The Best European Ski Destinations

When temperatures drop below zero degrees and we are all under the influence of cold, the mountain slopes become our favorite place to play and the ski outfits are in great demand

Whether you are an expert of skiing, whether it is the first time you have the courage to experience this sport, you're definitely looking for the most beautiful place were to do this.

And Europe has much to offer: breathtaking view, quality ski slopes for both experts and beginners, small charming cottages with a lovely architecture and why not the best hot chocolate prepared with milk fresh from the Alps. We selected five of the most beautiful European mountain destinations that you should not miss this winter.

La Grave, France – is the place to be for ski lovers all over the world, as it has it all 7,000-vertical-feet of glaciers, cliffs, couloirs, and no-fall zones. An expert or a beginner, it is definitely a must see. A 12th century village tucked into the French Alps about an hour from Grenoble, La Grave is a 500-person town with an intimate family feel.

Kitzbühel, Austria – the place where in Each January, over 80,000 ski-racing fans pack Kitzbühel to watch the world’s best skiers tackle what is largely considered the hairiest and most prestigious downhill race on the World Cup circuit.

Verbier, Switzerland – the perfect place if you are looking for winter sports with a glam touch. The hotels, restaurants, and nightlife are sophisticated and the lifts are fast and offer easy access to 254-miles of slopes and off-piste zones like Bec des Rosses, a hairy, roughly 50-degree face accessed from the Mont Fort tram.

Alagna, Italy - situated in northern Italy, on the southern side of the Monte Rosa Massif, the rustic farming village serves up a mountain with serious exposure, one gondola, and access to two additional ski areas, Champoluc and Grissoney.

St. Anton, Austria – is charming slope-side town steeped in alpine tradition, St. Anton offers almost 200 miles of runs, roughly 440 miles of back- and side-country terrain, and a raging après scene.