5 Best Alps Resorts: Where to Go if You Want It All

[Velimira Velikova]

The Alps have the world’s best skiing and there are some resorts that really have it all – from large ski areas to a vibrant nightlife. Here we present the top five.

#1. Verbier, Switzerland

Near the Italian border in southwestern Switzerland, this luxury mountain village gives skier access to the fantastic lift system of the Four Valleys – large and efficient and offers something for everyone. You can find all types of skiers – from billionaires in the Prada to the silver taped ski bum. Here you can stay in total luxury, or in a decent apartment at good rates. Some of the Alps’ best after-ski hangouts are located here.

Nearest airport: Geneva

#2. Val d’Isere, France

Together with the neighboring village of Tignes, Val d’Isere uses the ski lift system of Espace Killy – one of the world’s largest. This is the place for those who like wild runs on the red slopes. Tignes is really charming, but is located on the slopes. Val d’Isere is a little cozier, even if the French concrete imperialists ravaged quite a bit in some places here as well. Good selection of shops and restaurants, but it is not cheap.

Nearest airport: Geneva or Grenoble

#3. St Anton, Austria

Here was invented the modern slalom, but it feels also that the apres ski was invented here. St. Anton is situated in the Arlberg, a ski area that connects several villages in western Austria. The area is very snow-secure – you can ride powder snow in the operating conditions on the slopes elsewhere in the Alps.

Nearest Airport: Innsbruck

#4. Davos, Switzerland

Davos is just like Chamonix, a town surrounded by several lift areas. Of these, Parsenn and Jakobshorn are the largest and most diverse. Although many of the slopes are moderate, it is easy to find a challenge. Free buses serve the entire valley. This is Europe’s highest town and the range is great, whether it comes to skiing, shopping or food.

Nearest Airport: Zurich

#5. Chamonix, France

No ski resort is just as hated and as loved as Chamonix. Here you can find probably the world’s best skiing, but cramped for glory. Chamonix is the place for good skiers who like off-piste.

Nearest airport: Geneva

[David Lawrence]

Skiing in the Alps is awesome and u picked my favorite place St Anton. Great skiing and like u say great apres ski with bars and taverns. What do u mean when u say "The area is very snow-secure – you can ride powder snow in the operating conditions on the slopes elsewhere in the Alps."