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November, 2024

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Best Skiing in the Alps

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AvidTailgater
Posts: 3 - Karma: 22
Buddy and I are planning on heading to the alps next spring for a couple months and are looking for ideas on where we should post up. We are considering doing either march/april or april/may (are open to considering other months as well).

What we are looking for:

-Fun home mountain or variety of fun mountains nearby (good park? good all mountain terrain? fun spring scene?)
-Fun town/city to stay in (cool culture, nightlife)
-Good ski pass (maybe includes multiple mountains? won't break the bank?)

Thanks in advance.
Oct 8 2024 7:38PM
2 1
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Jibbcore
Posts: 359 - Karma: 175
Chamonix is good but they dont have a good park
Oct 8 2024 8:46PM
2 0
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BallClapper
Posts: 2934 - Karma: 12,166
Welp you got eight different countries to choose from: Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Alps are huge, might want to be more specific with destination to get real help. (I don't know tits, good luck)
Oct 9 2024 1:48AM
5 11
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Rock_Inhabitant
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 11,912
BallClapperWelp you got eight different countries to choose from: Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Alps are huge, might want to be more specific with destination to get real help. (I don't know tits, good luck)


Monaco? I think this guy is a little silly in the brain
Oct 9 2024 2:16AM
14 3
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Willy_The_Kid
Posts: 69 - Karma: 607
First off, I would absolutely recommend opting for march/april over april/may. In april and may, you'll only be skiing super slushy slopes (in most areas at least) and the all mountain terrain will see less fresh snow, and be less accessible due to the lack of snow.

In terms of destination, there are multiple really great ones - my recommendation is Innsbruck however. I spent last winter there, and the place is incredible. The parks in nearby Nordkette and Patscherkofel are small but well built and fun. Always plenty of people shredding the park. Also, there are plenty of other mountains and parks nearby. Just hop on a bus and explore 10+ other resorts. Axamer Lizum is another small resort 30 - 40 minutes away from the city center, with some sick all mountain terrain. Downdays has a cool core shots episode following Ben Richards in Axamer Lixum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWA3B6wesw4&t=671s.

In terms of a fun city, Innsbruck is superb. Sure... the aprés is better in Ischgl, but it is dominated by rich and tacky tourists. There are plenty of cool bars, restaurants and events in Innsbruck. Unlike most ski towns, Innsbruck is actually a city, with a lot going on outside of skiing.

These two videos will give you an impression about Nordkette and Patscherkofel - the resorts closest to the city center:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ACJQ7iJ3I&t=89s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJXMAXmX0nk&t=607s
Oct 9 2024 3:44AM
9 0
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UrMomsFavSkier
Posts: 6 - Karma: 22
Willy_The_KidFirst off, I would absolutely recommend opting for march/april over april/may. In april and may, you'll only be skiing super slushy slopes (in most areas at least) and the all mountain terrain will see less fresh snow, and be less accessible due to the lack of snow.

In terms of destination, there are multiple really great ones - my recommendation is Innsbruck however. I spent last winter there, and the place is incredible. The parks in nearby Nordkette and Patscherkofel are small but well built and fun. Always plenty of people shredding the park. Also, there are plenty of other mountains and parks nearby. Just hop on a bus and explore 10+ other resorts. Axamer Lizum is another small resort 30 - 40 minutes away from the city center, with some sick all mountain terrain. Downdays has a cool core shots episode following Ben Richards in Axamer Lixum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWA3B6wesw4&t=671s.

In terms of a fun city, Innsbruck is superb. Sure... the aprés is better in Ischgl, but it is dominated by rich and tacky tourists. There are plenty of cool bars, restaurants and events in Innsbruck. Unlike most ski towns, Innsbruck is actually a city, with a lot going on outside of skiing.

These two videos will give you an impression about Nordkette and Patscherkofel - the resorts closest to the city center:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ACJQ7iJ3I&t=89s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJXMAXmX0nk&t=607s


Agreed, only bummer is that the Tyrol snow pass which gets you access to all the skiresorts in Tyrol is only available as a season pass afaik. My personal is Zell am See and the nearby resorts (Kitzsteinhorn, Smittenhöhe and Saalbach). Dont
Oct 9 2024 7:03AM
2 0
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Raf.Diaz.
Posts: 676 - Karma: 9,982
BallClapperWelp you got eight different countries to choose from: Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. Alps are huge, might want to be more specific with destination to get real help. (I don't know tits, good luck)


Yep going to monaco what do you recommend im looking for a rope tow and big cliffs
Oct 9 2024 7:54AM
6 1
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BallClapper
Posts: 2934 - Karma: 12,166



Red is tall.


