November 13, 2024, 5:43 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The clear blue sky above the gondola, the soft crackling of skis on untouched snow, the wonderful feeling of freedom, as well as the tingling adrenaline of skiing down the slopes – anyone who has ever been skiing knows why this winter sport is so popular. Therefore, it is not surprising that some slopes are often quite full. TRAVELBOOK author Nina Ponath offers tips on where you can still enjoy a relaxed skiing vacation away from the crowds.
Activity in the fresh air, surrounded by a picturesque mountain and snow landscape – since my first skiing vacation with my family at the age of eight, I have developed a deep passion for winter sports. Is there anything more delightful than basking in the winter sun’s warming rays, immersing yourself in the stunning natural scenery, and savoring traditional dishes by candlelight after a thrilling day on the slopes? Yet, the charm of a ski vacation can be marred by overcrowded huts, premature après-ski enthusiasts, and snowboarders who claim the most inconvenient spots. Fortunately, there are still a few ski resorts in Europe that are considered hidden gems (at least so far) where you can enjoy sport and nature to the fullest. Here are my personal insider tips and other recommended destinations in Europe for ski resorts with undisturbed skiing fun, without large crowds.
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Trysil, Norway
I first went to Trysil, the magical ski resort near Oslo, ten years ago with a friend whose mother is Norwegian. It was my first time skiing away from the Alps, and what can I say? Norway has the edge in many ways. The empty slopes, the clarity in terms of the crowds, and the vast, white landscape, where you can not only ski downhill but also cross-country ski, are a dream. There are a total of 65 pistes here, 36 of which have a lift system.
The evening program here offers less variety. Back then, when I was in my mid-20s, it was almost a little too quiet here. Now, as someone who has grown weary of mass tourism and the same old pop tunes, I wholeheartedly recommend Trysil to all. According to my Norwegian friend, there are trolls in the forest here – unfortunately, I haven’t seen any yet.
Klínovec, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers excellent skiing away from the crowds, especially in the Ore Mountains surrounding Klínovec. The ski area here is well developed, with many slopes from red to black. Ski passes and ski equipment hire are inexpensive, as is food in the hut-restaurants on the slopes. Because the area is not so snow-sure, there is artificial snowmaking. It can get a little crowded here on the weekend. But otherwise, you rarely have to plan for long waiting times in front of the lifts or huts.
Donnersbachwald near Liezen, Austria
Anyone who inevitably thinks of Ischgl and après-ski on a ski vacation in Austria has not yet heard of this ski resort: the Riesneralm Donnersbachwald is a hidden gem in the Alps. The cozy ski area is rather small and absolutely quiet. There is everything here, from short slopes for beginners to long runs in front of an impressive mountain panorama. Early risers can rejoice, as the lifts start here early in the morning at 8.30 am – a time when party ski tourists wouldn’t even make it out of bed. Snow is also guaranteed, as the 16 slopes are covered with artificial snow when there is no snow.
Maranza, Italy
I spent one of my first skiing vacations in the Italian village of Meransen as a child. Even today, Maranza remains a family-friendly, laid-back ski resort. The village belongs to South Tyrol, which is why the people here speak Italian as well as German. In my opinion, this alone creates a special flair. The South Tyrolean food consisting of spaetzle and dumplings in all variations does the rest. In some places, you can ski directly from the hotel to the lift that takes you up to the Gitschberg. From here, you’re treated to a sensational panoramic view of the Dolomites and nearly 100 kilometers of well-groomed pistes suitable for all skill levels.
Grandvalira, Andorra
Spain brings to mind beaches and sunshine more than snow-covered slopes for many. However, as I learned from my friends, you can actually go on a wonderful winter vacation very close by. In Andorra, a small, independent principality in the middle of the Spanish-French Pyrenees, you will find long, snow-covered slopes that are not too crowded. As in Spain, there are tapas and meat instead of dumplings and goulash soup along the way. Après-ski tends to take place away from the slopes. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about people staggering around while skiing. There is usually natural snow here, with artificial snowmaking providing additional snow reliability.
Tulfes am Glungezer, Austria
Tulfes am Glungezer is a small, tranquil ski resort near Ischgl, which is considered quiet and family-friendly. I learned to ski here more than 27 years ago, and I am still grateful today that I was relatively undisturbed when I first tried out the slopes. The area is not too crowded, and you are more likely to find families here than party tourists. From Tulfes, you take the gondola up to the piste. There, you will find various ski schools and slopes with different levels of difficulty, from beginner to advanced. There are various huts here with wonderful yeast dumplings, toasts, and goulash. Alcohol is also available, but as it is mainly families who ski here, the party atmosphere is kept to a minimum.
Bosco Gurin, Switzerland
Another not-too-crowded ski resort is Bosco Gurin in Switzerland. Bosco Gurin is located between Andermatt and Lake Maggiore and is the highest German-speaking village in Ticino. Here, you’ll be greeted by picturesque slopes and charming wooden houses, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. You don’t have to wait too long in front of the lifts. You are almost alone on the slopes and can really enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. What is less nice are the prices: The area is unfortunately rather expensive.
