Europe's Hidden Skiing Gems
Our Ski Specialist Adam has put together a guide to our European Ski Gems, which all offer genuine and immersive winter experiences.
If you're looking for somewhere different to experience this Winter, why not visit one of our hidden ski gems in Europe. Think crackling fires, friendly locals, great cuisine & quiet pistes.
The well-tended, sun-facing slopes at the Alta Badia ski area contribute to making this an unforgettable outdoor experience, at the foot of the Dolomites. Image: Alto Adige Martketing/Alex Filz[/caption]
This laid back, relaxed Italian resort is a real food lover’s paradise where the dining is taken even more seriously than the skiing. Now in its 10th year, the ‘Sciare con Gusto’ (Skiing with Flavour) initiative has reached legendary status. Mountain huts participating in the programme offer an individual dish, lovingly created by some of the top Michelin-starred chefs in Italy. For a one of a kind experience combining the passions of skiing and gastronomy, travelling on skis between several mountain huts to sample as many dishes as you can is highly recommended and offers a truly unique dining experience.
For wine lovers, skiing with a sommelier dressed in waistcoat and bow-tie (them, not you), is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. They will guide you through the mountains to various huts where you will sample a number of different wines. You might not clock up a huge amount miles on the GPS ski tracker, but will it really matter after the 4th or 5th wine?
The local Alta Badia ski area offers excellent beginner and intermediate terrain while the larger Dolomiti Superski is perfect for exploring the best skiing the region has to offer. The famous Sella Ronda circuit and the Marmolada descent (12km) are an absolute must for any skier visiting this area.
Image: Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus[/caption]
Andermatt is a classic and historic Swiss ski town undergoing a dramatic transformation. Famous historically for its off-piste and advanced ski terrain, there has been massive reinvestment in Andermatt in recent years. Thanks to major development, Andermatt’s ski area is now connected to neighbouring Sedrun, opening up a huge expanse of beginner/intermediate terrain in between.
The opening of the 5* Chedi Hotel in the village centre has brought a spectacular luxury stamp of approval to Andermatt, making this resort a fantastic hidden gem. The Chedi Hotel is inspired by Asian luxury design features and combines these with the natural elements and woods more commonplace in the Swiss mountains. Having personally experienced this stunning hotel, I can confirm that this a fusion that undoubtedly works well. Upon arrival, there is a serene sense of calm running throughout the hotel. A feeling more synonymous with a luxury spa than checking in to a mountain ski hotel. With its Michelin-starred authentic Japanese dining, a 5 metre high cheese room, a cigar library and a truly magnificent and extensive spa, it really is a spectacular resort and hotel pairing.
Image: Megève Tourisme - Simon Garnier[/caption]
Hosting its first ski competition as early as 1914, Megève is a historic ski destination oozing tradition, charm and sophistication.Famed for attracting well-heeled clients, Megève’s traditional medieval town centre offers a charming stroll down cobbled streets and past delightful patisseries, luxury boutiques and inviting restaurants.
The ski area offers excellent intermediate piste skiing with a variety of tree lined slopes and open bowls across a generous 400km of terrain.
There’s an endless choice of top quality 5-star accommodation on offer in Megève. From the Hotel Les Fermes de Marie to the brand new Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, the latest addition to the Four Seasons portfolio, you’ll be sure to find an accommodation option which lives up to your dreams!
Overall Megève works exceptionally well for those looking for a relaxed all round ski destination where a day’s skiing is often punctuated by savoriness the finer things in life. Possibly an on mountain champagne stop, a long leisurely lunch and by finishing your day with a spot of luxury shopping before a truly spectacular dinner.
Want to find out more? Speak to one of our Ski Specialists by submitting an enquiry online, or by calling 0131 243 8097.
San Cassiano
Nestled amid the spectacular and dramatic scenery of the Dolomites, San Cassiano is truly a hidden gem. [caption id="attachment_11569" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The well-tended, sun-facing slopes at the Alta Badia ski area contribute to making this an unforgettable outdoor experience, at the foot of the Dolomites. Image: Alto Adige Martketing/Alex Filz[/caption]
This laid back, relaxed Italian resort is a real food lover’s paradise where the dining is taken even more seriously than the skiing. Now in its 10th year, the ‘Sciare con Gusto’ (Skiing with Flavour) initiative has reached legendary status. Mountain huts participating in the programme offer an individual dish, lovingly created by some of the top Michelin-starred chefs in Italy. For a one of a kind experience combining the passions of skiing and gastronomy, travelling on skis between several mountain huts to sample as many dishes as you can is highly recommended and offers a truly unique dining experience.
For wine lovers, skiing with a sommelier dressed in waistcoat and bow-tie (them, not you), is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. They will guide you through the mountains to various huts where you will sample a number of different wines. You might not clock up a huge amount miles on the GPS ski tracker, but will it really matter after the 4th or 5th wine?
The local Alta Badia ski area offers excellent beginner and intermediate terrain while the larger Dolomiti Superski is perfect for exploring the best skiing the region has to offer. The famous Sella Ronda circuit and the Marmolada descent (12km) are an absolute must for any skier visiting this area.
Andermatt
[caption id="attachment_11570" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image: Andermatt-Urserntal Tourismus[/caption]
Andermatt is a classic and historic Swiss ski town undergoing a dramatic transformation. Famous historically for its off-piste and advanced ski terrain, there has been massive reinvestment in Andermatt in recent years. Thanks to major development, Andermatt’s ski area is now connected to neighbouring Sedrun, opening up a huge expanse of beginner/intermediate terrain in between.
The opening of the 5* Chedi Hotel in the village centre has brought a spectacular luxury stamp of approval to Andermatt, making this resort a fantastic hidden gem. The Chedi Hotel is inspired by Asian luxury design features and combines these with the natural elements and woods more commonplace in the Swiss mountains. Having personally experienced this stunning hotel, I can confirm that this a fusion that undoubtedly works well. Upon arrival, there is a serene sense of calm running throughout the hotel. A feeling more synonymous with a luxury spa than checking in to a mountain ski hotel. With its Michelin-starred authentic Japanese dining, a 5 metre high cheese room, a cigar library and a truly magnificent and extensive spa, it really is a spectacular resort and hotel pairing.
Megève
[caption id="attachment_11571" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image: Megève Tourisme - Simon Garnier[/caption]
Hosting its first ski competition as early as 1914, Megève is a historic ski destination oozing tradition, charm and sophistication.Famed for attracting well-heeled clients, Megève’s traditional medieval town centre offers a charming stroll down cobbled streets and past delightful patisseries, luxury boutiques and inviting restaurants.
The ski area offers excellent intermediate piste skiing with a variety of tree lined slopes and open bowls across a generous 400km of terrain.
There’s an endless choice of top quality 5-star accommodation on offer in Megève. From the Hotel Les Fermes de Marie to the brand new Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, the latest addition to the Four Seasons portfolio, you’ll be sure to find an accommodation option which lives up to your dreams!
Overall Megève works exceptionally well for those looking for a relaxed all round ski destination where a day’s skiing is often punctuated by savoriness the finer things in life. Possibly an on mountain champagne stop, a long leisurely lunch and by finishing your day with a spot of luxury shopping before a truly spectacular dinner.
Want to find out more? Speak to one of our Ski Specialists by submitting an enquiry online, or by calling 0131 243 8097.