How to go to the mountains and not spend a fortune

It's no secret that the best ski resorts and slopes in the world are located in Europe - skiing was originally invented in Norway, and improved and distributed in the Austrian Alps. Skiing and snowboarding are quite expensive sports anywhere, but at fedafone we know how you can save money and not spend your entire salary on a trip. The first rule is to go to the mountains in the low season, which begins immediately after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices are reduced on literally everything, from hotels to ski passes, so with the onset of January, skiing becomes accessible to ordinary travelers.

In any case, European ski resorts are a real Mecca for ski and snowboard lovers from all over the world, as well as smooth and safe slopes of all difficulty levels, magical nature and breathtaking views, the highest standards of service and all types of “après-ski” entertainment. In this article we will tell you in detail where it is better for beginners to ride, where the famous freeride routes are, how to entertain children in the mountains if you come without nannies and grannies, and what to do after sunset. Let's go!

Switzerland, Zermatt

The small resort town of Zermatt boasts the highest ski slopes in Europe and the most photographed peak in the world - the Matterhorn (yep, Toblerone chocolate bar), which is already enough to be recognized as one of the best resorts in the Alps. Moreover, you can ski here throughout the year, because out of 350 kilometers of trails, more than 20 km are open even in summer. The resort has a truly huge territory, and the view from its slopes is simply amazing - you can immediately see 30 mountain peaks over 4,000 meters high. Skiers and snowboarders can visit different countries several times in a day - going up on a ski lift in Switzerland and going down to Italy, and so on in a circle! The maximum elevation difference is 2,279 meters, the highest starting point is at an altitude of 3,885 meters, and the trails are mostly of medium and high difficulty, which is not entirely suitable for beginners. Fans of freeride will also find something for themselves - in the forest area of the Rothorn and Sunnega ski lifts there are 36 kilometers of relatively safe trails.

In addition to traditional photo sessions with the Matterhorn as a backdrop, you can enjoy training in the freestyle park at an altitude of 3,100 meters, go sledding, try heli-skiing or backcountry. After an active day, you can relax in one of the city's many bars and restaurants, enjoy local cuisine and meet skiers, snowboarders and climbers from all over the world, as this resort is a real attraction.

The most convenient way to get to the resort is from the airports of Milan, Zurich and Geneva. If you are traveling by car or planning to rent a car locally, then we have bad news - they are completely prohibited in Zermatt, so you will have to travel on your own (or by train).

France, Chamonix

Chamonix, one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe, is located in the famous Three Valleys and offers more than 110 kilometers of groomed slopes. Most of them are at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, with a maximum height of 3,843 meters. The four ski areas - Les Houches, Breven-Flégeres, Grande Montet and Tour Balme-Les - offer a variety of slopes suitable for children and beginners, as well as confident amateurs, experienced freeriders and professionals. The famous Vallee Blanche, or White Valley, attracts off-piste lovers: a 23-kilometer descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, mostly on glaciers, with magnificent views of the Alpine peaks and the famous Mont Blanc. This route is only suitable for confident freeriders, as the elevation difference is almost 3,000 meters and there may be cracks in the glacier, so it is safer to go down with a local guide.

After the Christmas and New Year holidays and the closure of holiday markets, the city still has plenty of places and things to do after dark. You can browse the many shops, explore and admire the Mer de Glace glacier, go cross-country skiing, go ski touring, try gourmet dishes in restaurants, visit spa centers, meet Alpine marmots and deer in a natural park or ride a dog sledding. The ski season lasts until May.

Italy, Livigno

It is no coincidence that the Alpine resort, located on the border with Switzerland, was chosen as one of the venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The season in Livigno lasts from November to May due to its location at altitudes from 1,800 to 2,800 meters. The valley has 115 km of trails of varying difficulty: 29 blue, 37 red and 12 black, which are suitable for confident riders and professionals. Fans of off-piste skiing will be delighted by the soft snow and open spaces; there are also backcountry routes and the opportunity to try heli-skiing. An avalanche bulletin is prepared daily for freeriders to help them choose the best places to ride and get maximum pleasure. Experienced snowboarders can test their skills at the Mottolino Snow Park.

In Livigno, in addition to traditional entertainment in bars and restaurants, you also have the opportunity to do some shopping, since the resort is part of the duty-free zone. Gastronomy lovers should visit the local dairy factory, and fans of Caravaggio's work are recommended to visit the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the painting by this artist is located. After active skiing, you can relax in the aqua center, where there is a relaxation area, saunas, swimming pools, a jacuzzi and a water park.

Germany, Garmisch Partenkirchen

The resort is located in the Bavarian Alps at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the 2,962-metre Zugspitze peak. The total length of the trails is more than 60 kilometers, some of them pass through glaciers, which provides stunning views. There is a cable car on the Zugspitze, which in clear weather offers a panoramic view of four hundred (!) peaks. The ski season at altitudes from 2,000 to 2,720 meters lasts from November to May. The resort is dominated by red and black slopes, up to a slope of 92%, which can be intimidating for some athletes, since world champions train on these slopes. However, there are also blue trails suitable for beginners, with a total length of almost 20 kilometers.

Garmisch Classic is an ideal place for a family holiday. There is a children's area and an amusement park where children can play and go on rides. Near the Zugspitze mountain there is a family-friendly sled run and a rack railway for sightseeing tours. For little athletes there are children's schools and various activities such as ice skating, wooden sledding, and torchlight hikes in the Partnachklamm mountain gorge. Adult tourists can enjoy paragliding, try Bavarian cuisine and admire the ancient biblical frescoes that can be seen on houses in Partenkirchen. It is also worth visiting the Aschenbrenner Porcelain and Doll Museum.

In the mountains, we advise you not to neglect mobile Internet, as staying connected is very important. Many skiers and snowboarders take with them not only mobile phones with Internet access, but also walkie-talkies. The most convenient bundle for skiing in the Alps is «Europe» from fedafone - in the mountains there are no borders visible, and it’s going to be scary to stay out of the access zone. Go for it!