croisette (under Roc 1 gondola) to collect there free 7-day Three Valleys lift pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Les Menuires should consider purchasing the local pass. The local area is more than big enough for beginners and early intermediates.
The more able will want to escape Les Menuires and explore the rest of the Three Valleys as it has so much to offer.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Les Menuires and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas. The connections between Les Menuires and the resorts of Meribel and Val Thorens are fantastic, this makes the Three Valleys pass worth having.
LES MENUIRES PROS
Les Menuires has skiing above the village at 1800m-2850m making it a snow-sure ski area.
The new Pointe de la Masse gondola gives fantastic access to high-altitude skiing with a quick ride (8 mins) to 2800m.
As with the whole Three Valleys, Les Menuires is continuing to invest in its lift infrastructure ensuring that connections within Les Menuires and between the resorts of the Three Valleys remain excellent.
The area around the village of Les Menuires is great for learning to ski and snowboard with wide trails and mellow gradients.
The village of Les Menuires is perfect for ski-in-ski-out accommodation… even if it is a bit ugly.
The area at the top of La Masse in Les Menuires has some great off-piste.
LES MENUIRES CONS
The area around the village can be busy with lift queues at key times of day. The slopes around the village can feel overcrowded. Once away from the village this is less of an issue.
The pistes around the village can have much different conditions to those at the top of the resort. The higher traffic and lower elevations can make village runs slushy and bumpy.
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LES MENUIRES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS LES MENUIRES FOR BEGINNERS?
Les Menuires is perfect for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The slopes close to the village are mellow and there are a number of beginner areas with magic carpets to help you learn. The majority of the terrain on the village side of Les Menuires is suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders with plenty of long blues and some green runs close to the village.
IS LES MENUIRES EXPENSIVE?
Les Menuires is one of the more affordable places to stay within the Three Valleys. The village of Les Menuires offers ski-in-ski-out apartment-style accommodation within easy access to the rest of the Three Valleys making it a great base for those on a budget.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO LES MENUIRES?
The closest airport to Les Menuires is Chambery but it is more likely that you will fly to Geneva airport which has a more regular flight schedule than Chambery. Chambery Airport however offers the closest access and, therefore the shortest transfer journey to Les Menuires.
HOW LONG TO SKI FROM LES MENUIRES TO COURCHEVEL?
Skiing between Les Menuires and Courchevel is possible although it is the longest commute from Les Menuires. Expect to spend a couple of hours skiing between the resorts depending on your ability level.
IS LES MENUIRES CONNECTED TO VAL THORENS?
You can ski between Les Menuires and Val Thorens via Mont de la Chambre. From Val Thorens, it is possible to ski back into Les Menuires, simply continue to head down the valley.
LES MENUIRES FINAL THOUGHTS
Les Menuires remains a fantastic base for your Three Valleys ski holiday. As someone who always has an eye on the budget staying in Les Menuires appeals for good value accommodation without sacrificing access to the Three Valleys ski area. I enjoyed the skiing on La Masse and would opt to spend the majority of my time in La Masse when returning to Les Menuires.
Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort and as such has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps. The extensive local terrain in Val Thorens (150km) is made better by its links to the rest of the Three Valleys and a total of 600km of pistes! Whether you are heading to Val Thorens for guaranteed snow, the endless variety of pistes or to dance the night away, Val Thorens has you covered.
Locally Val Thorens links to neighbouring Orelle to form what is commonly referred to as ‘the fourth valley’. This part of the 3 Valleys ski area offers an exceptional snow record with enough terrain to keep everyone happy. Furthermore, the resorts across the 3 Valleys are constantly improving the lift network and Val Thorens is no exception.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
VAL THORENS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
If you will allow me, I have two very different first impressions of Val Thorens. Initially, as a beginner I made my first turns on a snowboard in Val Thorens. On that first trip, I considered Val Thorens to be a tough experience. I struggled with the crowds and my instructor dragging me onto button lifts… there were better places to learn.
More recently returning as a snowboarder who has visited resorts across the globe I was impressed by the facilities and terrain at Val Thorens. Noticeably from my earlier visit, the beginner’s areas had received an update with new magic carpet lifts running alongside the learner’s slopes. Similarly, the impressive Cascades chair moves crowds away from the village efficiently. Val Thorens had improved its facilities and I was excited to explore more around the resort.
VAL THORENS SKI AREA
Forming a key part of the world’s largest combined ski area, Val Thorens is a big reason why people visit the Three Valleys. The ski area is about as snow-sure as can be with the majority of its terrain (99%) above 2000m and skiing possible on two local glaciers.
Val Thorens is spread between its highest lift point, Cime De Caron (3200m) and its lowest point, Plan de L’eau (1800m) offering 1400m of vertical descent within the resort. Taking the Cime de Caron allows for skiing down to Pan Bouchet in Orelle. The Orelle Valley is one certainly worth exploring on your trip especially after fresh snowfall as there is less competition for freshies.
Throughout the resort, you will find your fair share of reds (35%) and blues (43%) which make Val Thoren’s ideal for intermediates. The quality of the snow in Val Thorens ensures that the pistes stay in exceptional condition making them really confidence building.
Val Thorens sits above the treeline so can be a tough place to ski on those bad weather days. The lack of context during a whiteout can become quite challenging. If the visibility is poor consult the webcams, as a real benefit of skiing the Three Valleys is that the sun is likely to be shining somewhere. Meribel and Courchevel offer more tree-lined runs which can be a godsend in adverse conditions.
VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS
Half of the pistes across the Three Valleys are graded as green or blue which goes some way to explaining why this mega-resort is popular with beginners. I personally learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens however the situation has changed greatly. Consider watching the below video which explains the learning experience in Val Thorens.
The beginner's areas in Val Thorens are located in the village with the main trail being quite crowded. Personally, I found this quite daunting when learning, however, it now seems there are more segregated areas off the main trail. Beginners will appreciate the investment in magic carpets across the resort which certainly improve the beginner experience.
When venturing away from the beginner area there are a number of mellow green runs that skiers can head to. The Cascade and 2 Lacs chairs will probably be your first choice. Similarly, the Pionniers chair marks a good place for progression onto blues with Plein Sud and Corniche leading back to the village.
The Magic Carpets in Val Thorens are free of charge which again is a major positive for beginners heading to VT.
VAL THORENS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Val Thorens is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of terrain to explore. I loved the trails of the Boismint chair that were nice and wide and tended to avoid crowds. The long red that links trails Boismint and Plan de L’eau was great for picking up some speed.
Elsewhere the pick of the intermediate terrain can be found of the three main gondolas, Peclet, Grand Fond, and Cime Caron. Each gondola accesses some long red trails that provide a good amount of challenge for the advancing intermediate skier.
Intermediates looking to get off-piste after snowfall will find pockets of great snow and mellow gradients to the side of the Peclet pistes. Similarly Grand Fond had some nice areas beside Variante and Falaise. Again Boismint offers good terrain for these conditions with nothing steep to the sides of the pistes.
The pick of the lot could be blue run Jerusamlem which has been voted amongst the Top 10 ski runs in the world. The area to the side of Jerusalem can be great for those looking for a mellow entry into off-piste snowboarding.
Photo Credit @judithgirardmarczak
VAL THORENS FOR ADVANCED
Although the piste map is dominated by blue and red trails, Val Thorens is a great place to snowboard for the more experienced. Val Thorens. The obvious run is Combe de Caron where you can pick your way down the slope which on my trip remained ungroomed. In reality, there is so much more in Val Thorens with the opportunity to find great off-piste across the whole mountain.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE VAL THORENS
There are two terrain parks in Val Thoresn, the VT Park and the Family Park. The VT park has its own surface lift which means you can effectively lap it, rather than doing a longer loop utilising the Grand Fond. The Terrain Park was still under construction during my visit but there was a good series of entry-level freestyle features and the jump line was being shaped.
The Plateux area where the park is located is normally found in shade during the morning meaning landings can be hard and icy. Consider delaying your visit until the afternoon until the sun has softened the snow.
The family park is found off the 2 Lacs chair and has a mellow boarder cross track with hoops to ride through. Again I can see them developing upon this throughout the season.
OFF-PISTE VAL THORENS
Getting off-piste in Val Thorens is possible across the resort with lots of options depending on the weather. Turning left at the top of Boismint chair will take you into some interesting terrain with a huge bowl and chutes leading back to the pistes. The Cime Caron offers options both back towards Val Thorens and down into Orelle and easy access is possible across to Meribel and Les Menuires where your options increase further. La Masse in Les Menuires is amongst my favourites with the Liberty Ride or Freeride Zone.
If you are interested in ski-touring or splitboarding then Val Thorens offers a number of interesting options within the resort or accessible by resort lifts. Amongst the most popular routes and the Lac du Lou or The Pierre Lory.
LIFTS VAL THORENS
What can not be argued is the quality of the ski lift infrastructure in Val Thorens. Across the resort and the wider Three Valleys ski area the the lifts are fast and modern, but more importantly well placed to navigate the resort. I was impressed by the ability of the lifts close to the village to move crowds quickly away from the resort. Cascades in particular loads and moves skiers effectively preventing crowds even at peak times.
Network of Ski Lifts in Val Thorens.
Being a high-altitude ski resort, Val Thorens can get those bad weather days when high winds can threaten closures. Luckily the ski lifts in Val Thorens are able to keep turning and the resort can keep running in all but the most adverse weather conditions.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER VAL THORENS
Sadly when the weather does get bad in Val Thorens there is little shelter or context to be found. Heading into Meribel or down into Les Menuires provides better shelter and more context from the tree-lined slopes. If you are restricted to Val Thorens then sticking to the runs closest to the resort will provide some context from the large apartment complexes.
VAL THORENS PISTE MAP
VAL THORENS GALLERY
VAL THORENS VILLAGES
Val Thorens combines with Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville to form the Belleville Valley. From each of the villages, it is possible to explore the Val Thorens ski area with ease. Similarly, basing yourself in nearby Orelle can also reflect a great base for a Val Thorens ski holiday. All of this could make it confusing when deciding where to stay for your Val Thorens ski trip. In this section, I look to provide you with information about each village to make an informed choice.
VAL THORENS
The most obvious choice for your Val Thorens ski holiday is of course Val Thorens. Staying in the highest ski village in Europe comes with its advantages including direct access to the slopes and ski-in-ski-out accommodation. Val Thorens now a bustling ski town with everything you would need not just for a ski holiday but for life in general. The large sports centre, a great selection of restaurants and activities for kids make Val Thorens an easy choice for your ski accommodation.
The accommodation itself varies from large hotel chains like Club Med to self-catering apartments on the side of the piste. Whatever your requirements or budget Val Thorens will have something for you. Personally, for one of my trips to Val Thorens, I stayed in the worst-rated apartment on booking dot com and had a great time. Fair the apartment was naff, but it was central, ski-in-ski-out and budget-friendly.
If staying in Val Thorens it is worth noting that the village is not car-free but you have to park in the designated parking garages. Cars left at the side of the road will receive penalty tickets and possibly be towed. The garages vary in price and you can save money by parking further from the village centre. Free shuttle buses run between the car parks and the village regularly.
LES MENUIRES
A resort in its own right, Les Menuires represents a great base for your Val Thorens ski or snowboard holiday. Locally there are 150km of pistes, but with easy access by road or chairlift to Val Thorens this skiable area doubles. Staying in Les Menuires will save you cash but not at the expense of your experience. Les Menuires is referred to as the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of French ski villages but it provides a practical base for your ski holiday.
Photo Credit @yannallegre
The Village of Les Menuires is lower down the Belleville Valley at 1850m which certainly makes it a less reliable base during early and late season.
SAINT MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE
St Martin de Belleville is like a little brother to Val Thorens. Often overlooked as it is lower in the valley, St Martin has connections straight into the heart of the Three Valleys. At 1450m St Martin de Belleville is less snow-sure than Val Thorens but its links mean this isn’t really an issue. The village itself is quieter which can offer a more chilled alternative to a Val Thorens ski holiday.
ORELLE
Another cost-effective village to explore Val Thorens from is Orelle. Orelle is more traditional and less a ski village but more actual village. From Orelle, you will need to take the 3 Vallees Express and then Peyron and Bouchet chairs to ski into Val Thorens but this is all due to change with plans for an updated gondola.
The Village itself had a really nice vibe and felt like a quieter Samoëns, with a classic stone village centre and enough shops to fulfil your needs. Orelle is a combination of budget-friendly and quieter Val Thorens ski holiday base.
VAL THORENS SEASON DATES
Val Thorens regularly has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps with the opening of the ski resort in November and closing in May. Therefore it is possible to ski for nearly six months in Val Thorens, longer than any of the other Three Valleys ski areas. The long ski season in Val Thorens makes it a fantastic choice for early and late season ski holidays to the Three Valleys.
TRAVEL TO VAL THORENS
WHERE IS VAL THORENS SKI RESORT?
Val Thorens is in the Vallèe de Bellevilles in the Savoie region of France. Located at the top of the Valley you will pass St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires en route to Val Thorens.
Val Thorens is easy to access within France’s Savoie region which is cluttered with world-class ski areas. The high proximity of ski resorts in the Savoie ensures that many facilities and businesses are geared around travel to the ski areas.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY AIR
Flying to Val Thorens is the fastest and easier way to get to Val Thorens from the UK. Flying into Geneva airport represents your best bet with regular flights and many transfer operators in the terminal building. Alternative routes into Lyon are also possible.
From both Geneva and Lyon airports you can then either self-drive, take a transfer or continue your route by train towards Moutiers.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY TRAIN
Taking the train to Val Thorens is possible with trains from London via Paris arriving at Moutiers which is within an hour from Val Thorens. Although Val Thorens itself does not have a train station arriving at Moutiers and then taking a bus/transfer to the resort is a fairly simple process.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. Driving to Val Thorens is straightforward although cumbersome driving long distances down motorways. Having driven to Val Thorens when travelling with my dog, I found the journey really simple.
There is no need for a car within the resort and you will have to factor in the cost of using the underground parking areas in Val Thorens, but driving to Val Thorens was a stress-free travel method.
Driving to Val Thorens will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Val Thorens, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY COACH
Travelling from London to Val Thorens by coach is an affordable option but is probably most people’s least favourite method of transport. Operating from London Victoria Coach Station Snow Express operate weekly departures to Val Thorens.
VAL THORENS LIFT PASSES
There are multiple ski pass options for Val Thorens and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to either Forum Joseph Fontanet or the Funitel de Pèclet ticket offices to receive your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Val Thorens should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
Remember if you are a never-ever, then you may not need to purchase a lift pass initially as the Magic Carpets are free to use. Liaise with your instructor to discuss whether you will be venturing further than this.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Val Thorens and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
VAL THORENS PROS
Val Thorens offers guaranteed skiing between Nov and May making it one of Europe’s longest ski seasons.
As part of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens has access to 600km of pistes across multiple French ski resorts.
Being a high-altitude village the Val Thorens ski area mostly sits above 2000m ensuring snow quality is great.
Val Thorens has 150km of local terrain which is well suited to intermediates.
Val Thorens has an exceptional lift system with modern lifts transporting skiers quickly and efficiently around the mountain.
Purpose-built village of Val Thorens has numerous accommodation options.
VAL THORENS CONS
The learner's areas in Val Thorens are busy with the main village run being a bit of a nightmare at peak times.
Val Thorens lacks context in trees due to its altitude meaning the resort can have bad visibility days which are not fun.
Limited on-piste terrain for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
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VAL THORENS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS?
As someone who learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens and subsequently taught snowboarding across various continents I wouldn’t say that Val Thorens is an ideal place to learn. The positives are that Val Thorens offers free use of the Magic Carpets to beginners which is a nice touch and there are plenty of ski schools available. My main issue are the crowds which can feel daunting, so if you are set to learn in Val Thorens avoid the peak weeks.
WHAT IS VAL THORENS FAMOUS FOR?
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe making it famous for exceptional skiing conditions and a long winter season.
IS VAL THORENS A PARTY RESORT?
Val Thorens is a party town but you don’t need to feel like you are in the thick of it. If you are after Après ski well Val Thorens does it superbly with a number of bars and nightlife throughout the village. Nightlife in Val Thorens stays open until the early hours so be prepared to dance away the hangover so you can still make first lift.
IS VAL THORENS EXPENSIVE?
Val Thorens is a premium ski resort in the largest combined ski area in the world so yes it can be expensive. Within the context of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens represents great value when compared to Courchevel and Meribel which are advertised towards the more affluent clientele. There are always ways to budget and reduce costs for your ski holiday from accommodation to bringing your lunch with you on the slopes.
IS VAL THORENS HARD TO SKI?
The resort runs of Val Thorens are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders with the majority of terrain rated as blue or red. There are a few black graded slopes within the resort however the main challenge is found away from the pistes.
WHICH AIRPORT DO YOU FLY TO FOR VAL THORENS?
The airport of Chambery is the closest airport to Val Thorens but the choice of flights is limited. Flying into Geneva or Lyon will result in longer transfers but cheaper and more regular flight services.
VAL THORENS ACTIVITIES
Val Thorens has plenty to keep skiers and non skiers entertained when visiting for a winter ski holiday. There are a number of activities available throughout the resort which will add to your on snow experience. Below is a selection of my favourites.
BEE FLYING VAL THORENS
Bee Flying was incredible and certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Val Thorens. The journey back to the village takes on 1800m of zip lines in three stages, where you will hover 65m above the ground. Check out the video below for a POV of my experience at Bee Flying Val Thorens.
ICE RINK
In the village of Val Thorens, you will find an Ice Rink where beginners through to experts are welcomed to put on their skates and head out onto the ice. The rink is 400m2 and is only open during the winter season.
