The winter season is as attractive for diving into white landscapes and romance as skiing on smooth slopes. Especially considering that Europe is prosperous in winter tourism destinations and routes, white adventures are inevitable.
The old continent is a paradise of sea, sand, sun, natural beauty, and climatic features that reflect the winter spirit. You can relax in the white landscapes or adventure with your skis.
In this article, we will take you to the ski resorts in Europe and let you experience winter sports. If you want to plan a ski vacation, you already know where to find cheap flights.
If you’re ready, let’s get started and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Europe’s most beautiful ski resorts, but first, let’s learn a little about the history of skiing.
History of Skiing
The history of skiing goes back a long way. Ski equipment and materials similar to today were first used by hunting communities in Siberia, Mongolia and Altai.
The first skis were known to have been made of ash, pine, and Betula trees and covered with leather to make them more slippery. Some wooden ski remains found in Sweden are thought to be more than 4,000 years old.
Since the 15th century, skis have been used for military purposes by Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Poland. They were first used for sporting purposes in 1866 when the first ski competitions in history were organized.
However, the real interest in skiing began in the 1880s, when the famous Norwegian traveller Fridtjof Nansen crossed Greenland on skis and described his experience in his book “Skiing in Greenland.” In 1896, Czech ski pioneer Mathias Zdarsky laid the foundations of Alpine Skiing and revolutionized it.
In the 20th century, ski clubs were established in Europe and the USA. 1924, the International Ski Federation was founded, and skiing was included in the Winter Olympics.
Now that we have discussed the history of skiing let’s talk about the best European ski routes and the stops we have chosen for you. Here are the winter tourism and winter sports itineraries we have selected for you:
Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel, France
Les Trois Vallées is a ski area in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of France, partly south of Moûtiers in the Vanoise National Park. It includes Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thrones and Belleville and is famous for its 600 km ski slopes.
This route, considered among the best ski resorts in Europe, attracts attention with its structure suitable for every budget. The Courchevel Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the world.
When you come to Courchevel, one of the first places that come to mind regarding winter tourism, you can sip a warm drink and hit the slopes whenever you want. Choose the most suitable accommodation and get ready for your adventure. An unforgettable experience awaits you.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is a city in the state of Tyrol in western Austria. Founded on the foothills of the Hahnenkamm Mountain, this city looks like something from the Middle Ages. Kitzbühel, which has managed to preserve the texture of the past, is also one of the popular winter tourism destinations in Europe.
It used to be a very mysterious town. However, with the railroad’s arrival in the 19th century, the region developed and advanced in trade and industry. Later, the opening of ski slopes became a winter tourism paradise.
Although the region is known for its winter sports, it also offers many other sports activities, including tennis and automobile races.
Start packing your skis; an exciting journey awaits you.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a small town in Switzerland, in the canton of Valais. Located in the German-speaking region of the country, Zermatt is situated in the Swiss Alps. An ideal destination for ski slopes and mountain climbing, Zermatt is one of the most essential winter tourism destinations.
Famous for its summit, the Matterhorn, the region has long hiking routes and meadows. Surrounded by Switzerland’s highest and most majestic mountains, the pistes have varying difficulty levels. The total length of the pistes in Zermatt, which has breathtaking views, is 360 km.
One of the interesting details about the region is that most people here do not use any vehicles. In other words, this place is perfect for travellers tired of big city life and wanting to escape the crowds, traffic and noise.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Cortina for short, is one of the world’s first ski resorts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Dolomites region in the southern part of the Alps, Cortina is an indispensable stop for winter sports due to its unique nature.
Cortina, one of the leading ski resorts in Europe and the world, is fascinating not only in winter but also in spring and summer. In addition to skiing, the region offers many different sports, such as trekking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Covering an area of approximately 250 square kilometres, Cortina is a unique tourism paradise with its mountain villages, pistes and exceptional facilities. You can reach the “Queen of the Dolomites” region in Italy by transferring from Venice.
Kopaonik, Serbia
Kopaonik is the largest ski resort in Serbia. It is also considered one of the best ski resorts in the Balkans, as it is located in one of the region’s most magnificent mountains.
In addition to skiing, there are also sports activities such as ice skating, paragliding, and snow sledding. Kopaonik has more than 20 slopes, which offer magnificent views under the snow. ATVs and mountain bikes are also very popular here.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko, one of the most popular ski resorts in Eastern Europe, is at the foot of Pirin Mountain. It is the biggest ski resort in the Balkans. There are 18 different pistes for both beginners and experienced skiers. Since there are snow machines, it is possible to ski even when there is insufficient snow.
The 65-km-long ski centre is open between December and May. In winter and spring, it offers different activity opportunities for families with children and those who want to have fun. If you want to fuel your passion for adventure while enjoying the magnificent mountain air, Bansko is for you.
Bakuriani, Georgia
Bakuriani Ski Resort is located on the northern slope of the Trialeti Mountain Range, 3 hours from Tbilisi. As the host of the 2023 Snowboard Freestyle and Freeskiing World Championships, it has satisfying pistes. Initially developed as a training ground for Soviet athletes, it was later opened to tourism. If you are looking for a place with better service, you may prefer Gudauri. Of course, it might be a bit more expensive than Bakuriani.
