'Where is the best place in the world to ski?' This simple question is, in actuality, fairly difficult to answer as every skier and snowboarder has their own favourite destination; while some will wax lyrical about the joys of skiing in the States, others will vocalise their support for Canada or Japan. Although all three of these destinations are home to some amazing resorts, in this article we put forward our case for Europe being the ski capital of the world.
While summer dreams of laying on the beach surrounded by sun, sea and sand lean towards Barbados or the Mediterranean, winter flights of fancy about skiing find the day dreamer whizzing down the Alps, or enjoying a thrilling descent in Scandinavia. This reputation has meant the likes of Austria, Switzerland and France provide the best luxury ski holidays for snow lovers from around the globe.
It's easy to see why, too; the sheer variety of mountain ranges, scenery and testing runs means, somewhere on the continent is the perfect ski holiday for everyone. Les Gets in France, for example, is the perfect destination for beginners and families; the gentle descents make for the perfect learning slopes and, what's more, the resort setting is picture perfect.
For those wary of keeping to a rather tight budget, some rewarding bargains are also available, particularly in and around Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria is just one of many snow havens available at prices that won't break the bank. After all, snow is snow. It's just as white here as anywhere else and the crèches and ski schools for children make it the perfect holiday destination for families.
Another popular option in Eastern Europe is Kranjska Gora in Slovenia; like many resorts in this area, it is relatively undiscovered and, therefore, considerably cheaper. The hills form a pleasing backdrop to a picturesque village and allow you to take your learning at your own pace, away from the hustle and competition of some of the more famous slopes.
No mention of snow sports in Europe is complete without at least a cursory nod in the direction of Val d'Isere. Boasting 97 lifts and the opportunity to ski at altitudes approaching 3,500 m; Val d'Isere is, quite simply, everything to all skiers. From the adrenalin pumping off-piste runs to the waist high Solaise bumps above the village, there is something for all tastes and desires.
For those for whom it is time, rather than money, which is the determining factor then it is hard to look beyond the convenience and efficiency of heading elsewhere in France, specifically Chamonix. A touch over an hour's drive from Geneva, Chamonix is the perfect destination for a ski weekend or quick break. Situated snug beneath Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, such is the quality and diversity of slopes available that snow lovers everywhere travel far more arduous journeys to reach them. It doesn't all end with the setting of the sun either. Home to some of the coolest bars in the Alps, in terms of both temperature and atmosphere, Chamonix is a lively, vibrant town with over 100 restaurants.
In terms of accommodation, the quantity of high class ski chalets littered around Europe have been an iconic depiction of skiing holidays for generations and has even seen them overtake hotel rooms as the location and base of choice for skiing enthusiasts. The numerous benefits of staying in a chalet rather than a hotel during a ski holiday include a greater sense of freedom and the ability to holiday at your own pace. No restraints and headaches caused by confined and cramped living quarters can make all the difference to your holiday. After a hard day on the slopes, you'll be glad of the comfort!
Whether you're an experienced snow hand heading around Europe in search of a new thrilling adventure, or simply an interested beginner looking for that perfect first run, Crystal Ski are on hand to offer all kinds of invaluable advice and tips in terms of both destination and the finer details of what's available upon arrival.
Of course, this is just our opinion; to be able to judge for yourself whether Europe truly is king of winter sports you'll need to visit some of the other resorts around the globe, and with package deals available to the USA, Canada and Japan this is now even easier than ever before.