ICE DRIVING
Ice Driving Val Thorens is exactly what it sounds like! These go karts on ice race around the 225m ice track at the base of the village in this incredible mountain setting. Check out the Ice Driving Experience here.
BEST SKI SHOP IN VAL THORENS
When visiting a ski resort I always try to find the best ski and snowboard shops to recommend to others. After spending time looking for snowboard boots in most of the Val Thorens ski shops I can highly recommend Zenith Ski Shop.
Although I didn’t purchase anything in Zenith, the assistance I was given was exceptional. Zenith is ideally located in the centre of the village and has an excellent selection of ski and snowboard gear to buy and rent. I took my board in for a service and they did a great job with a quick turn-around.
VAL THORENS FINAL THOUGHTS
Val Thorens is always going to be one of the best options for ski holidays in Europe. When you combine the highest resort village, with terrain above 2000m, and a large connected ski area Val Thorens packs a punch. The village and local area have everything you require in a ski resort base and it is hard to argue against returning to the resort year after year.
Paradiski Ski Area Guide
A combination of three ski resorts; La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry make up the third largest ski area in the world with a huge 425km of pistes awaiting you when visiting this mega ski resort in Frances Tarentaise Valley. Paradiski is an amalgamation of high altitude skiing with slopes to suit all abilities making it a firm favourite with families.
Skier enjoying what is left of the fresh snow in Les Arcs
PARADISKI AREA GUIDE
If you are looking for a ski area that has guaranteed snow then the Paradski area could be an awesome choice. With the majority of its skiable terrain above 2000m and glaciers in both Les Arcs and La Plagne you cant do much better. Skiing and snowboarding are possible to 3250m on the glacier Bellecôte with reliable snow-fall and good snow cannon coverage complenting each other throughout the five month season. The ski area of the Paradiski opens in mid December and closes in April.
The combination of three resorts is more likely two resorts with Peisey-Vallandry blending well into the Les Arcs infrastructure. Across the 425km of pistes you will find 260 pistes and well over 100 lifts in what is a fantastic infrastructure. The lifts across the Paradiski are mostly modern with the Vanoise Express holding the world record for speeds.
It is fair to say that the resorts within the Paradiski can feel less ski resort and more individual villages with many accommodation bases spread across the mountain. This contributes to the Paradiski having villages with their individual charm and feel. As such there is no real base for Après ski across Les Arcs or La Plagne although Arc 1800 and Belle Plagne do a good job of throwing a party.
The Paradiski is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world which is in some part down to its accessibility. Train routes run from London into Bourg St Maurice and regular flights/transfers are available from Geneva.
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SNOWBOARDING IN THE PARADISKI
Both the Paradiski resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are renowned for being beginner/intermediate accessible with the majority of the terrain-wide cruisey blues. From 260 slopes there are nearly 140 blue pistes which go some way to demonstrate this point, with blue routes available across the Paradiski. This ensures that the entire Paradiski is accessible to everyone which is perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking to explore the whole area.
Beginners will also appreciate the free beginner zones that are available with nursery slopes in some Paradiski villages. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1800 or Plagne Centre if you are a never ever heading to the snow for the first time.
For those of you who struggle to wait to get your Après on, then a unique run in La Plagne is the disco tunnel. The tunnel which connects the resorts of Belle Plagne and Plagne Bellecôte features disco lights and music. This isn’t something I have experienced elsewhere so it definitely makes for a unique experience.
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the terrain parks across the Paradiski with large multi-line terrain parks in Les Arcs 1800 and Belle Plagne. The freestyle scene is significant in the Paradiski so expect big jumps galore. If you are looking to experience freestyle skiing and snowboarding for the first time then do not worry as there are designated beginner terrain parks and fun-cross runs across the resorts.
LEARN MORE IN-DEPTH INFORMATION ABOUT THE SKI RESORTS IN THE PARADISKI BY CHECKING OUT THE FULL RESORT REVIEWS BELOW
OTHER FRENCH SKI AREAS
La Plagne Ski Resort Guide
Situated in the Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne forms part of the Paradiski area with the neighbouring resort Les Arcs. Combined these two popular French ski resorts offer 425km of pistes with La Plagne boasting the majority of this terrain. La Plagne offers skiers and snowboarders snow-sure pistes with 70% of the Paradiski terrain above 2000m. Add to this modern lift infrastructure and a varied selection of pistes and you can see why La Plagne is a popular destination among visitors to the French Alps.
Photo Credit cj580 - Chris Johnson
La Plagne is a purpose-built ski resort that opened in the 1960s, originally with a handful of slopes and two surface lifts. Over the last 60+ years, La Plagne has developed into a full-blown mega-resort with 74 ski lifts accessing over 130 runs within the local La Plagne ski area. In 2003 the Vanoise Express gondola was installed to link La Plagne to a further 200kms of ski runs in Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry forming the Paradiski.
LA PLAGNE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I visited La Plagne whilst staying in neighbouring Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express gondola. The Vanoise Express gondola is an incredible piece of engineering that moves the largest cable car in the world between the two resorts. The Vanoise Express can accommodate 200 people per journey and was an experience in itself. Once in La Plagne I was impressed by the amount of wide intermediate pistes around the resort. I can see why La Plagne is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders who wanted to explore a large area.
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LA PLAGNE SKI AREA
Forming part of the world’s third largest combined ski area Paradiski, La Plagne is a massive ski resort. Located in the Savoie, La Plagne is a combination of villages that provided high altitude access to an extensive ski resort. Across La Plagne and the further Paradiski area, skiers and snowboarders will be able to explore over 140 ski lifts and 260 trails across its 425km expanse.
La Plagne and the Paradiski is well suited to intermediates with a combined 212 blue and red pistes across the Paradiski. La Plagne is however suited to the entire family/ability range as beginners will enjoy La Plagne for its wide blue slopes and advanced skiers will enjoy the variety of terrain and off-piste bowls.
Locally in La Plagne skiers and snowboarders will find 132 pistes with 104 marked blue or red. The limited black runs on offer (under 10) should not deter advanced skiers and snowboarders who will be able to find challenges off-piste and in the terrain parks.
What may deter more able skiers and snowboarders from visiting La Plagne are the crowds! La Plagne is popular for a reason but this may frustrate those in search of runs without crowds that you can just bomb.
Similar to Les Arcs nearby La Plagne has a 2000m of vertical drop between the highest point Chiaupe (3250m) and the lower village of Montchavin (1250m). From Chiapue there are a number of interesting black and red trails in addition to some great off-piste after good snowfall.
LA PLAGNE FOR BEGINNERS
La Plagne is well suited for beginners with low-gradient blue trails across the whole resort. A few green trails can be found on the map with Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800 hosting most of these. This makes La Plagne a fantastic ski resort to visit as a beginner as you can pretty much go anywhere and find a number of suitable trails.
La Plagne has made an effort to improve the learning experience for its skiers and snowboarders with new Magic Carpet lifts replacing former surface lifts in Plagne Centre. In Plagne Centre, you will also find the Buffalo Kids Park with lots of small features to spice up the run for your little ones.
The best area for beginners in La Plagne is focused around Plagne Bellecôte where those new to skiing and snowboarding will find blue trails occupying the majority of the area here. The blue graded terrain in Plagne Bellecôte is mellow and a few in reality are more likely green runs.
LA PLAGNE FOR INTERMEDIATES
La Plagne is well suited for intermediates with the majority of runs in the local area and Paradiski being mellow blue graded trails. The area in Plagne Bellecôte is perfect for those looking for easier intermediate terrain with good snow conditions.
Intermediates looking for more challenge or adventure should looks to the area atop Roche De Mio. From the top of the Roche De Mio gondola and Inversens chair there are a number of interesting options. The tunnel run is exactly what it sounds like, a run that cuts underground and makes for an interesting trail. Sources and Inversens will appeal to intermediates looking to get out onto red trails with the later more challenging as it remains unpisted. Plagne Montalbert also makes an interesting option for intermediates with a number of reds and blues interlinking through this area.
Photo Credit @judithgirardmarczak
LA PLAGNE FOR ADVANCED
There are only a few black trails throughout La Plagne and the Paradiski but that doesn’t mean the area is not of interest to more experienced skiers and snowboarders. A number of ‘Natur’ (unpisted) trails can be found in Plagne Aime which are great fun and of varying difficulty. The mix of blacks and reds here will ensure you keep coming back.
The Bellecôte Glacier is also host to a number of fantastic black trails and a huge mogul field for those interested in skiing bumps.
FREESTYLE LA PLAGNE
La Plagne has a combination of terrain parks, half pipe and boarder cross tracks spread across the resort. The main park was moved to Montchavin in 22/23 and offers a variety of lanes which have small (Green) through to large (Black) features..
The Buffalo Park kids area in Plagne Centre is a nice intro to freestyle for kids with the Western themed fun area.
For those looking for their first foray into freestyle skiing and snowboarding then heading to Belle Plagne and the entry-level park will serve you best.
OFF-PISTE LA PLAGNE
Although La Plagne has a reputation as a bit of a beginner/intermediate paradise there are a number of interesting areas to get off-piste and away from the crowds. Even better is that as La Plagne mainly caters to beginners and intermediates the freshies seem to last longer here. It is the off-piste in La Plagne that particular makes the resort more interesting to experienced snowboarders.
LIFTS LA PLAGNE
There are 74 lifts across the La Plagne ski area with most of them modern and fast. One downside to the ski lifts in La Plagne is the lack of chairs with a weather bubble for those bad weather ski days. There are however a number of gondolas where you can find shelter from the elements.
Photo Credit cj580 - Chris Johnson
The most famous lift in La Plagne is the Vanoise Express gondola which not only links the ski area to the rest of the Paradski but also holds a number of world records. The Vanoise Express has the largest capacity (200 people), fastest speed (45km/hr) and highest distance from the ground (380m) when compared to lifts around the globe.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LA PLAGNE
La Plagne like all ski resorts will receive its fair share of bad-weather ski days. Whiteout days can kill the fun for many skiers and snowboarders so finding areas of the resort where you have greater context and contrast is key. One good bit of advice is to head to the trees in areas like La Plagne Montalbert where the pistes run through the woodlands which makes visibility a lot easier.
LA PLAGNE PISTE MAP
Click the LA PLAGNE piste map below to visit the interactive piste map.
LA PLAGNE VILLAGES
MONTALBERT
The village of Plagne Montalbert is a more traditional setting lower down in the valley. Founded in 1980, Montalbert offers direct access to the La Plagne ski area from a 1350m elevation. Staying in Montalbert however, bases you at the furthest point from the Vanoise Express and access to Les Arcs.
PLAGNE 1800
Plagne 1800 is lovingly referred to as La Plagne’s nest due to its location with easy access to the whole ski area. The former mining settlement of Plagne 1800 is home to a good range of accommodations from private apartments, catered chalets or the all-inclusive UCPA. Basing yourself in Plagne 1800 ensure that you are well placed to explore the whole of the Paradiski.
Photo Credit @nicolasmichot
PLAGNE BELLECÔTE
Plagne Bellecôte has a modern base area that is well situated to discover the La Plagne and Les Arcs in a pedestrian only resort. At a 1930m elevation Plagne Bellecôte has fantastic access to some of the more advanced terrain on the Bellecôte Glacier. The village of Plagne Bellecôte has a good shopping centre and ice-rink and two escape rooms, to keep everyone occupied.
PLAGNE CENTRE
Plagne Centre is great for ski-in-ski-out accessibility in the true centre of the ski area. Using Plagne Centre as a base it is possible to head in all directions to explore the wider La Plagne ski area. At night, Plagne Centre is also well-linked to the surrounding villages of Plagne 1800 and Plagne Bellecôte by shuttle bus.
BELLE PLAGNE
Another car-free village is Belle Plagne at 2050m above Plagne Bellecôtte. The village is therefore pedestrian only with the upper and lower villages connected by a series of covered staircases and lifts. The accommodation in Belle Plagne is dominated by ski-in-ski-out apartments and chalets which make it a really convienient base for your La Plagne ski holiday. Access to the Bellecote Glacier from the Roche de Mio gondola. Belle Plagne is also ideally suited to explore the rest of the Paradiski.
PLAGNE AIME 2000
Plagne Aime 2000 is the highest village in La Plagne sitting at 2100m altitude. The resort of Plagne Aime 2000 was established in the 1960s but more recently has added Club Med as an accommodation option. The village of Plagne Aime 2000 has a ski-in-ski-out location that provides good access to Montalbert as well as Plagne Centre.
LA PLAGNE SEASON DATES
The ski season in La Plagne normally operates between mid-December and late-April although connections to Les Arcs will start later and finish earlier. The ski season in La Plagne and the Paradiski is reliable with 70% of the ski area above 2000m meaning snow cover is maintained across the season. La Plagne has a historical snow record of 4.6m on average during the course of the winter season. In addition to the annual snowfall, La Plagne supplements the natural stuff with snowmaking. The are 600 snow cannons spread around the resort to ensure that all slopes have ample coverage during the winter season.
TRAVEL TO LA PLAGNE
La Plagne situated in the Tarentaise Valley is a very accessible ski resort in the southeast of France. The main routes to La Plagne from the UK would be to fly, drive, or take a train. Below I will discuss the practicalities of each transport method.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY AIR
La Plagne is 200km from the International Airport of Geneva on the border of Switzerland and France. Throughout the winter many budget and mainstream airlines operate flights into Geneva making it the most affordable route by Air. Geneva Airport is also fantastic for connections/transfers to the resorts of the French Alps and getting to La Plagne is no exception. Many transfer companies out of the arrivals area at Geneva and the journey to La Plagne will take around 2 hrs 30 mins.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY TRAIN
La Plagne is accessible within an hour of the Bourg St Maurice train station which receives daily arrivals via the Eurostar from London’s King Cross Station (via Paris). Transferring to La Plagne from Bourg St Maurice isn’t quite as simple as taking the Funicular into Les Arcs with a longer transfer time. From Bourg St Maurice you can take the bus to La Plagne.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. When in La Plagne you shouldn’t need your car to get around as free local shuttle buses run within the resort villages.
Driving to La Plagne will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to La Plagne, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LA PLAGNE BY COACH
By far my least favourite way to travel to a ski resort is by coach however, it can be the most cost-effective way to reach your destination. From the UK regular coaches run to Bourg St Maurice from London Victoria throughout the winter. Coach trips can be arduous but with travel through the night, coaches can be the best way to maximise your time on the slopes on a budget.
LA PLAGNE LIFT PASSES
When skiing in La Plagne you will have two choices of lift pass; a local area pass which covers the 225km of pistes in La Plagne or the Paradiski pass which covers the 425km of Les Arcs and La Plagne combined area. Your choice of lift pass may depend on a few considerations.
ABILITY
Honestly if you are a beginner or even an intermediate visiting La Plagne for the first time then consider saving money and getting the local area pass. Within La Plagne there will be plenty of runs for you to explore. If you feel the need to explore further you can upgrade your lift pass for one day of skiing in the Paradiski area.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then skiing within the La Plagne ski area will still offer you an incredible experience. 225kms of pistes is loads so save some money and stay with a La Plagne local area pass.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are a more able skier or snowboarder returning to La Plagne then it is certainly worth investing in the Paradiski lift pass. The upgrade will cost €50 more based on a 6-day pass in the 22/23 season and will open up over double the available terrain.
LA PLAGNE LIFT PASS COST
As with most lift passes, a ski pass in La Plagne will vary in price depending on; the duration of your trip, the skier’s age and whether you are visiting in or out of the peak period. The good news is that in La Plagne there are plenty of opportunities to save on your lift pass with offers throughout the season. There are even free lift passes available to skiers who are under 5 or over 75 years of age.
LA PLAGNE PROS
La Plagne is a large resort with access to 400+Kms of pistes that have a great snow record.
The ski season in La Plagne offers guaranteed snow with most terrain about 2000m.
The vertical drop in La Plagne means that there are plenty of longer runs across the resort.
La Plagne caters well for beginners and intermediates with a majority of blue trails.
The different villages across La Plagne offer a good range of accommodation and budget options.
LA PLAGNE CONS
La Plagne has a lot to offer so is often crowded during peak weeks especially on the pistes and lifts that are close to the villages.
The suitability for beginners relates to mellow runs which can have deadly flat spots which aren’t always fun on a snowboard.
Lack of enough advanced pistes across the Paradiski.
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LA PLAGNE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS LA PLAGNE LIKE AS A SKI RESORT?
La Plagne and the extended Paradiski area is a huge ski area linked to nearby Les Arcs. The ski area of La Plagne is ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders who will make the most of the blue and red runs around the resort. The local area of La Plagne has 225km of pistes that cater to all abilities.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO LA PLAGNE?
The closest airport to La Plagne is Chambery but this actually isn’t the best access point. Flights into Chambery are infrequent meaning that Geneva and Grenoble are probably better bets. The transfer time from Geneva is longer but its international airport has regular flights from across Europe with operators including budget airlines from the UK.
WHAT MAKES LA PLAGNE SO POPULAR?
La Plagne is one of the most visited ski resorts in the world with visitors drawn from far and wide. La Plagne has many positives that make it a popular place to visit with its high altitude and extensive terrain being a real draw. Over 70%I of the Paradiski sits above 2000m ensuring the La Plagne is snow-sure, this is a big factor in bringing visitors to La Plagne. La Plagne also attracts beginner skiers and snowboarders as many people know La Plagne for its mellow blue runs that spread across the mountain.
IS LA PLAGNE BEGINNER FRIENDLY?
