Why Skiing in Europe is Gaining Popularity
European ski resorts have long had an image problem – but that’s a good thing.
Wait, what?
As tennis great, Andre Agassi once said, “Image is Everything.” It’s all about how you perceive it.
Anything at a distance can often appear mysterious, perhaps even exotic. A far-flung continent that hosted two world wars, has posh ski resorts like Davos, St. Moritz, St. Anton, and Chamonix strike up a perceived image as “a retreat for movie stars, wealthy business executives, celebrities and royals!” But Skiing in Europe isn’t exactly what you might imagine. Sure, you’ll see a few “glamor pusses” milling about, but sightings are rare. You’ll more likely to spot a celebrity in Aspen, Jackson Hole, or Sun Valley than in Europe.
Who Is Going Skiing in Europe?
A majority of the nearly 4,000 ski resorts in Europe cater to the millions of everyday commoners like us who love to ski, eat incredible cuisine, and hang out at affordable ski and spa resorts. You might have also heard rumors that European ski resorts don’t groom their slopes, or that the mountains are too steep. It couldn’t be further from the truth. European ski runs feature miles and miles of “blues and greens,” and the technology employed at European ski resorts would blow your mind!
A European Ski Renaissance
Over the past two decades, European ski resorts have gone through a renaissance period of upgrades and collaboration. Not to be confused with consolidation (like ski resorts in America). Collaboration means sharing resources to provide a better product. A good example is the Zillertal Valley in Austria with 4 ski resorts all linked to each other, or the Dolomite region of Italy that has 15 ski resorts linked and under one ski pass. Both France and Switzerland have done the same. In addition, major upgrades to lift systems, ski lodges, snow making, and grooming have given resorts a complete makeover. Modern, efficient, eclectic, yet a melding of old-world charm and architecture keep the villages warm and quaint. European engineers are also masters at constructing buildings into the top of mountains that boggles the mind. It’s why they have always been a favorite backdrop for James Bond movies.
As mainstream media has now figured out (based on no less than 3 articles I’ve come across in just the past month) – Skiing in Europe is more affordable than in America – hands down! Take into account the quality of services and amenities, and it’s even more affordable. Here are my 5 favorite reasons:
Airline Tickets
It’s time to bust the myth that flying to Europe has to break the bank! Travel to Europe from November through March is considered “low season” – with the only exception being Christmas/New Years holiday. Depending upon the airline, it’s often less expensive than flying from NYC or SFO to Vail or Aspen. Unlike summer, there are lots of deals on flights during the winter months.
Lift Tickets
Since the Ski Oligopolists in the USA have a virtual monopoly on skiing in North America, they have convinced a majority of skiers to purchase their relatively affordable season passes. Brilliant concept (initially), but they have all but shut the door on any individual or family who wants to “try” skiing or snowboarding. Daily lift passes are climbing to nearly $300/day. In Europe, you can purchase a daily ticket anywhere between $50 to $85/day (or less for a week). And, believe it or not, there are still some resorts who will refund some of your daily ticket price if you only ski in the morning!
On-Mountain Dining
In America, it’s call food. In Europe, it’s called “cuisine,” and it varies from mountain hut to mountain hut everywhere. Most of the offerings are farm to table and many are delicacies from local regions. Cost? Similar to the US, if not a tad lower, but food in the states can’t hold a candle to the European quality. Europeans are serious about what they eat, and it shows. In all my years, I’ve never heard anyone say that dining at a European ski resort sucked.
Lodging
How’s that typical American (off resort property), $150/night hotel treating you? And the pre-packaged muffins and powdered egg breakfast? Or the coffee that tastes like it came from a Russian Army canteen? In Europe, there are lots of wonderful 2 and 3-Star Gasthofs and Pensions where you can stay for under $150/night and enjoy an amazing breakfast with fresh baked pastries, real farm eggs and an array of amazing meats, cheeses, and Mueslis. And, since European’s take their coffee seriously – it’s the real stuff! You won’t have to compromise on quality or comfort.
Gemutlichkeit
Rarely touched on, but my favorite. Gemutlichkeit describes the pure enjoyment of skiing in Europe – a slower pace, friendliness, and good cheer. The Europeans ski more for the social aspect than trying to pound out 20K vertical feet in a day. They know the location of all great mountain pasta and wurstl huts. It’s conversation in broken English and sharing a table in the cafe with someone you never met before – but then walking away feeling they’ve just become your best friends. Skiing in Europe is all about the experience, not the outcome. But, if you do it right, you’ll also clock a hefty amount of vertical feet in a day, because their resorts are literally massive!
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not bashing American ski resorts. I was born in Aspen, and it’s one of my favorite places to ski – even though it’s changed enormously over the years. It was a “mining town / ski area” when I was there. It was a “ski town” when my wife grew up there. Now it’s a billionaire’s lair with a lot of glamor pusses. However, it still has great skiing, and Bonnie’s mid-mountain. However, once you toss the status quo out the window and decide to give European skiing a go, you’ll never look back. Due to its proximity, skiing in Europe will never replace your home ski resort, but it’s not intended to. Skiing in Europe is an experience, and it’s our specialty at Alpin Luxe. It’s cozy, a sense of belonging and social acceptance. Skiing in Europe allows you to step out, meet people from multiple countries who share your same passions. Come see what’s happening on the “other side of the pond”.
I guarantee you’ll love it!
