 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi friends,
Where would you recommend 3 single-ladies go skiing over Christmas/NYE in Europe? We are beginner to intermediate level skiers looking for the best snow to enjoy and Christmas spirit. We like long scenic runs over daredevil drops. We are mid-30s and looking for some fun social vibes but not crazy wild party types. We'd like to visit 2-3 different locations to experience the most of Christmas culture and ski mountain resorts have to offer in Europe, could be a mix of city and mountain destinations. Any scenic train rides along the way would be an added bonus!
I've mostly skied on the West Coast of the US in fluffy powder so I'm unsure how this compares to glacier skiing, if it's mostly hard-packed I'm not sure how much fun it would be for me. Any advice, recommendations or direction where to look is greatly appreciated! Especially, if you've experienced a great resort or slope that sounds like this we'd love to hear about it  Cheers
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@FunshineCC, lots of options, so it’s impossible to know where to start. How long are you going for? Please be aware that over Christmas/NY accommodation usually books by the week Saturday to Saturday (occasionally Sunday to Sunday). It’s harder to find odd mid weekstart and end days. You need to book asap as NY week is one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Compared with North America, ski areas are significantly bigger. I can speak most about France, where staying in a ski resort usually means skiing on the doorstep. For your sort of preferences a resort in the 3 Valleys would blow you mind, there’s so much skiing.
Others will be along to recommend Austria or the Dolomites in Italy. We are all likely to say that for a 10 day-2 week trip, there’s no reason to move resorts at all.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Most European skiing is on smoothed piste except after a recent snowfall. It should be on the piste as Europe doesn’t have the concept of in bounds skiing like North America.
December normally doesn’t have so much snow, it’s the start of the season, so look for somewhere high. Like many others sadly, so it will be busy.
Pretty buildings usually means Austria or Switzerland, functional concrete with ski in-out usually means France. I’m not sure where Italy fits but definitely great food.
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If scenic trains are important, I would look at the Bernina Express which travels between Tirano in Italy and Chur in Switzerland. You could fly into Milan, ski the Italian resorts close to Tirano (Bormio, Livigno), then hop on the train and ski the Swiss resorts over the border (St Moritz, Davos, Arosa etc) and fly out from Zurich. I'm not exactly sure of logistics and havent skied on the Swiss side, but worth a look. Bormio and Livigno both have lots of very long intermediate cruising runs, excellent food and a bit of alpine charm. You'll most likely be skiing on hard packed and well groomed snow, though powder is possible. The Italian side will be a lot cheaper, the Swiss side usually has a higher chance of fresh snow.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@FunshineCC, if moving between resorts is particularly high on your agenda, then Austria is really easy to do this, because public trains and buses run to all resorts, it's quite accessible, more so than a lot of the well known French resorts, as the villages are working villages rather than purpose built ski areas.
As @Perty mentions, finding accommodation for short stays during that period will be very difficult. Things work a bit differently in Europe compared to the States in that respect.
Where we live in the Zillertal, you have 7 inidividual ski areas. 3 of these are quite small and you might not bother with, but there's 4 areas, Mayrhofen Penken, Hintertux glacier, Zillertal arena and Hochzillertal/Hochfügen.
You'd be best staying in Mayrhofen where the most is going on, and then you can use the trains along the valley to some areas, and the bus up to Hintertux glacier. This might give you the feeling of skiing different areas, but at the same time you'll be able to find accommodation for the full week.
From the states, you could fly in to Munich, and then either get a train, or a transfer bus to the Zillertal.
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Welcome to snow heads
Here are a list of resorts that come to mind for your trip
France: The 3 Vallees ( https://www.les3vallees.com/en ), this a huge linked French ski area with endless skiing, it is made up of a number of significant ski resorts linked together. You could easily spend the whole trip here. The options of where to stay are very broad but I would recommend ski in ski out accommodation in Val Thorens for the time of year because it is high altitude so you would have the best chance of good snow.
