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Best of the Alps
Seen the logo 'Best of the Alps' and wondered what it means? Well, read our guide for all you need to know about the accolade and which resorts have it!
You may see the ‘Best of the Alps’ written against a number of ski resorts and wondered what it means?
The Best of the Alps is essentially a brand name given to a number of resorts considered pioneers in the fields of skiing and mountaineering holidays. In addition, they have great transport connections, diversity of culture, quality of mountain ranges, great restaurants and accommodation that ranges from luxury to budget.
Who are The Best of the Alps?
The twelve resorts that make up the Best of the Alps are :
Chamonix Mont Blanc, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Davos, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grindelwald, Kitzbuhel, Lech/Zurs, Megeve, St Anton, St Moritz, Seefeld and finally Zermatt.
In a recent interview Samuele Salm the chairman of the Best of the Alps explained the criteria to be listed in the Best of the Alps :
“The underlying qualification is that Best of the Alps resorts must have evolved from traditional mountain villages. They are never purpose built resorts, nor large towns. These are the original authentic villages which have become models for modern North American winter resort development.”
And it is true to say that all the resorts listed match these criteria.
Why Visit Any of These Ski Resorts?
Chamonix in a great location below Mont Blanc pioneered mountain climbing, skiing and was the location of the first winter Olympics in 1924.
Cortina is known for its amazing cuisine set amidst the magnificent Dolomite scenery.
Davos, is the highest altitude resort in Europe and also has the high altitude sports training centre.
Garmisisch, hosted the 1936 Olympics and it is very proud of its heritage.
Grindelwald is cited at the base of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alps.
Kitzbühel, a 700 year old mining town and home to the Hahnenkamm the most challenging downhill course on the world cup circuit.
Lech/Zurs am Arlberg offers high class skiing yet started life as remote farming villages.
Megève the original jet setters destination. There's charm, a medieval village and some great slopes!
Seefeld offers great Tyrolean hospitality with awesome terrain and very reliable snow
St Anton is the cradle of alpine skiing with 260km of pistes in the Arlberg ski area
St Moritz has hosted the winter Olympics twice and is a chocolate box Swiss village with 5 high altitude ski areas
Zermatt with its views of the Matterhorn and its glacier snowfields, the highest in Europe.
In Summary
We may all think of additional resorts that we love and we would rate as the best in the Alps but it is difficult to find anyone who would disagree that the 12 listed are all very special as modern holiday ski and snowboarding resorts.
