Ski Resorts off the Beaten Track
Feel like you’ve skied it all? If you’re on the hunt for new mountains to roam, look no further. We’ve teamed up with Heidi.com to give you the lowdown on where to go off the beaten track.
Freeride fiend? Trade in Chamonix for Jasna, Slovakia
Chamonix was the birthplace of Alpinism. It’s renowned for backcountry missions and high-mountain adventures. Only problem is, access to these adventures comes with a hefty price tag; the lift pass will set you back. For a more wallet-friendly powder-fest, Slovakia's Jasan is a great alternative. Host to Freeride World Tour qualifiers, it's renowned for some of the best back-country skiing in Europe. Go full charge.
Fan of the finer things? Swap Val d'Isere for Baqueira-Beret, Spain.
Baqueira-Beret is loved by locals and the resort of choice for the Spanish Royal Family. It’s a premium resort, yet surprisingly good value. It differs from Val d'Isere, in the sense that the slopes are less crowded, the queues are smaller and you’d be swapping tartiflette for tapas. So, if soaking up authentic Spanish vibes while sipping on a Sangria sounds like your thing, Baq’s the place for you.
Like having access to a big ski area? Exchange Les Gets for Morillon.
Les Gets is a popular base for those wishing to ski the Portes du Soliel ski area. However, there are other, vast ski areas that get overlooked. Grand Massif is a massive ski area, which can be easily accessed from Morrillon. Expect mile after mile of tree-lined runs. Grand Massif also gets more frequent dumps of snow. Morillon is slightly smaller than Les Gets, but this means that the lift pass is more affordable.
If you like getting high in snowsure Tignes, try Isola.
Tignes is highly-sought after due to its high altitude, which ensures snowsure skiing. If you’re looking for another snowsure option, try Isola, a resort situated in the Southern Alps. A sun-drenched resort that receives great snowfall, even in January. Beginners and intermediates will love the ski-in-ski-out accommodation, and powder-hungry humans have plenty to choose from. Whilst Tignes is bigger, Isola has a considerably shorter transfer time- 1h 15m vs 3h 30m - making it ideal for a quick mid-week or weekend ski trip.
In it for the fancy digs and spa sessions? Swap Zell am See for Seefeld.
Whilst Seefeld ski area is a tiny bit smaller than Zell, it more than makes up for it with Austrian charm, luxury hotels and a lower price tag. Liftpass and accommodation is not as pricey and the transfer time is also just 30 minutes from Innsbruck!
In it for the Apres antics? Instead of St Anton, give Gerlos, Austria a chance.
St Anton is famed for its Apres scene, but if you’re on the search for a new party destination, try Gerlos. Gerlos may be lesser-known, but rest assured, there’s Apres aplenty. Upbeat mountain bars get the party going with lively sundowners in the afternoon, and pumping dance floors will keep you dancing til dawn.
Looking for a picturesque getaway? Try St Johann in Tirol, Austria, as opposed to Kitzbuhel.
St Johann is an ancient mediaeval mining town. It’s insanely beautiful, with onion-domed churches and fresco-painted buildings. The pistes are tree-lined and boast amazing views over the Tirol mountains. Ideal for a charming and cultural ski getaway.
And finally, for a bonus off-piste swap, leave Chamonix behind and try Engelberg, Switzerland.
Another option is Engelberg. It’s popular in Europe, but word hasn’t quite spread to the UK yet. There’s a perfect mix of insane freeride terrain and more beginner-friendly slopes, meaning that everyone’s happy. If you’re a foodie, Engleberg hosts 16 mountain restaurants that serve delicious Swiss cuisine.