Yes, La Plagne caters well for beginners despite the very few green trails on the piste map. La Plagne’s terrain is dominated by entry level blue pistes from all villages ensuring that beginners can have a nice time in La Plagne regardless of where they book their accommodations.
IS LA PLAGNE A GOOD PLACE TO SKI?
La Plagne can be considered a good place to ski for all-abilities and budgets. The expansive terrain in La Plagne and the Paradiski caters to all-abilities ranging from gentle blue-runs to challenging off-piste terrain. The variety makes it a great choice for families and groups of varying abilities.
DO I NEED SNOW CHAINS WHEN DRIVING TO LA PLAGNE?
When driving to any ski resort in France you should always carry snow chains which are a legal requirement now. Driving without snow-chains could put yourself and other drivers in danger and result in spot fines if searched by the Police.
IS LA PLAGNE SNOW SURE?
La Plagne and Les Arcs in the Paradiski are a good bet for snow-sure conditions throughout the season. The higher elevations and glacier skiing ensure that La Plagne maintains a good snow base. With a good snow record and 600 snow cannons, La Plagne is a safe bet for your ski or snowboard holiday.
LA PLAGNE FINAL THOUGHTS
La Plagne and the Paradiski would make a fantastic choice for your next ski holiday with snow-sure skiing and plenty of on snow accommodation. For me the decision whether to ski or snowboard in La Plagne or Les Arc would come down to access. If travelling via train I would stay in Les Arcs with better access via funicular from Bourg St Maurice. Whether driving or flying there isn’t much in it and I would decide between the two Paradiski resorts based on the best accommodation deal. Both La Plagne and Les Arc are well suited to all abilities and offer access to a large ski area.
Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide
Les Arcs ski resort is popular with skiers across Europe with a sizeable local ski area (200km). Forming part of the Paradiski with La Plagne, Les Arcs provides skiers and snowboarders access to 425km of pistes across the two French ski resorts. Visiting Les Arcs ski area allows for plenty of versatility with seven ski resort bases to choose from with a range of accommodations and amenities to suit every budget.
Les Arcs has a great combination of high-altitude skiing with diverse terrain. The library of ski runs across Les Arcs varies from extensive cruisey intermediate terrain along red and blue pistes with some steeper black trails as well. Les Arcs has some fantastic areas to learn to ski making it popular amongst beginners and families. Les Arcs provides snow-sure skiing, excellent transport links and a fantastic range of accommodations making it a popular choice for a French ski holiday. In this Les Arcs Ski Resort Guide I will explore what makes Les Arcs a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
LES ARCS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Visiting Les Arcs for the first time I was lucky to be accompanied by skiers who knew the area well, ensuring that I was able to make the most of the substantial terrain available throughout the resort. The resort itself is fantastic and I really enjoyed waking up in the purpose-built village a few steps from the nearest slope. Les Arcs is a ski destination that has everything on your doorstep making it a worry-free ski holiday.
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LES ARCS SKI AREA
Forming part of the world’s third largest combined ski area, Paradiski Les Arcs is a sizeable ski resort. Les Arcs is massive, demonstrated by the huge 2000m vertical drop between the Aiguille Rouge (3226m) and the village of Villaroger (1200m). In total 258 pistes and over 100 lifts make up the Les Arcs ski area, with the majority of that terrain (70%) above 2000m. With that in mind, Les Arcs is incredibly snow sure which can make it popular with visitors looking for early-season or spring snow.
Considered a benchmark ski resort in the Savoie, Les Arcs’ 200km of pistes are mostly suited to beginners (51%) and intermediates (35%). Advanced skiers will still appreciate the more challenging terrain that is available alongside the areas outside of the piste which are great for freeride.
LES ARCS FOR BEGINNERS
With the four main village bases in Les Arc; Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, beginners will be happy that each base caters to beginner skiers and snowboarders. The villages offer a number of free lifts that beginners can use to learn from.
Over half of the Les Arcs pistes are suitable for beginners which is fantastic for first-timers looking to explore different runs. There are however only three green pistes spread throughout the resort, two in Arc 1800, so beginners will have to learn on the various blue runs around the resort.
LES ARCS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Les Arcs has a number of wide cruisey blue pistes which spread throughout the ski area. This makes Les Arcs really fun for intermediates who are excited to get around the whole mountain. In Les Arcs you can pretty much head up any lift (except Grand Col and Aigulle Rouge) and find a decent blue to ride down. A particular favourite were the combined Vallée de l’Arc 3 and Vallée de l’Arc 2 which are found at the top of Varet.
Advanced intermediates may want to challenge themselves on the short reds found at the top of Plagnettes chairlift. Similarly, the area around Plan Peisey is a good combination of red and blue trails.
LES ARCS FOR ADVANCED
Looking at the piste map you can be forgiven for believing that Les Arcs doesn’t cater for the advanced skier or snowboarder. Although the black trails do not dominate the piste map, there is enough to keep even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders entertained. Head to Aiguille Rouge for a fantastic 7km descent back to the village of Villaroger. Les Arcs also has a number of un-pisted trails that are left to develop bumps throughout the season, if you like moguls you will like Les Arcs.
FREESTYLE LES ARCS
Les Arcs has two terrain parks in the resort; Apocalypse and Mille 8. Both parks have a good mix of freestyle terrain. Apocalypse is best suited to intermediate and advanced freestyle skiers and snowboarders with a good jump progression ending with some rather large kickers. Mille 8 has a little something for everyone with an entry-level green line and some more advanced features.
OFF-PISTE LES ARCS
Off-piste skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the area atop the Grand Col which ensures snow stays fresh due to its higher elevation. In cloudy weather, consider heading into the forest runs near the Derby chairlift.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER LES ARCS
Les Arcs is a fantastic resort even on those bad weather days. The lower resort villages are lined by trees which can add contrast in whiteout conditions.
LES ARCS PISTE MAP
Click the Les Arcs piste map below to visit the interactive piste map.
LES ARCS VILLAGES
Les Arcs has four main villages each has its own charm and appeal.
ARC 1600
Arc 1600, the earliest of the villages, feels quaint and tranquil in atmosphere. Developments in Arc 1600 began in the late 60’s and can be considered the original and centre of the resort. This feeling of being the centre of the resort is continued in Arc 1600 with regular shuttle buses linking Arc 1600 to the other Les Arcs villages. Arc 1600 is also linked to the valley and Bourg St Maurice with its international train station. The short funicular ride from Arc 1600 will take you directly into Bourg St Maurice with links to London.
ARC 1800
Conversely, Arc 1800 is known for its vibrant après-ski scene, boasting a lively feel with numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The largest of the Les Arcs villages you should head to Arc 1800 if you want an activity-packed holiday. Arc 1800 is very central within the wider context of the Les Arcs ski area and it has great access to the other Les Arcs villages.
ARC 1950
Arc 1950, a relatively newer addition, is a picturesque alpine village designed with a more upscale feel. It features luxurious accommodations and a pedestrian-friendly layout. The village itself can be a fantastic base for your Les Arcs ski holiday with ski-in-ski-out accommodation throughout the village.
ARC 2000
Arc 2000, the highest in elevation, provides direct access to high-altitude skiing and stunning panoramic views. This appeals to avid skiers and snowboarders seeking challenging terrain. The village of Arc 2000 is well designed allowing excellent access to the pistes in a compact ski village.
OTHER VILLAGES
VILLAROGER
Villaroger is not only the finishing point for one of the best runs in Les Arcs (Aiguille Rouge), but it is also the lowest of the villages in Les Arcs. At 1200m Villaroger is a quieter more relaxed base for your Les Arcs ski holiday. Villaroger has a good reputation for maintaining snow despite its lower altitude due to its shaded location in the valley. Villaroger can be a good base if you are looking to explore other local resorts such as Tignes - Val d’Isere and Les Rosière in addition to your Les Arcs ski days.
PEISEY - VALLANDRY
Plan Peisey and Vallandry are two separate villages that are essentially one. The villages of Peisey - Vallandry are not only a great base from which to explore Les Arcs, but equally have exceptional access to the La Plagne via the Vanoise Express. Plan Peisey and Vallandry would appeal to skiers looking for access to both La Plagne and Les Arcs, alongside those looking for a quieter evening base.
BOURG ST MAURICE
Bourg St Maurice will be the arrival point of many international skiers and snowboarders to Les Arcs with direct Eurostar access to London. A town, not a village, Bourg St Maurice is a great link between Les Arcs and other local ski resorts. It is possible staying in Bourg St Maurice to catch connections via bus to La Rosière, Tignes, La Plagne and others. Staying in Bourg St Maurice can offer easy travel as well as the ability to ski at a variety of resorts from the same base.
LES ARCS GALLERY
LES ARCS SEASON DATES
The ski season in Les Arcs normally operates between mid-December and late-April although connections to La Plagne will start later and finish earlier. The ski season in Les Arcs is a reliable one with 70% of the ski area above 2000m meaning snow cover is maintained throughout. Les Arcs has a historical snow record of 4.6m on average during the course of the winter season. In addition to the annual snowfall, Les Arcs supplements the natural stuff with snowmaking. The are 600 snow cannons spread around the resort to ensure that all slopes have ample coverage during the winter season.
TRAVEL TO LES ARCS
Les Arcs is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the Alps with international access by plane, train and automobile. Located in Frances Savoie, Les Arcs is a combination of mountain villages above the town of Bourg St Maurice.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY AIR
Les Arcs closest airport is Chambery (CMF) which is 140 km from Les Arcs. Flights into Chambery are aplenty during the winter season with many transfer and private hire drivers operating out of the terminal. If you intend to fly it is worth considering heading to Geneva as flights tend to be cheaper and more frequent then those into Chambery. The trade-off for flying to Geneva is an extra hour on the transfer time but it could be a more budget-savvy option. Other possible airport entrance points for your Les Arcs ski trip are Lyon and Grenoble.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY TRAIN
By far the most environmentally friendly way to get to Les Arcs is via train to Bourg St Maurice. Heading to the international train station in Bourg St Maurice uses Frances's electrified rail network and can save on your carbon footprint. The station itself is only a 7-minute funicular ride away from Arc 1600 meaning you can be in the resort within minutes of stepping off the train. Throughout the winter special services are operated by Eurostar for the SkiTrain.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. When in Les Arcs you shouldn’t need your car to get around as free local shuttle buses run within the resort villages.
Driving to Les Arcs will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to Les Arcs. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Les Arcs, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO LES ARCS BY COACH
By far my least favourite way to travel to a ski resort is by coach however, it can be the most cost-effective way to reach your destination. From the UK regular coaches run to Bourg St Maurice from London Victoria throughout the winter. Coach trips can be arduous but with travel through the night, coaches can be the best way to maximise your time on the slopes on a budget.
LES ARCS LIFT PASSES
When skiing in Les Arcs you will have two choices of lift pass; a local area pass which covers the 200km of pistes in Les Arc or the Paradiski pass which covers the 425km of Les Arcs and La Plagne combined area. Your choice of lift pass may depend on a few considerations.
ABILITY
Honestly if you are a beginner or even an intermediate visiting Les Arcs for the first time then consider saving money and getting the local area pass. Within Les Arcs there will be plenty of runs for you to explore. If you feel the need to explore further you can upgrade your lift pass for one day of skiing in the Paradiski area.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then skiing within the Les Arcs ski area will still offer you an incredible experience. 200kms of pistes is loads so save some money and stay with a Les Arcs local area pass.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are a more able skier or snowboarder returning to Les Arcs then it is certainly worth investing in the Paradiski lift pass. The upgrade will cost €50 more based on a 6-day pass in the 22/23 season and will open up over double the available terrain.
QUEUE JUMPING
Consider purchasing the Paradiski passes if you want to use priority lift lines. The Paradiski pass not only provides you with an extended ski area but also the ability to use dedicated queue jumping lines.
LES ARCS LIFT PASS COST
As with most lift passes, a ski pass in Les Arcs will vary in price depending on; the duration of your trip, the skier’s age and whether you are visiting in or out of the peak period. The good news is that in Les Arcs there are plenty of opportunities to save on your lift pass with offers throughout the season. There are even free lift passes available to skiers who are under 5 or over 75 years of age.
LES ARCS PROS
Les Arcs is a huge combined ski area with an extensive piste network.
Finding accommodation to suit your needs in Les Arcs should be possible with a range of villages to choose from. Staying in Les Arc gives you the opportunity to choose a village that suits your budget and vibe.
Les Arc has some awesome runs within its 2000m of vertical drop, consider taking the Augille Rouge trail for a long descent into Villaroger.
There is plenty of interesting off-piste in Les Arcs with bowls and tree runs for those poor weather days.
Les Arcs is well suited to beginners and intermediates with a large proportion of blue trails throughout the resort.
There are fantastic transport links to Les Arcs, with the hub of Bourg St Maurice a short funicular away.
LES ARCS CONS
Les Arcs has lots of positives going for it; large ski area, great transport links, reliable snow… all of which combine to draw crowds to Les Arcs.
Lift queues can be common in Les Arcs during peak weeks.
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LES ARCS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes, over 50% of Les Arcs terrain is suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Another positive to using Les Arcs for your beginner’s ski holiday is that there are a number of beginner lifts that are free to use without a lift pass. Les Arcs has also introduced a slow speed zone which will make beginners feel more comfortable when learning to ski.
IS LES ARCS LIVELY?
One downside to Les Arcs is the layout across various villages can make it feel like there is no real centre or hub to Les Arcs. Depending on whether you are looking for nightlife will depend on where you base yourself around Les Arcs with Arc 1800 being the best known for its Après scene.
WHICH RESORT IS LES ARCS CONNECTED TO?
Les Arcs is connected to La Plagne to form the Paradiski area. The resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne are joined by the Vanoise Express gondola which means skiing across 42km of pistes is possible. Les Arcs is also connected by funicular to Bourg St Maurice where it is possible to catch buses to La Rosiere and Tignes.
IS LES ARCS A HIGH RESORT?
Les Arcs ski resort has the majority of its terrain above 2000m which ensures a long ski season with a fantastic snow record. Consider basing yourself in Arc 1950 or Arc 2000 during the early and late seasons for the best snow conditions throughout Les Arcs.
IS LES ARCS ONLY POPULAR FOR SKIING?
While Les Arcs is undoubtedly famous for its ski slopes and winter sports, it has become a year-round destination. The summer season offers a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities, making it a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts.
IS LES ARCS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED SKIERS?
Yes, Les Arcs caters to skiers of all levels. Each village has a variety of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. The resort is also linked to La Plagne via the Paradiski area, offering a vast terrain for all skill levels.
CAN I PURCHASE MY LES ARCS LIFT PASS IN ADVANCE?
Yes, it's recommended to purchase lift passes in advance online. This can save you time, money and ensure you're ready to hit the slopes upon arrival. Various options are available including; day passes, multi-day passes and season passes.
WHICH RESORT IS HIGHER LES ARCS OR VAL THORENS?
Both the ski resorts of Les Arcs and Val Thorens are high-altitude resorts in the French Alps. Val Thorens is home to the highest ski resort village in the Alps which at 2300m offers an extra 300m altitude versus Arc 2000.
LES ARCS FINAL THOUGHTS
Les Arcs is an incredible ski area with a substantial link to the nearby resort of La Plagne. Les Arcs itself is a great option for those looking for guaranteed snow throughout the season. For me, I enjoyed Les Arcs for the intermediate terrain and cruisey blues that can be found right across the resort.
The Remarkables Ski Resort Guide
The Remarkables ski resort on the outskirts of Queenstown is one of two resorts in the town. Set in the Remarkables mountain range and with views back towards Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu it is an awesome setting for skiing and snowboarding on New Zealand’s South Island. Despite not receiving high amounts of annual snowfall The Remarkables is the go-to resort for locals to explore off-piste and with easy access hiking earning your turns is how you make the most out of a trip to The Remarks.
Curvey Basin Chair At The Remarkables Ski Area
THE REMARKABLES FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As you approach Remarks the first thing you see is the modern lodge at the base of the resort. Entering this area and heading up the stairs to the lifts you will pass everything you need from a ski resort. There are ski-hire, retail and ticket offices on the ground floor with a large restaurant on the upper floor. The lodge has some pretty great views so be sure to get a seat outside for lunch or your coffee break.
Heading out the doors of the lodge and onto the slopes, you are met by the purpose-built beginner’s area, serviced by a covered magic carpet. You will also see the Curvey Basin chair, a fast six-seater lift that takes snowboarders from the base area to the top of the resort. Everything at The Remarks seems ultra-modern from the lodge to the lifts.
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THE REMARKABLES SKI RESORT
Similar to other New Zealand ski resorts don’t be put off by the mountain stats. A vertical drop of just over 350m and a small amount of skiable terrain doesn’t really paint the right picture. The fun at The Remarks is found outside of the pistes within short hikes of the chairlifts. Whether taking The Lookout hike from Shadow Basin before dropping down into some chutes or heading up Curvey Headwall you will find adventure at The Remarks.
If hiking isn’t for you then don’t write The Remarks off yet. The Remarks Parks are some of the best in New Zealand, ranging from a beginner’s hike park with ride-on boxes up to huge kickers and rail features. That’s not even mentioning The Stash, which unfortunately was closed during our extended visit. The Stash is a terrain park that is left year-round with features made from wood. All of the terrain parks can be found at the top of the Sugar Bowl Chairlift. This is a popular area so expect bottlenecks at the lift line on busy days.
Freestyle is massive at The Remarkables and its terrain parks draw a huge crowd. There are often park clinics running which can be a great way to progress your riding. In Queenstown, The Remarkables is the place to go for freestyle snowboarding with Coronet Peak not offering anywhere the same level of terrain parks.
