The Best Countries for a Ski Vacation

There are few more romantic scenes than taking in a snow capped mountain by the warm glow of a roaring fire. While ski holidays are indeed active and adventurous, they also have the potential to be some of the most romantic getaways available.

For instance accommodations like ski chalets in La Rosiere offer some of the most stunning accommodation options around thanks to the simple fact that the surrounding landscapes are serene and stunning, and there’s nothing more romantic than finding a secluded spot, with a warm fire and a gorgeous view.

If you’re looking for a great place to go skiing this season, the following countries are some of the best in the world for a romantic ski vacation.

Canada

Canada boasts some of the best ski destinations in the world, and whether you’re looking for alpine, cross-country or heli skiing in BC, there’s something for everyone at most ski resorts – even for children and non-skiers.

The most popular Canadian ski destinations include Whistler, Banff, Mount Tremblant and Le Massif, and non skiers can enjoy activities throughout the country such as dog-sledding, tube park, zip trek, snowcat tours, and visits to the trendy shops and eateries in each ski Village.

Italy

Italy’s high-altitude ski resorts promise a combination of great conditions, excellent value and a stylish atmosphere.

This is where the residents of Europe flock to ski, and offers a more laid-back atmosphere than those of the competitive slopes in Switzerland and France.

The main ski destinations throughout Italy include Passo Tonale, Alagna and Cervinia, though for beautiful scenery and variety of terrain, none of them rival the the Dolomites.

Switzerland

The jagged borders of Switzerland contain vast numbers of worthwhile ski resorts. But before heading off to the mountains make sure you know what kind of experience you’re looking for.

For instance do you prefer to schuss down a Swiss mountainside in relative isolation or accompanied by many other skiers? How chic and how expensive do you want your vacation to be? Do you pursue sports other than skiing (perhaps hang gliding, curling, ice-skating, or tobogganing)? Or do you want to go where the locals ski.

And after a day in the great outdoors, do you prefer to retire early to a simple mountain hut with a view of the stars, or do you yearn for late nights with the glittering demimonde of Europe?

Ski resorts in Switzerland are as varied as they come, catering to all tastes and budgets, though some of the more popular ski destinations include Grindelwald, Gstaad/Saanenland, Mürren,  Verbier, Zermatt and St. Moritz.

France

When it comes to skiing, France is one of Europe’s top destinations, and the country offers the broadest range of skiing opportunities in Europe and some of the world’s best ski runs.

It is on the French-Italian border that the Alps reach their peak, blanketed by an eternal snow from the summit of Mont Blanc, 4,810 m (15,781 ft) above sea level.

Popular ski areas in France include La Rosière, the Three Valleys, the Portes du Soleil, and the newly created Paradiski Area which links La Plagne and Les Arcs with the Espace San Bernardo.