Austria: Innsbruck city destination, if you want a city base for part of your trip then Innsbruck would be a great option. You could buy the City+ pass ( https://www.innsbruck.info/en/skiing/ski-plus-city-pass.html ) and pick from the small local resorts (accessible by bus). I would recommend the Ibis Innsbruck hotel because it is located where the buses to the local ski resorts start, you want to avoid walking through the streets with all your ski stuff (it is also very close to the main rail station).
Austria: Ischgl ( https://www.ischgl.com/en/winter ), reasonably large resort with intermediate friendly slopes and excellent snow record. Main town is busy and has lots going on. This is a good option if you want to experience a bit of mainstream European ski party culture. I'd recommend this over St Anton because while St Anton is considered excellent the skiing less friendly for beginners/intermediates.
Switzerland: Zermatt, Large resort with stunning scenery (Matterhorn views), very high altitude with excellent snow. Can be accessed directly by train with lovely views on the short journey from Visp to Zermatt. Good sized village with a lot going on. Lift links to Italian resort Cervinia as an alternative less expensive place to stay.
Switzerland: Saas Fee, Medium sized ski resort with excellent scenery, high altitude so good snow. Has a chilled Swiss mountain feel. A more chilled alternative to Zermatt.
Italy: Dolomites ( https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/home ), I have never been here myself but it comes so highly recommended by others that I felt I should add it. Beautiful scenery and food comes highly recommended. From what people say the pistes are very well maintained.
Accommodation:
As many have said getting accommodation for less than a week will be a challenge in most ski resorts which tend to book Saturday to Saturday (or Sunday to Sunday). The exceptions to this are hostel type accommodation and accommodation in the bigger cities. One plan for you would be to book a full week in a large ski area and then 3/4 days in a city or in a hostel type accommodation. There are some really excellent Swiss hostels that are really like hotels for example https://www.youthhostel.ch/en/hostels/wellnesshostel4000-saas-fee
Scenic train routes, This website is extremely good for researching information on European train travel https://www.seat61.com a few options include:
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/zurich-to-innsbruck-via-the-arlberg-railway.htm
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bernina-express.htm
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/glacier-express.htm
Hope you find something that works for you
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You haven't mentioned anything about your budget. "Sky's the limit" or "keeping the costs down".
It's very late to be booking a Christmas holiday. I have accommodation booked but looked last night (French resort) for a family member who would like to join us and there was virtually nothing available.
With three of you, renting a car and driving might give you scope to stay some way from the skiing and drive to different resorts. In Italy the Aosta valley gives you this sort of possibility. In another area of Italy, flying into Venice (a great place to visit in itself) gives you access to the Dolomites.
I'd go along with the other advice above - go to one place with plenty of ski options, and stay there.
That one place could be Chamonix - flying into Geneva airport. A lively, party, town, easy to get to, and around, on busses, several different ski areas.
But - as noted - there's no guarantee of good snow so early in the season, but massive crowds pretty well ARE guaranteed everywhere, at Christmas/New Year. Is that your only option for a European trip?
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| Quote: |
It’s harder to find odd mid weekstart and end days. You need to book asap as NY week is one of the busiest weeks of the year.
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These. In popular resorts in France at least.
Also, bear in mind that European topography is often very, very different to North America. (And measured differently on numbers of lifts/runs or kms of piste, not square area - which IMV makes it a lot easier to compare). I don't know the numbers for the 3Vs, but the Portes du Soleil is something like 600kms of piste and 200 lifts across 12 resorts in France and Switzerland. The PdS is a bit low for xmas reliable snow though, compared to e.g. Val Thorens.
Val d'Isere would also be fun?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Beginner to intermediates would suggest to me probably not Val D’Isere or Zermatt. The latter in particular is amazing for scenery, but not the easiest place to get to grips with if your skills are limited and might freak you out. (plus the prices at NY would be  ). Val D is great, but easy options to ski back to the village can be hard work, even if there is plenty of intermediate skiing up high. Pricy too.
