The Alps are world-renowned for their stunning mountains, snow-capped peaks and world-class skiing ski resorts. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, you probably have a list of go-to ski resorts in the Alps that you frequent each season. Many skiers flock to the popular and well-known ski resorts, overlooking the hidden gems of smaller, lesser-known ski resorts. Here are ten small, snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps that should not be overlooked:
La Rosière, France
Located on the French-Italian border, La Rosière offers a unique skiing experience with a mix of French and Italian culture. The resort has 160km of piste, including tree-lined runs and wide-open slopes. The Espace San Bernardo ski area offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and snow-sure skiing from November to May.One of the most exciting ski runs in La Rosière is the Le Roc Noir, which is a black run that starts at the top of the Roc Noir chairlift, at an altitude of 2,800 meters. It is a challenging run that offers a thrilling descent through steep and varied terrain.
Obertauern, Austria
Situated at an altitude of 1,740 meters. Obertauern is a popular ski resort that offers a ski season from November to May. Obertauern is a snow-sure resort in Austria that is often overlooked in favor of more well-known resorts. The resort boasts 100km of piste, with an elevation of up to 2313m. The resort’s long, wide slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediates. One of the most exciting ski runs in Obertauern is the Gamsleiten II, which is a black run that starts at the top of the Gamsleiten II chairlift, at an altitude of 2,313 meters. The Gamsleiten II offers a thrilling descent through steep and technical terrain. The run is known for its steep gradient, with an average incline of 45 degrees and some sections reaching 60 degrees. This makes it one of the steepest runs in Austria.
Montgenevre, France
Montgenevre is situated at an altitude of 1,860 meters above sea level and offers a ski area that ranges from 1,860 to 2,750 meters above sea level. This high altitude means that the resort benefits from a long ski season, typically running from mid-December to late April. The resort’s location on the Italian border means that it receives snow from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic weather systems, which helps to ensure good skiing conditions. The Olympic run is the most famous and challenging ski run.. This slope was used during the 2006 Winter Olympics and offers a challenging run for experienced skiers. The slope is 2.5 kilometers long and has a vertical drop of 440 meters. The run starts at the top of the Chalvet mountain and winds its way down to the village of Montgenevre. The slope is steep and includes a number of sharp turns, making it a thrilling ride for experienced skiers.
Champoluc, Italy
Champoluc is a small, charming resort in the Aosta Valley of Italy. The resort offers access to the extensive Monterosa ski area, which has 180km of piste. The resort’s highest point is at 3275m, ensuring snow coverage throughout the season. The resort’s slopes cater to all levels of skiers, and the off-piste skiing is exceptional. The Couloir Ventina is a steep and narrow chute that offers a challenging and exciting descent through technical terrain. The run starts at the top of the Crest chairlift and requires a short hike or skin up to the entrance of the couloir.
Engelberg, Switzerland
Engelberg is a picturesque ski resort located in the heart of Switzerland, it is a hidden gem that offers some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps. The resort has 82km of piste, but the off-piste skiing is where Engelberg truly shines. The resort’s highest point is at 3020m, and the snow coverage is guaranteed from November to May. One of the most exciting ski runs in Engelberg is the Laub, which is a black run that starts at the top of the Titlis Rotair cable car, at an altitude of 3,020 meters. The Laub run is a challenging run that offers a thrilling descent through steep and technical terrain. The run is known for its steep gradient, with an average incline of 35 degrees and some sections reaching 40 degrees.
Valloire, France
Valloire is a small, charming traditiona ski resort located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. One of the defining features of the resort is its high altitude. The village sits at an altitude of 1,430 meters, and the skiing goes all the way up to 2,600 meters, providing skiers with plenty of vertical drop and varied terrain to explore.The high altitude of Valloire ensures that the resort has a long and reliable ski season, typically lasting from mid-December to mid-April.The resort has 150km of piste and the resort’s slopes cater to all levels of skiers. One of the most exciting ski runs in Valloire is the Aiguille Noire, which is a challenging black run that starts at the top of the Crey du Quart chairlift, at an altitude of 2,800 meters.
Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland
Val d’Anniviers is a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps that offers incredible skiing for all levels. With 220 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 3,000 meters, Val d’Anniviers boasts fantastic snow conditions throughout the season. One of the most thrilling slopes in the area is the Tsapé black run, which offers a steep, challenging descent through the trees.
La Norma, France
Located in the Savoie region of France, La Norma is a small ski resort with 65 km of slopes that offers a great varietyfor all levels. The village sits at an altitude of 1,350 meters, and the skiing goes all the way up to 2,750 meters, La Norma boasts excellent snow conditions throughout the season, even in leaner snow years. One of the most interesting slopes in the area is the Fontaine Froide black run, which offers a thrilling descent through a narrow valley.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is a charming ski resort in the Otztal Valley of Tyrol, Austria known for its reliable snow conditions. The ski season here runs from November to May, and the resort’s altitude ranges from 1,800m to 3,080m. With 110 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 3,080 meters, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl boasts fantastic skiing possibilities throughout the season. One of the most interesting slopes in the area is the Hohe Mut red run, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Passo Tonale, Italy
Passo Tonale is a small ski resort located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy that offers excellent skiing possibilities for all levels. With 100 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 3,000 meters, Passo Tonale boasts great snow conditions throughout the season. One of the most exciting slopes in the area is the Paradiso black run, which offers a challenging descent through steep terrain.
Les Carroz, France
Les Carroz is a picturesque ski resort located in the Haute-Savoie region of France that offers a great variety of slopes for all levels. With 265 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 2,500 meters, Les Carroz boasts excellent snow conditions throughout the season. One of the most interesting slopes in the area is the La Tête des Saix black run, which offers a challenging descent through steep terrain.
Arosa, Switzerland
Arosa is a charming ski resort located in the Swiss Alps that offers a great variety of slopes for all levels. With 225 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 2,865 meters, Arosa boasts excellent snow conditions throughout the season. One of the most interesting slopes in the area is the Hörnli black run, which offers a challenging descent through steep terrain.
Isola 2000, France
Isola 2000 is a small ski resort located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France that offers great skiing possibilities for all levels. With 120 km of slopes and an elevation of up to 2,610 meters, Isola 2000 boasts fantastic snow conditions throughout the season. One of the most thrilling slopes in the area is the La Face black run, which offers a steep, challenging descent through open terrain.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia offers an altitude range of 2,050m – 3,883m. It’s ski season covers November to May. Cervinia is a classic Italian ski resort with stunning views of the Matterhorn. With high-altitude skiing on the Plateau Rosa glacier, the ski season here is long and reliable. The Ventina is an exciting slope that starts at the top of the Plateau Rosa and takes you all the way down to the village of Cervinia – a vertical drop of over 2,000 meters! This is a must-do run for confident intermediate and advanced skiers. Cervinia also offers some great off-piste skiing opportunities, particularly on the glacier.
Please note that due to climate change temperatures has risen and snowfall has been decreasing, impacting snow quality and leading to a shorter ski season in the Alps. Ski resorts are feeling the effects of this change, with some starting later and closing earlier than usual.
What to look for
When searching for a snow sure ski resort in the Alps, there are a few key things you should look for to ensure that you have the best possible ski experience. Here are some factors to consider:
Look for a ski resort that has a high altitude, as this typically means more snow and a longer ski season. Generally, the higher the resort, the more likely it is to have good snow conditions. A good benchmark to look for is a resort with a base elevation of at least 1500 meters.
The location of a ski resort can also impact its snow reliability. Resorts that are located on the northern side of the Alps tend to receive more snow than those on the southern side. Additionally, resorts that are located in valleys or on the leeward side of mountains may be more sheltered from the wind and have better snow conditions.
The orientation of a ski slope can also impact its snow reliability. North-facing slopes tend to hold snow better than south-facing slopes as they receive less direct sunlight and are therefore less affected by warming temperatures.
In conclusion
The Alps offer a wealth of exciting ski runs for skiers of all levels. From the challenging off-piste runs in Champoluc to the steep black runs in Engelberg and Valloire, there is no shortage of thrilling descents to be had. These lesser-known ski resorts may not be as well-known as some of the more popular resorts in the Alps, but they offer a unique and authentic skiing experience with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking for an adventure on the slopes, consider visiting one of these small, snow-sure ski resorts and discovering the excitement that awaits you.