Rock_InhabitantMonaco? I think this guy is a little silly in the brain
Oct 9 2024 10:32AM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 17,454
Rock_InhabitantMonaco? I think this guy is a little silly in the brain


He’s not wrong. There are multiple ski resorts within a couple hours of Monaco. It’s actually a really common base for ski trips.
Oct 9 2024 6:14PM
4 1
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BallClapper
Posts: 2934 - Karma: 12,166
Jeeze, I got downvoted for being helpful and not trolling.
PartyBullshiitHe’s not wrong. There are multiple ski resorts within a couple hours of Monaco. It’s actually a really common base for ski trips.
Oct 9 2024 7:18PM
4 3
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Rock_Inhabitant
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 11,912
PartyBullshiitHe’s not wrong. There are multiple ski resorts within a couple hours of Monaco. It’s actually a really common base for ski trips.


You’re not gonna find good skiing within 3 hours of Monaco. Plus Monaco is a cesspool full of corrupt people and sex trafficking
Oct 9 2024 7:58PM
2 3
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 17,454
Rock_InhabitantYou’re not gonna find good skiing within 3 hours of Monaco. Plus Monaco is a cesspool full of corrupt people and sex trafficking


Ya you’re wrong. First resort is not only 2 hours away has amazing skiing and a park.

https://www.hellomonaco.com/the-riviera/in-the-neighborhood/hit-the-slopes-7-ski-resorts-around-monaco/
Oct 9 2024 8:33PM
3 0
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Rock_Inhabitant
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 11,912
PartyBullshiitYa you’re wrong. First resort is not only 2 hours away has amazing skiing and a park.

https://www.hellomonaco.com/the-riviera/in-the-neighborhood/hit-the-slopes-7-ski-resorts-around-monaco/


Pipe down big guy, not only does Monaco have 0 skiing, but you have to drive 2 hours for some mid at best skiing. This thread is titled “best skiing in the alps”, not “middest resort closet to some bunk ass micronation”
Oct 9 2024 9:34PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 17,454
Rock_InhabitantPipe down big guy, not only does Monaco have 0 skiing, but you have to drive 2 hours for some mid at best skiing. This thread is titled “best skiing in the alps”, not “middest resort closet to some bunk ass micronation”

Pipe down little guy. I said a couple hours from
Monaco. That means 2. Which is what that resort is. And it’s rated one of the best.
Oct 9 2024 11:43PM
3 1
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Rock_Inhabitant
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 11,912
PartyBullshiitPipe down little guy. I said a couple hours from
Monaco. That means 2. Which is what that resort is. And it’s rated one of the best.


Oh so you get to change the topic of the thread at will? What a gifted fellow
Oct 10 2024 1:25AM
0 3
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michael_bc
Posts: 1388 - Karma: 732
Most Alpine ski resorts close at the end of April so in May you will be restricted to a handful of glacier ski resorts - depending if that is your thing. Kaunertal is excellent in May - but it really is the summer skiing experience rather than spring skiing.

I find https://openskimap.org/ a great tool to see on a map where there are ski resorts and how close together they are.

The area around where Austria, Switzerland, and Italy meet is a great place to be. Laax, Livigno, Mayrhofen, Kaunertal have some of the best parks and matching atmosphere.

You will probably need to get the season pass at your base mountain and then take out extra day passes when you make an excursion.

Here are some season passes that give you a lot of access:

- Snow card tirol (Ischgl, Solden, Mayrhofen, Kaunertal, Innsbruck, etc. etc.)
- Graubunden Card (Laax, Ischgl, St. Moritz, Davos, Lenzerheide, Andermatt, etc.)
Oct 10 2024 9:30AM
4 0
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AvidTailgater
Posts: 3 - Karma: 22
michael_bcMost Alpine ski resorts close at the end of April so in May you will be restricted to a handful of glacier ski resorts - depending if that is your thing. Kaunertal is excellent in May - but it really is the summer skiing experience rather than spring skiing.

I find https://openskimap.org/ a great tool to see on a map where there are ski resorts and how close together they are.

The area around where Austria, Switzerland, and Italy meet is a great place to be. Laax, Livigno, Mayrhofen, Kaunertal have some of the best parks and matching atmosphere.

You will probably need to get the season pass at your base mountain and then take out extra day passes when you make an excursion.