I’ve never been, but I know lots of SHs are keen on Saalbach/Hinterglemm-which I gather has Austrian charm in abundance as is intermediate friendly.
If you are coming all this way for Christmas NY, then go high. In the French end of the Alps stay at 1400m or higher and pick a resort with plenty of skiing above 2500m.
If the aim is not to freak out your beginner friends, then you could look at Courchevel 1650 (aka Moriond). Alpe d’Huez in France is great for in resort gentle slopes. You may struggle to find accommodation. Christmas week is easier. NY week…the resorts are rammed!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I would forget the Christmassy part of the criteria as it will only complicate things. You will have snowy mountains, there will be lights and fireworks on NYE and you can buy vin chaud and hot chocolate. Unless you are mad on Christmas that will be enough.
As mentioned European skiing is different to North America. If you are used to skiing fluffy powder you may be disappointed - especially at the time of year you are going. And there is the in bounds versus piste/off piste thing.
My feeling is you will be better of in Austria/Switzerland - more scenic, more trains, more social vibes.
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You know it makes sense.
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These are excellent ideas!!
I will likely be traveling 2-3 weeks (+/-Dec-15~Jan7) with the other two joining for parts of the journey. Flights into London are looking excellent, then hopping from there to the mountains is an option, if we do this then a few nights in London will be due. Otherwise there's lots of good flight options to most places to/from Orlando, my schedule is flexible so I can take advantage of non-peak days and alternate routes. I'm ready to book today, I've cleared my schedule to focus on holiday travel planning as a distraction from the Presidential election chaos.
The budget is moderate, I anticipate a mix of affordable and splurge options sprinkled throughout. We have a lot of travel points we can spend too. The more we can save the longer we can stay and play. Safety is a high priority, this might be less of a concern in Europe than the US but especially if I end up taking the trip solo.
Chamonix looks amazing but the reviews say it's more for intermediate plus skiers, can anyone comment?
As for board basis, no real preference, breakfast would be nice but open to all options. We enjoy dining and experiencing the culture. Would love to have easy access to cozy restaurants, bars, fireplaces and hot tubs surrounded by snow.
I could see us skiing in one location for a week with other stops to see different cities and culture.
THANK YOU all so much, this is my first post and I'm so impressed.
If you ever get the chance to visit Oregon for Christmas holiday in the US book a top floor room at www.timberlinelodge.com. I've done this twice, it's a historic lodge one hour from the Portland airport, reasonably priced and not too big to get too busy.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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If you are looking for something affordable for a part of the trip try UCPA https://www.ucpa.co.uk this is especially good for solo travellers. It doesn't suit everyone though because it's hostel accommodation but it includes accommodation, equipment, lift pass, food and lessons so it does work out quite economic.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@FunshineCC someone above mentioned Courchevel. It has the most flattering and groomed slopes I’ve come across in Europe, I’ve skied Colorado, in my opinion it has similar piste maintenance. A decent altitude for snow at your time and no traipsing through a town in ski boots.
1850 is famously expensive, there are cheaper options in the valley, the 3V experts here can advise.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| FunshineCC wrote: |
| Safety is a high priority, this might be less of a concern in Europe than the US but especially if I end up taking the trip solo. |
From what I know that shouldn't be an issue (bit I'm not female).
| FunshineCC wrote: |
| Chamonix looks amazing but the reviews say it's more for intermediate plus skiers, can anyone comment? |
It's a proper town and an all year town. The skiing is a bunch of unconnected areas along a valley road. For someone like yourself no need to go there for the skiing but if maybe to experience the town - although skiing wise you could do the vallee blanche which is an amazing experience available to any competent skier.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Quote: |
If you ever get the chance to visit Oregon for Christmas holiday in the US book a top floor room at www.timberlinelodge.com.
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Is the maze still open!?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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No maze.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Always difficult to make suggestions to questions like this, because there are so many disparate requests. However if it is your first time skiing in Europe I would go for one of the big name large resorts, like Three Valleys or Val d'Isere/Tignes in France (but not Chamonix!) or equivalents in Austria. However those do tend to be more expensive places, and you have chosen probably the most expensive time of year.
