January 2020
When it comes to unforgettable ski holidays, snow is, of course, a hugely important factor. While we can’t guarantee the snow for your holiday, choosing a high-altitude resort will certainly up the chance of good snow conditions, especially if planning an early or late season trip.
Les Arcs. Image: Pete Webb
Discover our pick of Europe’s most snow-sure destinations below:
Val Thorens
Val Thorens. Image: C.Cattin
As the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens sits at an impressive 2,300m, enjoying a great snow record and a long ski season that runs from late November to early May. With 99% of its pistes above 2,000m, Val Thorens and the Three Valleys even offer a ‘Snow Guarantee’, whereby your lift pass will be refunded on any day another resort in Europe has a higher number of open, linked pistes (conditions apply).
Tignes-Val d’Isère
Tignes-Val d’Isère Ski Area
The mighty Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area is famous for having some of the most reliable snow in Europe, thanks to its high altitude and multi-directional snowfall from both the French and Italian Alps. This epic ski area boasts fantastic glacier skiing, an average snow depth of over two metres on its highest slopes and excellent snow making facilities.
Zermatt
Zermatt - Riffelalp Resort 2222m
Sitting in the shadow of the magnificent Matterhorn, the skiing in Zermatt is just as breathtaking as the scenery. It’s one of the best places to go for early season ski holidays, with frequently reliable snow cover by early December. How does Christmas in a picture-perfect Swiss ski resort sound?
Verbier
Verbier. Image: Verbier Tourism/Melody Sky
The most popular resort in Switzerland’s largest ski area, the Four Valleys, lively Verbier offers some of the most snow sure – and picturesque – slopes around. The resort’s highest slopes on Mont Fort average a snow depth well over two metres, and extensive snowmaking facilities mean you can book an early or late season holiday with peace of mind.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d'Huez. Image:Laurent Salino
Reaching a heady height of 3,330m, the extensive slopes and towering glacier of sunny Alpe d’Huez are some of the safest bets in France, with lifts generally opening in early December. Where better to attempt the longest black run in the Alps, the daring 16km Sarenne run?
Les Arcs
Les Arcs. Image: Andy Parant
The pistes of Les Arcs rise to an impressive 3,200m with Arc 2000 (the highest of the four resort bases) in particular offering outstanding doorstep skiing. Linking with La Plagne to form the vast and diverse Paradiski area, a whopping 70% of runs are above 2,000m. This combined with a great snow record makes Les Arcs a great snow sure destination.
Feeling inspired? Get in touch with our team on 0131 243 8097, use our live chat feature, or submit an enquiry online.