The 8 best places to ski in the Alps

Ready to ski in one of the many ski areas nestled in the heart of the Alps? If you're a freeride fan, here's a selection of the best places to ski off-piste in the Alps!

Skiing off-piste is a fashionable activity, especially in the Alps. Indeed, the configuration of the alpine mountains during the winter season is particularly suitable for its practice. This large mountain range offers a substantial snow and steep slopes. As for the ski areas, they are in small care for lovers of the “freeride” - the other name of the off-piste ski. All that guarantees them both pleasure and security!

The aficionados of this physically and mentally demanding discipline are welcome in the Alps. Whether in France, Switzerland, Italy or Austria. In fact, whatever your favourite ski area is, there is no doubt that it will be possible to enjoy the joys of the powder as long as the snow is satisfactory! So, ski, or snowboard? Choose quickly before the snow melts!

Remember: during the practice of freeride skiing, always have a loaded phone, in case. But also a downstream search device of the type “ARVA”, a probe and a shovel.

Are you ready to zebra from your tracks the steep hills of alpine foothills? Here are the 8 best places to ski out in the Alps. Get off the chairlift!

1. La Grave, France

Being one of the best places to ski in the Alps, the Grave is an institution. This resort is entirely dedicated to ski-horse and freeriders from all over the world are there! It is located at the foot of the Meije massif and its 3,982 meters, between the departments of Isère and the Hautes-Alpes, on the Napoleon road between Grenoble and Briançon. Yes, close to the splendid National Park of the Writers! So much to say that the region does not lack charm, and that it will delight lovers of large spaces.

It has an impressive cable car, leading the beginner or seasoned freeriders to more than 3,200 metres of altitude. From there you can choose between countless off-piste ski spots, which are sometimes difficult. But there is no concern: itineraries are still marked and difficulty levels are indicated to skiers.

If you don't know where to go this winter to practice off-piste skiing, come and discover this incredible place.

2. Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is, somehow, the Mecca of extreme skiing. This conventional station offers numerous routes dedicated to the practice of the off-track. Thanks to an impressive speed cable car, a majestic panorama of the 4 valleys. But also on the Mont Blanc , French national pride, and the Matterhorn, emblem of the Swiss mountains! After a few pictures of these mastodones, it is time to go down, all schuss, to the most famous Valais resort.

This is state-of-the-art, equipped with the best infrastructure and hosts many events. Like, for example, freeride competitions! Here are the Xtreme de Verbier, famous stage of the Freeride World Tour. Whether you're a fan of off-track skiing or not, whatever. This is a breathtaking show to admire without moderation during your stay on site!

3. Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is a legendary ski resort located in Tyrol, east of Innsbruck . In fact, it is one of Europe’s first ever! With its fifty ski lifts and tracks of a sometimes extreme stiffness, it is an alpine institution. The ski area reserves some of its most beautiful lines to off-piste skiing. These, covered with powder, allow freeride enthusiasts to have fun all winter! Moreover, the station is so known for the off-track that freeride schools have been created.

Kitzbühel is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps. Due to the often heavy snow and ensuring optimal sensations, the whole season. Let us not forget another aspect of the ski holiday: the richness of the nightlife of the resort. Numerous restaurants are located on site and little-common activities are offered. In fact, this is the ideal place to spend a holiday in one of the most beautiful parts of Tyrol!

4. Chamonix, France

We couldn’t do the deadlock on Chamonix , high place of winter sports activities. Skiing, snowboarding, or even snowscoot, everyone is enjoying themselves in this exceptional resort! With 170 kilometers of track, the ski resort also offers many places dedicated to off-piste skiing. It must be said that the place is particularly suitable for its practice. The snow, abundant and often of very good quality, allows to indulge in the joys of the powder. And safely, thanks to the surveillance provided by the many high mountain trailers and guides!

You will have understood, this station is among the best places where skiing in the Alps . This, in part because it gives the skier the impression of being an integral part of nature. And allows it to enjoy a pleasant feeling of loneliness, in the middle of an immaculate landscape!

5. Alagna Valsesia, Italy

Italy has rather strict legislation with regard to the practice of off-piste skiing. That said, the pedestrian station Alagna Valsesia is one of the best ski resorts in the Alps! Its modest size ensures an authentic and warm side at the foot of Mont Rose.Nevertheless, let’s not forget the exceptional quality of its ski area which is willing to lend itself to the practice of freeride. However, it is necessary to have a good technical level, because the slopes of Mount Rose are very steep!

A long track connects the top of the ski area, at 3,000 metres above sea level, to the village of Alagna, at 1,200 metres. This includes many off-piste sections, making the happiness of freeride enthusiasts engaged. Due to their difficulty, see a description of potential routes before you venture!

6. Glacier de Stubai, Austria

In Austria, the glacier of Stubai is considered the largest glacial ski area in the country. Nearly fifteen out-of-piste routes are scattered on both sides of the conventional tracks. They make this resort one of the best places to ski off-piste in the Alps! Particularly oriented towards the practice of freeride, it is appreciated by amateurs. They come from all over Europe to embrace their passion!

The safety of skiers is ensured by many snow-making infrastructure and systems. In addition, the night activities of the station attract a young and festive population. If you want to party once the skis are taken away, you now know where to go this winter!

7. Andermatt, Switzerland

Andermatt , it is a ski resort located between the mountain pass of Oberalp, Furka and Gotthard. It is 1 450 meters above sea level, in the middle of the Urseren valley! The latter is famous throughout Europe for its winter snow. So much to say that powder fans will find their account there without any problem! The place is very frequent because this station offers them many possibilities.

Divided in four areas with almost 120 kilometres of track, the ski area is a beautiful part of freeride. If it is one of the best places to ski out-of-piste in the Alps, it is for its undead spaces! Moreover, it is possible to enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains. We are in one of the most beautiful parts of the Alps, let’s not forget it!

8. Kitzsteinhorn, Austria

The Kitzsteinhorn station is one of the best ski areas for the moment. Its impressive snowfalls ensure beautiful amounts of powder throughout the season. Let’s not forget the services offered to skiers, fans of off-piste or not. The ski lifts are of remarkable speed. A must-see resort, you can practice all kinds of activities: snowshoes, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, or even relaxation in a sauna or ice climbing!

What about freeride? Don't worry, Kitzsteinhorn is one of the best places to ski in the Alps. It is one of the most popular resorts by lovers of beautiful tracks in the littlef! Moreover, there is the Freeride Info Base, specially dedicated to freeriders. They find numerous data on snow quality, quantity, etc. Ideal to ensure its safety and that of its loved ones in all circumstances!