First-time skiers or snowboarders will find the beginner’s area serviced by magic carpets and the Alta Chairlift a good place to learn. That being said, during peak weeks The Remarkables is a popular area and the learning slopes can become crowded.
The highest lift point at The Remarks is 1943m so it tends to keep the snow in good condition. The runs at The Remarkables are split fairly evenly between beginners, intermediate and advanced pistes with a 30:40:30 ratio. When you consider the runs that are possible outside of the pisted trails this increases the runs available for advanced riders at The Remarks.
View from the top of The Remarks
If you want to make the most of the pistes at The Remarkables consider booking onto Remarkables ‘First Tracks’ program which grants you access to the lifts for one hour before the resort opens.
THE REMARKABLES FOR BEGINNERS
Beginner skiers and snowboarders will enjoy The Remarkables as once turning you have the opportunity to explore away from the base area. Most peoples first lift as a beginner at The Remarks is Alta chair. Alta chair offers a couple of options for new skiers with Turquoise Run leading back to Alta chair with alternatives leading to the Sugar Bowl.
Sugar Bowl is home to Remarks Parks, but beginners don’t threat you are here for Casterway a long green trail that will give you the change to hone those turns.
THE REMARKABLES FOR INTERMEDIATES
Remarks is a great mountain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of long blue trails to explore. A particular favourite is Calypso at the top of Shadow Basin as it draws less crowds than the runs on Curvey Basin.
Intermediates looking to push away from the blues will find some good red trails such as Fall Line, although be wary as Fall Line can attract accidental skiers from Casterway who have taken a wrong turn.
If you are looking to push your off-piste then the traverse into Shady Lady and even the blacks of Homeward Run make fairly mellow off-piste outings.
THE REMARKABLES FOR ADVANCED
Getting away from the trails is the aim of the game for advanced skiers and snowboarders at The Remarkables. In the right conditions, The Remarks has some fantastic short hikes that lead into more challenging terrain.
From the top of Shadow Basin Chair head into the Chutes where Elevator and Escalator lead down towards Lake Alta. Alternatively, traverse into Shadow Basin where the bowl provides plenty of decent options.
THE REMARKS PARKS
Freestyle snowboarding at The Remarks is huge. The Sugar Bowl chair accesses the terrain parks with access to The Stash and the main Remarks Parks possible from this chair. The Remarkables has a short hike pike above the Sugar Bowl chairlift which is great for practicing those initial tricks before taking them to bigger features.
THE REMARKABLES PISTE MAP
The Remarkables trail map shows three distinct areas of the resort; Curvey Basin, Shadow Basin, and Sugar Bowl. Each area of The Remarks is different and offers a unique experience.
Curvey Basin is where the main resort runs lie and you will find some extensive blue terrain. In addition, the base of Curvey basin is home to the beginner’s area where you will find The Remarkable ski lessons. Shadow Basin is where you will find the advanced terrain at The Remarkables with some really interesting trails. A favourite of ours is Homewards Run at Remarks where you can ride back down to the car park. Sugar Bowl is the third area at The Remarkables and this is home to the freestyle terrain.
The Remarkables Piste Map
LIFTS AT THE REMARKABLES
There are four chairlifts at The Remarkables and a few ground lifts.
The Curvey Basin chair is a fast six-seater chairlift that heads from the base of the resort to some interesting blue terrain. It is possible to hike from the top of Curvey Basin chair to some decent off-piste trails.
Also at the base, you will find Alta chair which only really serves The Remarkables beginner runs.
Shadow Basin chair is fairly slow but accesses The Remarkables advanced trails and some of the more interesting sections of the resort. Shadow Basin opens up hikes to Escalator, the LookOut, and Homeward Runs.
Sugar Bowl express is the lift that accesses The Remarks Parks area. From Sugar Bowl Express you can ride through the Small, Medium, or Large terrain parks.
THE REMARKABLES SNOW RECORD
The Remarkables is not blessed with an impressive snow record and relies heavily on snow-making to ensure resort runs are well-covered. A measly 3-4m of snow can be expected throughout the season at The Remarks so don't dust off your powder board just yet. When it does snow, be sure to make the most of all that off-piste terrain.
THE REMARKABLES SEASON DATES
The ski season at The Remarkables ski resort runs between June - October conditions depending. The best time to visit is between mid-July to early Sept when you will find the best snow coverage.
THE REMARKABLES LIFT TICKETS
The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboarding trip to The Remarkables is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. If bought in advance the 3-peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
THE REMARKABLES OFF-PISTE
The Remarkables has some of the best resort slackcountry or off-piste in New Zealand with easily accessible off-piste from each chairlift. Short hikes and traverses will take you to some interesting off-piste terrain.
SHADOW BASIN
Shadow Basin chair is popular on powder days as it provides access to the Shadow Basin and the Chutes at The Remarkables. The Chutes are a short hike from the top of Shadow Basin chair and you can access Elevator and Escalator from this point. The Chutes are great runs that head down towards Lake Alta, snowboarders beware of your exit route as it can be a long walk out.
Alternatively from Shadow Basin chair you can take the traverse along The Highway which takes you to Shadow Basin Bowl. The Bowl is great in fresh snow and there are multiple routes down to the base of the chair.
In good conditions it is possible to traverse over to Homeward Run which will lead you back to the road. From the road you can catch the free shuttle bus which will return you to the lodge at the base of the resort.
CURVEY BASIN
Curvey Basin is the main express chair at The Remarkables and opens up hiking options above the chair. Short hikes are possible to 1900m with a choice of runs towards Lake Alta or Back into the resort.
SUGAR BOWL
Sugar Bowl at The Remarkables is best known for its terrain parks, however there are some nice hikes into the off-piste available in this area of the resort. From the top of the chair take Water Race Trail, where you will be able to hike towards Anzac Trail. This area of the resort has some of the more challenging runs such as the Gallipoli chutes.
SKI TOURING/SPLITBOARDING
Uphill touring is possible at The Remarks with the main uphill route running from the base of Curvey Basin past the Alta chair and towards Lake Alta. From here you can head into the Remarkables Backcountry. It is important to know. that if you are outside of the ski area boundary The Remarkables will not send Ski Patrol to your aid, instead dial 111. Stay Safe.
TRAVEL TO THE REMARKABLES
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, we would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something we will not forget in a hurry.
Where is The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort is on New Zealand’s South Island in the Remarkables mountain range. The resort is a short drive from the major tourist hotspot of Queenstown and is within 40 -60 minutes of Queenstown international airport.
Accessing The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown and if possible driving is the best option. The road can experience delays if there has been fresh snow and chains need to be carried at all times. The upper road from just before Car Park 4 is not tarmacked so can be a bit bumpy.
If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but we thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
THE REMARKABLES ACCOMMODATION
On our trip, we made the most of the freedom camping regulations in New Zealand and hired a van for most of the trip. The freedom camping site at Kawarau Bridge is a decent location but comes with some restrictions. You can stay on this site for a maximum of 4 days per month. If you are in a van you may have to stump up for a campground. We did spend some time staying in an Air BnB at the end of the trip. The location was excellent and we would highly recommend it. You can find it here
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Coronet Peak area.
THE REMARKABLES PROS
Offers more for the advanced rider than nearby Coronet Peak
The Remarks Parks are well maintained and offer great progression
Great beginners area with magic carpets, not rope tows
The view from the lookout hike across Lake Wakatipu is incredible
The Remarkables off-piste offers easy hiking to some nice chutes
Part of the 3 Peak Pass
Close proximity to Queenstown means there is plenty to keep you busy away from the slopes
THE REMARKABLES CONS
The Stash terrain park wasn’t open during my extended visit
The access road is not great and can have long cues after fresh snow
Limited pistes mean you could get bored if you're not prepared to hike
Crowds during peak weeks especially around the beginner’s area and Sugar Bowl Chairlift
THE REMARKABLES ACTIVITIES
Being only 45 minutes from Queenstown opens up lots of opportunities for those bad weather days. If the lifts are closed at Remarks why not head over to Coronet Peak to see the other Queenstown mountain? If a day in Queenstown is more for you, then consider taking the Shotover jet boat, a bungee jump, or any of the other amazing Queenstown activities.
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THE REMARKABLES GALLERY
THE REMARKABLES FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Can You Drive Up To The Remarkables?
Yes, the road up to the Remarkables is long and winding but it is a great drive to take. Be aware that on days during or after a snowfall it is likely that you will be required to carry or use snow chains. Depending on conditions the drive from the base car park at The Remarkables should take around 20-40 minutes.
Is Coronet Peak or The Remarkables Better?
Well… that is just going to be an opinion. Both The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski resorts have a lot to offer and one of the best things about Queenstown is that you can ride them both on the same day. The Remarkables has a better terrain park and off-piste in our opinion, whereas the pistes at Coronet Peak are better and offer night skiing.
Why Is It Called The Remarkables?
The Remarkables ski resort takes its name from the New Zealand mountain range The Remarkables. The Remarkables mountain range is found on New Zealand's South Island.
How Much Does It Cost To Ski In Queenstown?
Ski Passes in Queenstown are not cheap and will cost over $120NZD per day. You can make some pretty good savings if you intend to purchase tickets for a few days and buy in advance.
Perisher Ski Resort Guide
Comprising of four mountains; Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow, make Perisher Australia’s biggest ski resort. Perisher boasts about having the largest skiable terrain, the most amount of lifts and some of the best terrain parks in the world.
Perisher Ski Resort
PERISHER FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When arriving at Perisher you need to put a few things in perspective. It is easy to look up at the resort and think, that’s tiny. The vertical drop at Perisher is a mere 355m which is nearly half that of neighbour and long-time foe Thredbo, but what it lacks in height Perisher makes up for in facilities.
Now owned by Vail Resorts and skiable on the Epic Pass, a trip to Perisher means access to world-class facilities, quality snow-making, and incredible terrain parks.
PERISHER SKI RESORT GUIDE
Formerly known as Perisher Blue, Perisher ski resort is spread across four mountains and seven peaks. Perisher is widespread, which can sometimes give the strange feeling of riding a chairlift horizontally to the slopes. Across the four mountains, there is a total of 65km of pistes with the majority suited to intermediate skiers (60%). There is something for everyone at Perisher with plenty of beginner terrain (22%) and even some interesting advanced terrain (18%) such as Kamikaze and Rock Garden over on Mt Blue Cow.
Perisher Ski Resort
Perishers’ layout isn’t without its issues for snowboarders. The somewhat spread-out resort does lead to some notable flat areas that can be tougher to navigate on a snowboard. Getting to know the resort is key to ensuring that you navigate it effectively making use of the 47 lifts around the resort.
Perisher ski resort has over 100 trails with 65km of pistes spread across the four distinct areas.
PERISHER VALLEY
Perisher Valley is the most substantial part of the resort home to Perisher’s famous Front Valley, which is home to a main terrain park and some beginner’s runs. Perisher Front Valley has a decent base area with options for food and rest stops. The Perisher Valley area has over half of the resorts lifts, 26, and over 40 ski trails. Head to Mt Perisher if you are looking for longer descents.
BLUE COW
Blue Cow is home to the ski tube and as such is a starting point for many ski days at Perisher. Blue Cow has a good mix of terrain with Greens, Blues and Blacks all accessible on Blue Cow Mountain. Blue Cow remains a popular spot with 5 of the 8 lifts being chairlifts giving good access to the 32 runs on Blue Cow mountain.
SMIGGIN HOLES
Smiggins is a smaller area with only 16 trails, half that of Blue Cow. Smiggins is short with only 150m of vertical drop meaning that in this area you will be lapping the T-bars quite often. Due to being a smaller area it is less popular so Smiggin can be the place to go to avoid crowds on busier resort days.
GUTHEGA
Guthega is one of the prettiest parts of the resort with tree-lined runs being a highlight of skiing at Guthega. The 19 trails on the Guthega mountain offer little in the way of vertical drop but do allow for some interesting Blue slopes. The Screw and Parachute are an offer for advanced skiers who visit Guthega.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Beginners will find enough to keep them occupied and with a great ski school progression at Perisher is optimistically possible. Lessons at Perisher tend to start by Front Valley, The Blue Cow Ski Terminal or Smiggins.
Starting from Blue Cow Terminal beginners will appreciate Easy Rider which runs alongside the Pleasant Valley Quad chair. Similarly, the Pleasant Valley Quad also gives beginners plenty of options to ski down to Perisher Valley, with the Perisher Valley Run, Winter Way, and Copperhead Road all leading towards Perisher Valley.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT PERISHER
With the majority of Perisher’s terrain geared towards intermediates, you can pretty much head to any of the four mountains and you will find something suitable to ride.
Mt Perisher, home to Australia’s highest chairlift, is a great place for intermediates with plenty of Blue graded terrain accessible via a combination of chairs and surface lifts. Mt Perisher is home to Shifty’s which runs alongside the ski resort boundary. Also on Mt Perisher is the Sun Valley Rider Terrain Park.
Elsewhere in the resort intermediates will enjoy Outer Limit on Blue Cow and may want to head to Smiggins for some quieter T-bar serviced laps.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Perisher has a number of decent black-graded runs for advanced riders however there is nothing particularly long. Advanced skiers and snowboard terrain at Perisher are likely to be short and sweet. I enjoyed the terrain on Blue Cow with The Wall making for a short burst of excitement.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT PERISHER
Perisher ski resort is well known for its Terrain Parks with five freestyle parks spread across the resort. The terrain parks at Perisher ski resort are world-class and there was even a rumour of Perisher building Shaun White a private half-pipe in the backcountry during Olympic preparations. There are half-pipes in bounds as well and the Perisher Parks have everything from the entry-level to the insane!
Front Valley is home to the largest of 5 Terrain parks that are so good they attract professionals from around the globe to train in the summer season.
NIGHT SKIING AT PERISHER
Perisher has a night-skiing operation twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Front Valley area is illuminated between 6 pm and 9 pm.
PERISHER PISTE MAP
Perisher Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT PERISHER
In total Perisher has 47 lifts spread across the resort and even an additional ski train that can take you between the different mountains at Perisher. The newer modern 8-person express chair at Perishers Front Valley does a great job of moving crowds away from the main car park and around the resort.
In addition to the quads, doubles and triples, there are 33 surface lifts at Perisher, the most notable of which is alongside the Front Valley terrain park.
PERISHER SNOW RECORD
Perisher ski resort does not get huge amounts of snow but it does really well in maintaining good quality snow throughout the season. The base area at Perisher is higher than rival Thredbo so the lower slopes often remain in good condition. The 2+m of average seasonal snowfall combined with great snow-making make Perisher a good bet for your Australian ski and snowboard holiday.
PERISHER SEASON DATES
The ski season in Perisher is a 16-week season that runs between June and October but in reality, the early and late season openings will only be partial openings with some terrain closed on the lower slopes.
PERISHER LIFT TICKETS
Perisher lift tickets are available with the Epic Pass including unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Perisher. This is amazing for North American or European Epic Pass holders heading to Perisher for a week or two.
Lift tickets in Australia can be expensive so plan ahead as deals are often available with buying early saving you up to 35%. At Perisher you can buy single or multi-day lift tickets with regular pricing updates appearing here.
GETTING TO PERISHER
WHERE IS PERISHER?
Nestled in the breathtaking Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and in the Kosciuszko national park, Perisher is a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and all-around winter lovers. In this section I’ll discuss the various transportation options to ensure your journey to Perisher is as smooth as freshly groomed slopes.
FLYING TO PERSIHER
The nearest major airport to Perisher is Canberra Airport (CBR), which is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away. To get to Canberra you will likely have to fly into Sydeny and connect. This route was genuinely exciting with the plane between Sydney and Canberra being one of the smallest i’ve ever flown on.
Upon arrival at the airport, you have the option to rent a car, book a shuttle service, or even take a bus to reach your snowy destination. The drive from Canberra Airport to Perisher is not only picturesque but also gives you a taste of the stunning Australian alpine landscapes.
DRIVING TO PERISHER
Driving to Perisher is a popular choice, especially for those who prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle. The journey is an experience in itself, with scenic routes winding through charming towns and lush forests. From Sydney, the drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, covering approximately 470 kilometres (292 miles). Make sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, as the Snowy Mountains region can experience varying conditions during the winter months.
When driving to Perisher be aware that native animals such as Kangaroos and Walibis live near the roads and can often run out into traffic. This is nearly as much of a hazard as local drivers who fly down the roads at vast speeds.
If driving to Perisher, it is the law that 2WD vehicles carry snow chains as they may be required on the road. In all-honestly having spent a season living in Jindabyne and driving to the resorts, there were very few occasions when these were needed, it does however remain a legal requirement.
COACH OR BUS TRAVEL TO PERISHER
For those looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery, coach services provide a convenient option. Several companies offer coach services from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, directly to Perisher. These services often include comfortable seating, storage space for your winter gear, and some even offer onboard entertainment to make the journey part of the adventure.
PERISHER SKI TUBE
Once you've reached Bullocks Flat, which is about a 20-minute drive from Jindabyne, you can hop on the Skitube Alpine Railway. This unique train takes you directly to Perisher Valley or Blue Cow, allowing you to avoid the need for additional road travel. The Skitube provides a quick and efficient way to access the slopes, especially during snowy conditions.
In conclusion, getting to Perisher is an exciting part of the journey that sets the stage for your winter adventure. Whether you opt for air travel, a scenic road trip, or a combination of transportation modes, the options are plentiful. Plan ahead, consider the weather, and choose the mode of transportation that aligns with your preferences and schedule.
PERISHER ACCOMMODATION
With its stunning alpine landscapes and world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, Perisher offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. This guide will help you navigate through the different types of accommodations available within the Perisher area, including staying in the nearby town of Jindabyne, New South Wales.
