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Where are we going on a skiing holiday this year? This is not a difficult question for many winter sports enthusiasts, because they have had their permanent home for years. But for those who haven't decided yet, or are taking up the long slats for the first time, we have some popular destinations to share.
Skiing in Austria
Every year, about one million Dutch people go on winter sports. Austria is by far the most popular country and attracts 60% to 65% of all Dutch winter sports enthusiasts. This is also the reason that there are many popular Austrian winter sports destinations. We are happy to share two of these beautiful, but also cozy places.
Gerlos
Gerlos is located in Austria's most famous ski area, Zillertal Arena. This is also called the center of the Zillertal. In Gerlos, you will find many cozy guesthouses and hotels. The atmosphere in the village is very friendly, and for that reason, it is probably also popular among the Dutch.
But this is not the only reason. In the elongated main street, you will find numerous cafés and discotheques with Dutch staff. Dutch artists and DJs regularly perform for the bustling crowd. And many Dutch-speaking ski instructors can be found in ski schools. So if you like skiing, but certainly also like après-ski, then Gerlos is the perfect holiday destination.
You can use the Zillertal Superskipass in Gerlos, Königsleiten and Zell am Ziller. The ski pass gives access to 139 kilometers of slopes in the Zillertal Arena and is also valid in Mayrhofen, Kaltenbach, Fügen and Hintertux.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Saalbach and Hinterglemm are two winter sports areas that can be mentioned in the same breath. This area offers the complete picture for everyone. The extensive ski area has 270 kilometers of slopes, beautiful authentic villages, coziness and good food.
Saalbach is a bit chicer, while Hinterglemm exudes more geniality. Hinterglemm is especially popular with the Dutch because of the après-ski, which is always very pleasant and continues until the late hours. The Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area has about 270 kilometers of slopes, including Leogang. This varied ski area is snow-sure from December to April.
With the ALPIN CARD, a joint ski pass of the Ski circus with the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun, you get access to a sporty winter paradise with no less than 408 (!) kilometers of slopes, 121 lifts in three premium ski areas with one ski pass.
For some extra peace and quiet, stay at the Elements Resort in Sell am See and enjoy what Austria has to offer.
On a skiing holiday in France
France is the number two popular ski area among the Dutch. The main reason is that the slopes here are a lot wider. And you can easily book accommodation on the slopes. Where, for example, in Austria, you often have to drive or walk to the ski lift. There is actually one really popular region in France for skiing, and that is Les Trois Vallées. We are happy to tell you what you can experience there.
Les Trois Vallées
The famous '3 Vallées' consist of the Belleville valley, the Courcheveld valley and the Méribel valley. Together they form the largest connected ski area in the world with an altitude of 3230 meters, which gives absolute snow security. The view of the high Alps, extraordinarily long and varying descents and a very extensive range of fun parks make this area unique.
- Courchevel: is the westernmost valley and is especially popular with families. The area has 150 kilometers of slopes, a large part of which is green or blue. This means that it is very good for beginners and children to stay here. There are of course also plenty of options for the advanced winter sports enthusiast.
- Méribel: is known for its central location in the middle of the Trois Vallées. From here, the other ski areas of the largest interconnected ski area in the world are perfectly accessible. The characteristic of Méribel is the typical chalets built in the traditional Alpine style and impress with their charm.
- Val Thorens: is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is therefore the highest winter sports resort in Europe. The place is virtually on the slopes, so you can ski through it. This area is best known for its après-ski, which is considered the best in France. For example, you can start in the afternoon on the terrace of 'La Folie Douce', where DJs play great music, which often creates a big party. In Val Thorens, you will find 40 après-ski venues, including various Dutch bars, cocktail bars and discotheques.
Stay at the luxurious Ecrin Blanc Courchevel resort for the ultimate winter sports feeling.
Winter sports in Italy
As a winter sports country, Italy is often snowed under by countries such as Austria and France. While Italy has incredibly beautiful ski areas with well-prepared slopes, refined Italian food and beautiful views. It is no coincidence that the Dolomiti Superski ski area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are two very popular places for skiing among the Dutch, namely Val Gardena and Livigno.
Val Gardena
In the Dolomites you will find perhaps the most famous ski area in Italy: Val Gardena. This is one of the areas that you can use as a base to ski the famous Sella Ronda. Dolomites Val Gardena is centrally located in the Dolomites, and is connected to the immense Dolomiti Superski ski area. Due to its location on the south side of the Alps, the weather is often good.
The lift pass for Dolomiti Superski offers access to a huge number of kilometers of slopes in the Italian Dolomites. The ski pass is valid for 10 ski regions and 1200 kilometers of slopes can be skied there. All participating ski areas still have their own ski pass, making the Dolomiti Superski pass optional.
If you want to enjoy a combination of beautiful ski slopes and delicious food, then Val Garneda is the place to be! Do you want to stay in a luxury hotel in historic style? Then book your holiday at the Grand Hotel Wolkenstein.
Livigno
In midwinter, Livigno is often a fairytale village, buried under a blanket of snow. The Winter season runs from November to May. These data say enough about the snow certainty in this area.
The area is protected between two high mountain ranges and therefore has a dry and exceptionally sunny climate, but it can get quite cold in winter. Temperatures here can drop to -20 degrees.
To the snow in Switzerland
Most skiers and snowboarders who have been to Switzerland for a winter sports holiday do not want anything else afterwards. The country annually attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Switzerland is a winter sports country of extremes. From small ski areas, such as Savognin or Meiringen-Hasliberg, to the mega ski areas of Les Quatre Vallées and Portes du Soleil. From the hills of the Jura to the great peak of the Matterhorn (4478 m), perhaps the most famous mountain in the world. Switzerland is not particularly popular with the Dutch, but it is definitely worth a visit.
What most of us know by now is that a winter sports holiday is very expensive. Now, when it comes to finances, Switzerland is pretty much at the top. If you want to go to beautiful Switzerland to ski, it is good not to forget this detail.
Skiing in Germany
Would you prefer a winter sport closer to home? Then Winterbergen in Germany is the best choice. The area has 27.5 kilometers of slopes, a lot less than in the other winter sports countries, but that should not spoil the fun. Thanks to the many snow cannons, three months of snow fun are guaranteed every year!
Because the Sauerland village is so close to the Netherlands, it is a perfect location to enjoy the snow for a day. But it is of course also possible for a weekend or even a holiday of a week.
