Hordes of skiers flock to the best-known resorts in the Alps every year. There's a reason they're so popular, and you know you're guaranteed to get top-notch skiing, après-ski and accommodation. But you also know there's no way on earth you'll have the pistes to yourself. You know you can expect long queues at the lifts, and you know you'll be lucky if you get a spot on the crammed mountain terrace. So, why not try out one of these ski resorts off the beaten path? They may not have hundreds of kilometres of pistes or the latest snowmaking infrastructure, but in exchange you'll get a relaxing ski holiday and probably more skiing in the end, as you won't have to queue! Here are five of our favourite lesser-known skiing destinations in the Alps.
Samoëns is the only ski resort village in France to be classed as a "Monument Historique", with a historic town centre ringed by imposing stone houses that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Grand Massif Express takes skiers and snowboarders to the slopes in a jiffy. Samoëns is part of the Le Grand Massif linked ski area, which is one of the larger ski areas in France with around 265km of slopes. Beginners will feel at home on the blue pistes of the Tête des Saix (2118m), while intermediate skiers can tackle the 14km run down to Sixt Fer à Cheval or the Combe de Gers.
Austria is one of the most popular skiing destinations in Europe, but there are still a few ski towns that have survived the invasion by the masses. [IL:ATTIRO166] is one such town. This typical Tyrolean village lies in the heart of the Wildschönau valley and is a perfect spot for families, beginners or anyone seeking peace and quiet who doesn't feel the need to rack up the piste kilometres. Romantic and charming, with a healthy après-ski scene, Niederau has its own little ski area on the slopes of the Markbachjoch (1500m) and the Lanerköpfl (1621m). The beautiful piste #15/16 (the Gipfel-Hochberg piste) is perhaps better for more advanced skiers, but beginners will find plenty of easier slopes directly next to the village. Niederau also offers a 6km-long toboggan run for the smaller members of the family to get their adrenaline kicks. The ski bus takes you in a jiffy to Auffach, where you can explore the rest of the slopes of the Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area.
This hidden gem in the Valle d'Aosta is an Italian village with a church, a charming village square and authentic stone and wood chalets. Champoluc is part of the Monte Rosa ski area, which offers almost 180km of slopes, including some long valley runs and great off-piste terrain. Imposing peaks measuring over 4000m cast a watchful eye over the town, which has a decent selection of restaurants and bars.
Saint Martin De Belleville exudes Savoyard charm with its lovely wooden houses and baroque 17th-century church. With access to the entire Les Trois Vallées ski area, but half the crowds compared to villages like Les Menuires and Val Thorens, Saint Martin de Belleville offers an affordable, relaxing way to spend ski holidays in this massive French linked ski area. Take the Saint Martin Express 8-person gondola and the entire ski area is at the tip of your skis. Will we visit Courchevel or head towards the Cime Caron?
The Austrian town of Turracher Höhe consists of a collection of attractive hotels and chalets clustered around a frozen mountain lake. The perfect place for a group ski holiday, Turracher Höhe offers skiing on both sides of the lake, with around 40km of slopes to explore. Slopes are always quiet and queueing is minimal. But the best thing about skiing at Turracher Höhe? The free ski butler! Look for people handing out free sweets, sunscreen or prosecco on the slopes!
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
