Ski resorts are present in many countries. Sometimes they can be found even in relatively warm states - for example, skiers have long chosen the French Alps. Unfortunately, some countries are deprived of mountains, or they are not suitable for mass skiing and snowboarding. For example, there are very few such suitable mountains in our country, despite its huge territory. Therefore, we have to look for an option abroad. Let's look at the best ski resorts that offer maximum pleasure and comfort.
Top ski resorts
Zermatt, Switzerland
What is Switzerland famous for? Perhaps a mechanical clock, cheese and an ideal banking system. And in this country you can go to the mountains, some places in which have long been adapted for tourists. In particular, thousands of beginners and experienced skiers per year are taken by the Swiss village of Zermatt. It is located near the giant mountain Matterhorn. It is here that is the second largest elevation difference, contributing to almost instant speed. Everything is in order here and with the living conditions, although no one denies the fact that a hotel room will cost you a pretty penny.
Tourists love this place for nothing. There are regular snowfalls here. Therefore, in this place you can not see a terrible picture when there is simply no snow cover. Yes, and go on fresh snow is always nicer than stale. In short, this is an ideal option for those people who are not limited in their means!
Advantages:
- The almost complete absence of cars;
- Regular snowfall lasting several days;
- Excellent conditions for tourists;
- Large elevations will be enjoyed by experienced snowboarders;
- Great view of the Matterhorn mountain and its surroundings.
Disadvantages:
- Significant financial resources are required;
- The resort is hard to get.
Selen, Sweden
If you are just learning to ride a snowboard or ski, then you should definitely visit Salen. This is a real ski resort consisting of four villages: Lindvallena, Tandadalena, Hundfjollet and Hogfjollet. And only the slopes of Tandadalena are difficult to pass. The remaining routes are much more gentle. This allows beginners to get used to snowboarding or skiing without fear of a serious fall at high speed. It also makes the descent longer, which is also important.
As for Tandadalena, here you can find the most difficult Scandinavian route called “The Wall”. Salena resorts also offer many other attractions. For example, here you can ride a dog sled or try ice karting. Underwater fishing is available here.
Advantages:
- Many gentle slopes, ideal for a beginner;
- The complex occupies a fairly large area;
- There is the most difficult ski route in Scandinavia.
Disadvantages:
- Not much fun, except for descents.
Yllas, Finland
It is easiest for Russians to get to Finland than to farther Sweden or expensive Switzerland. There are also several ski resorts here. The biggest of them is Yllas. But it is primarily intended for those people who go skiing or snowboarding for a very long time. The fact is that the height difference here can reach 500 meters - this is an absolute record! Of course, there are small routes for beginners. For them, here are the relevant schools. But the main descent you just will always beckon to him. And at the same time you will be very scared to try to conquer it!
On the slopes of this resort, international competitions on supergiant slalom and Super-G are regularly held. Therefore, before planning your trip, you should clarify whether the route will be free for ordinary tourists. This, of course, in the event that you are going to conquer the main slope. More gentle places are usually not involved in sportsmen. Yllas also has cross-country ski runs.
Advantages:
- There is a route with a height difference of 500 meters;
- There is an extensive system of cross-country ski trails;
- Beautiful landscape;
- Good living conditions;
- Many instructors who want to help in the development of snowboarding;
- The trip can be relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes the main slope is occupied by international competition;
- Not very many gentle slopes suitable for beginners.
Chamonix, France
One of the most famous ski resorts. It can also be considered elite - the cost of services here is very high. Guests can ride on a variety of tracks. There are also routes for beginners, where you can not pick up a particularly high speed, and extreme slopes, which only professionals can go down. In Chamonix there is the longest track in Europe - its length is 22 km, and it is called the White Valley. Almost all slopes begin at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level. Of course, the resort is able to please the developed infrastructure and comfortable accommodation.
Advantages:
- Huge money was invested in the construction of the resort;
- Comfortable housing;
- Many tracks for different tastes;
- Extreme slopes are present;
- There is a 22-kilometer flat track;
- Theoretically, here you can meet famous personalities.
Disadvantages:
- Very high prices.
Hemsedal, Norway
Want to climb as high as possible? Then you need to head to Norwegian Hemsedal. This is the highest mountain resort in Scandinavia. When you come to this place, a comparison with the Alps immediately suggests. The resort is located in the west of Norway. About two thousand people live here. But the local population is often lost on the background of a huge number of visiting fans to ride snowboards and skis. There are not only the usual slopes, but also jumps with a full snowpark. And here there is a huge children's area in which you can learn to skate and even jumps at a very young age.
