It’s the most wonderful time of the year – ski season is fast approaching. And if you fancy something a little different this winter, these ten snowsports adventures across Europe’s tallest mountains, wildest corners and best villages for foodies are just the ticket (or should that be lift pass?).
The European Bucket List of Ski Adventures
1, Ski the Via Lattea, Italy
The Via Lattea in Italy is one for your skiers bucket list. The name of this vast ski area translates as the ‘Milky Way’ in English and spans over 400 kilometres, offering a mix of gentle runs and challenging slopes that wind through charming Alpine villages like Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx as well as ranging up high-altitude slopes with reliable snow throughout the season and along tree-lined runs offering magical descents through snowy pines. Sno offer all inclusive ski packages to Sestriere.
2, Go heliskiing, Switzerland
After an adrenaline hit? Heliskiing in Switzerland is the ultimate winter destination for adventure seekers – just imagine soaring in a helicopter over stunning alpine peaks before landing on untouched snow high in the mountains. Popular Swiss heliskiing spots such as Verbier and Zermatt offer breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, adding to the thrill of the descent. The combination of awe-inspiring landscapes, remote terrain, and the sheer freedom of skiing untracked powder makes heliskiing in Switzerland a bucket-list experience for any serious skier, and Leo Trippi’s luxurious accommodation is perfect to come home to after your adventure.
3, Hit the pistes at night, Poland
if you’re watching the pennies or just fancy exploring somewhere different, pack your mittens and head to Zakopane, Poland where Snomads run two laid-back chalets that make the perfect base for exploring the Tatra mountains. Ski under the stars on Zakopane’s night slopes – the magical atmosphere of skiing in the dark with just the lights of the piste guiding your way is an enchanting experience, and you can warm up with a mulled wine at a mountain hut afterwards.
4, Try ski touring in Crans Montana, Switzerland
The resorts of Crans and Montana in Switzerland have the answer for keen ski touring beginners who aren’t sure where to start – their clutch of mapped ski touring routes may be wild and remote, but they are signposted and easy to navigate, so that even if you don’t know the hill well or don’t have much experience with skins on, you’ll be able to explore far from the confines of the pistes. Dedicated rental shops offer touring kits.
5, Ski the Fjords, Norway
For a once-in-a-lifetime ski adventure head to Norway’s Lyngen Alps, where you can ski directly from snow-capped mountains down to the shores of stunning fjords. Guided ski tours take you across pristine wilderness, with the chance to catch the Northern Lights shining above you at night. Combine skiing with sailing between fjords for a unique Arctic experience.
6, Try Snowkiting, France
Fancy combining skiing with the thrill of kite surfing? Snowkiting is the way to go. In Serre Chevalier, you can catch the wind and glide across snowy plains with a kite pulling you along. It’s a quirky mix of adrenaline and wild nature, perfect for those looking for an alternative snow sport or who want to mix up their love of water sports with snowsports.
7, Après in St Anton, Austria
Who says a ski holiday has to be all about skiing from first lift to last lift? Après-ski in St. Anton is legendary, offering the perfect blend of lively atmosphere and Alpine charm. As the sun sets over the Austrian Alps, skiers and snowboarders gather at iconic spots like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh, where music pumps, drinks flow and revellers dance in ski boots until well after the lifts have closed. Sno offer all-inclusive chalets in St Anton that make great party bases.
8, Go mountain-hopping, Scotland
It’s easy to forget that you can ski right here in the UK – Scotland may be better known for whisky and wild landscapes but when snow conditioners are right it’s also perfect for a unique and rugged winter adventure. The Scottish Highlands boast five ski resorts, including Glenshee, Cairngorm, and the Nevis Range, each providing thrilling runs and breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks when there’s been decent snowfall. Cairngorm is known for its challenging runs, while Glencoe offers off-piste terrain for freeriders.
9, Go Backcountry Skiing in Gudauri, Georgia
For a skiing adventure off the beaten track, travel to Gudauri in Georgia. This high-altitude resort offers incredible off-piste and backcountry skiing opportunities in the lesser-known Caucasus Mountains. Powder lovers can explore wide open slopes and book affordable heli-skiing experiences. Gudauri is a fantastic option for those looking to escape Europe’s crowded resorts while still enjoying top-tier skiing. Beyond the slopes you can unwind tired ski muscles in a traditional sulfur bath.
10, Explore the wild on skis, Sweden
Avoid the crowds of the Alps and explore off the beaten track by heading north to ski in Sweden. Åre offers everything from mellow cross-country skiing to extreme off-piste terrain – this charming village lies in the heart of Sweden’s stunning wilderness, with 100 ski runs and endless snowmobiling trails on your doorstep. At night, the chance to see the Northern Lights over snow-covered forests is a magical bonus.