Here are some season passes that give you a lot of access:

- Snow card tirol (Ischgl, Solden, Mayrhofen, Kaunertal, Innsbruck, etc. etc.)
- Graubunden Card (Laax, Ischgl, St. Moritz, Davos, Lenzerheide, Andermatt, etc.)


Appreciate the help, does the tirol snow card include unlimited days at each of the resorts? Doesn’t seem to clarify that on their website.
Oct 22 2024 2:13AM
0 0
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AvidTailgater
Posts: 3 - Karma: 22
Super helpful, was it easy to bus/train to all the resorts from Innsbruck?
Willy_The_KidFirst off, I would absolutely recommend opting for march/april over april/may. In april and may, you'll only be skiing super slushy slopes (in most areas at least) and the all mountain terrain will see less fresh snow, and be less accessible due to the lack of snow.

In terms of destination, there are multiple really great ones - my recommendation is Innsbruck however. I spent last winter there, and the place is incredible. The parks in nearby Nordkette and Patscherkofel are small but well built and fun. Always plenty of people shredding the park. Also, there are plenty of other mountains and parks nearby. Just hop on a bus and explore 10+ other resorts. Axamer Lizum is another small resort 30 - 40 minutes away from the city center, with some sick all mountain terrain. Downdays has a cool core shots episode following Ben Richards in Axamer Lixum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWA3B6wesw4&t=671s.

In terms of a fun city, Innsbruck is superb. Sure... the aprés is better in Ischgl, but it is dominated by rich and tacky tourists. There are plenty of cool bars, restaurants and events in Innsbruck. Unlike most ski towns, Innsbruck is actually a city, with a lot going on outside of skiing.

These two videos will give you an impression about Nordkette and Patscherkofel - the resorts closest to the city center:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ACJQ7iJ3I&t=89s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJXMAXmX0nk&t=607s
Oct 22 2024 2:16AM
2 0
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michael_bc
Posts: 1388 - Karma: 732
AvidTailgaterAppreciate the help, does the tirol snow card include unlimited days at each of the resorts? Doesn’t seem to clarify that on their website.


Correct, it is a season pass that covers multiple resorts.
Oct 22 2024 3:38AM
2 0
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Willy_The_Kid
Posts: 69 - Karma: 607
The public transport is really good. Innsbruck is a transit point connecting many towns and resorts in the Austrian alps. Apart from the resorts I've already mentioned, Stubai Gletscher is a 50 minute bus ride from the city center. St. Anton is an hour and 10 minutes by train from the central station. Kuhtai and Slick 2000 is also in reach within an hour. The list goes on... There are almost too many resorts to explore for only a few months.
Oct 22 2024 5:19AM
3 0
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Willy_The_Kid
Posts: 69 - Karma: 607
@AvidTailgater, forgot to @you, but here ya go ^
Oct 22 2024 5:20AM
1 0
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Medicine
Posts: 58 - Karma: 191
I agree with everything you said but I'd add a couple things @AvidTailgater

Freizeitticket is a couple hundred cheaper (especially if you're young). For march/april it would be nice, you get 3 days each at Ischgl (which closes late) and St Anton (which is not included in the Snowcard). Also includes all the nearest resorts to the city, Nordkette and Axamer Lizum close quite late. Includes Stubai but not the other glaciers. Stubai is more like 1h20 from the trainstation unless you get the express bus which I believe is only going on weekends. From other parts of the city you need to add a bit to it. Still easily doable even for half days (just got back from there).

Public transport to a lot of the Snowcard resort kind of sucks, 2h30 or more for most of the ones that are not on Freizeit ticket. Find friends with cars, or be patient and bring a book.

If you do April/May then snowcard makes more sense, although its validity ends on the 15th of May. There's a black market around that time of the year and you can find them for cheap, just make sure you don't look completely different. If you get a snowcard or Freizeit this way, avoid Nordkette and Stubai, they WILL tell you to show your face and compare it. Other ski resorts (Pitztal, Ischgl, etc) you're fine.

Btw shout out to Pitztal and Kaunertal they have amazing terrain and no crowds. Last May on closing day we were still skiing 800 meter (2400ft) couloirs off the lifts, alone.