Advantages:
- There is a children's area with a large amusement park;
- Gentle slopes, which will appeal to beginners;
- A great snowpark has been created;
- Beautiful alpine landscapes.
Disadvantages:
- If you have breathing problems, it is better not to visit the resort.
Les Arcs, France
The real center of European snowboarding. A huge number of people who like to ride boards from various slopes regularly come here. In total, four districts are currently part of Les Arcs: Arc-1600, Arc-1800, Arc-2000 and Arc-1950. Of course, skiers are also welcome here, although their number is decreasing every year. Here you can have fun for the newlyweds, and children, and young people, and older people. In a word, it is a universal resort, which offers both skiing along the slopes and off-piste skiing. And it is equipped with two excellent snow parks, a large number of schools for snowboarders, bars, restaurants, cinemas and night discos.
Advantages:
- The most different types of entertainment;
- Built two snowpark;
- The resort consists of four districts;
- Many slopes of different levels of complexity;
- Off-piste riding available;
- There are 13 schools for snowboarders.
Disadvantages:
- Prices can not be called low.
Ischgl, Austria
Another resort, primarily intended to be visited by snowboarders. But he is already much less expensive and, oddly enough, a little more cheerful. The fact is that there is a huge snowpark Borders Paradise.It consists of many springboards, a half pipe and obstacles. All this allows you to practice the ability to manage the snowboard for both beginners and advanced athletes. Of course, there are traditional tracks here, ideally prepared by the owners of the resort. Basically, they should appeal to novice snowboarders and skiers. But there are several extreme slopes.
Advantages:
- There are no complaints about the preparation of the tracks;
- Ideal conditions for snowboarders;
- A giant snowpark has been created;
- Good living conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Skiers may not be delighted.
Soldeu, Andorra
An ideal place for beginners and skiers. The fact is that this resort is literally replete with gentle slopes with wide rollouts on the plateau. There are many turns and hummocks, for the study of which not even an entire week is enough. But not only the blue and red tracks famous Soldeu. There are also black descents, which are extreme - only 22 of them. All of them have different degrees of difficulty, such slopes should brighten up the leisure of any experienced skier. Without snow in the winter, this resort will never remain - at least 420 snow cannons begin to work.
Advantages:
- Very beautiful surrounding landscape;
- Many slopes for beginners, just mastering the ski or snowboard;
- Just in case there are snow cannons on the tracks;
- Equipped with extreme trails with varying difficulty passing.
Disadvantages:
- Few entertainments, not concerning descents from mountains.
Which ski resort to choose
1. If you are not limited in your financial opportunities, we recommend visiting the Swiss village of Zermatt. There are ideal conditions for living and for skiing or snowboarding. Nature regularly supplies this place with snow, so the resort does not practically suffer from its lack.
2. Another high-priced ski resort is French Chamonix. It is known worldwide, therefore, actors, musicians and sportsmen often come here. There is a large number of tracks of varying complexity, and the quality of service exceeds all expectations.
3. Swedish Salen can advise both experienced skiers and beginners. The first will conquer the incredibly difficult track “Wall”, while the second will like a large number of gentle slopes, on which you rarely accelerate to high speed.
4. Yllas is the easiest for Russians to visit, as this ski resort is located in Finland. It occupies a large area, and is visited by residents of all of Europe and even some other continents. The main difference of the resort is in the track with a record height difference. In this regard, a visit to this place is not recommended for beginners, although they can find here and instructors, and several relatively gentle slopes.
5. Hemsedal has two major virtues. First, it is the highest mountain resort among those that are located close enough to Russia. Secondly, this is the best place to visit for the whole family. Be sure that children will definitely enjoy the area specially designed for them with an amusement park and simple slopes.
6. European snowboard enthusiasts often visit Les Arcs, a complex of four districts located in France. There are many specialized schools, a couple of snowparks have been built, and there are also the simplest places of entertainment - discos, cinemas and more.
7. Ischgl is considered one of the most fun resorts for snowboarders. There are not only traditional slopes, but also a large snow park. In it, you can not so much ride as practice your skills. You only need to go here with an action camera, as you will definitely want to take off all your stunts!
8. A paradise for beginners and snowboarders is Soldeu, located on the territory of Andorra. There is a huge number of safe gentle slopes with twists and bumps. But extreme lovers are not forgotten either - 22 black tracks are waiting for them.
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