Best High Altitude Ski Resorts

If you want good snow, good quality snow, then high altitude resorts are a great place to start. We've pulled together a top 10 best high altitude ski resorts list that could help you choose your next ski holiday - especially if you're planning one in January or April when the snow can be a bit hit and miss. Generally speaking, all pistes are over 2000m, or in Breckenridge's case they go up to 4000m.

Top 10 High Altitude Ski Resorts

There's quite a bit of choice, but the following ski resorts all have pisted skiing up to around 3,500m - meaning you are almost guaranteed snow - with a lot of it being of great quality! Why not check a few out now to get a flavour of what's available.

 

Chamonix, France

Chamonix, France 

Read our Full Review of Chamonix

A year round mountain town with the highest skiable peak in Europe. Chamonix is a bustling town with lots to see and do. All the skiing is above 2000m, so the resort is very snowsure. One of the top resorts in the world, it offers a huge variety of expert level terrain and powder descents. But, as a premium resort, it is also good for beginners and intermediates.

Breckenridge, USA

Breckenridge, USA 

Read our Full Review of Breckenridge

It is fair to say that any of Colorados ski areas are a safe bet for great ski conditions but Breckenridge recently topped the list. With the town located at nearly 3000m and skiing up to nearly 4000m, together with colorados reputation for dry champagne powder, Breckenridge normally retains great ski conditions until April. Skiing in Breckenridge is spread out over 4 mountains and is predominantly an intermediate/ advanced area.

Ischgl, Austria

Ischgl, Austria 

Read our Full Review of Ischgl

Located in the Silveretta mountains in the Austrian alps, very close to the Swiss border, Ischgl boasts a high altitude of between 2000 and 2872m. The resort offers wide open runs, most of which are fairly challenging. Off piste activities include an amazing 7km toboggan run. Après ski is amazing, the best on offer in Austria!

Obergurgl, Austria

Obergurgl, Austria 

Read our Full Review of Obergurgl

Obergurgl is set in the spectacular Ötz valley and is Austria's highest parish offering an excellent snow record and long season. The village remains unspoilt and charming with a selection of traditional après ski bars and beer kellers. The skiing and lifts start directly from the village offering spacious uncrowded runs with spectacular views.

Hintertux, Austria

Hintertux, Austria 

Read our Full Review of Hintertux

The Hintertux glacier is part of the Zillertal 3000 ski region. It is possibly the most challenging glacier skiing area in Austria. The pistes tend to be steeper than other glacier resorts and are therefore more suited to experienced skiers and boarders. With a top height of 3250m the snow is reliable and throughout the winter snow quality is excellent.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Saas-Fee, Switzerland 

Read our Review of Saas-Fee

Often regarded as the poor relation to the world renowned Zermatt but it shouldn't be. Saas Fee is a traditional Swiss village in a spectacular setting amidst peaks and glaciers up at 1800m. The ski area is exceptionally high with many of the pistes between 2500-3500m making it a very snowsure resort. Beginners are spoilt for choice and intermediates have lots of cruising runs. Advanced skiers and boarders will find plenty of good steep descents.

Alpe D'Huez, France

Alpe D'Huez, France 

Read our Review of Alpe D'Huez

Set high in the Grandes Rousses mountains Alpes D'Huez has been nicknamed the 'island in the sun' and is the fifth largest ski area in France. Great for all levels of skier and boarder. A glacial resort with some very high altitude skiing at 3330m on the Pic Blanc Glacier. It is home to some of the longest summit to base descents in the world and has a fantastic snow and sun record. The longest run in the resort is a staggering 17km in total!

Mammoth, USA

Mammoth, USA 

Read our Review of Mammoth

Set on the eastern side of the High Sierras, Mammoth is California's favourite mountain resort and is one of the largest ski areas in the USA. Extensive and varied terrain with exceptional powder conditions, an average season will see 30 feet of snow and 300 days of sunshine. The town itself has a good variety of shops and restaurants with lively après ski.

Lake Louise, Canada

Lake Louise, Canada 

Read our Review of Lake Louise

Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and yet only 90 minutes from Calgary airport Lake Louise is a charming village. It has more skiable terrain than any other single resort in Canada, with over 4,200 acres of trails. The variety is spectacular. With snow guaranteed, the facing mountains and local peaks provide a magnificent backdrop.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland 

Read our Review of Zermatt

Sitting in the shadow of the Matterhorn Zermatt is an attractive, compact, car free resort. It is particularly suited to intermediates and advanced skiers and boarders. The high altitude ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season, Zermatt is one of the few places where you can ski and board 365 days a year!

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