As others say, you are unlikely to be skiing on icy glaciers (unless you want to) but you will be on groomed pistes unless snow has fallen in the morning since the groomers finished work. And most places are well provided with long scenic runs.
Christmas culture is a tricky one, ski resorts not surprisingly tend to prioritise skiing over pretty Christmas stuff (though all or at least most will have decorations up). If that is important, the suggestion by @luigi of staying in a town like Salzburg and taking the train each day to the ski area might suit. Innsbruck might work similarly.
Scenic train rides says Switzerland to me. If money is no object start with St Moritz and take the Glacier Express to Zermatt (flying in and out of Zurich, with train connections at each end). But quite a lot of other Swiss (and Austrian) resorts can be reached by train, not as many in France or Italy.
In the end though you have to make a choice, out of plenty of options. If it is for this Christmas/NY though, you might be constrained by where you can book nice accommodation.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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A heads up that travel points may not help that much, depending on where you are going, because esp in Austria & the Dolomites most hotels are independent/family-owned.
However one place you CAN use travel points is the Cambrian in Adelboden, in the Bernese Oberland. It's owned by Marriot, so I hope you have a lot of Bonvoy points, as it has the big plus of not being locked into the Sat-Sat 7 night minimums others have already mentioned. It's an amazing design-y hotel with one of the most Instagrammable pools in the Alps. If you have a good stash of points, would be a good way to get around the difficulty of finding/expense of hotel rooms over Xmas (and I checked on their website - there are definitely rooms available over Xmas though I didn't check for New Years.) In general, Adelboden did not look particularly expensive for lodging, although eating out has always struck me as really expensive vs in the Dolomites. It'll be worth going for half board hotel should you go to Switzerland...
Have hiked in Adelboden 2x but not skied in winter, so the other Snowheads would be able to confirm whether my impression that it's good intermediate cruise-y terrain that's a bit disjointed is accurate.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Munich is a long way from the mountains.
Zurich is much closer and just as many flights. Geneva is another possibility.
Traveling by train to the mountains is quite easy in Austria and Switzerland. I don’t know enough about France and Italy.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@FunshineCC, Salzburg is a lovely place but unfortunately that means it gets completely overrun with folk wanting to fill up their Instagram & Tik Tok threads. Also note that the Christmas markets are in fact Advent markets and practically all close by Christmas Eve latest. Personally would avoid Salzburg and look at Innsbruck, not quite as pretty but far less crowded. If you are wanting to see a few areas then Switzerland & Austria probably work better than France because most places can be easily reached on public transport (usually a train station in or near to the village). In terms of suggestions in Austria Zell is a good one as Zell is linked to the large area of Saalbach Hinterglemm. Kitzbühel is worth a visit (direct train from Zell). The Zillertal has a number of areas along the valley plus the villages are linked by a narrow gauge railway. St Anton is probably Austria's best known (& best though subjective view!) area, train station in the centre of the village for long distance international trains using the very scenic Arlberg route, it will be crowded & expensive and best suited to those who like "sporty" skiing. In Switzerland Grindelwald / Wengen is beautiful and very much based around trains (the world's most expensive train journey up to the Jungfraujoch - no skiing up there!), Zermatt is very much a must, getting to Davos can involve a very scenic train trip (Landquart viaduct etc) but none of these places can be described as budget!
In terms of logistics agree Zürich is ideal (fly from London City airport not the mess of Heathrow) and then say base yourself in Innsbruck (train from Zürich) and choose places you fancy and can find accommodation. Some areas are part of the North American pass set ups but can involve staying at certain (expensive hotels). I think your biggest challenge will be finding suitable accommodation.
