Epic Resorts in Europe

[CB1992]

I’m thinking about a trip to Europe to ski and currently have the epic pass. Thoughts on the best place to go? I’d likely rent equipment so I don’t have to travel with it.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a great all-round destination in Austria. Ski Arlberg is great too, but with the Epic Pass you are obliged to book certain (very expensive) accommodation in Arlberg. Sölden has excellent skiing but is a bit bleak and is not as extensive as Saalbach or Arlberg.

Of the Swiss resorts (Crans-Montana, Andermatt and Verbier), Verbier has the best skiing - but Switzerland can be very expensive - but it is great is you can afford it. Les 3 Vallées in France is huge, but compared with Austria is expensive and good customer service can be hard to find. In Italy, the Skirama Dolomiti is stunning as the scenery in the Dolomites are very different to the Alps.

You need to be aware of the dates of the busy holiday periods. Austria will be very busy in the last 2 weeks of February, as will France. As the winter ski season is also getting shorter due to climate changes, the latest dates for Saalbach or Arlberg would be the first week of March (these resorts are best in January and early February) whereas the higher resorts in Austria, Switzerland and France can still have good conditions until the end of March/Easter.

OP - The information that you haven't provided is what you are looking for when you ski. Lots of steep and challenging off-piste or miles and miles of easy pistes to cruise on? Is the quality of the skiing the only consideration, or do you want to experience Alpine charm, or crazy apres ski, or somewhere with luxury spas, pools, and what Europeans call "wellness" facilities? Where would you be flying in to, as some resorts are more accessible from major airports than others.

Thanks!