Pondering the powder? Go Euro and
discover one of winter's best-kept secrets.
One of Porter Fox's primary job duties is to ski. In fact, as the
features editor for Powder magazine, Fox typically racks up nearly
100 days of skiing per year, at mountains around the world. And his
favorite place to ski? Europe. "The skiing infrastructure in Europe
is more established," says Fox. "It's more of a lifestyle sport
that people participate in daily. And the diversity of the terrain
is unbelievable." Not only that, but a still-strong U.S. dollar,
combined with reasonable lift ticket and lodging rates, makes
European skiing truly affordable. Here are some of our favorite
places to strap on the skis.
BRIDES-LES_BAINS, FRANCE
Our pick for: Ambience on a budget • But
we wouldn't go: If skiing is priority number one •
Info: 011-334-7-955-2064, www.brides-les-bains.com •
Location: 80 miles southeast of Geneva, 400 miles
southeast of Paris
Unlike many of France's better-known resorts, Brides-les-Bains has
held tight to its small-town architecture and personality. With a
number of establishments offering rejuvenating therapies,
Brides-les-Bains is as much spa as ski; in fact, you'll need to
spend 25 minutes on the Olympic Gondola to get your slope fix at
nearby Meribel. But your patience is twice rewarded: once by the
town's undeniable charm, and again by the reduced prices affixed to
everything from brie and baguettes to massages and Merlot.
BAD GASTEIN, AUSTRIA
Our pick for: Uncrowded and varied terrain •
But we wouldn't go: Unless we had a car •
Info: (212) 944-6880, www.skigastein.com •
Location: 80 miles south of Salzburg, 160 miles
southeast of Munich
Maybe it's poor marketing, or perhaps it's the dearth of public
transportation connecting the Gastein Valley's four ski areas.
Whatever it is, Bad Gastein remains a bit of a secret among
international travelers. Which is a pity if you're an intermediate
or better skier looking for extensive and varied terrain without
the crowds. Rent a car for efficient mobility, and revel in the
tremendous number of above- and below-tree-line slopes, all of
which benefit from generous natural snowfall.
CHÂTEAU D'OEX, SWITZERLAND
Our pick for: Cultural diversity and small-town
charm • But we wouldn't go: Expecting a rowdy
nightlife • Info: 011-412-6-924-2525, www.chateau-doex.ch •
Location: 90 miles east of Geneva
In the Vaudois Alps, Château d'Oex is at once charmingly Swiss and
wonderfully diverse. That's because the dividing line between
French and German-speaking Switzerland is but a few miles down the
road, bringing the region an extra dose of cultural diversity. The
tiny town is at the foot of a small hill; perched atop the rise is
a stunning stone chapel. And the skiing? Château d'Oex is not the
biggest, most glamorous of Swiss resorts, but the terrain is varied
and suitable for all levels.
BREUIL CERVINIA, ITALY
Our pick for: Cruisin' in the sun • But we
wouldn't go: For expert-level terrain •
Info: 011-39-0166-940-986, www.breuil-cervinia.com •
Location: 100 miles northwest of Milan
Featuring excellent snow, plenty of sun, miles of laid-back
cruising terrain, and a link to Switzerland's extensive Zermatt
resort, Breuil Cervinia is a relaxing and always entertaining
mountain. Expert skiers looking for extreme terrain should probably
look elsewhere, but everyone else will be more than happy with the
6,450 feet of vertical drop and long, meandering trails. Breuil
Cervinia is probably not the best choice for families; although
restaurants and bars abound, off-slope activities are limited.
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
Our pick for: Families and Americans wanting to be
reminded of home • But we wouldn't go: If we
didn't like bratwurst • Info: 011-498-8-2118-0700,
www.garmisch-partenkirchen.de
• Location: 55 miles south of Munich
Most Americans think that Germany and skiing go together like
Nebraska and surfing. Then again, they probably haven't heard of
Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The site of the 1936 Winter Olympics,
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of only three major ski resorts in
Germany. That might sound like a backhanded compliment, but
thankfully, it's not. Located in the Alps of southern Germany, the
resort receives plentiful snow and abundant sunshine, and the
Bavarian town of Garmisch, which has been anglicized by a U.S. Army
base, is both contemporary and charming.
AVORIAZ, FRANCE
Our pick for: Limitless terrain. And families will
especially appreciate the lack of vehicle traffic. • But we
wouldn't go: Without a good trail map! •
Info: 011-334-5-074-0211, www.avoriaz.com •
Location: 40 miles west of Geneva, 380 miles
southeast of Paris
Situated on a schist along the French/Swiss border, Avoriaz is part
of the Portes du Soleil skiing circuit. The largest interconnected
ski region in the world, Portes du Soleil comprises 12 resorts, for
a total of 212 lifts accessing more than 400 miles of trails
(you'll need to ski with your passport, as many trails cross the
border, which is patrolled). The car-free village of Avoriaz is
nearly as impressive as the skiing. Unlike many resort towns, which
sprouted up seemingly without a thought given to aesthetics,
Avoriaz was designed to complement the region's natural beauty.