ACCOMMODATION IN PERISHER
Perisher offers a range of accommodations right at the heart of the snow action. Here are some options to consider:
1. Lodges and Hotels
Perisher boasts a selection of lodges and hotels catering to various needs. From luxury lodges with spa facilities to cosy hotels with easy slope access, you'll find options that provide comfort and convenience. Consider a stay at The Man From Snowy River Hotel, which is recommended by TheSkiPodcast.
2. Apartments and Chalets
For those seeking more space and the ability to prepare their own meals, apartments and chalets are a great choice. Many of these accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens and living areas, making them ideal for families or groups.
STAYING IN JINDABYNE, NSW
Jindabyne is a popular nearby town that serves as a gateway to the Perisher ski resort. It's situated about a 30-minute drive from Perisher and offers a wider range of accommodations for visitors.
1. Hotels and Motels
Jindabyne offers a variety of hotels and motels that cater to different budgets. Whether you're looking for a cosy budget motel or a more upscale hotel with lakeside views, you'll find options that suit your needs.
2. Holiday Parks and Cabins
For a more relaxed and rustic experience, consider staying in one of the holiday parks or cabins around Jindabyne. These often provide self-contained units with cooking facilities, making them suitable for families and groups.
3. House Rentals
Jindabyne has a selection of vacation rental homes available. These are perfect for larger groups or families looking for more space and privacy. Renting a house allows you to have a home-away-from-home experience while exploring the area.
4. Hostels and Lodges
If you're travelling on a tight budget or prefer a social atmosphere, Jindabyne has a few hostels and lodges where you can meet fellow travellers and enjoy a more communal experience.
PERISHER PROS
Vast Terrain: Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an extensive range of ski slopes and trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Snow Reliability: The resort's location in the Snowy Mountains of Australia provides relatively consistent snowfall during the winter season, ensuring good skiing conditions for most of the season.
Modern Facilities: Perisher has invested in modern infrastructure, including high-speed chairlifts, well-maintained lodges, and updated snowmaking systems, enhancing the overall skiing experience.
Terrain Diversity: The resort boasts a variety of terrain types, from groomed beginner slopes to challenging expert trails, making it appealing for families, casual skiers, and those seeking more adventurous runs.
Snowsports School: Perisher offers excellent ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners looking to learn the basics and for intermediate/advanced skiers aiming to improve their technique.
Terrain Parks: The resort features well-designed terrain parks catering to freestyle enthusiasts, including features like jumps, rails, and halfpipes, providing opportunities for snowboarders and skiers to practice tricks.
Spectacular Views: The Snowy Mountains offer breathtaking alpine scenery, and skiing at Perisher provides the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views while navigating the slopes.
PERISHER CONS
Crowds: Perisher's popularity can lead to crowded slopes, particularly during peak seasons, which may result in longer lift lines and more congested trails.
Weather Variability: While the resort generally receives consistent snowfall, weather conditions can be unpredictable, affecting the quality of skiing and visibility at times.
Distance from Major Cities: Perisher is situated several hours' drive from major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, making it less accessible for day trips and potentially requiring longer travel times.
High Costs: Skiing at Perisher can be expensive, with costs including lift passes, equipment rental, accommodation, and dining. This might make it less budget-friendly for some visitors.
Beginner Concentration: Despite the range of trails, a significant portion of Perisher's terrain is designed for beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain might find fewer options compared to some international resorts.
Snow Conditions: While Perisher invests in snowmaking, the snow quality and coverage can still be affected by weather conditions, potentially leading to variable snow conditions on certain runs.
PERISHER SKI RESORT FAQs
Planning a trip to Perisher Ski Resort? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your winter adventure.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Where is Perisher Ski Resort located?
Perisher Ski Resort is located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. It's situated approximately 5-6 hours' drive from Sydney and around 2.5 hours' drive from Canberra.
2. When is the ski season at Perisher?
The ski season at Perisher typically runs from June to October, depending on snow conditions. The peak of the season usually falls between July and August when the snow cover is most reliable.
3. How do I get to Perisher Ski Resort?
You can reach Perisher by car, bus, or by flying to nearby airports like Canberra Airport or Cooma-Snowy Mountains Airport. Shuttle services and buses operate during the ski season, providing transportation from airports and major cities.
4. Do I need to book accommodations in advance?
It's highly recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak ski season. Perisher offers a range of lodging options, from lodges and hotels to apartments and chalets. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred choice.
LIFT PASSES AND EQUIPMENT
1. How do I purchase lift passes?
You can purchase lift passes online through the Perisher Ski Resort website or at various ticket outlets in the region. Buying online in advance often provides discounts compared to purchasing on-site.
2. Do I need to book ski or snowboard equipment in advance?
While it's not mandatory, booking your equipment rental in advance is a good idea, especially during busy periods. Pre-booking ensures you have the right gear ready for your arrival and can save you time at the rental shop.
3. Can I rent ski or snowboard clothing?
Yes, many rental shops offer clothing rental, including jackets, pants, and accessories. If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, renting clothing can be a cost-effective option.
4. Is there a ski school for beginners?
Absolutely! Perisher has excellent ski and snowboard schools for beginners of all ages. Lessons are available for various skill levels, and professional instructors will guide you through the basics and help you build your confidence on the slopes.
ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES
1. Are there activities for non-skiers?
Yes, Perisher offers a variety of non-skiing activities, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, scenic chairlift rides, snow play areas, snow tubing, and more. See the "Non-Skiing and Snowboarding Winter Activities" section of this guide for details.
2. Are there facilities for children and families?
Perisher is family-friendly and offers facilities like kids' clubs, dedicated children's learning areas, and family-oriented accommodations. Childcare services and programs are also available for young children.
3. What are the dining options at Perisher?
Perisher has a range of dining options, from casual cafés and restaurants to on-mountain lodges. You'll find a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes and budgets.
4. Is there Wi-Fi available at Perisher?
Wi-Fi is available at various lodges, restaurants, and designated hotspots across the resort. However, due to the remote mountain location, the quality and availability of Wi-Fi may vary.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
1. Do I need travel insurance for skiing at Perisher?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for any ski trip. It can cover unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost equipment.
2. Are there medical facilities at the resort?
Yes, Perisher has medical facilities and first aid centres on-site. In case of injuries or medical issues, trained personnel are available to provide assistance.
3. What is the altitude of Perisher Ski Resort?
The base elevation of Perisher Ski Resort is around 1,720 meters (5,643 feet), while the highest lifted point is approximately 2,054 meters (6,739 feet).
PERISHER FINAL THOUGHTS
In summary, I like Perisher for what it is, an opportunity to get on snow in the summer. There are things that would annoy me about Perisher if it was the only place I skied; it can be busy, the layout of the resort can be frustrating… but overall Perisher makes for a great ski destination. There is plenty of terrain, especially for intermediate skiers, the freestyle set up is incredible so if thats your thing I would highly recommend Perisher.
Thredbo Ski Resort Guide
Having lived and worked at Thredbo it is fair to say that I have plenty of fond memories. As Australian ski resorts go, Thredbo offers the most variety with the largest vertical drop and a European-style village. Thredbo has a reputation for attracting an exclusive clientele but in reality, it is a down-to-earth ski community with lots to offer.
Views @ Thredbo Ski Resort
THREDBO FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s fair to say I didn’t get the best first impression of Thredbo. Arriving in early June to begin the interview process there was very little snow on the hill. My first trip to Thredbo was in 2013 which also happened to be one of Australia’s worst seasons for natural snowfall which didn’t help matters. That being said as the days rolled on and the snowmaking got started it was clear to see that Thredbo does a pretty good job of getting terrain open. The village itself is really nice and would be a good place to stay for on-snow accommodation. The village has a number of good bars and restaurants as well as a sports centre with pool and squash courts.
THREDBO SKI RESORT GUIDE
Thredbo has the largest variety of terrain out of the Australian ski resorts. With over 670m vertical drop Thredbo is also the place to go in search of those longer runs. Its big rival and neighbour Perisher has half of that… Still, 670m is much less than major European ski resorts but it opens up enough terrain to keep things interesting.
Thredbo has a good mix of terrain that is well suited to a mix of abilities. Beginners will find Friday Flats and the runs from Crusier chairlift a good place to learn to turn. Intermediates will love Thredbo with a good range of Blue and Black terrain available. High Noon is a particular favourite and is great first thing in the morning. There are some interesting Blue runs at the top of The Basin and in Central Spur.
Friday Flats @ Thredbo Ski Resort
Advanced riders will find little in the way of steeps however, the terrain parks should keep you occupied. The Black graded terrain consists of relatively short runs but I liked Cannonball and Bushwhacker. If you are looking to avoid the crowds heading to Sponars or Anton’s T-Bars is a great place to start. The trail stats are pretty heavily biased towards intermediates with 67% of pistes dedicated to intermediate trails. The rest are evenly distributed between beginner and advanced terrain.
Outside of the resort boundary, you can find some interesting backcountry at Thredbo but be sure to know where you are going as it is easy to get yourself into trouble. Thredbo has opened up the backcountry terrain and you can now purchase a Thredbo backcountry ski pass.
THREDBO PISTE MAP
Thredbo Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT THREDBO
The lifts are Thredbo are pretty decent with 13 spread across the mountain. The most recent is the Merrits Gondola which replaces the Merrits chair that used to take around 30 minutes to reach Cruiser from the Valley terminal. Lifts at Thredbo are sometimes prone to closure due to high winds which is why the upper lifts are mainly T-bars so they can keep spinning for longer on those windy days.
THREDBO SNOW RECORD
Thredbo is similar to most Australian ski resorts in that it is not blessed with copious amounts of snowfall. An average of 2m per season is normal and Thredbo heavily relies on its snow-making. This is particularly true of its lower slopes where the resort staff work tirelessly to keep the terrain open. The upper slopes at Thredbo fair fine throughout the season with conditions cold enough to ensure the snow coverage remains. Powder days are rare at Thredbo but when they do come they are very enjoyable. In 2020 Thredbo received 85cm in one dump so powder days remain a rare possibility.
THREDBO SEASON DATES
The ski season in Thredbo runs between June and October but in reality, the early and late season openings will only be partial openings with some terrain closed on the lower slopes. Check here for the latest season opening dates.
THREDBO LIFT TICKETS
7 days of lift passes are included in the IKON Pass which may encourage some to make the journey to Thredbo. Similarly, Mountain Collective holders will benefit from 2 days of lift tickets for Thredbo.
Purchasing your lift pass for Thredbo can cost upwards of $100Aus per day. Up-to-date lift pass information can be found here.
GETTING TO THREDBO
Where is Thredbo?
Thredbo ski resort and village are in the Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. Popular with locals from Sydney and Canberra the most popular way to access Thredbo is by car. The drive from Sydney airport is around 500km whereas Canberra is 215km from Thredbo. If you are looking for airport parking consider using Flyparks.com.au. It is possible to arrive at Thredbo via shuttle bus from Cooma but this route is less often used.
The drive to Thredbo is fairly simple with roads being pretty unremarkable when compared to the windy roads found in Europe or neighbouring New Zealand. If you choose to drive you are required to carry chains with pretty large fines for failing to do so. Beware of the kangaroos, that call the fields close to Thredbo home, as it’s not unknown for them to dart out in front of your car.
THREDBO ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Thredbo village is possible, as is staying in nearby Jindabyne. Jindabyne is more affordable but will require a 30-minute drive to the resort each morning. Thredbo village is home to a range of accommodation options with a hostel, apartments, and hotels all available.
THREDBO PROS
Thredbo has the largest vertical drop of Australian ski resorts meaning longer runs
Thredbo has a great village with a range of restaurants, shops, and accommodation
Thredbo has a new gondola making resort access even quicker from the village
Thredbo has the highest accessible lift point in Australia
THREDBO CONS
Thredbo’s lower slopes can be prone to poor snow in early and late season
Thredbo is a popular Australian ski resort and can become very crowded on weekends and during holiday periods
Thredbo has expensive lift tickets so try to book early!
THREDBO ACTIVITIES
Thredbo resort has plenty to offer away from the snowboarding. There are a number of snowshoe tracks for those looking to explore the mountains at a slower pace. Thredbo also has a mountain coaster (toboggan track) which is great fun. The leisure centre at Thredbo has a swimming pool with inflatables for the kids whilst offering a range of sports and fitness classes. Yoga is a popular way to recover after a day out on the snow. Thredbo Alpine Hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with a bar.
THREDBO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Much Does It Cost To Ski At Thredbo?
A lift ticket to Thredbo will cost over $100Aus per day although discounts are available for multi-day or pre-purchased online tickets. The most economical way to ski at Thredbo is using the Thredbo 365 pass that offers year-round access to the resort. If you plan to snowboard for more than one week throughout the season you should save money.
When Can You Ski In Thredbo?
Peak season for snowboarding and skiing at Thredbo is Late June through to the end of August. You can ski and snowboard either side of these dates from the start of June until the beginning of October however snow conditions can vary heavily.
Is Thredbo Good For Beginners?
As a former Thredbo instructor, I think Thredbo is a great place to learn. There are purpose-built beginner areas and a great progression of runs. Lessons at Thredbo happen in both the morning and afternoon so you can fit them around your other commitments.
Do I Need Chains To Drive To Thredbo?
It is a legal requirement to carry chains whilst driving to Thredbo in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The road to Thredbo can become covered in snow and there are plenty of chain fitting bays along the route.
How Far Is Jindabyne From Thredbo?
The town of Jindabyne is 30km from Thredbo. The road is a nice drive and mostly has clear conditions. On heavy snow days, be prepared for queues along the road.
Hakuba 47 Ski Resort Guide
Hakuba 47 ski resort is a year-round resort that offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter and mountain biking during the summer months. Hakuba 47 is one of the few linked ski areas in the Hakuba Valley and you can ride via chairlift between Hakuba 47 and the nearby Hakuba Goryu ski resort. Hakuba 47 offers more advanced terrain than its neighbour with some steep runs but most impressive is its well-maintained terrain park.
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Snowboarding between Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu is a nice change of pace. Normally in the Hakuba Valley, you will need to take shuttle buses to ride between the resorts, but not here. Linked via shared runs and lifts, it is possible to ski both of these resorts in one day. The Hakuba 47 side of the ski resort has a beautiful red run that runs from the top of Quad Chair C, back to the base of the gondola. From the gondola, you can see why Hakuba 47 is so popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The terrain park here has a small half pipe as well as a large, medium and small line of jumps and features.
HAKUBA 47 SKI AREA
Japanese ski resorts are not known for having lots of skiable terrain but when considering Hakuba 47 without its neighbour you are left with 8 trails and a half-pipe. The skiable terrain at Hakuba 47 increases when you consider the interconnected trails shared with Hakuba Goryu. The terrain at Hakuba 47 will appeal to intermediates and experts more than beginners. Beginners should consider the runs near the base of Goryu ski resort which has mellow beginner-friendly pistes.
The main draw to Hakuba 47 is the terrain park. Located next to the top station of the Hakuba 47 gondola, the terrain park is serviced by its own chairlift. The terrain park is probably the best in the Hakuba Valley with three distinct lines of features that have something for all abilities.
The features were incredibly well maintained and there was a clear progression of ride-on boxes to larger rail features. As with most terrain parks the kickers are placed adjacent to the chair lift so you can watch in awe as you plan your next lap from the chair.
The jewel in the crown for Hakuba 47 is the half pipe which was one of two that I came across in Hakuba (the other at Norikura). The half-pipe is at the top of the park and leads down into some more mellow features. This area of the resort can become busy during peak days so be prepared to queue to get your park laps in.
Away from the terrain park, Hakuba 47 has some fantastic tree skiing. To ski in the trees at Hakuba 47, you must visit the ski school to sign a waiver and collect a bib which must be worn whilst in the tree skiing zones. This is so that it is visible to ski patrol that you have taken the course and are permitted into the area. This seems overkill to me but at least the zone is open and available should you wish to partake. Entry into these zones without completing this process can result in having your ski pass confiscated.
There are further tree zones at Hakuba 47 and neighbouring Goryu that are strictly prohibited. These zones have an avalanche history so go at your own risk. If you ride in these zones you will lose your lift pass if caught by ski patrol but that could be the least of your worries.
The longest run at Hakuba 47 is 6.4km allowing skiers and snowboarders to make use of the 794m of vertical drop. The snow quality at Hakuba 47 is exceptionally good with regular dumps of Japow amounting to around 12m per season!
BEGINNERS TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
Hakuba 47 ski resort is not the best choice for beginners heading to the Hakuba Valley. The limited green terrain on offer means that beginners may find the runs at Hakuba 47 repetitive. The highlight for beginners at Hakuba 47 is the long winding green run from the top of the gondola back to the base area.
INTERMEDIATES TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
The stand-out run for intermediates at Hakuba 47 is the long red run down to the base area. This run is great and offers the chance to open up your turns and get some speed. Sadly, once you have skied it a few times it is no longer that exciting. That is why Hakuba 47 being linked to Goryu is great. This allows skiers and snowboarders to mix up their run choices a bit more throughout the day.
Intermediates looking to get into freestyle will appreciate the terrain park at Hakuba 47. The terrain park offers plenty of opportunity for progression with well-laid-out lines of features.
ADVANCED TERRAIN HAKUBA 47
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the Adventure Course at Hakuba 47. This course heads back towards Hakuba Goryu ski resort and consists of some rather large moguls. If bumps are not your thing then consider getting a bib from the ski school and head into the trees. Like with most of the Hakuba Valley, the trees at Hakuba 47 are well spaced and the masses of snowfall doesn't hurt the fun factor.
