Snowsure Skiing with Ski Collection
Snowsure ski resort advice
The altitude of a ski area is probably one of the most important considerations when choosing the resort and determining the snow conditions you will find.
With the winters in Europe proving to be less and less reliable in terms of the amount of snow falling, it is for this reason that it is important to choose a resort that will benefit from good snow fall, one way to do this is pick a resort that is high altitude. These resorts are at a higher altitude therefore are colder and get more snow that lasts longer.
Many of these high altitude resorts often are located on a glacier, upon which snow never melts; Tignes with a panoramic platform at 3030m is a good example of such a resort as it offers summer skiing.
Is it all about resort height?
If you are thinking of skiing in the Alps either early or late in the season you're usually safe above 1,800m. That doesn't mean the ski resort needs to necessarily be high as long as you ensure the ski area is well above that height. There are many resorts that are lower than 1800m but offer skiing above that height with the use of a good lift system. Val Thorens in the 3 Valleys actually sits at 2,300m and the highest lift can take you to a height of 3,220m; it is, therefore, Europe's highest resort. Another resort that is below 1800m but synonymous with a good reputation of heavy snow is the snow bowl resort of Flaine in the Grand Massif.
Are high altitude resorts just for experienced skiers?
High altitude resorts are very popular with experienced skiers as they allow access to some of the most challenging runs with spectacular scenery. Chamonix has access to both the Aiguille du Midi and Grand Montets is an excellent example where off-piste skiing with near-vertical descent are available.
However, these resorts are not solely for the benefit of the more experienced. France's high altitude resorts cater very well for beginner and also intermediate levels looking for a variety of terrains along the many miles of runs available.
In conclusion…..
High altitude resorts benefit from great snow conditions, because of the high altitude the temperature is colder and thus the powder keeps for longer; doorstep skiing, as the snow is always sufficient to allow ski back to resort, no wasting time having to walk to the nearest lift; pistes are developed to all suit all abilities, from those wanting to learn skiing, or building confidence, or to those wishing to explore vast ski domain (km of pistes).
Due to the reputation of these resorts as being snow sure they all have snowmaking facilities in place should there be a necessity to assist in ensuring there are great ski conditions. High altitude or snow-sure resorts also signify excellent piste maintenance, modern lift systems, qualified and English speaking ski instructors, normally excellent for snowboarders due to the large snow parks that have been established, vibrant nightlife from a wide selection of restaurants to many bars and nightclubs.
Basically, major high altitude, snow-sure resorts have everything for everyone AND most importantly snow….
