Neilson Active Holidays Guide to Scenic Skiing

Check out our guide to scenic skiing

Not all ski areas are cut from the same cloth.

While factors like the quality of snow or the size of crowds play a big part in whether we enjoy a ski resort or not, is there anything better than skiing amongst breathtaking scenery? The experts over at Neilson think the answer to that question is a resounding ‘no’, so they’ve picked out 4 of their favourite scenic ski areas in Europe. How many have you already visited?

Grandvalira ski area, Andorra

Amongst 210km of wide, open slopes, towering mountains and tree-lined runs, it’s inevitable that you’ll find incredible views. The largest ski area in the Pyrenees, Grandvalira also has the highest slope in Andorra at an altitude of 2,640m - and yes, the views from up here are as impressive as you’d think.

Enjoy great-value lunches on the mountain,, before an afternoon exploring on a dog-powered sled or snowshoeing adventure. When sunset falls, catch the slopes of El Tarter turning a delicious orange from the sun terrace of Neilson’s Hotel Del Clos. And as if the views weren’t reason enough to choose Andorra, under 12s receive a free lift pass with every pre-booked adult lift pass when booking an El Tarter ski trip through Neilson. What more could you want?

Dolomites ski area, Italy

The biggest ski area on this list (by some way, too) at 1220km, Dolomites ski area boasts the kind of panoramic views that makes a holiday to the mountains so special. The Dolomites have actually been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - they’re that stunning - so gliding down the famous pistes should be on any keen skier’s bucket list. The natural tranquillity of the mountains puts an unmistakable magic in the air, and when you’re skiing past frozen waterfalls, towering peaks and rolling slopes, it’s impossible not to feel it.

Neilson’s Chalet Hotel Dolomites Inn provides the perfect base in Val di Fassa, which has the Marmolada glacier nearby for guaranteed snow and yet more breathtaking views. You can even try cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing, made all the better by the picture-perfect surroundings of snowy mountains and picturesque pine forests. So grab a slice of Italian life in the Dolomites - and don’t forget your camera.

Val d’Isère - Tignes ski area, France

Over to France and the 300km Val d’Isère - Tignes ski area, with snowsure slopes and lofty peaks - not to mention the 2 brilliant glaciers that you simply have to explore. Forming half of the iconic area, Val d’Isère is one of the world’s most well-known ski spots - and with good reason.

Staying at Neilson’s Hotel La Tovière will ensure you’re always close to the action, and with Nelison’s Mountain Experts providing free coaching and guiding, you’ll get to see the very best of the ski area. Jump on the famous up-and-over chair lift for some once in a lifetime views, or, take in the magical sights from the Pisaillas glacier before an equally scenic lunch stop. You can even take in some epic views from the world-famous La Folie Douce - so do après right.

Arlberg ski area, Austria

Moving across to Austria, you’ll find one of Europe’s most scenic spots in the Arlberg ski area, home to the villages of St. Anton am Arlberg, Zürs, St. Christoph, Stuben, Warth, Lech and Schröcken. With 300km of slopes, plus 200km of off-piste trails, there are runs to suit all levels of experience, while diverse downhill runs and numerous freeride options make it a snowboarders’ paradise.

The award-winning ski area offers reaching views of gorgeous mountains from all angles - even when you’re taking a break from skiing. The snow hiking trails are an excellent way to see the best of the sights, and when you’re looking out across the slopes from one of the many restaurant terraces, there’s nowhere you’d rather be. You’ll also catch amazing vistas from the modern lifts and cable cars in this world-renowned area, so the entire Arlberg area really is at your feet.