Ski Resorts - the Best Kept Secrets

Are you searching for that ski resort that's off the beaten track? We have a top 10 of the best kept secrets in terms of ski resorts that provide superb skiing and boarding, great accommodation and a superb holiday. You may have heard of a lot of them, but many glance over them in reviews and magazines.

Best Kept Secrets

From Switzerland to the USA, France to Norway, there are a number of best kept secrets that offer superb pistes and great all round holidays. The beauty of these ski resorts, is lower prices, quieter pistes and something a little different. Why not check out the ones we've found below.

Mammoth, USA 

Read our Full Review of Mammoth

Set on the Eastern side of the high Sierra's Mammoth is California's favourite mountain resort. One of the largest ski areas in the USA, but one of the least well known. It has some of the best snow conditions, extensive and varied terrain with excepional powder conditions - an average season will see 30 feet of snow and 300 days of sunshine.

Serre Chevalier, France 

Read our Full Review of Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is a big south-facing valley between the Col du Lautaret and Briançon. With 13 resorts served by a good lift system, you can ski between resorts from 1200m up to 3800m. It's one of the biggest ski areas in France, but probably one of the least well known. There are runs for all levels of skier and boarder and the runs are set in some of the best scenery in the french alps. One of the top snowboarding destinations in France due to its amazing terrain and off piste.

Kicking Horse, USA 

Read our Full Review of Kicking Horse

One of North America's newest resorts with nearly 3000 acres of pristine terrain, it boasts an annual snowfall of 30 feet a year. It is best suited for advanced skiers and boarders.The mountain is truly awsome! Untracked powder in the numerous bowls and glades flanking the steep ridges provides testing terrain, And for adrenaline junkies there is a 4000 foot ski out - the second largest in Canada.

Flims, Switzerland 

Read our Full Review of Flims

Located just 90 minutes from Zurich airport, Flims has an impressive 137km of mainly intermediate slopes. It is virtually unknown outside the Swiss and German markets and it deserves better. There are very long runs amidst stunning scenery, all ideal for adventurous intermediates and with pistes above 2500m skiers and boarders are asssured snow throughout the season.The village itself is pretty and traditional.

Lillehammer, Norway 

Read our Full Review of Lillehammer

Lillehammer is Norway's oldest ski centre and it is a charming resort at the centre of several ski areas that skiers travel out to each day. A good choice for families it has an excellent snow record with a season that runs from November to April. The main ski area - Hafjell is good for beginners and intermediates with 30km of skiing . There is something for everyone with wide tree-lined pistes and the Olympic downhill run.

Serfaus, Austria 

Read our Full Review of Serfaus

Outside of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Serfaus remains something of a secret yet is probably in the top 5 best ski holiday resorts in Austria. The ski area is big and intermediate skiers will love the wide cruisy runs and advanced skiers and boarders will love the huge bowls easily accessed from the pistes. Package operators don't really come here and it is maybe 30 minutes further transfer than other ski resorts in Austria, but perfect all the same!

Selva Gardena, Italy 

Read our Full Review of Selva Gardena

Selva Gardena in the southern Tyrol is set in the beautiful Italian Dolomites. The scenery here is beautiful, the resort is connected to the Sella Ronda and the ski area consists of 175km of skiing terrain, catering for all different levels, although favouring intermediates.The village itself is a cosmopolitan Italian ski resort with lively bars and nightclubs.

Formigal, Andorra 

Read our Full Review of Formigal

Nestled in the Aragon region of the Pyrenean mountains, Formigal is great for all levels of skier and boarder. A modern purpose-built resort, it is well equipped with a modern lift system servicing 137km of marked pistes. It offers reasonably lively apres ski to and has a younger crowd. Overall Formigal is a picturesque resort which offers superb variety, size and depth, a real hidden gem.

Åre, Sweden 

Read our Full Review of Åre

Åre is Sweden's number one ski resort. Situated in the North it consists of four separate ski areas and villages which are partly interlinked. The scenery here is breathtaking, mountains covered with pine forests. The skiing and boarding is suited to all levels. Nightlife is fairly low key, centering around the hotel bars and restaurants. It's great for families and for those wanting a get away from the Alps ski holiday!