Best Destinations To Enjoy The Last Weeks Of Winter
You are a snow and winter lover and can’t believe the wonderful season is already over? Then take another breath, check out these amazing places and start packing. It doesn’t matter if you are a winter sports addict or maybe like to enjoy this magical time of the year – winter wonderland is opened to everyone!
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Sölden in Austria:
Sölden is one of the best regions to combine the joy of skiing and going out to party. Not only is it known for the skiing WorldCup to start there but also for its multiple party hotspots. Two reachable glaciers ensure that you have perfect snow conditions during your stay. Also, the wide and long slopes are offering you the opportunity to fulfill your desire for speed and fun.
After enjoying your down-rides on more than 140 slope kilometers you can choose one of 33 huts within the areal to drink a hot Glühwein. No matter if you are going with or without a company. At an après ski party you surely will find a great company and dance to the local ski-hits. For example, you could visit the Schirmbar Sölden at the bottom of the Giggijochbahn-lift. The venue offers a unique experience with its glass-top, modern DJ’s and happy hours.
If you are not the biggest fan of skiing, you still can enjoy multiple hiking trays in Sölden or visit the Ice-Q restaurant on top of the Gaislachkogl. If you are having the feeling that this scene looks familiar you may be a fan of James Bond. The Film Spectre was partly filmed on the slope called Schwarze Schneide.
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St.Moritz in Switzerland
St.Moritz is one of the most famous and luxurious winter holiday resorts in Europe and even in the world. As one of the oldest resorts ever it is as exclusive and elegant as it could be. With over 300 sunny days in a year and a low level of humidity visitors would describe the climate as “champagne climate”.
The resort is offering a lot of different ways to ride down the mountain, as it has over 160 slope kilometers and a variety of off-road areas. With around 125 kilometers of red and black slopes, it is more of an intermediate skiing resort and less suitable for beginners. You are more interested in a precious “celebrity-feeling” experience? No problem! With uncountable luxury shops, highly rated restaurants, and world-class hotels you will feel the same as the celebrity next to you. Yes, you read that right. St.Moritz is like a magnet for international film and pop stars to relax.
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Tignes in France:
The Motte Glacier in the heart of the French Alps is a perfect place to go if you are chasing the endless winter. The winter season in Tignes normally begins in the middle of October and ends only in May. This area in France is a gorgeous place for all of those who are beginners in snow sports.
In a classification from blue, red and black slopes the blue ones are less inclined, red ones are a little more and the back ones are highly inclined. So as if you are not a professional yet, do not worry! You still will have a wide selection of slopes to learn because 60% of the slopes are classified as blue. Don’t worry if you already are advanced level skier – the black slopes in this area will bring you the adrenalin kick you desire. Even for cross-country skier, Tignes presents a giant variety of over 35 kilometers of loops and trails.
But also, if you are not into skiing or snowboarding it is worth the visit. As a traveler who is not addicted to winter-sports, you can appreciate the impressive 360-degree views of the Alps. Via the Grande Motte cable-car, you easily can reach the rooftop terrace, which is situated at over 3400m above absolute altitude to enjoy the view over Tignes and the mountain tops.
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Garmisch- Partenkirchen in Germany
This rural in Germany is situated around 100 kilometers south of Munich and absolutely worth the visit. Even though most of the European skiing areas are in Austria or Switzerland you should consider visiting this place as well. After hosting the Winter Olympics Games in the late ’40s the area got hyped. Up to this day, it is still hosting plenty of international sports competitions like ski jumping or alpine racing.
On perfectly groomed slopes of every kind, you can show off your talent. Due to its location, the climate is a little milder than for example in Austria. Although it doesn’t get super cold you still can enjoy plenty of snow and sunshine. As a visitor in this region in Germany, it is a must to visit the highest point in Germany called Zugspitze. By going on a cogwheel train and then a cable car you can reach one of the most impressive points of the country. After that ride, you will arrive at the glacier, enjoy the view and the sunshine.
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Riksgränsen in Swedish Lapland
This little area in northern Europe is maybe not the biggest but definitely most magical. Around 200 kilometers north of the actual Arctic Circle you can find a one-in-a-kind skiing experience from February till June. In comparison to skiing areas from the Alps, Riksgränsen is very small. With only 21 kilometers of slopes, you can experience the whole area in only one day.
But it has something special that the others are not able to offer. After around the middle of May, you can let the midnight sun impress you. The midnight sun describes the period of “nightless nights” in Lapland. There is all day long a light visible because the sun does not set below the horizon. During this time, you can enjoy the winter wonderland as long as you want without minding about the time.
PS: If you are not sure which place lures you the most, check out the live-webcams and make sure it is stunning yourself.