Skiing in Europe4 January 2010  For skiers and snowboarders looking for some of the best places to ski, Europe ski destinations often top the list as offering great snow, well-established resorts and a plethora of off-slope activities for those who enjoy historical and cultural attractions, exceptional dining and shopping opportunities, and leisure activities when not on the slopes. Travelers planning holidays centered on skiing in Europe have several countries from which to choose, including Spain, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Italy, Andorra, Austria, Belgium and Romania. And, in each of these countries, tourists can opt for self-catering accommodations that will make their time skiing in Europe more enjoyable by allowing them to relax in comfortable, tastefully decorated surroundings that feature such luxuries as fully-equipped kitchens, private parking and laundry facilities.
France has always been a popular choice for holidaymakers interested in skiing in Europe, with some of the most popular resorts being Chamonix, Meribel, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere and Alpe d’Huez. Expert snowboarders and skiers often head for Chamonix, while traveling parties with all levels of skiers might head to Meribel, which is part of the famous Three Valleys ski domain, instead. Other popular options include La Rosiere, Savoie, Paradiski, Tignes, Chatel, Morzine and Samoens, many of which are ideal for families who want time on the slopes, as well as plenty of opportunities to snowshoe, sightsee or go tobogganing. Many resorts also have luxury spas, quaint mountain villages and a lively nightlife, offering plenty of opportunities for activities and attractions for days not spent on the slopes. Travelers who opt for Europe ski holidays in France should remember to look into purchasing lift passes that cover several resorts, which can be a convenient, money-saving option.
Travelers in search of great places for skiing in Europe that are not quite as overrun with tourists as some of the most popular resorts may find Bulgaria an ideal option. As a destination that is still growing and is in the midst of becoming a highly popular tourist mecca, Bulgaria remains an affordable, less crowded option for families, couples and groups of friends. The most popular mountain resorts for snowboarding and skiing in Europe in Bulgaria include Borovets and Bansko, both of which offer world-class slopes and luxury self catering accommodations for visitors. An added benefit of choosing Bulgaria for a ski Europe holiday is that many of its quaint, old-world villages still have their untouched charm and there are a number of cultural and historical attractions in close proximity to Bansko and Borovets. Being one of the few places in Europe where travelers can still see and experience what European life was like 100 or more years ago, Bulgaria is a popular choice for history lovers, holidaymakers that prefer a low-key atmosphere and families.
Holidaymakers that return each year for skiing in Europe are well aware of the highly popular ski resorts located in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany – and, of course, France – as these are historically the most popular ski destinations in Europe. While these five countries are generally the first to come to mind, largely due to exceptional snow, well-organized resorts and many off-slope attractions, other countries are becoming increasingly well-known as ideal destination options for skiing in Europe as well. These include Andorra, Italy, Spain and Romania. Andorra and Romania both continue to offer low prices and smaller crowds as they establish their footing in the ski holiday market and work to increase ski tourism. Spain and Italy are already quite popular with skiers and snowboarders from around the world, and each of these culturally and geographically diverse countries offers much more than just the opportunity to ski Europe. Festivals, cultural attractions, historic sites, churches and buildings, museums and markets selling handicrafts are just a few of the off-slope attractions that can be found in these two popular destinations for skiing in Europe.
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