Every year, as soon as the ski season begins, the question becomes relevant: where are the best slopes, the most beautiful landscapes, clean air and excellent infrastructure?
Consider the top ten ski resorts in the world, which everyone who loves snow, skiing and snowboarding must visit.
10. In tenth place French Meribel (Meribel)
There are a wide variety of tracks in terms of difficulty and stunningly beautiful landscapes of the French Alps. Both lovers of well-groomed trails and those who prefer skiing on virgin lands go to Meribel. The total length of the resort's tracks is 150 km.
9. Next - the resort of the French Alps - Chamonix (Chamonix)
One of the most visited ski resorts in Europe. The legendary "White Valley" is located here - this is 20 km of virgin soil for fans of off-piste skiing. Chamonix has all the necessary modern infrastructure, which is not reflected in the splendor of the surrounding nature. The length of the tracks is 170 km.
8. In eighth place Austrian Zell am See (Zell am See), Kaprun
Here you can experience all the charm of high-class Austrian ski slopes and excellent service for a relatively moderate fee. The entire ski world calls Zell am See the "European sporting region". It is noteworthy that skiing on the Kaprun glacier is year-round. The resort has 58 tracks with a total length of 130 km.
7. In seventh place is a magnificent Swiss resort Zermatt (Zermatt)
The total length of the marked trails of the resort is 200 km, and 21 km are available for skiing in the summer. Here is the highest lift station - Klein Materhorn (3885 m). The skiing area is stunningly picturesque, Zermatt is surrounded by three alpine peaks: Dom, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn. For environmental reasons, road transport is prohibited in the resort.
6. The sixth place is occupied by the Canadian Olympic region Whistler Blackcomb (Whistler Blackcomb)
This is the first ski resort in Canada. The local slopes may well compete with the most popular in the world. Helicopter tours that deliver skiers to the virgin lands are very popular with tourists. There are soft slopes and ski schools for beginners and children. The infrastructure of the resort is equipped at the highest level.
5. In fifth place world famous Aspen (Aspen), USA
Prestigious, expansive and scenic, this resort brings together four isolated ski areas - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, all linked by free bus services. The length of the tracks in Aspen is 200 km. The resort offers not only a developed ski infrastructure, but also a lot of other entertainments.
4. The fourth place in the rating is given to the Swiss resort St. Moritz (St. Moritz)
This is the most aristocratic and one of the best Alpine resorts. Members of royal families, politicians, billionaires and show business stars rest here. The high cost does not scare off tourists - one and a half million people visit St. Moritz every year. Fans of extreme sports are attracted by the possibility of descending from Mount Corvatsch (3300 m). The total length of the resort's tracks is 350 km.
3. French opens the top three Val d'Isere (Val d'Isere)
Together with the Tignes Val d'Isere ski resort, it is part of the famous Espace Killy ski area, offering skiers and snowboarders over 300 km of perfectly prepared slopes of varying difficulty. Off-piste skiing in Val d'Isere takes place in incredibly picturesque places and gives fans a lot of pleasure.
2. In second place is the fashionable and world famous Austrian resort St. Anton (St. Anton)
It was here that the world's first ski school was opened in 1922. And here are the most expensive ski hotels in Austria today. St. Anton is a true paradise for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski area for beginners is very small. The total length of the tracks is 276 km. There are also ample opportunities for off-road skiing. The resort has five ski schools. And for fans of snowboarding, the Rendl Beach fan park is equipped with many elements: trampolines, half-pipes and others.
1. The leader of our rating is the Austrian resort Lech (Lech)
It is part of the Arlberg region in western Austria. Arlberg is the cradle of alpine skiing, with 276 km of pistes today. The rich and famous as well as ordinary ski lovers come to Leh for skiing. The ski slopes will satisfy the needs of both experienced athletes and beginners. Lech is the snowiest resort in Austria, so the tracks remain ideal throughout the season.
Not surprisingly, most of the top ski resorts are located in Austria. This direction from year to year becomes the best according to the results of the vote of the National Geographic Traveler Awards.