We will have a day or two for some winter activities while in Europe. We want to visit Chamonix for the gondola ride (weather permitting) but want to know where the best place for a good, solid skiing experience. My husband and I are average skiers, not looking for any treacherous mountain runs this time around.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Where in Europe are you going? Anywhere in the Alps would be my first choice, but specifically where in the Alps would depend on the locations of the rest of your trip.
Posted by
OP
Missoula, MT
76 posts
Our itinerary at this point is Paris-Reims-Colmar-Lyon-skiing somewhere. And then on to Italy, our first stop is Venice.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Rough European Alps Skiing Guide: France - great slopes, lots of newly built runs, artificial resorts. No apres-ski, no party. Price level: Moderate. // Switzerland - Similar to France but with some kind of hut culture. Usually most expensive. // Austria - Great mountains, great runs. Old, grown villages, lots of apres-ski party (probably the best in the world). Prices moderate to pricey. // Germany - Bavarian alps good for skiing in a good winter. Elevation not high enough for mild winters. Prices moderate, villages natural, grown. // Italy - Stunning panorama, great mountains, great party. Usually hard to get to the resorts by public transport. Prices moderate to pricey.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
There's ski pistes in the Vosges mountains overlooking Colmar. Most sources list the Vosges as "low mountains", but they're only low in comparison to the Alps. Your line of travel from France to Italy will take you through the Alps... you'll have your pick.
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1930 posts
Hi Jennie, My vote is for the Bavarian Alps. That was were I learn to ski and I've been wanting to go back for years now! The food, the drink and the people are the best.Hope this helps. All the best,Monte
Posted by
Houten, Utrecht, Netherlands
73 posts
I would consider Vosges similar to Germany regarding snow conditions. Chamonix has two small ski areas, but very close by are Argentiere (for experienced skiers) and le Tour de Chamonix. So if you are there anyway...
Posted by
OP
Missoula, MT
76 posts
Should've given a little more information. We are looking for somewhere in France, southern Switzerland or Italy. Our trip will take us from Paris to Colmar to Lyon to Chamonix and then on to Italy, with our first stop being in Venice unless we ski. Thanks!
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Colmar is right next to Vosges Mountains. I have only been there in Summer, but Gerardmer where we stayed is in the ski area- half an hour approx to Colmar by car. There have got to be other places nearby. Someione else has described the Vosges as not being as high as th Alps