Also if you do go to Innsbruck (I think it's the obvious choice with the requirements) hit me up
Willy_The_KidThe public transport is really good. Innsbruck is a transit point connecting many towns and resorts in the Austrian alps. Apart from the resorts I've already mentioned, Stubai Gletscher is a 50 minute bus ride from the city center. St. Anton is an hour and 10 minutes by train from the central station. Kuhtai and Slick 2000 is also in reach within an hour. The list goes on... There are almost too many resorts to explore for only a few months.
Oct 24 2024 11:46AM
4 0
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exit32
Posts: 93 - Karma: 1,078
ZERMATT!!!!! I went for a week at the end of March and it was the best week of skiing I've ever had. The park was sick, it snowed two feet in the upper mountains, and the vibes were great. It's pricey, but It's the best skiing in the Alps. Also, they're super high elevation so the snow sticks around longer.
Oct 28 2024 9:31AM
4 0
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
ZERMATT !!! went 3/2024 and it was insane. park sucked but its the last thing you want to do out there. Get some 188 freeride skis and explore all of the areas. brought some of that traveling circus vibes out there with the huge cat track sends and other tranfer sends. bring your checkbook! we stayed a few train stops down from the village
exit32ZERMATT!!!!!
Oct 29 2024 9:30AM
4 0
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jompcock
Posts: 1536 - Karma: 11,445
Skied Livigno one April, will probably go back. Good skiing and parks, lodging was relatively cheap, really cool town that was walkable and accessible by bus.

Skied Val Thorens one March. Place is fucking huge. Decent parks, really fun all all mountain. Found it hard to get in at decent restaurants and didn't do much after skiing (I was fucking gassed and skied bell to bell each day), but the skiing was really really good.
Oct 31 2024 1:01AM
1 0
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Liam_j10
Posts: 510 - Karma: 2,441
PartyBullshiitHe’s not wrong. There are multiple ski resorts within a couple hours of Monaco. It’s actually a really common base for ski trips.


Monaco isnt a mountain town. It's a coastal tourist city/country with zero ski culture. Seems like OP wants to experience that Euro mountain-town apres culture. Also I just spent some time in Nice and thought it was pretty but didn't like the vibe at all

**This post was edited on Nov 1st 2024 at 12:43:12pm
Nov 1 2024 12:42PM
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PartyBullshiit
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 17,454
Liam_j10Monaco isnt a mountain town. It's a coastal tourist city/country with zero ski culture. Seems like OP wants to experience that Euro mountain-town apres culture. Also I just spent some time in Nice and thought it was pretty but didn't like the vibe at all

**This post was edited on Nov 1st 2024 at 12:43:12pm

No one said it’s a mountain town. Said it’s used as a base for ski trips. Which is a fact. There are a few resorts within a couple hours of Monaco. the Monaco ski club would absolutely disagree with you that there is zero ski culture.

https://montecarloskiclub.mc
Nov 1 2024 1:09PM
3 1
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AvidTailgater
Posts: 3 - Karma: 22
I am pretty set on going to Innsbruck after hearing the feedback and it already being on my radar. I saw the snowcard tyrol isn’t available for purchase online, any idea if they still sell them in person in march/april?
MedicineI agree with everything you said but I'd add a couple things @AvidTailgater

Freizeitticket is a couple hundred cheaper (especially if you're young). For march/april it would be nice, you get 3 days each at Ischgl (which closes late) and St Anton (which is not included in the Snowcard). Also includes all the nearest resorts to the city, Nordkette and Axamer Lizum close quite late. Includes Stubai but not the other glaciers. Stubai is more like 1h20 from the trainstation unless you get the express bus which I believe is only going on weekends. From other parts of the city you need to add a bit to it. Still easily doable even for half days (just got back from there).

Public transport to a lot of the Snowcard resort kind of sucks, 2h30 or more for most of the ones that are not on Freizeit ticket. Find friends with cars, or be patient and bring a book.

If you do April/May then snowcard makes more sense, although its validity ends on the 15th of May. There's a black market around that time of the year and you can find them for cheap, just make sure you don't look completely different. If you get a snowcard or Freizeit this way, avoid Nordkette and Stubai, they WILL tell you to show your face and compare it. Other ski resorts (Pitztal, Ischgl, etc) you're fine.

Btw shout out to Pitztal and Kaunertal they have amazing terrain and no crowds. Last May on closing day we were still skiing 800 meter (2400ft) couloirs off the lifts, alone.

Also if you do go to Innsbruck (I think it's the obvious choice with the requirements) hit me up
Nov 5 2024 2:12PM
1 0
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Medicine
Posts: 58 - Karma: 191
Pretty sure they do, but you can call or email to make sure.
AvidTailgaterI am pretty set on going to Innsbruck after hearing the feedback and it already being on my radar. I saw the snowcard tyrol isn’t available for purchase online, any idea if they still sell them in person in march/april?
Nov 6 2024 5:45AM
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