The French Alps resort town of Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a paradise for skiers and non-skiers alike. Situated at the foot of the Mont-Blanc, Europe's highest Alpine summit, this is one of the world's most visited natural sites. This exceptional mountain holiday spot is a "guaranteed-snow" resort because 90% of the ski areas are above 2,000 meters. There’s a world-class casino, 14 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7 discotheques.
Alpine Valley Vacation Idea #2:
Cortina D’Ampezzo is considered the Italy Alps most stylish ski resort. It is located 100 miles north of Venice, in the Ampezzo valley surrounded by the Alpine Dolomites. There are three major ski areas including the world famous Dolomiti Superski pass. Also in the winter there is cross-country and downhill skiing, bobsledding and skating. In the spring and summer there are lovely hiking trails.
Alpine Valley Vacation Idea #3:
Garmisch-PartenKirchen is a non-trendy, more traditional resort that is considered Germany's top Alpine resort. Located at the foot of the Zugspitz Mountain, it has managed to preserve much of the charm of an ancient village.
Summer hiking and mountain climbing are excellent here. You will find panoramic views, colorful buildings, locals dressed in traditional clothing and the occasional cow blocking traffic.
Vacation in Alpine Valley #4:
Grindelwald, Switzerland is a traditional mountain town with the towering north face of the Eiger as its backdrop. This Swiss Alps resort town is known for its skiing and spectacular scenery. Tobogganing and walking are popular non-skiing activities. With three famous and beautiful mountains surrounding Grindelwald, it’s no wonder there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails. A walk through these high altitude woodlands and meadows is an experience that brings visitors back many times.
In January you can catch the World Snow Festival. This week long event features the wonderful ice sculptures of artists from around the world. For traditional Swiss folk music and dancing; plan your vacation for June or July when the Spring Mountain Festival is held.
For lodging during your stay, try the Alpen Hotel. It’s a traditional Swiss style chalet that’s family run and it’s right in town next to the skiing. After a day of skiing you can unwind in the free Finnish sauna or heated Jacuzzi, dine on locally grown organic food in the restaurant and then relax on your balcony with a view of the Eiger mountain.
Vacation in Alpine Valley #5:
Kitzbuhel, in the Austria Alps Tyrol region, was one of the pioneers of alpine skiing. It is a delightful 14th-century town with narrow streets and brightly painted medieval houses. Besides skiing there are countless sports shops and upscale boutiques. You can take a night-time gondola ride, try your hand at paragliding or gamble at the casino.
Alpine Valley Vacation Idea #6:
Zurs Am Arlberg is a small, intimate ski resort at the heart of the Arlberg skiing area in Austria. The Arlberg Mountains are world famous for their skiing and many consider this to be the best skiing spot in the world. Zurs Zurs Am Arlberg sits high in a beautiful Alpine valley. The whole village is dedicated to making it the best ski resort in the world.
Zurs Am Arlberg Alpine Ski Resort Town
Vacation in Alpine Valley #7:
Seefeld is a complete winter and summer resort located in the North central Austria Alps Tyrol region. For skiing, beginners and families will be at home here as the difficulty is below the advanced skiing level. There’s not a lot of night life but there is a casino, an Olympia sports centre and plenty of the usual outdoor winter activities. Summer is time for lake bathing, swimming, horse riding, golf, mountain biking and hiking.
Alpine Valley Vacation Idea #8:
Relax amidst the beauty of the majestic Matterhorn in a world without cars. Zermatt is a Switzerland Alps resort. In this idyllic mountain village the only form of transport allowed is electrically-powered cars, bicycles, horse-drawn sleighs and carriages. With pine-scented mountain forests, calm Alpine lakes and ice-blue glaciers it's the perfect spot to really get away from it all.
