Top 10 of the Most Beautiful Mountain Destinations for this Winter
Your winter holidays are approaching, and you are looking for the perfect destination to go? This selection of the most beautiful destinations in the mountains is made for you.
Put on your boots and gloves, strap on your skis and let's go for the descent of this top 10 of the most beautiful ski resorts on our magnificent blue planet.
1. Megève in Haute-Savoie
Located in Haute-Savoie, Megève is perched at an altitude of 1113 meters and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful French resorts. In the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif, it is possible to observe the silhouette of the roof of Europe from the slopes.
Offering an area of more than 260 km long , it is one of the largest in France. Winter sports enthusiasts will be seduced by its downhill skiing , its snowparks and its cross-country ski trails adjoining those of La Giettaz.
When the day ends and the sun sets behind the mountains, nothing better than reinvigorating yourself with a good hot meal in a refuge. Once finished, adventurers looking for a unique experience will be happy to learn that there are nocturnal snowshoe outings organized by Experiences Mont-Blanc . At an affordable price, this unusual evening will be perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Just as unique, their teams have also set up another refreshing night walk, which will take you to an igloo ! But it does not stop there, you will have the pleasure of tasting a Savoyard fondue in this same snow shelter . Cheesy sensation guaranteed!
To fully enjoy your stay in Megève and not fear the discomfort of the cold, opt for one of our heated jackets . Designed for optimal performance in cold weather, it is a technical garment combining aesthetics, efficiency and lightness.
To rest after long days on the slopes, you will be able to sleep in rustic chalets or in luxury hotels.
Finally, when you want to rest, you can walk the medieval cobbled streets. You will observe the village illuminated in the colors of Christmas to the delight of adults and children alike. If you feel like shopping, know that the village has several designer boutiques.
2. La Clusaz & Le Grand Bornand in Haute Savoie
The two resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are both located in Haute-Savoie. At an altitude of 1100 and 1300 meters respectively, these two Savoyard villages are side by side.
They are known for their domains, 210 kilometers long combined, but especially for the professional skiers they have seen grow up. In La Clusaz, it's professional skier and freestyler Candide Thovex and in Le Grand Bornand, it's giant slalom skier Tessa Worley . Still practicing their passion on these tracks today, you will surely meet them at the corner of a bend.
Taking advantage of a vast area, you can indulge in the joys of skiing on long slopes as well as on a snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts.
When you want to rest and not go on the slopes, a wide choice of activities will be at your disposal. We advise you to take the border road to get to the Equestrian Center. There, you can go horseback riding on snow as well as Ski Joëring . Atypical, you will go for a ride on the Var plateau where a horse will pull you and your skis. In order to fully live this experience without the discomfort of the cold, take a pair of heated insoles . They will keep your feet warm so you can enjoy your winter activity.
By staying in the village, you will also be able to take advantage of the Aquatic area of the Aravis. You can relax while admiring the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
3. Les Arcs in Savoy
Welcoming you in summer and winter, the resort created in the 1960s located at an altitude of 1200 m is a perfect place for winter holidays in the mountains.
Offering more than 200 kilometers of groomed runs, the area offers a wide choice of green, blue, red and black runs.
If you are looking for a station to experience unique sensations, the Rodéo Luge is made for you. With maximum thrills, this activity follows a track over 3 km long. Located in the heart of the ski area, it will delight adults and children (1.25 m minimum). The icing on the cake is that the entire descent is done with an exceptional view of the Mont Blanc range . Guaranteed Postcard.
If you feel like doing an outdoor activity off the beaten track, we recommend the peddler's walks . The very pleasant team offers you a nice walk on the Courboin plateau. The guides will feed you interesting information on the surrounding flora.
Once the day is over, head to Nama Springs. With Indian inspirations and dedicated to well-being, this spa offers saunas, steam baths and two beautiful outdoor swimming pools. It is the ideal place to rest and relax after a good day of skiing.
4. The 3 Valleys in Haute Savoie
Known as the largest ski area in the world with more than 600 kilometers of slopes , the 3 valleys group together 7 altitude resorts.
