Ski resorts without crowds.
Life is busy enough without having to deal with queues and traffic jams on the mountains. Here are four of the best spots in Europe to avoid the ski crowds. In fact 4 of the best resorts in Europe full stop, and child friendly resorts too.
Cortina , Italy
Despite being popular with the rich and famous for over half a century, Cortina’s slopes can be surprisingly quiet. That’s because many of those who visit this gorgeous mountain town are more interested in shopping, dining, drinking and promenading along the piazzas in fur coats and jewellery than hitting the slopes.
Head out of town to the distant pistes of Cinque Torri, or up to the high level Ra Valles area, and you’re unlikely to be rubbing shoulders with anyone much, least of all the jet set in town.
cortina.dolomiti.org
Le Pré , France
Le Pré is an “outlier” of Les Arcs, so you wouldn’t expect it to be devoid of skiers – which to be frank it isn’t. However, it’s nowhere near as busy as you might expect since most people tend to remain closer to the main resort.
Not only that, but the black run off the top of L’Aiguille Rouge (3,225m) provides an exciting and very varied journey down to Le Pré with (arguably) the longest “vert” in Europe (2,000m), some great off-piste options to the side, and a couple of nice little bars and restaurants to greet you at the end.
lesarcs.com
Leogang , Austria
Leogang is a satellite of the big Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area, but quieter and more attractive than the main resort to the west. The slopes are also tranquil and have some of the best snow conditions in the area, although there’s not a great deal for expert skiers. Intermediates and beginners will enjoy the options however, especially as they don’t have to worry too much about other skiers careening past them.
Another big advantage of Leogang is that it tends to be cheaper than Saalbach-Hinterglemm – so that’s quiet slopes, good snow and value-for-money – what more do you need?
leogang-saalfelden.at
Monterosa Ski , Switzerland
For skiers looking to wear themselves out during the day on empty pistes and even emptier off-piste, Monterosa is a good bet – in fact ensure that you are worn out because the area’s attractive little villages have very little happening after the lifts close.
This relatively unknown corner of Switzerland is best suited to more advanced skiers looking to explore the excellent backcountry options (you can also heliski here), but if you prefer less demanding ski holidays Monterosa is still a good place to chill out and simply enjoy the superb mountain scenery.
monterosa-ski.com