Best off-piste ski resorts
You want it different! The best off-piste ski resorts we know of are listed below. For champagne powder, back country drifts and some great terrain away from the prepared slopes, check out our list of the ones to book with now - you won't regret it!
The best ski resorts
Whether you're an intermediate skier or boarder or an expert, the best off-piste ski resorts offer new challenges and of course, for the early birds after a fresh dump, powder that you are the first to touch. So the following ski resorts are ones we've researched and been recommended as some of th ebest places to go - our top 10 - if you like!
Please note, these are not in any particular order and unlike some other sites, we've not been paid to produce the number 1!!
Val d'Isere is regarded by many as the finest ski resort in the world. With 1000 hectares of the most varied marked ski runs and a remarkable 10,000 hectares of off piste it offers and amazing variety of skiing and boarding.Advanced skiers and boarders will love the steep challenging runs, huge moguls and amazing off piste. There is also the 1992 olympic downhill ski run to try out and 45 km of trails for cross country skiers.
» Val d'Isere ski resort review
Chamonix, home to Europes highest mountain, Mont Blanc, is one of the most snow sure resorts in the world with 90% of its slopes above 2000 metres. It offers a huge variety of expert level terrain and powder descents. Chamonix is well known for its fantastic off trail skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
» Chamonix ski resort review
One of North America's newest resorts it currently offers nearly 3000 acres of pristine terrain and boasts an annual snowfall of 30 feet a year!It is best suited for advanced skiers and boarders, the mountain is awesome! Untracked powder in the numerous bowls and glades flanking the steep ridges provides testing terrain. And for adrenaline junkies there is a 4000 foot ski out, the second largest in Canada. For the winter 2010/2011 season expert skiers and boarders can enjoy 15 new chutes in the brand new super bowl containing black and double black diamond runs.
» Kicking Horse ski resort review
St Anton probably has the best terrain in Austria, what really sets it apart is the 180km of marked off piste runs. With steeps, deep powder and trees on all sides of the mountain slopes its hard to beat. The village itself has a traditional feel to it with cobbled streets and plenty of expensive hotels.
» St Anton ski resort review
Despite being situated an hour away from Lucerne and one of the easiest to reach ski areas in Switzerland this resort is still not that well known. Its off piste is truly amazing. It has the first revolving gondola that takes you to the top of Titlis a 3,020 metre peak that faces north to hold its snow. Here there are geat off piste opportunities most notabley the Laub route that has a vertical drop of 1000m.
» Engelberg ski resort review
Located high in the swiss alps, just 2 hours from Geneva airport Verbier has first rate skiing and snowboarding terrain, 400km of terrain spread across 4 valleys. Off piste skiing offers wide powder fields and naturally rolling terrain. On the pistes there are steep mogul runs and long linked groomed trails. Fashionable and lively the resort has a varied nightlife as well as a vast array of shops and restaurants.
» Verbier ski resort review
Jackson Hole is to North America what Chamonix is to Europe.It offers one of North Americas biggest vertical drops, endless backcountry skiing, great snow and great advanced skiing and boarding. The town of Jackson,a 5 minute shuttle ride from the resort is like stepping onto the set of a western, its frontier architecture giving it incredible characture.
» Jackson Hole ski resort review
Situated only 140km from Zurich this resort is easily accessible. It is a pretty, traditional village with narrow cobbled streets and a good selection of bars and restaurants. The skiing is challenging and fantastic for off piste so much so the swiss army train here.It is a dream destination for hardcore skiers and boarders who want accessible backcountry, great snow and an uncrowded laid back atmosphere.
» Andermatt ski resort review
La Grave is situated only 77km from Grenoble and is a fearsomely beautiful and wild ski area.Its vast snowfields, huge glaciers, giant seracs, morriane fields and menacing coloirs bring true exhilaration and also danger, with crevasses and avalanches always a threat. To qoute the resort itself'you need a good dose of humility and respect to ski here'.
» La Grave ski resort review
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