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| FunshineCC wrote: |
| @luigi Is it possible to get around by train or would a car be needed? |
If you fly transatlantic direct Orlando to London around 15th Dec, stay a few days in London, then onto Salzburg, you will catch the Christmas markets before Xmas week, though contrary to popular opinion in Salzburg they do remain open throughout the Xmas period right up to Jan 1st.
https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/salzburg-christmas-market
OK, it will be busy there because it's a photogenic place that attracts visitors, but surely that probably only adds to the festive atmosphere!  
There is an efficient train system in Austria & Switzerland. Obviously they don't run everywhere, but then there's usually a bus to connect. You can get to Zell am See by train. Depending on where your hotel is, you might need a short taxi ride.
Hiring a car obviously gives you full independence, but adds the complication of finding places to park it and driving about in snowy conditions. I would say it is unnecessary and uneconomic for a solo traveller in Austria or Switzerland.
One thing that is true, that you might struggle to find a suitable hotel for Xmas/New Year at this late stage. @munich_irish has outlined a few alternatives in Austria & Switzerland.
There are lots of ways you could do this trip, as you can tell from the many suggestions, but ultimately will come down to what you find available. The aim would be to get to your chosen ski resort on Sat 21st and book a week Saturday to Saturday as that's the way most hotels in ski resorts in Europe operate, especially on peak holiday weeks.
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much  on Wed 6-11-24 20:58; edited 4 times in total
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You know it makes sense.
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| abc wrote: |
Munich is a long way from the mountains.
Zurich is much closer and just as many flights. Geneva is another possibility.
Traveling by train to the mountains is quite easy in Austria and Switzerland. I don’t know enough about France and Italy. |
If you re-read the thread, the OP is flying out of Orlando and has found direct flights to London at a sensible price.
There are no direct flights Orlando to Munich, Zurich or Geneva, the only other direct options are Frankfurt or Amsterdam, so if she needs a connection, she might as well go via London rather than a US hub, then she can fly to a greater choice of onward destinations and spend some time in London. I suggested Salzburg for its charm, but agree there are other option dsepending on hotel availability at this late stage.
| FunshineCC wrote: |
These are excellent ideas!!
I will likely be traveling 2-3 weeks (+/-Dec-15~Jan7) with the other two joining for parts of the journey. Flights into London are looking excellent, then hopping from there to the mountains is an option, if we do this then a few nights in London will be due. Otherwise there's lots of good flight options to most places to/from Orlando, my schedule is flexible so I can take advantage of non-peak days and alternate routes. I'm ready to book today, I've cleared my schedule to focus on holiday travel planning as a distraction from the Presidential election chaos. |
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@FunshineCC, OK, so just been checking what's about Xmas week (21st-28th Dec) and it's not too bad...so here's a selection of nice hotels in good locations accessible from Salzburg...
Zell am See right by the ski runs: https://www.booking.com/Share-QP7WnF
Saalbach Spa hotel: https://www.booking.com/Share-I7kEevQ
Saalbach, a less pricey option: https://www.booking.com/Share-juqsP8q
Zauchensee ski village, right by the ski runs: https://www.booking.com/Share-pEULTx
Obertauern, reasonably priced boutique style hotel: https://www.booking.com/Share-7TRWOI
I've not stayed in any of them, so not personal recommendations, but all look nice and well located for skiing.
Single occupancy is rarely much cheaper than double, so if you are willing to share with a friend, it will halve the cost to you.
The first result on each link is the one I am suggesting, but as you can see there are quite a lot of options still available in these and other resorts at varying pricepoints, higher and lower, so hopefully you can find something you like in your budget, or maybe you can find something where you can use your loyalty points?
Then feel free to come back here for feedback, even start a new thread with a specific question for more views.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Wed 6-11-24 21:00; edited 5 times in total
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Poster: A snowHead
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This would put you in the thick of it in Salzburg 18-21 Dec: https://www.booking.com/Share-ERgY5Na
I used Booking.com for simplicity of search, but you might find you can book direct with the hotel or use a different booking engine.
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FAQ
.unless you want to attend midnight mass with the locals 
