Top alpine experiences

Where winter lives

Just a few more weeks and then the snow will be softly falling again in the Alps ... For all those who can hardly wait for the start of the next ski season, we have already taken a look around between Kitz and Cortina and present the longest pistes, most unusual destinations, hottest events, best huts and most luxurious accommodation.

On the slopes, get set, go

The longest descents in the Alps


© Laurent-Salino
With its 16 kilometers, La Sarenne in the French Alpe d'Huez is not only the longest groomed slope in the Alps, but also one of the most difficult. Deep black and with no possibility of turning back or getting out, it leads from the summit of the Pic Blanc at 3,300 meters down into the valley. The "Schwarze Schneid" in Sölden is hardly less spectacular and only one kilometer shorter. It connects the mountain station of the Gaislachkoglbahn with the village center over 1,970 meters in altitude. Before you get into the bindings at the top, it's worth visiting the interactive James Bond museum "007 Elements" and stopping off at the stylish gourmet hut "ice Q". The valley descent from the Klein Matterhorn is also an impressive 15 kilometers long. It starts at Europe's highest cable car station at 3,820 meters and leads down to Zermatt. Once there, the private lift takes you directly to the CERVO Mountain Resort, a stylish mountain hideaway with an ashram spa and dream views from all rooms and suites.
www.alpedhuez.com, www.soelden.com, www.iceq.at, www.zermatt.ch, www.cervo.swiss

Andorra instead of Arlberg

Europe's most exotic ski resorts


On the slopes in the morning and under palm trees by the sea in the afternoon: Europe's exotic ski resorts rarely have top slopes, but they do have dream locations and plenty of flair. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine a few days of skiing with the beach or the city.

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ANDORRA

With 303 kilometers of slopes and 103 lifts, Andorra is one of the big ones among the small ones. What also speaks in favor of the principality without a prince: the proximity to Catalonia's capital and the many Michelin-starred restaurants between the mountains and the sea. If the 200 kilometers to
Barcelona by rental car is too far, you can also fly in by helicopter in 20 minutes. Top for shopping fans: low taxes on luxury goods and duty-free shopping! www.all-andorra.com

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SIERRA NEVADA

Absolute snow reliability should be
not necessarily be expected in Europe's southernmost ski resort, although the lifts from Pradollano reach up to 3,300 meters. However, you can rely on the winter sun in the Sierra Nevada - and it attracts visitors not only to the 110 kilometers of slopes, but also to Granada, Malaga or simply to the beach. Top: the "Sea & Sierra" package from the Marbella Club and the luxury hideaway El Lodge, each with three nights' accommodation and transfers. www.sierranevada.es,www.ellodge.com

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MONTENEGRO

The Balkan dwarf has several ski resorts on offer. Our favorites: Žabljak in the snowy Durmitor National Park is particularly popular with ski tourers and freeriders. Kolašin 1450, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly resort not far from the capital Podgorica. Whatever you decide to do: It's not far to the sea with its warm winter microclimate and top hotels such as the new One&Only Portonovi. www.oneandonlyresorts.com,www.kolasin1450.com, www.durmitornp.com

For nights under the stars

Traditional grand hotels in the mountains

Please don't get us wrong! We love all the super-stylish designer temples with their cool-chic interiors! But sometimes it just has to be a time-honored grand hotel - especially in winter, when the history and glamour of the traditional hotels are joined by a touch of alpine cosiness ...
Our favorites:

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KULM HOTEL/SWITZERLAND

The first luxury hotel in St. Moritz is still one of the best hotels in the area today. With a dream view of the frozen Lake St. Moritz, you can stay in rooms and suites measuring up to 180 m2, enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine in the fine "The K by Mauro Colagreco" and can enjoy your pirouettes on the hotel's own ice rink.
pirouettes on the hotel's own ice rink. www.kulm.com

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THURNER'S ALPENHOF/ÖSTERREICH

Pure female power - and four generations of it - is the order of the day at the only Leading Hotel of the World on the Arlberg! You can see it, you can feel it and you have to experience it
and must be experienced - for example over a glass of champagne on the sun terrace right by the piste. www.thurnhers.com

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SCHLOSS ELMAU/DEUTSCHLAND

Located between the Zugspitze and Karwendel mountains, Schloss Elmau presents itself as a contemporary interpretation of traditional grand hotels - or quite simply as a "Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway". In addition to six exclusive wellness areas and its own concert hall, it also boasts starred restaurants, fireside lounges and winter gardens with views of the mountains. www.schloss-elmau.de

Glamour on the Rocks

The top events in the snow

The good thing about winter? The long nights that invite you to party and enjoy the mountains! We reveal the fixed dates in the Snowciety calendar - please save the date(s):

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"ARLBERG WEINBERG"/ AUSTRIA

Just in time for the start of the season, Lech Zürs proves its reputation as a gourmet village! From December 3 to 11, you can taste and celebrate - for example at the Rote Wand Chef's Table, at dinner with star chef
Paul Ivic or when Moët & Chandon serves its Grand Vintage Collection. Also on the program: regular sommelier tables or an evening with Marchese Lodovico Antinori. www.lechzuers.com

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SNOW POLO WORLD CUP KITZBÜHEL/AUSTRIA

Not quite as famous as the Hahnenkamm Race, but more exclusive: the Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel will take place on Lake Schwarzsee from January 13 to 16, 2022. In attendance: the best polo players from all over the world and an audience that loves the noble equestrian sport at least as much as the exclusive evening events in the VIP tent or Kitzbühel Country Club ... www.kitzbuehelpolo.com


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WORLD SNOW FESTIVAL/SWITZERLAND

What began in 1983 with a giant Heidi made of snow on the village square in Grindelwald has long since become a spectacle that attracts artists from all over the world. Their task: to transform a three-meter block of snow into an ephemeral sculpture! In 2022, from 17 to 22 January, the sculpture will be carved, sanded and melted ... www.grindelwald.com

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SOUTH TIRROL GARDENISSIMA/ITALY

What's special about the "longest giant slalom in the world", which runs over 6 kilometers to the Col Raiser valley station on 2 and 3 April 2022? Anyone can take part, provided they get one of the 650 starting numbers that active ' and former ski stars such as Marc Girardelli apply for every year. www.gardenissima.eu

The gentle side of winter

Active vacation away from the slopes

Whether snowshoeing, ski touring, cross-country skiing or ranger tours through snow-covered national parks: more and more holidaymakers are discovering the winter wonderland beyond the slopes and opting for gentle, more sustainable activities.

The Tyrolean olympiaregion seefeld, for example, has focused entirely on cross-country skiers, who can make their rounds on 245 kilometers of trails and then relax in the top spas of five-star hotels such as the Astoria or the Klosterbräu. In the Upper Austrian vacation region of Pyhrn-Priel, on the other hand, you can search for lynx tracks in the snow with the rangers from the Kalkalpen National Park or try out the trend sport right next to top athletes from all over the world in the biathlon arena.

In South Tyrol, a hike on Italy's first winter premium trail is a great tip. The 7.2-kilometre tour on the Rittner Horn leads along perfectly groomed paths and offers spectacular views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Europe's longest toboggan run" in Switzerland promises more speed. The "Big Pintenfritz" runs over 11 kilometers from the Faulhorn via Bussalp to Grindelwald and offers fantastic views of the Wetterhorn and Eiger. www.seefeld.com,www.astoria- seefeld.com, www.klosterbraeu.com, www.urlaubsregion-pyhrn-priel.at,www.myswitzerland.com