Thanks to fantastic tools like the PistePro piste maps project, finding your ideal ski destination has never been easier. Making that final decision can still need a bit of fine-tuning though so here’s a round-up of three popular ski resorts that are swooping up to the top of people’s wish lists.
Niederau: Popular if you’re looking for an affordable family ski resort
Skiing with the family is something special and picking a great resort is the first step to making all those snow-packed memories. One of our favourites is Niederau. Set in the Wildschoenau valley it’s packed with Tyrolean charm and perfectly placed to enjoy the Ski Juwel ski area. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere is ideal for families and there’s a good number of pistes that are perfect for beginners. Prices are reasonable and things like free ski passes and free Wi-Fi on the slopes all help keep costs down.
La Plagne: Popular if you’re looking for a snow-sure ski resort
If you’re looking for a quick break and want the best possible chance of being able to hit the slopes, head for La Plagne. With over 70% of its pistes at over 2000m it’s as near to snow sure as you can get. Beginners will find the perfect place to hone their skills at Belle Plagne, while experts will relish the black run challenges at Bellecote and La Plagne main bowl has super wide motorway pistes that are just perfect for pepping up your carving skills. There are lots of hotels and self-catering accommodation options and if you’re a keen skier looking for a more permanent base there’s some great ski chalets and apartments for sale.
Samoens: Popular if you’re looking for a ski resort with old-style charm
If you’re looking for a ski destination that has more than a smattering of old-style charm, Samoens is hard to beat. A maze of sixteenth-century streets and pretty buildings, the town is a great holiday spot for skiers and non-skiers alike. There are oodles of shops, pretty domed chapels to explore and a weekly farmers market where you can stock up on all that gorgeous Savoyard produce. It’s got easy access to the 265km of pistes that make up the Grand Massif Ski area where everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy the slopes which include the challenge of the notorious Black Styx run. It’s part of the prestigious Famille Plus Montagne collection of resorts too, so you know you’re in a place that will be enjoyed by everyone.
