Planning a ski vacation but not sure where to go? This article features some ski resorts that are popular amongst both, professionals and hobby skiers alike. From the most spectacular views to the places with the best runs, least waits and deepest powder, read on to find out more about some of the top ski resorts across Europe.

Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
This is a world famous ski resort. Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of Europe's most rugged sports resorts. Its Vallée Blanche, a 12-mile run is among Europe's longest trails. For the truly adventurous, there is backcountry skiing, hang gliding and ice climbing opportunities. It also has a packed winter agenda featuring Christmas celebrations, figure skating, speed skating and ski jumping events.

Find out more at http://www.chamonix.com/

Courchevel, France
Imagine 1,304 acres of mountain entirely dedicated to winter sports. That’s Courchevel for you. One of the resorts with the largest linked ski area in the world, the Trois Vallees, the Courchevel boasts of 150 kilometres of downhill pistes, served by 62 chairlifts, to get the most out of your day’s skiing. Beginner or pro, you’ll find an itinerary to match your level.

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Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina D'Ampezzo is one of the best ski regions in Italy. It’s located in the Dolomite Mountains in northeast Italy and surrounded by the rocky Dolomite mountain range.  Skiers can enjoy over 350 kilometres of slopes in 90 ski regions. For those looking for variety in their winter holiday, look no further. Activities here include bobsledding, snow rafting and high-speed tobogganing.

http://www.cortina.dolomiti.com/

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Jung Frau Region, Switzerland
This is your opportunity to ski in a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its natural beauty. Located in the German-speaking heart of Switzerland, Interlaken offers winter sport's fans access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, with their base in a service-packed small city in a spectacular lakeside setting. The Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 160 Km (100 miles) of trails in ski centers above Grindelwald are all linked to Interlaken by a mountain railway included in a ski pass. With the pass, you can ski in a different ski area every day for a week.

http://www.how2ski.com/

Gstaad, Switzerland
Surrounded by some of Switzerland's finest alpine scenery, Gstaad lies in the south west of the country, about two hours' drive from Geneva or Zurich on the boundary between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alpes. Gstaad is a charming, car-free village. In winter, this magnificent ski area is served by about 60 ski lifts. Cable cars ferry you into the mountains - and the local tourist travel pass, the Gstaad Easyaccess Card will offer you great value for money.

http://www.magicswitzerland.com/

Zermatt, Switzerland
This charming winter wonderland is one of Europe's premier winter playgrounds. The fairy-tale setting is home to a village of Swiss chalets, narrow streets, crystal clear streams, timbered homes and balconied hotels. Access to this village is only by train. Here three major ski areas provide terrain for skiers of various levels.

http://www.zermatt.ch/

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Lech/ Zurs, Austria
Traditional in style yet modern in service and amenities, this region is what resorts try to emulate when they strive for the Austrian “look.” Tons of skiing opportunities abound in this region. Separated by miles of snow fields, peaks and passes, the towns here are all linked by shuttlebuses, lifts and a single Arlberg ski pass to form a skiing wonderland for intermediate and expert skiers. Once remote—and inaccessible after heavy snow—the area is now only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Zürich Airport and less than two hours from Innsbruck.

http://skisnowboardeurope.com/

Kitzbuhel, Austria
Kitzbühel was one of the first truly international resorts and still draws visitors from all over the world. The resort draws a combination of Europeans who love the tradition and party-loving young skiers and snowboarders for whom nightlife is prime. There are resorts in the Alps with better snow and more imposing mountains, but this large town is known for its beautiful combination of Tyrolean charm, liveliness, and easy access from Munich.

http://www.kitzbuehel.com/

Ischgl, Austria    
Ischgl and Galtur located in the Asutrian Tirol are in a mountain range known as the Silvrettas. The ski terrain of 200 kms is entirely skiable with one convenient ski pass and consists of the villages of Ischgl, Galtur and the Swiss village of Samnaun. The Silvrette Arena in Ischgl-Samnaun has 39 lifts and ropeways and 215 kilometres of ski runs. The Austrian village Ischgl is renowned for its charm and late-night partying

http://www.skiaustria.com/

Solden, Austria
Sölden is Austria’s first winter sports resort to offer the keen skier 3 superbly developed three thousand meter high mountains, known as the BIG3. Even on ice-cold days fun and action are guaranteed at the ice skating rink located next to Sölden's sports field. The common ski pass for the ski areas of Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl comprises of 67 mountain lifts and 257 km of immaculate slopes. The ski resort is a popular party destination for young people and unsurprisingly après ski parties abound.

http://www.soelden.com/

Sidd Lobo

Freelance writer  

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