An essential place for all self-respecting winter sports enthusiasts, you will find wide slopes and magnificent panoramas. Offering high-tech ski lifts , you will be seduced by the exceptional grandeur of this area.
With a wide range of activities on the slopes or off the slopes, there is something for everyone. Skiers can indulge in downhill skiing , freeride skiing, ski touring and free-touring skiing . Non-skiers will have a thousand and one ways to savor the mountains and the pleasures of skiing that it brings with it. Far from the lively slopes, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing , sledding and the famous dog sledding.
When the day is over, get off the slopes to taste delicious dishes made by Yannick Alleno at the restaurant "Le 1947" in Courchevel. This starred chef works with exceptional products to delight your palate.
In order to taste revisited and sublimated local products, the restaurant "La Bouitte" in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville will be ideal. Working with Savoyard culinary heritage, the cuisine is creative and succulent.
5. The Grand Tourmalet in the Pyrenees
Located in the Pyrenees, the Grand Tourmalet rises to over 1400 meters above sea level. Consisting of two stations, the whole offers you an area of 100 kilometers divided into 68 tracks . Beginners to experts, there is something for all levels.
Unique and magnificent resort, you will be seduced by its environment. What marks when skiing in this area is the diversity of landscapes and viewpoints, each one more beautiful than the next. To take a lot of peepers, head for the "Panoramic" track , it can't be invented. It will offer you a breathtaking view of the valley of Barèges and that of La Mongie .
When you are not on the slopes, a large choice of activities will be at your disposal. You can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling and above all, go to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre cable car. As its name suggests, it will take you to the Pic du Midi where you will have a 360 degree view. Breathtaking, from up there you can observe the surrounding valleys as well as the Vignamale , the Pic Long or the Pic de Néouvielle .
6. Zermatt in Switzerland
Perched at 1610 meters in height, the Swiss village accessible only by train, is renowned worldwide for one of the mountains that surrounds it, the emblematic Mont Cervin . Its shape, resembling that of a pyramid, gives it lines of exquisite elegance.
Taking place in the south of the Swiss canton of Valais, this resort will allow you to practice skiing on slopes with a sumptuous panorama. Mountaineers will also find activities to do there since this geographical area is very popular for this activity.
During your stay, we advise you to take the Gornergrat train . You will enjoy an alpine panorama as well as a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn. Renowned as one of the most beautiful excursions in Switzerland, the train was the first cogwheel train in the world. Today renovated with modern technologies, it is a secure vehicle. During the 30-minute ascent, you will have incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
On arrival, open your eyes wide and take out your cameras. Equipped with a panoramic platform, you will have before your eyes the Pointe Dufour , the highest mountain in Switzerland, with 4634 meters. Next to it is the Gorner glacier , the second largest glacier in the Alps. To accompany it, 29 culminating summits at more than 4000 meters of altitude.
To take full advantage of this journey, dress warmly, as temperatures are around 0°C. Our heated down jackets will in fact be particularly appreciable to avoid these cold temperatures.
Whether you come in winter or summer, know that Matterhorn juxtaposes the village. Highest European mountain resort (3883 m). You will thus be able to practice skiing 365 days a year on the Théodule glacier .
Once your ski session is over, head to "1818 Eat&Drink" to reinvigorate yourself and savor first-rate gourmet dishes. The chef uses only local and regional products to delight our taste buds.
7. St. Moritz in Switzerland
At 1822 meters high, the Swiss resort takes place in the Engadine valley , alongside four lakes, Lake Saint-Moritz, Lake Champfèr, Lake Silvaplana and Lake Sils.
It was in 1928 and 1948 that the station organized the Winter Olympics . Today, the estate hosts the Cresta Run, a Bobsleigh track made of natural ice. It is also she who hosts the world championships each year. In addition to this facility, the village has an outdoor Olympic rink which is a great place to skate while enjoying the view.
Village renowned for winter sports, the lake of Saint Moritz, when it is frozen, shelters polo competitions, cricket and horse races on snow.