TREE SKIING HAKUBA 47
The attitudes to off-piste skiing and snowboarding vary depending on which country you are riding in. If unsure you can check this post on where the boundary lies depending on the country. In Hakuba 47, they are becoming more open-minded to the idea of tree-skiing and allowing entry into dedicated tree zones after you have attended a safety course. The safety course is similar to the one at Tsugaike Kogen ski resort and is known as the DBD or Double Black Diamond Club.
I am all for increasing knowledge and safety awareness, especially given the amount of snowfall and avalanche-prone terrain in the Hakuba Valley but here are a couple of thoughts. Once you have attended the safety course you are free to ride the tree areas but there is no requirement to wear a beacon or ski with a buddy. These two steps are essential in dangerous terrain as I am not sure that the bib will save your life should you run into a problem.
HAKUBA 47 TREE RIDING ZONE (TRZ)
Below is a map of the dedicated TRZ or Hakuba 47 Tree Riding Zone. To enter the areas designated for member tree-riding you need to collect an armband (cost 200 yen).
To ride in the TRZ you must do meet the following requirements
Attend the TRZ safety Briefing and sign the waiver
Be older than 13 years old and taller than 150cm. (U18 must ride with parents)
Agree/be able to pay for rescue if required.
Wear the TRZ armband at all times when riding in the TRZ.
Hakuba 47 also has some open tree zones listed on the above TRZ map. Any purple open tree zone does not require TRZ.
HAKUBA 47 PISTE MAP
HAKUBA 47 LIFTS
Hakuba 47 has 5 lifts and a gondola which in my opinion were some of the quickest among the Hakuba Valley ski resorts. This meant that getting laps in was pretty quick unless riding the terrain park where crowds are prevalent and the lift is run slower. There is also a short magic carpet which runs in the kid’s park. There is a lodge at the base and at the top of the Gondola which has eateries and all the usual ski resort facilities.
HAKUBA 47 GALLERY
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT PROS
Hakuba 47 has some of the steeper runs in the Hakuba valley which is great for expert skiers and snowboarders
The link between Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu opens up more terrain and this makes spending a couple of days at Hakuba 47 more interesting
The terrain park at Hakuba 47 was the best maintained out of the resorts I visited in Hakuba
Hakuba 47 is very accessible with regular shuttle buses running throughout the day.
HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT CONS
With only 8 trails Hakuba 47 has a limited skiing area.
The terrain park can become crowded with long cues at the chairlift possible.
LIFT PASSES
Hakuba 47 is included on the same lift pass as Hakuba Goryu allowing you to ski both ski resorts on the same day. If you are buying your lift passes on the day, these are cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass. The Hakuba Valley pass however will provide you with greater flexibility should you wish to explore other ski resorts in the area. During my Hakuba stay I used the Hakuba Valley pass as this also includes all the available inter-resort shuttle buses.
HAKUBA 47 SNOW RECORD
Hakuba 47 is more central with the Hakuba Valley so receives less snow than the resorts of Cortina and Tsugaike further north. Hakuba 47 still gets its fair share of snowfall with ample left over for tree skiing. The ski resorts in the Hakuba Valley receive on average 11m-12m of snowfall per winter!
TRAVEL TO HAKUBA 47 SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Hakuba 47 from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Hakuba 47 are really frequent and it is possible to visit Hakuba 47 and other Hakuba resorts on the same day. The buses to Hakuba are free if you buy a Hakuba Valley lift pass and this can represent good value if skiing at more than one resort.
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA 47
There is no accommodation available at the base area of Hakuba 47 although you could stay near the base of Goryu ski resort. Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Hakuba village and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a guesthouse which was fairly basic but provided a space to cook, wash and sleep.
HAKUBA 47 VIDEOS
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA 47
Hakuba 47 is a must-visit for me for any trip to the Hakuba Valley. The terrain park is one of the best in Hakuba and the ability to ski at both 47 and Goryu is a real bonus. Absolute beginners should avoid Hakuba 47 as there will be little of interest here.
Kashimayari Ski Resort Guide
Kashimayari ski resort is a small ski resort included on the Hakuba Valley Pass. Outside of the main cluster of Hakuba Valley ski resorts Kashimayari does not draw the crowds it once did and there would be little reason to base your trip around Kashimayari ski resort. Kashimayari however is worth the visit as an add-on to your Hakuba Valley ski trip and could provide enough interest for a day or two.
KASHIMAYARI FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Kashimayari Ski Resort is a long way from the central hub of Happo and Hakuba Base Camp but this may actually be a good thing. With Kashimayari being further away from the hustle and bustle it draws fewer crowds. The transport links to Kashimayari are also less frequent meaning a trip here can be a little more awkward than some of the more prominent Hakuba Valley ski resorts.
I arrived at Kashimayari by train from Sanosaka and the journey was beautiful with some fantastic views of the Japanese Alps. The facilities at Kashimayari are in need of a facelift with the buildings and lifts needing investment.
HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI SKI AREA
The Kashimayari ski resort is small, even by Japanese standards. The area itself has gotten smaller with terrain closing due to potential financial difficulties. The ski areas highest point is at 1335m and has a 500m vertical drop. The resort of Kashimayari is now best suited to beginners and intermediates with the more advanced terrain inaccessible by chairlift.
One real positive of the ski area at Kashimayari is the view across to Lake Aokiko which can be seen from the pistes. Who doesn’t love skiing in an area with views of a lake surrounded by mountains!
Kashimayari Piste Map
There isn’t much to write home about in terms of Kashimayari terrain which is why no runs here made my list of the BEST FIVE RUNS IN HAKUBA.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI
Beginner skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari will have access to some wide mellow slopes that are good for learning on. There isn’t much terrain at Kashimayari so you may find that you are continuing to repeat the same slopes as a beginner.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI
Kashimayari ski resort is an intermediates mountain, the terrain from Lift no 1 has a gradient of beterrn 25 and 28 degrees. There is nothing overly scary at Kashimayari which means it is a great ski resort for intermediates to gain confidence and explore.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI
Sadly anything of note for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Kashimayari has been closed. I am unsure as to why the top lift stopped running but it is certainly of detriment to the ski area.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI
The four, formerly five, chairlifts at Kashimayari ski resort are in need of updating. There are a couple of 4 person chairs which handle the small crowds that head to Kashimayari however they are dreadfully slow. I guess it is the price paid for escaping the crowds.
HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI PROS
Kashimayari ski resort is quiet, go here to escape the crowds
The view from Kashimayari across to Lake Aokiko is fantastic.
Free shuttle bus access to Kashimayari is possible with the Hakuba Valley Pass.
HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI CONS
Kashimayari does not offer much for the more advanced skier or snowboarder.
The ski resort of Kashimayari is closing terrain not opening more… this does not seem like a positive step for the ski resort.
Kashimayari ski area has infrequent transport links meaning that you need to be careful not to miss your bus.
HOW TO GET TO KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT
Kashimayari Ski Resort can be reached via various transportation options. For international visitors, flying into Tokyo or Nagoya and then taking a train to nearby Hakuba or Omachi is a common route. From there, a short bus ride or taxi will bring you to the resort. Alternatively, there are direct bus services from major cities to Kashimayari during the winter season.
Kashimayari is south of the main hub of the Hakuba Valley in Happo but is accessible via local shuttle buses. The local buses run from the Happo Bus terminal and are included if you purchase the Hakuba Valley Pass. Services to Kashimayari are less regular than those to other Hakuba Valley ski resorts. With this in mind ensure you have checked the latest timetables.
If you have access to a car, Kashimayari has a car park where it is possible to park within a short distance of the slopes. Car parking at Kashimayari is at no charge.
I accessed Kashimayari by using the local train service from the nearby ski resort Sanosaka. It is possible to ski both of these resorts on the same day using the Hakuba Valley Pass.
KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Kashimayari's location in the Northern Japan Alps ensures consistent snowfall throughout the winter season. From December to March, the resort is covered in a thick layer of pristine powder, creating ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Kashimayari ski resort has a historical snow record of 9.5m which is less than the resorts of Cortina and Tsugaike but way higher than most European ski resorts. Due to the lower elevations at Kashimayari ski resort, the lower slopes can often be found in worse condition then the upper mountain.
HAKUBA KASHIMAYARI LIFT PASSES
To make the most of your time at Kashimayari Ski Resort, be sure to check the lift pass options available. Whether you prefer a single-day pass or a multi-day package, the resort offers various choices to suit your needs. Early-bird discounts and seasonal promotions are often available, so keep an eye out for special deals.
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Hakuba Sanosaka it may be worth picking up a Hakuba Valley pass. The Hakuba Valley Pass not only offers access to the slopes but the interconnecting resort shuttles. This means your transport and skiing are included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.
The latest Hakuba Valley lift pass prices are available here.
EPIC PASS
If you are an Epic Pass season pass holder than you will get access to the resorts of the Hakuba Valley included with your pass. The Epic Pass allows for 5 consecutive days of skiing in the Hakuba Valley, additional tickets can be purchased at a discount.
PAY AS YOU PLAY
If you want more freedom to choose your day-to-day activities and resorts you won't lose much money by paying on the day. Paying for your lift passes on the day offers a number of benefits. You can get full-day, morning or afternoon passes which offers flexibility.
At the time of writing a 1 Day lift ticket to Kashimayari cost 4000 YEN.
MORE HAKUBA VIDEOS
ACCOMMODATION AT KASHIMAYARI
Accommodation at Kashimayari Ski Resort ranges from cozy lodges to luxurious mountain resorts. Staying on-site provides the convenience of easy access to the slopes and other resort facilities. However, nearby towns like Hakuba and Omachi offer additional lodging options for those seeking a more extensive range of amenities and dining choices.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON KASHIMAYARI SKI RESORT
In conclusion, Kashimayari Ski Resort is a lesser-known Hakuba Valley ski resort that can offer sanctuary away from the crowds in the beautiful Japanese Alps. Kashimayari offers well-groomed slopes with enough variety to ensure an enjoyable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Although I would not choose to base myself at Kashimayari I would definitely look to explore it again for the odd day on a trip to Hakuba.
KASHMAYARI RELATED POSTS
Happo One Ski Resort Guide
Hakuba Happo One is Hakuba’s best-known resort. Centre stage for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Happo helped bring Japanese ski resorts to the mainstream. Happo One is in the centre of a purpose-built village and has everything you would expect to find at a premiere ski resort.
If you are visiting Hakuba the purpose built-village surrounding the flagship resort Happo One has a plethora of accommodations, restaurants, ski shops and ski schools. This means for a lot of visitors, Happo will be their closest resort and where they base themselves for the duration of their stay. With multiple base areas, you can actually start your day at Happo from a number of entry points. Nakiyama is home to the local ski school and close to a number of local hire shops. Sakka is the most mellow area and will be where you find the most suitable beginner terrain. Whereas Shirakaba is the base of the main Gondola which will quickly move skiers to mid-mountain. Interestingly at Happo, you have to take a combination of lifts to get to the top meaning one top-to-bottom lap often consists of three lift rides to get back to the peak.
HAPPO ONE FIRST IMPRESSION
Arriving at Happo you soon see why it is the most popular ski resort in the Hakuba Valley. As you get closer to the village and ski lifts you are surrounded by everything you need for your snowboard trip. Each of the base areas is close to rental shops, accommodations and restaurants making Happo One the stress free Hakuba ski destination.
HAPPO ONE SKI AREA
Happo One ski resort is a relatively large resort by Japanese standards and this is one of the reasons people love it. A limited number of pistes doesn’t really tell the story and the resort is really much larger than its stats suggest. There are plenty of steep runs within its 1071m vertical drop, which draw advanced riders to the resort. But don’t be put off if steeps are not your thing, Happo is pretty diverse with four base areas. Nakiyama, Shirakaba, Kokusai and Sakka all offer something a little different and this is what makes Happo so versatile and popular with families.
Happo’s mellow slopes at Sakka will suit those working towards their first turns. Over the rest of the mountain, the wide red slopes are perfect for those looking to blast around. In addition to the groomers, you will find lots of mogul runs and of course the Olympic Downhill track! If backcountry is on your mind then head to the Grat Quad where you will find easy access backcountry within a short hike.
Happo represents the best one resort fits all for a Hakuba trip so if you don’t want to be busing to other resorts basing yourself at Happo is a good option. Additionally, if you don’t want the day to stop head to Nakiyama slopes for some night skiing.
BEGINNER TERRAIN AT HAPPO ONE
There is ample terrain to get beginners moving and exploring the mountain at Happo. Sakka base area is where you will find the majority of beginner runs, although it is worth noting that the green at Nakiyama slope is open for night skiing!
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAPPO ONE
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Happo One. There are a number of interesting pistes in addition to the little areas of sidecountry to play in. I enjoyed the long run from the top of the resort down to Nakiyama slope.
ADVANCED TERRAIN HAPPO ONE
Happo hosted the slalom at the Nagano Olympics so the Olympic course is a must for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Olympic course gives you the opportunity to blast downhill trying to leave your mates in your wake. Additionally, Happo has a number of steep black-graded groomers that are excellent, especially first thing in the morning. For those with the inclination for bumps, you will find plenty of good mogul runs especially if there has been a break in snowfall.
OFF-PISTE AT HAPPO ONE
Sadly, as is common amongst Japanese ski areas, there are a number of closed areas at Happo. This really limits the amount of tree-riding or off-piste you can do here without risking your lift pass in the process. Happo One ski resort has opened an in-bounds tree skiing area but its barely worth it as it is short and gets tracked out rather quickly.
Where Happo excels is the backcountry runs that are accessible from the top of Grat chairlift. Happos highest lift point helps provide access to a series of steep faces that will keep the most avid backcountry snowboarder happy. The local ski schools offer guiding services here which are recommended if you are not familiar with the area.
HAPPO ONE SNOW RECORD
Similarly to the rest of the Hakuba Valley, Happo One gets more than its fair share of snow. Happo One’s location helps draw in 11m of average seasonal snowfall. The snow quality, especially at the top of the resort, is excellent. Happo has a large vertical drop so its lower slopes can suffer towards the end of the season.
LIFTS AT HAPPO ONE
The lift infrastructure at Happo One is a bit strange. 23 lifts in total but it is likely that you will need to take a combination of these lifts to get to the area you wish to ski. There is a gondola and some faster lifts since upgrades but there are also sluggish lifts! Being a popular resort you can find lift queues at Happy especially during holiday or weekend periods.
HAPPO ONE VIDEOS
HAKUBA HAPPO ONE GALLERY
HAPPO ONE PROS
Happo One has backcountry within a short hike
Easy access from the village and main accommodation hubs makes Happo One incredibly accessible
Free shuttles from Happo One to take you to other Hakuba resorts
Happo One has steeper terrain than most Hakuba resorts
Happo One offers fantastic views across the Hakuba valley
Happo One is a great resort for families with a range of terrain so great family resort
HAPPO ONE CONS
Happo One is prone to lift cues caused by a combination of Happo’s popularity and relatively slow lift cues.
Due to the larger crowds at Happo One, if you are looking for first tracks look to another Hakuba ski resort.
Happo closes most of the terrain that may appeal to the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
TRAVEL TO HAPPO
Travel to Happo is easy from any resort base in Hakuba via the free shuttles that regularly run between the resorts. The main access to Happo One is via Adam gondola which is west of Hakuba town but there are a number of bases. Due to it’s popularity the shuttles to and from Happo One tend to be full so be prepared to cue or travel outside of peak hours.
ACCOMMODATION AT HAPPO
Accommodation near Happo One ski resort is plentiful and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a fairly basic guesthouse but it was comfortable and provided a space to cook, wash and sleep. Hakuba caters for all budgets and comfort levels so check out the whole range of Hakuba accommodation by using the search below.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAPPO ONE
As previously stated Happo One is probably the best all-rounder in terms of Hakuba ski resorts. Happo One caters perfectly for groups or families with differing abilities. The international crowd will appreciate the amenities and shops that lie close to the Happo’s base areas.
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.
Les 3 Vallées
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.
The Grand Massif
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.
Explore By Country
EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS
EUROPEAN SNOWBOARD VIDEOS
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I go Skiing in Europe?
The options are literally endless and that is one of the great things about a European ski trip. You can make decisions based on; your ability, your budget, travel time or a nearby landmark you’d like to visit on your ski trip. My experience of snowboarding in Europe has been great whichever country or resort I have visited. If you are looking for that ‘Big Mountain’ experience then consider heading to the Alps of France and Switzerland or the Dolomites in Italy. In all of these place you will find resorts set amongst some of the most stunning mountains in the world. If you are on a budget then consider any of the resorts or countries on this list I compiled here. By heading to Bulgaria or Slovenia you will still experience a beautiful winter environment and good facilities but you will save money whilst doing so. If you have any questions or would like advice on where to ski or snowboard this winter feel free to get in contact via the comments in any post and I will see if I can help.
Where is the cheapest skiing in Europe?
As mentioned above there are a number of places or countries you can visit for a more affordable European ski trip. Even within the more traditionally expensive options like France or Switzerland there are exceptions to the rule, but if you are looking for a budget ski destination without sacrificing quality then check out this post.
Is skiing in Europe cheaper?
One major concern regarding a ski trip is affordability and European skiing is no different. Skiing in Canada and the USA can be more affordable once you are in those countries but you are likely to spend more on travel costs. For example a flight to Canada will be significantly more expensive than a flight to France, but once in France your daily costs will be more significant. France is notoriously expensive when it comes to eating on the mountain whereas Canada can be very affordable. Of course there will be premium or budget accommodation options in Europe and the other side of the pond and your choices in this regard will affect the overall cost of your ski trip.
How many ski resorts are in Europe?
The quick answer is a lot and this number will be in the thousands. skiresortinfo.com list the answer as 3706 ski resorts in Europe. Whether this number is accurate is another issue but it goes some way to demonstrate the number of ski resorts across the continent.
