If you’re a seasoned skier looking for your very own ski home, you may wish to buy a property in a resort that offers world-class off-piste slopes. So, where are the best places in Europe to ditch the black runs and enjoy some fresh powder?
Chamonix, France
Home to the most famous off-piste run in the world – The Vallée Blanche – Chamonix is a brilliant resort for off-piste skiers. There are simply hundreds of off-piste ski routes in the area, so you’ll never get bored of exploring and testing your skills on the various slopes.
You’ll find a whole host of routes at the top of the Grand Montets cable car and limitless off-piste opportunities in the Brevent and Flegere areas. The Vallée Blanche begins at the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car and offers breathtaking views across the Haute Savoir and down the Chamonix Valley. Look the other way and you’ll see Italy!
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier has a reputation for offering the best lift access to off-piste slopes in Europe. So, if you’re new to off-piste and eager to give it a try, this is the resort to choose.
There are several runs called ‘itineraries’, which are marked but not maintained or controlled. Poles act as a rough guide to the route, but you’ll still be skiing on challenging and remote terrain. To ease yourself in, why not go with a guide on your first couple of runs? This will ensure you enjoy the experience and will prepare you for tackling the terrain with friends or family!
Cortina, Italy
There’s more to Cortina than just great apres-ski and shopping! The Dolomites have an endless supply of lift-accessible off-piste runs. During the winter, there are off-piste excursions everyday so you can get your bearings and try out the various routes. Anyone with good skiing ability can take on the off-piste skiing here, as you’ll find everything from wide powdery slopes to steep, rocky descents.
If off-piste skiing isn’t enough to get your adrenaline fix, you can try your hand at heliskiing in Cortina. The helicopter will allow you to try out some spectacular slopes that just can’t be accessed on foot!
Solden, Austria
With three mountains over 3000m and two glaciers, Solden is perfect for those seeking a powder run or two. Head to the top of the Gaislachkogl lift, ski straight into the bowl of Wasserkar and get stuck into an endless amount of fresh snow.
Solden’s ski school has plenty of guides and instructors that can take you off-piste, so you can get to know the runs and any tips to keep safe. There are routes for both beginners, intermediates and experts, so whatever your off-piste ability, they’ll be plenty here to suit you.
Start looking for your ski property today
To get the process of buying your ski property underway, why not take a look at our handy ski property buying guides? They lay out the buying journey step by step to make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
