Some 60 years have passed since I first donned skis, strapped onto lace-up leather boots, and stood in deep snow on the nursery slope behind Lech-am-Arlberg’s church in Austria. Back in the early 1960s, Austria reigned supreme as the top choice for British skiers, followed by Switzerland, while France and Italy were less considered.
Since those early days of ski tourism, the global ski resort map has drastically evolved. Today, according to skiresort.info, there are 6,146 ski resorts worldwide, with 1,333 in the Big Four – Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy.
So, which of these countries is the best for a ski holiday? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on a complex equation. Factors include snow reliability, your skiing proficiency, preferred ski terrain, desired comfort levels, dining expectations, après-ski scene, and overall cost – not just for you, but also for your companions.
Having explored a wide range of accommodations from hostels to luxurious chalets across all four countries, I’ve experienced everything from sumptuous mountain chalets to cozy studio apartments. The thrill of skiing has taken me across vast distances of piste, from gentle slopes to vertiginous couloirs where concentration is paramount.
Each of the Big Four has its own strengths and weaknesses. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a bad ski resort; some are simply better suited to certain preferences than others.
Switzerland, where modern downhill skiing originated, boasts charming villages like Grimentz and renowned resorts such as Zermatt and Verbier. However, it’s known for its high prices, even in lesser-known spots like La Tzoumaz, which offers access to extensive ski areas at lower costs.
Austria, beloved for its lively atmosphere and natural beauty, saw its skiing heyday in the 1960s and 1970s. Resorts like St. Anton and Kitzbühel offer varied terrain amid picturesque settings. Austrian hospitality shines through in family-run hotels and delightful mountain cuisine.
France, a relative newcomer to skiing, has emerged as a dominant force with its vast ski areas and purpose-built resorts like La Plagne and Val Thorens. While renowned for its excellent infrastructure and stunning mountains, prices in popular resorts like Val d’Isère have risen substantially.
Italy, with its breathtaking scenery and relaxed ambiance, offers excellent value for money compared to its Alpine counterparts. The Dolomites’ Sella Ronda circuit and resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo provide stunning vistas and diverse ski terrain, albeit with occasional reliance on snowmaking due to less consistent natural snowfall.
Ultimately, choosing the best country for a ski holiday involves weighing these factors against personal preferences and budget. Whether you prefer the grandeur of Swiss peaks, the charm of Austrian villages, the vastness of French ski areas, or the scenic beauty of Italian slopes, each offers a unique skiing experience worthy of exploration.
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