What is the highest ski resort in Europe?
A general rule of thumb when looking for snow sure resorts, especially in early or late season is to look for the highest ski resorts. In Europe, you have plenty of options in this regard with high altitude glacier skiing available in Tignes, Les 2 Alpes, Saas Fee and Zermatt. However, the ski resort that is the highest in Europe is Val Thorens, which forms part of the 3 Vallees ski area. The highest lift accessible point in Val Thorens is 3200m with the village sitting at 2300m. With a village at above 2000m you can pretty much guarantee good quality snow and a long season in Val Thorens.
RELATED POSTS
Goryu Ski Resort Review
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in the Hakuba Valley of Japan. With a skiable terrain of over 200 hectares, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Hakuba Goryu is linked to the nearby Hakuba 47 ski resort by lifts and can be accessed on the same lift pass.
GORYU SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Goryu Ski Resort first opened in 1958 and has since been a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders. The runs at Hakuba Goryu are fairly evenly split between beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, as well as having a small terrain park. The resort is combined with Hakuba 47 and the resorts are joined by chairlifts or accessible by local resort shuttles.
GORYU SKI AREA
The Goryu ski area covers 220 hectares of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of just over 900 meters. Hakuba Goryu is modest in size with only 16 pisted trails. It has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The trail map is heavily favoured towards intermediates with some fantastic wide-groomed trails that lead to the base area.
Hakuba Goryu has three main zones; Limori, Toomi and Alps Daira Zones.
The upper mountain consists of the Alps Daira zone. In this zone, you can find some short red trails including a technical moguls course. The highest point of the Goryu ski resort is Zizou Peak. From Zizou Peak you can ski across into Hakuba 47.
The Toomi zone is best known for its wide beginner trails. The green runs in this area provide the perfect trails for learning to ski and snowboard. The Toomi area is also illuminated for night skiing.
The Limori area at Hakuba Goryu is the best suited for intermediate. This section of the resort has a dedicated moguls course. The area is also home to Hakuba Goryu powder trees. The dedicated tree section is small and can be tracked pretty fast despite the copious amount of snowfall in Goryu.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GORYU
Beginners can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the gently sloping runs located at the base of the resort. The Toomi area offers excellent beginner terrain, with wide runs and gentle slopes perfect for those just starting. The Toomi area allows for some long runs back to the base for beginners. Goryu would be a great place to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the long, well-groomed runs found throughout the resort. Toomi, offers a variety of runs catering to those at an intermediate level.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GORYU
.The resort's steeper runs, including the courses on the resort's backside, offer challenging terrain for experienced skiers and riders. In reality, Goryu only has a couple of advanced runs. Advanced skiers and snowboarders may want to test themselves on the dedicated mogul’s courses.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GORYU
Although there is a small terrain park on the Hakuba Goryu side, the best freestyle terrain can be found at linked Hakuba 47.
OFF-PISTE AT HAKUBA GORYU
Like most Japanese ski resorts Goryu used to restrict all access to its tree-skiing zones. Attitudes in Japan are evolving and Goryu now has an open zone for tree skiing.
If tree skiing is your aim then there are more tree areas open on the Hakuba 47 side. Alternatively consider visiting Cortina, Iwatake or Tsugaike.
HAKUBA GORYU PISTE MAP
GORYU PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT GORYU SKI RESORT
Goryu Ski Resort has 13 lifts, including one gondola, one quad chairlift, and 11 other chairlifts. The lifts provide access to all areas of the resort and offer minimal wait times. The lifts at Hakuba Goryu are ok but are in need of updating. The weekends can be busy at Goryu and lift queues are not uncommon.
GORYU SKI RESORT PROS
Excellent ski and snowboard terrain for all skill levels
A wide range of lifts provides quick and easy access to the mountain
Good snow quality and consistent snowfall throughout the season
Affordable lift ticket prices compared to other Japanese ski resorts
Convenient location with easy access to local amenities and attractions
GORYU SKI RESORT CONS
Limited nightlife options compared to larger ski resorts
Crowded on weekends and during peak holiday periods
Limited off-mountain activities and entertainment options
TRAVEL TO GORYU SKI RESORT
The closest major airport to Goryu Ski Resort is Narita International Airport in Tokyo, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Alternatively, visitors can take the train from Tokyo to Nagano, followed by a bus or taxi to the resort. Shuttle buses and private transfers are also available from the airport or nearby cities.
GORYU SNOW RECORD
Goryu Ski Resort receives an average of 11 meters of snow per season, with the ski season typically running from late November to early May. The resort uses snowmaking to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring good snow conditions throughout the season.
GORYU LIFT PASS PRICES
Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 are included on the same lift pass allowing you to ski both ski resorts on the same day. If you are buying your lift passes on the day, these are cheaper than purchasing the Hakuba Valley Pass. A one-day lift pass at Goryu Ski Resort costs 5,400 yen for adults,
The Hakuba Valley pass however will provide you with greater flexibility should you wish to explore other ski resorts in the area. During my Hakuba stay I used the Hakuba Valley pass as this also includes all the available inter-resort shuttle buses.
GORYU SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GORYU SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GORYU SKI RESORT
Goryu Ski Resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and rental apartments. The resort's base area has a range of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options, providing convenient access to the slopes.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to stay in the nearby town of Hakuba, which offers a wider range of accommodation options and nightlife. Shuttle buses run regularly between Goryu Ski Resort and Hakuba, making it easy to get to and from the resort.
SEASON DATES GORY SKI RESORT
The ski season at Goryu Ski Resort typically runs from late November to early May, depending on snow conditions. The resort's peak season is during the Japanese New Year holiday period (late December to early January) and the Chinese New Year holiday period (late January to early February).
Visitors should check the resort's official website for the latest information on ski season dates, lift pass prices, and snow conditions before planning their trip.
FINAL THOUGHTS HAKUBA GORYU
Hakuba Goryu has some of the most enjoyable pistes. The lower mountain with the mellow but wide pistes are fantastic for carving and the upper slopes have more steepness and challenge. I enjoyed Goryu for its link to Hakuba 47 meaning that you could mix things up throughout the day and ride between the two.
Andermatt Ski Resort Guide
The Andermatt ski resort, located in the Swiss Alps, is a breathtaking destination that offers convenient access to the slopes and a delightful village. This German-speaking village in Switzerland provides direct access to 120km of ski slopes. Moreover, the resort has recently been linked to Sedrun and Disentis, which can now be accessed using the same ski pass.
Andermatt Village with the Gemstock on the left.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT BACKGROUND
Andermatt boasts a rich legacy in skiing and snowboarding, and its commitment to progress is evident in its outstanding lift infrastructure. Andermatt's freeride terrain is highly esteemed worldwide, attracting avid skiers and snowboarders for its off-piste skiing opportunities. Gemsstock stands out as one of the best spots in Andermatt, with top-notch terrain. The resort's extended ski season, which lasts until May, makes it easy to understand why Vail Resorts chose Andermatt as their premier European ski destination.
ANDERMATT SKI AREA
In Andermatt, the skiing area is divided into two distinct parts. The region that encompasses Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis is known for its sunny weather and can be accessed through the Gütsch gondola located at the train station. The Gemsstock is a popular choice for many skiing enthusiasts, boasting impressive 1500m descents and an exceptional off-piste skiing experience.
The Gemsstock is a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders worldwide. You can easily confirm the quality of the terrain by observing the lift queue, where some of the world's top freeride skiers can be seen training. The Gemsstock has two cable cars that transport adventurous skiers and snowboarders to just below 3000m, where breathtaking scenery awaits.
Before, the only way to reach Andermatt from Sedrun was by train. However, with the introduction of new lift infrastructure, skiing across the two areas has become much easier and quicker. The lifts are modern and conveniently located, allowing for seamless travel throughout the region.
The slopes that span between the Gütsch gondola and the Oberalpass are perfectly groomed trails that would appeal to the advanced intermediate. Like the Gemsstock however, the Andermatt ski area has plenty of slack country with some interesting sections beneath the Schneehüenerstock gondola.
The Epic Pass allows you access as far as the Dieni chairlift (2022/23 season) but this is being reviewed for future years.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
The Nätschen area is where the never-evers will be found. Beginners should take the gondola to the Gütsch gondola mid-station accesses the kid’s arena with two covered magic carpets and mellow beginner slopes. When feeling more confident beginners can explore blue terrain with 1000m of vertical drop back to the village and gondola base station.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Intermediates skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice in Andermatt. Epic red decent route 30 from Schneehüenerstock is a highlight but with many red graded routes from the top of the Oberalp flyer lift and the Cuolm Val, intermediates really are spoilt for choice.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Advanced skiers and snowboarders need to look no further than the Gemsstock. With red and black routes offering 1500m of decent back to the village, combined with off-piste everywhere you look the Gemsstock is unrivalled.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANDERMATT
Andermatt had two terrain parks open during my visit with the larger located near the mid-station on the Gemsstock. The other was located closer to Dieni and serviced by a rope tow. Both parks had a progression of features including jumps, boxes and rails. Freestyle at Andermatt probably wouldn’t be enough to draw you there… but was certainly good enough for a few park laps.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
ANDERMATT PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt has overgone a face-lift in the past decade. Modern lifts have replaced old with new lifts not only faster but with higher capacity. The redesign of the ski area to ensure that the train ride through the Oberalppass is one that is possible but not essential for your ski day has reinvigorated the area.
Further improvement is needed with long queues still possible at the Gemsstock cable cars. An update to this situation would truly put Andermatt amongst the elite European ski areas.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT PROS
Andermatt has world-class free-ride terrain
Recent investment in Andermatt has vastly improved the ski lifts in the resort
Andermatt now has a dedicated beginners area in Nätschen area.
Andermatt is well-connected by rail to major European airports.
The ski season in Andermatt is long with a fantastic snow record.
Access to Andermatt is included on Epic Pass so you can combine with many leading world ski resorts.
Andermatt was quieter than many ski resorts I have visited during the Easter period.
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT CONS
During poor weather, Andermatt lacks tree-skiing which can mean you are stuck out in the conditions.
Accommodation in the village of Andermatt can be very expensive.
TRAVEL TO ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
TRAIN TO ANDERMATT
Andermatt Sedrun ski resort has incredible transport connections with major cities across Europe. I accessed Andermatt by rail from Zurich which is 100km north of the ski area. From the trainstation in Zurich it was obvious that connections were available from pretty much every mainland European city. Flying to Milan would also be a fairly reasonable option.
The rail connections in Switzerland are fantastic and Andermatt is no exception to this. The route from Zurich required one stop in Goeschenen to change trains before joining the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. This train which passes through Andermatt links to Zermatt if you were looking for a multi-resort ski holiday.
Booking train travel is easy and I would highly recommend using the SBB app. The app is really intuitive and not only is really clear about your journey but also provides handy maps on how to walk to your connecting platform.
The train cost 50CHF (£45) each way from Zurich airport to Andermatt which I thought was reasonable.
DRIVING TO ANDERMATT
Driving to Andermatt seems pointless with the great rail connections but if you prefer to take the car then the 2-hour journey is very achievable. Beware of local restrictions and requirements to carry snow chains during the winter months.
ANDERMATT SNOW RECORD
Andermatt ski resort is renowned for its excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season. The resort typically receives an average of 5 meters of snowfall every year, making it one of the snowiest ski destinations in Switzerland. The snow season usually begins in November and lasts until late April, offering skiers and snowboarders a long season to enjoy the powder. The resort also boasts a high-altitude skiing area, reaching up to 3,000 meters, which ensures excellent snow conditions even during milder winters. Andermatt's snow history is one of the reasons why the resort has become a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and why it has been recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland.
ANDERMATT LIFT PASS PRICES
To access the lifts at Andermatt I used the Epic Pass. The Epic pass is a lift pass product from Vail Resorts in the US. To use your Epic Pass in Andermatt you go to the ticket station with your Epic Pass and ID which is then traded for a local season pass. Use of the Epic Pass in Andermatt has not blackout days or restrictions.
A six-day ski pass for Andermatt is around 273CHF (£242) according to SNO.
Discount prices are available with a half-price subscription. After an initial outlay of 69CHF per season, you can then purchase your day tickets in Andermatt at a discounted rate. More information can be found here.
ANDERMATT VIDEOS
ANDERMATT SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of the mountains. When it comes to accommodation in Andermatt, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts. One of the most popular options is the newly renovated Radisson Blu Hotel, which offers modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
I stayed in the Andermatt Alpine Apartments which had a great location close to the station and ski bus. The apartment was modern and the building had a spa area with a pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation area. I would stay here again.
For those looking for a more traditional experience, there are several charming chalets and guesthouses that offer a cozy and authentic Alpine atmosphere. Overall, Andermatt has a range of accommodation options that cater to different tastes and budgets, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
SEASON DATES ANDERMATT SKI RESORT
Andermatt Sedrun ski resort opens in November and the majority of the ski resort stays open until mid-April The Gemsstock however remain open on weekends through May ensuring that skiing and snowboarding in Andermatt is available six months of the year.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANDERMATT
I have developed a fondness for Andermatt, a ski resort that has everything I desire in a winter vacation spot. The village is charming, and getting there by air or train is incredibly convenient. Additionally, the resort boasts all the amenities I seek in a ski area. The fact that Andermatt accepts the Epic Pass further enhances its appeal, as it can make a trip or season more budget-friendly. I can envision myself returning to Andermatt in the future.
Yad Moss Ski Resort Guide
Nestled in the North Pennines, Yad Moss is a far cry from the French Alps but retains a certain charm. The locally run ski resort relies on the support of volunteers but has developed a thriving ski community in the north of England. Yad Moss is proud to have England’s longest ski lift.
YAD MOSS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Yad Moss, a short 5-minute walk follows roadside parking to the ski tow. The tow and the ticket office (shed) can be seen from the road and you soon realise that you are a world away from modern amenities, not that this is a bad thing. The single tow has been providing lift-served skiing in the Pennines for the last 40 years, I couldn’t wait to try it out.
YAD MOSS SKI AREA
Yad Moss has an optimistic piste map that includes 7 runs and 4km of pistes. I say pistes because Yad Moss actually has a piste basher! This means that when the conditions are right the skiing can consist of some epic groomers.
The ski area at Yad Moss relies on fences to ensure that drifted snow remains in the resort and isn’t swept across the Moors. The resort itself offers 120m of vertical descent with the highest point being at 720m.
LIFTS AT YAD MOSS
Yad Moss has a single poma lift which serves the ski area. This button lift has a claim to fame, it is England’s longest. It might also contest for England’s bumpiest with conditions along the lift tow being variable. Ensure you are comfortable riding a button lift before heading to Yad Moss. The Yad Moss Poma is 600m in length.
YAD MOSS SNOW RECORD
Unlike skiing and snowboarding in the Alps, the snowfall at Yad Moss is incredibly variable. The team of volunteers are reactive to changes in weather and does a great job of running the tow as and when it is possible.
RAISE LIFT TICKETS
MEMBER LIFT TICKETS
A new adult member season pass at Yad Moss costs £55. Renewing your membership is reduced to £40. Find more information on membership here.
DAY PASSES
A day of skiing at Yad Moss will cost £20 for non-members
TRAVEL TO YAD MOSS
WHERE IS YAD MOSS?
Yad Moss is located in Cumbria, England, just a few miles from the small town of Alston. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other ski resorts in the UK, it is still easily accessible by car.
If you’re driving, it’s about a two-hour drive from both Newcastle and Manchester, and there is ample parking available along the roadside at Yad Moss.
YAD MOSS PROS
Yad Moss is a Ski resort in England so gives us the chance to ski at home.
There is a great community feel at Yad Moss.
You can ski all winter as a member for £55 which is great value… if the snow comes.
Yad Moss is a spectacular setting with great views across the Pennines.
YAD MOSS CONS
Yad Moss has unreliable snowfall so you have to react rather than plan
Yad Moss has runs that are mellower than Raise in the Lake District.
YAD MOSS SKI RESORT INFO
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Glacier 3000 Ski Resort Guide
Glacier 3000 ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Switzerland, is home to epic freeride terrain and boasts an impressive terrain park. A major reason why I purchased a Magic Pass, Glacier 3000 is close to the linked ski resorts of Les Diablerets, Villars and Gryon.
The view from the Tissot Peak walk
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Glacier 3000 is accessed by a two-stage cable car and the journey to the top provides epic views of the resort. Glacier 3000 is big mountain skiing and snowboarding and is surrounded by some of the largest mountains in the Swiss Alps. One of my first experiences at Glacier 3000 was the Tissot Peak Walk which really puts the ski resort into perspective.
GLACIER 3000 SKI AREA
Glacier 3000 is a ski resort located in the Swiss Alps, offering skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. The resort is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 30 kilometres of ski slopes, Glacier 3000 is the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Glacier 3000 has all you’d expect from a Swiss Alps ski resort. Its size is epic and has the added speciality of being situated across 3 Swiss cantons.
