Anyone who has ever skied down a mountain in the high snow, breathed in the cool, clear air and enjoyed the unique view, will never want to do anything else again. A winter vacation on the slopes is an incomparable experience. But where is the best place to go?
Whether skiing, sledging or snowboarding - from beginner to pro - we have picked out the 6 most impressive slopes in Europe. Among them is a ski area that has even attracted James Bond.
For beginners - lots of blue slopes and ski schools
If you're going on your first skiing vacation, you should travel to an area where there are lots of "blue slopes". The markings - blue, red, black - indicate the level of difficulty of the slope in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Blue is suitable for beginners, you can ski on red slopes with a little more experience and only those who are absolutely confident on their boards should dare to ski on the black slopes. In France, beginners should keep an eye out for "green slopes". It is also always an advantage if you start at a ski school to familiarize yourself with all the techniques and get a first feel for "leisurely slopes."
#1 Liftverbund Feldberg
With 65 km of slopes, the Liftverbund Feldberg is the largest ski area in Germany. 27 km of pistes are marked blue - making them ideal for beginners. Probably the most beautiful descent is the floodlit slope, which takes you from 1,450 meters down to the valley.
Of course, a skiing vacation is all about the slopes. However, the weather also plays a decisive role. The good news: on the Feldberg - which is idyllically located in the Upper Black Forest - you have the best chance of having plenty of sunshine and wonderful snow at the same time. February in particular is known for its above-average number of sunny days and the snowiest weeks. And if Mother Hulda doesn't come by, around 20 kilometers of the slopes can be artificially snowed
Our insider tip for all those who want to leave their skis behind and try out
especially fun toboggans: At
Spass-Park Hochschwarzwald the Zipfelbob, the Kuhfladen toboggan and snowtubes provide huge fun for the whole family.
#2 ski resorts in Carinthia
In Carinthia, ski beginners and returnees will find exactly what they are looking for: powder snow, fantastic mountains with blue slopes,
40 ski schools and relaxing thermal baths after a strenuous day on the slopes.
What you can only find at Turracher Höhe: the Pistenbutler. These are ski guides who know the most spectacular places, the most rustic huts and all the wishes of ski vacationers. For 20 years, they have acted as the region's trademark and look after the well-being of guests with sun cream, handkerchiefs and - if desired - Prosecco.
If you've been skiing amidst mighty three-thousand-metre peaks over gentle crests but want to try something different the next day, we recommend a few hours on a frozen natural lake. Under the open sky, for example, you can skate on the largest frozen natural ice surface in Europe - the Weissensee . And join the good-humored hustle and bustle of ice skaters, field hockey players and ice skaters.
#3 Savognin in the Swiss Alps
There are 600 ski resorts in the Alps. For beginners, Savognin in Switzerland in particular is a true Eldorado of blue slopes, which offer plenty of space to comfortably ski down the slopes. The widest piste that you should not miss out on is the Heidi piste. Here you can enjoy the Carving practicing - in other words, cornering on the edge.
Are you out and about with an adrenaline junkie - or even one yourself? In Savognin, there is a permanent race track with timing system below the mountain station in Somtgant. Whether alone or as a group - enjoy the absolute giant slalom here, which is also suitable for beginners.
For pros - want more adrenaline in the snow?
Higher, faster, steeper - that's the motto of the black slopes. You should really only get on your skis here if you are absolutely experienced and confident. If this is the case, you can look forward to a dizzying gradient:
#1 Hollywood slope on the Kaunertal Glacier
Vin Diesel in Triple X, Daniel Craig as James Bond - the Kaunertal Glacier offers so much action that Hollywood stars have already stood in front of the camera here and couldn't stop being amazed.
On one slope, however, only the greatest stunt men and women dare to go: the Black Ibex. On a gradient of 87%, it takes strong nerves, a lot of experience and the right equipment to get down safely. However, everyone who makes it down agrees: the view is worth all the adrenaline.
But even if you're not an action hero, you can still ski on the Kaunertal Glacier. There are also plenty of blue and red pistes, as well as a children's park and many ski schools for practising.
#2 Longest black run in Sarenne
The longest black run in the Alps can be found in the Alpe d'Huez ski resort in France. The Sarenne winds its way down the Pic Blanc for 16 kilometers, where you can unpack your carving skills. You leave 1,800 meters of altitude behind you and you have to be aware: once you get going, you can't stop.
EIt's not the gradient that makes the Sarenne a black run, but the length, where there are neither lifts to turn around nor ski huts to take a breather.
However, you'll get your rest when you reach the bottom. And you're sure to be hungry. Head to one of the numerous restaurants in Alpe d'Huez - such as the "Taverne des Bergers", which serves home-made French specialties.
#3 Streif in Kitzbühel
It is considered the most dangerous downhill in the World Cup. When the pros ski down here, they reach speeds of up to 145 km/h. It is an incredible spectacle to watch. For 'normal' skiers, the Strip in Kitzbühel is also passable - provided they are really experienced. Some passages are not groomed. With a slope gradient of up to 85%, a Pistenbully has no chance here
If you want to 'warm up', you have a good chance of slowly feeling your way up to the difficulty level of the Streif. In the surrounding KitzSki area, there are 16 more black pistes among the countless routes.
With the live cams, you can also see what the weather is like in advance.
Other winter vacation destinations
Do you love the snow and like to be active outdoors - but it doesn't always have to be on skis on the slopes? A winter vacation in Scandinavia is an experience like no other.
Whether it's ice fishing, dog sledding, summit ski tours or snow hiking - everything is possible here. You can find our 5 tips for your winter vacation in Finland & Co here.