Regarding the ski area, it takes place on Piz Corvatsch and Piz Corviglia and allows the practice of skiing and snowboarding on high quality slopes. If you are looking for a breathtaking view, head to the Piz Nair . Perched at more than 3000 meters, the view is 360 degrees. The setting is sumptuous and you can observe the many surrounding mountain valleys.
When the time comes to eat, we have here two very good addresses to advise you. First, "Riccardo's" will make you taste delicate and delicious Italian cuisine at an affordable price. For our second address, go to " Ecco St. Moritz ". Awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide, this gourmet restaurant offers fine and particularly well-prepared dishes.
8. Liftverbund Feldberg in Germany
Located in the German Southwest, this winter sports resort includes eight areas for a total length of 63 kilometers .
The municipality, the highest in Germany, is located at an altitude of 950 meters and its slopes are in the mountains of the Black Forest. With a picturesque character, these high mountains offer romantic valleys and murmuring streams.
A real treasure, this area takes place in the nature reserve of Land Baden-Württemberg. It is made up of a multitude of natural habitats which makes it a region with a unique character.
Perched at a height of 1493 m, it is very pleasant to hurtle down the Feldberg slopes while enjoying the panorama. When you are not on it, you can easily go on a winter hike.
Close to the domain, many lakes and magnificent snow-covered expanses invite you to adventure. Trails are specially designed for this type of ride. We recommend the Feldberg panorama path "Panoramaweg", which will take you to the St. Wilhelmer Hütte . There, you can recharge your batteries by tasting charcuterie platters with good bread.
When you return to the village, you will have a wide choice of hostels and hotels to rest before heading back to the slopes.
9. Aspen, Colorado, USA
Located at 2405 meters, Aspen takes place in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado . Perfect for lovers of nature and large green spaces, the village is pleasant all year round.
The history of this American town goes back many years. In the 19th century, it was known for its silver mines, which allowed an unprecedented development of the capital of Pitkin County .
Today it is one of the most popular winter sports resorts in the world. For example, it attracts stars such as Leonrado Dicaprio, Marya Carrey and Drake.
In Aspen, winter sports and hiking enthusiasts will be served. Many winter walks are possible and the area offers more than 380 km of slopes . With places with incalculable grandiose panoramas, we recommend the " Los Man Trail " as well as the " Independence Pass ".
When it's time to eat to refuel, head to the "J Bar At The Hotel Jerome". A gourmet and refined cuisine awaits you. Because eating well is a pleasure, here is a second address, "The White House Tavern", here you can taste revisited local dishes.
To rest after long days of activities, the village will meet your expectations. With its many hotels and guest houses, the choice is endless and for all budgets.
10. Niseko in Japan
The Japanese station is the lowest in our top. It is located at an altitude of 255 m and is located in northern Japan, in the prefecture of Hokkaido . Taking place on the south-eastern slope of the Grand Hirafu , the slopes are there for all levels.
Skiers and snowboarders will have some 50 km of slopes to show off their talent. Comprising 32 lifts, it will be easy to get around this vast area.
If you come with your family, know that Niseko has set up a snow park at the foot of the slopes. Children will be able to play in the snow, go sledding and even build igloos or snowmen. To protect them from the cold and prevent them from getting sick, take them a heated jacket adapted to their size. Studied for the little ones, it will prevent them from catching a cold snap.
Whether you are skiers or not, you will have plenty to take care of. The region is full of beautiful places for snowshoeing.
With a welcoming and warm atmosphere, the village of Niseko will welcome you as it should. Shops, restaurants and bars will fill you with good humor and warm you up after a long day in the cold.
In the typical Japanese spirit, we recommend the "Rera". This Asian restaurant specializing in seafood and fish will delight your taste buds. You will taste an assortment of sashimi, sushi and other specialties of the country.
To stay, the hotel "The Green Leaf" is ideal. Its bedding is very comfortable, the cuisine is delicious and its location, close to the forest, is optimal.
We are coming to the end of this article. Tell us in the comments the destination that interests you the most and explain why, we are curious to hear your opinion. In the meantime and to prepare for your getaway, you can visit our heated technical clothing store for the cold season.