The ski area at Glacier 3000 has 1800m of vertical drop leading down to the base area. The resort might not seem like it has much to offer if you judge it by the relatively small 30km of pistes but just sit on any lift and you will see what Glacier 3000 is all about, the freeride. The long run to the base of Reusch can offer a 7km run along perfectly groomed runs.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
First-timers won’t find much of interest at Glacier 3000 but if you know the basics there are plenty of mellow blues that will help you to refine your turns. Never evers should head to nearby Villars which will have more suitable terrain to learn to ski or snowboard.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
Those with a little more experience, Glacier 3000 has a range of intermediate terrain that is ideal for building confidence and improving skills. The runs are well-groomed and offer a good challenge for those looking to progress their skiing or snowboarding. The upper slopes at Dôme and the Quille du Diable have a number of decent blues. There are also two reds for those feeling more confident.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
If you are looking for a real challenge, Glacier 3000 has a range of advanced terrain that will test even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a black run from Oldenhorn to Oldenalp which was stunning and quiet on my visit. The off-piste terrain at Glacier 3000 looks endless for those who want to explore the backcountry.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GLACIER 3000
For those who love to hit the park, Glacier 3000 has a well-equipped freestyle area with a range of features including jumps, rails, and boxes. The park is regularly maintained and is perfect for those looking to try out some new tricks. Because of the long season, Glacier 3000 often hosts pros who are looking to refine their tricks on the high-quality of features.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Glacier 3000 Piste Map
LIFTS AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 has a range of lifts that are designed to get skiers and snowboarders up the mountain quickly and efficiently. The lifts are well-maintained and run smoothly, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Initially, you will access Glacier 3000 by using cable cars from either Reusch or Col du Pillon. where you will find a number of surface lifts to access the blues on the glacier. The new surface tow (first i’ve used) made the connection to the black run simple.
Besides that the lifts that link the bottom of the black run at Oldenalp back to the Cabane are efficient if not slightly awkward. If you were looking to lap this epic run you would need to take two chairs, and go up the cable car to Scex Rouge, before traversing back towards the run. This can be frustrating but is the price you pay for skiing up on the glacier.
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT PROS
Glacier 3000 has a wide range of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities
The views from Glacier 3000 are beautiful and take in some of the most epic surrounding mountains and glaciers.
The long ski season at Glacier 3000 has a well-maintained freestyle area
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT CONS
Glacier 3000 can be crowded on weekends and during peak season
Can be expensive, especially for lift passes and accommodation
TRAVEL TO GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
Glacier 3000 is located in the Swiss Alps and can be easily reached by car or train. The closest airport is Geneva, which is approximately two hours away by car. There are also regular shuttle buses that run from nearby towns and cities to the resort.
You can access Les Diablerets by train from Geneva connecting in Aigle. If staying in Les Diablerets I would recommend having access to a car as it gives you the freedom to drive to Glacier 3000 as well as Leysin.
If you don’t want to drive, locally, the resort has bus services that run between Glacier 3000 and the nearby Les Diablerets.
GLACIER 3000 LIFT PASS PRICES
The cost of a lift pass at Glacier 3000 varies depending on the time of year and the length of stay. Lift passes can be purchased online in advance, which can save money and ensure that they are available during busy times.
The Magic Pass makes great sense for visitors to Glacier 3000, especially if you are planning to ski for 2 or more weeks a winter. The Local Area lift pass also includes; Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette, as well as Villars-Gryon-Diablerets. All of these resorts are included on the Magic Pass which makes better value for money.
GLACIER 3000 VIDEOS
GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GLACIER 3000 SKI RESORT
There is a range of accommodation options available at Glacier 3000, including hotels, apartments, and chalets. Accommodation can be expensive, especially during peak season, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
Staying in Les Diablerets made the most sense to me and will suit other Magic Pass users for its access to nearby ski resorts. If you would prefer to stay in Gstaad, this is also possible but doesn’t make the best use of the lift pass.
SEASON DATES GLACIER 3000
The ski season at Glacier 3000 typically runs from late November to late April, depending on the snow conditions. During this time, the resort is open daily and offers skiers and snowboarders access to a wide range of terrain. This is amongst the longest ski seasons in the Swiss Alps.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GLACIER 3000
Glacier 3000 was one of my favourite stops on the Magic Pass. The views were epic and the terrain really enjoyable. I would love to revisit and explore more of the off-piste, including the run under the cable car back to the base.
Pila Ski Resort Guide
The setting of Pila ski resort, looking down upon the historic town of Aosta is special. A short gondola ride from the Aosta Valleys capital brings you to the sunny slopes of Pila. Quietly going about its business Pila delivers a fantastic skiing and snowboarding experience without the fanfare of larger name ski resorts.
PILA SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Providing your first impressions of Pila is impossible without talking about Aosta. Aosta is the capital of the Aosta valley and is likely to be your base for a trip to Pila ski resort. Aosta in winter has a magical feel and taking a stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town and through the Christmas markets is the perfect start to an Italian ski trip.
Pila ski resort itself is accessible by gondola from Aosta and the car-free village remains crowd-free during the week. The weekends are different with a lively Apres Scene and a wide choice of restaurants to sample. My first day snowboarding in Pila was a Sunday and the queue for the lifts were quite long.
PILA SKI AREA
Pila ski resort is accessible straight from the city of Aosta via a short (20 minute) gondola ride. The resort boasts North Facing slopes and can be devoid of crowds Monday-Friday. Pila has 70km of pistes which are mostly marked red and would delight the intermediate skier of snowboarder.
The ski area at Pila has 1000m of vertical drop and a resort altitude of 1800m. Pila is a snowsure ski resort with the upper slopes at 2700m.
The views from Pila ski area take in some of the most impressive mountains in Europe. Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Eiger, and the Matterhorn are all visible from Pila’s slopes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT PILA
Beginners will enjoy the ease of learning to ski and snowboard in Pila. A designated beginner’s area is found just outside the top gondola station. Long green trails can be found at Pila ensuring beginners are not stuck in one area of the ski resort. Being able to explore, including being able to take the long green to the base of the gondola is a real highlight of learning to ski at Pila.
Never evers will start their lessons at the magic carpet around baby Pila and will progress to the Grimod area. The Grimod area has a fantastic wide blue piste which is great for beginners to get a feel for steeper more progressive ski slopes.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT PILA
Pila ski resort is perfect for intermediates with 70% of the Pila trail map designated as red runs. Intermediates have the choice to ski and snowboard from the very top of the Piatta de Grevon and the Pointe du Couis 2, descending via red-graded pistes.
The pistes at Pila compare favourably to other Italian ski resorts and can be incredible on sunny days. Luckily the lower mountain at Pila consists of mostly tree-lined runs which also makes Pila great for those low visibility days. My favourite runs in poor weather were off the Chamole chair which accesses red-graded terrain back to the base area and the bottom of the Pila gondola.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT PILA
The advanced terrain at Pila ski resort is mostly found above the tree line and off the Couis 1 and Couis 2 chairlifts. Although there are only a few black-graded pistes at Pila there is challenge to be found in the trees. Sadly due to my visit being during early season, the upper mountain was not open. This provides motivation to return to Pila to further explore the upper resort.
Further to the listed trails at Pila, there are a number of designated splitboarding or ski randonnee trails, The off-piste in the region is well-regarded and the Aosta Valley offers opportunities to Heli-ski. Being able to embark on a ski tour from the upper lifts at Pila, saves some energy on the uphill which is never a bad thing.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT PILA
Pila has a dedicated freestyle area called Snowpark Area Effe. This terrain park was the first designated freestyle terrain in the Aosta Valley and has one awards for being amongst the best in Italy.
AreaEffe at Pila has a number of different lines that freestyle skiers and snowboarders can choose from with jumps and rails for all abilities.
The AreaEffe terrain park at Pila is situated alongside the Grand Grimod chairlift, a four-seater chair that provides the ability to lap the park effortlessly.
PILA SKI RESORT PISTE MAP
Pila Ski Resort Piste Map
LIFTS AT PILA SKI RESORT
A combination of 17 lifts are available at Pila ski resort with some upgrades needed. The lifts run fairly slowly which can cause major queues on the weekends. The small 3-person chair near the gondola top station is a particular bottleneck in the mornings. This lift is best avoided at peak times and heading up the Chamolè chair will help avoid the queues.
The gondola from Aosta is the main access point to the resort, and parking is available directly outside the base station. The Pila gondola comfortably fits 8 skiers and passes through two further stations before arriving into the resort at 1800m.
Grimod chair is a short 4-person chair that laps the park but as this area is also home to some learner’s terrain the lift is pretty slow.
The Gorraz - Grimod cable car is also available to skiers with journeys running every 15 minutes. This can be great for a quick break from the cold on those super chilly days.
PILA SKI RESORT PROS
Pila ski resort has direct access from Aosta via gondola
Intermediates will enjoy the amount of red graded terrain at Pila
Uncrowded weekday slopes - try to visit Pila on a weekday
The terrain park at Pila is great and would keep me coming back.
PILA SKI RESORT CONS
The infrastructure at Pila could do with updating. Modern lifts would improve lift lines during weekends and holidays.
PRO AND A CON
Pila ski resorts location close to Aosta brings both positives and negatives. The location close to the city provides a perfect base for a ski holiday with lots of accommodation and dining choices within easy access of the resorts gondola.
The downside of the easy access to Pila is crowds during holiday periods and weekends. Pila is a ski resort best visited outside of peak times.
TRAVEL TO PILA SKI RESORT
Getting to Pila ski resort can be much easier than my journey was, a horrid long coach trip. With that in mind, there are plenty of easier ways to access Pila and the resorts of the Aosta Valley.
International flights arrive into Torino, Milan and Bergamo with flight transfers also available from Geneva in Switzerland. From these airports self-drive is possible and I would recommend self-drive as this would allow you to visit the nearby resort of Courmayeur.
PILA SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Pila ski resort receives between three and four metres of snowfall per winter. The high-altitude base area at Pila (1800m) ensures that the snow lasts throughout the winter and the quality of snow on my visit was exceptional. Pila has invested in extensive snow making facilities that top up the natural snowfall in the resort.
PILA SKI RESORT LIFT PASS PRICES
A six day lift pass during peak weeks in Pila will cost €250 with day passes available for €50. To check out the latest prices and get a more accurate account of how much it costs to ski in Pila follow this link.
PILA SKI RESORT GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT PILA SKI RESORT
The first thing to consider when choosing your Pila ski resort accommodation is whether you want to stay in the resort or in the city of Aosta. For those wanting to stay in the resort, there are a couple of possible bases. The main resort of Pila sits at the top of the gondola at 1800m where there are a number of ski-in-ski-out options. Below the main village, there is further accommodation in the Plan Praz area. Plan plaz is the base of the ski area and provides close access to the slopes.
1200m below Pila ski resort and below the snow line is the historic city of Aosta. Aosta provides an alternative to staying in the resort and can add a certain charm to your stay. Wandering around the backstreets of the old town can result in you stumbling into some fantastic local restaurants and bars which can add to your stay but also to your waistline, so proceed with caution!
SEASON DATES PILA SKI RESORT
Pila generally opens in late November although this is rarely for the whole ski area which is more likely to open during December. The ski season in Pila runs into mid April with good snow conditions guaranteed by the resorts high altitude.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PILA SKI RESORT
I really enjoyed visiting Pila in the early season and although parts of the resort were not open there was enough to keep me occupied. I enjoyed being based in Aosta as this meant that there were plenty of evening activities to entertain me and plenty of interesting places to eat. I would like to revisit Pila when the resort is fully open.
Vercorin Ski Resort Guide
Vercorin does not have the international appeal of many Swiss ski resorts but that is actually a really good thing! Vercorin is tucked away in a quiet corner of the Val d’Anniviers, often bypassed for neighbours Griments and Zinal but with over 1000m of Vertical drop, some exciting groomed terrain and views across the Rhone River Valley, there is plenty in Vercorin to get excited about.
VERCORIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The village of Vercorin is a traditional Swiss village with quiet cobbled backstreets that are perfect for wandering in the evening. The village of Vercorin is linked to the ski resort by a two-stage gondola that rises 1000m to the Crêt du Midi. Even better is that the whole of that 1000m is skiable back down to the base area via the Sigeroulaz run. Looking at the piste map I was worried the 35km of pistes in Vercorin would not keep me occupied for very long, but my first impression of Vercorin ski resort was the opposite. The groomers were so fun and I loved lapping down to the newly installed Tracui-Mont-Major chair.
VERCORIN SKI AREA
The ski area at Vercorin is divided into two main areas. The area that runs from the top of the gondola down to the base area and a more advanced area underneath the new chair which is home to the more challenging terrain at the resort. In total, Vercorin has 35km of pistes which are accessed mainly by the gondola and newly installed high speed quad to Mont Major. These main installations are supplemented by a magic carpet in the beginners area, alongside a couple of surface lifts spread around the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Real beginner’s terrain for those never-evers is hard to come by at Vercorin. The main beginner’s area can be found at the Crêt du Midi outside the gondola top station. A covered magic carpet lift serves this area, but the small learner’s area has one major issue, It is also the access point to the resort for every other skier and snowboarder. I think Vercorin gets away with this because it is a quiet ski resort, but I would be interested to see how this affects lessons on a busy day at Vercorin.
In addition to the small learner’s slope, lessons also occur on Crêt run and are serviced by a button lift of the same name. Although there is no green-listed terrain at Vercorin I can see the ski resort being great for advanced beginners who are looking to explore further around the mountain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Intermediates will love skiing and snowboarding at Vercorin as the groomed terrain is well suited to this level of ability. Although certain pitches of the black run Tracui are steep, intermediates could navigate this by controlling their turns on a single edge. In essence, this means the whole of the resort is accessible to intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking to explore Vercorin to its fullest.
Of particular interest to intermediates will be the long 6km run from the Crêt du Midi down to the base of the gondola via the Sigeroulaz run. It is possible to mix this run between sections of red and blue terrain.
ADVANCED TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
Those looking for lots of challenge may be better considering nearby Grimentz and Zinal but that doesn’t mean that Vercorin doesn’t cater for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The steep pitches of Tracui and Sigeroulaz are really fun and are worth a few laps. Additional challenges can be found in the trees which are wide and open.
Backcountry skiers may enjoy the itinerary run between Grimentz and Vercorin. Although this does not start in Vercorin the Vallee Orzival run ends near the Tracui lift.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN IN VERCORIN
The terrain park at Vercoin is small but it has everything I was looking for. The small run of jumps is great for building confidence in the air and the ride on boxes and rails was fun not scary. For kids, the fun track which targets to ride through and big hands to high five was keeping the local school kids entertained.
VERCORIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT VERCORIN
Vercorin ski resort is mostly navigated by using either the gondola or the high-speed quad. The gondola originates at the village and allows you to ski from either the mid-station or the Crêt du Midi. The newly installed high-speed quad has replaced two concurrent surface lifts which makes the 500m journey from Tracui to Mont-Major much more enjoyable. You will also find a covered magic carpet for the beginners area, a button lift that runs adjacent to the terrain park and two further surface lifts including Cabamon which was not open during my visit.
VERCORIN PROS
Vercorin is a great ski resort to escape the crowds
Vercorin has some great groomed terrain
Vercorin ski resort is great for intermediates
The views from Vercorin are incredible
Vercorin is nearby to other ski resorts such as Grimentz-Zinal and St Luc Chandolin which are great for day trips.
VERCORIN CONS
The 35km of pistes at Vercorin may not be enough to keep you occupied for a whole week.
Vercorin lacks advanced terrain with two listed black runs.
TRAVEL TO VERCORIN SKI RESORT
Vercorin ski resort is close to the Swiss city of Sierre. Sierre is unlikely to be your entry point into Switzerland but the transport links to Sierre from major Swiss cities like Geneva are fantastic. From Sierre, you can connect to Vercorin by taking a bus to Vissoe and then onwards to Vercorin.
My preference for visiting Vercorin would be self-drive. The resort of Vercorin has a more infrequent bus schedule then nearby Grimentz-Zinal. Self-drive also gives you the freedom to explore other resorts in the Val d’Anniviers during your trip.
WHERE IS VERCORIN SKI RESORT?
Vercorin ski resort is near Sierre in the canton of Valais. This French-speaking region of Switzerland is home to many interesting ski resorts all available on the Magic Pass. Vercorin is a two to three-hour drive from Geneva airport which is likely to be your entry point.
VERCORIN SNOW RECORD
Vercorin ski resort is in an area of Switzerland renowned for the quality of its snow. The Val d’Anniviers is an area of Switzerland where backcountry enthusiasts have regularly headed in search of its famous powder snow. Bearing this in mind the stats for Vercorin on various snow record websites report between 2-3m of snowfall per winter. The lower slopes at Vercorin are covered by snow cannons which protect the runs into the village. The snowiest month in Vercorin is February.
VERCORIN LIFT PASSES
There are many great lift pass offers that will allow you to explore Vercorin and the surrounding ski resorts. My favourite of which is the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a multi-resort ski pass that covers 52 ski resorts across Switzerland. Learn more about the Magic Pass here.
The Val d’Anniviers lift pass is another great option including skiing and snowboarding at the resorts of Vercorin, St-Luc-Chandolin, Grimentz, and ZInal. You can find more information on this pass here.
For up-to-date Vercorin Lift Pass Prices check here.
VERCORIN VIDEOS
VERCORIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN VERCORIN
I was lucky enough to stay at the Swiss Peak Resort in Vercorin as a guest of @sierretourisme. The Swiss Peaks building is located right next to the gondola in Vercorin and is the perfect location to explore the resort. Even better for me was that Swiss Peak is also dog friendly so I was able to bring my dog with me.
Away from Swiss Peaks, the village is a short walk from the gondola and there are a number of other local accommodations available via the normal booking services.
SEASON DATES VERCORIN
The ski season in Vercorin runs between mid December to mid April with the snowiest month being February. I would opt to visit Vercorin mid-season so as to avoid sketchy conditions riding back down into town.
FINAL THOUGHTS VERCORIN
Vercorin shows the true value in the Magic Pass. A ski resort that I would normally have bypassed turned out to be one of my favourite stops on the road trip. Quiet, but with ample terrain to have a few days of fun, Vercorin is a resort I would advise everyone to get to if you are in the Val d’Anniviers..
NEARBY RESORTS
