After the sun sets and while the après drinks are being poured, some intrepid skiers are extending their time on the slopes with a spot of night skiing. Skiing down moonlit slopes under a sky full of stars is an exhilarating experience and one that everybody should try at least once. Not all ski resorts offer night skiing, but when they do it’s often pretty spectacular. Here are our pick of ski resorts with the best night skiing.
1. Trysil, Norway
The sun sets early during Scandinavian winters, so night skiing kicks off at 4.30pm in Trysil ski resort. The six floodlit slopes are open for night time excursions three days each week throughout the season. As the night skiing finishes at 8pm, you’ll still have plenty of time to dance on the tables at Laaven 1790.
Stay At:
The upscale Radisson Blu Resort in Trysil offers its guests first-class facilities in a ski-in ski-out location.
2. Kitzbühel, Austria
Austria’s Tyrolean ski resort of Kitzbühel has fully embraced night skiing. On the Gaisberg slope, the lifts run until 9.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and the floodlights aren’t switched off until 11pm. The mountain huts are open until late so you can enjoy a tipple and a bite between runs.
Kitzbühel offers two floodlit cross-country courses. These are free to use and open from dusk until 9.30pm each night. The loops both begin at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith and include a 1.4km trail that’s ideal for beginners, as well as a more challenging 4.2km one for more seasoned skiers.
Stay At:
Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel is a great ski-in ski-out hotel, situated right on the slopes and close to the lifts.
3. Sölden, Austria
Sölden ski resort makes night skiing a true spectacle with entertainment on the Gaislachkogl. Following a DJ set, the show takes place at 8pm every Wednesday evening from January until March. It has the feel of an on-the-snow circus, with more than 30 of the resort’s professional ski and snowboard instructors taking the opportunity to demonstrate their acrobatic skills.
There’s also a fireworks display, providing the perfect backdrop for the 4km long floodlit run down to the Gaislachkogl base station. If you’re feeling peckish, you can tuck into some warming local dishes, such as dumpling soup, at the Tiroler Stube restaurant’s Wishing Table.
Stay At:
Hotel Das Central in Sölden has a fantastic location and offers a free shuttle bus to the ski lifts.
4. La Clusaz, France
If you’d prefer to ski by moonlight rather than floodlight, head to the French ski resort of La Clusaz. This resort throws extravagant night skiing events every full moon during the winter season. Revellers take the Crêt du Merle lift up the mountain and ski down by the light of the moon. A rather mystical experience punctuated by stops in the cabins on the way down. Live music pours out of the doors, while cups are regularly filled with mulled wine.
Stay At:
Chalet Le Coeur is located in the ski resort of La Clusaz and sleeps up to eight guests.
5. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
Night skiing in Saalbach takes place on the Unterschwarzach slope in Hinterglemm. The floodlights illuminate the 1.2km run from 5pm to 9.30pm, allowing skiers to continue carving well into the evening. It’s available three times a week, and there’s also a night snow park open for those who prefer to test their freestyle skills under the bright lights. Nearby mountain huts serve up hearty local dishes and drinks, adding a touch of Austrian hospitality to the night skiing experience.
Stay At:
Hotel Alpine Palace is a five-star hotel with excellent access to the slopes, a spa and a charming bar.
Image credit: Saalbach.com
6. Alpe d’Huez, France
The French resort of Alpe d’Huez offers night skiing on the Signal slope, which is lit up every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The long floodlit red run is perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, offering thrilling descents against the backdrop of the illuminated village below. With the nearby restaurants and bars staying open late, it’s easy to transition from skiing to après-ski without missing a beat.
Stay At:
Residence Daria-I Nor offers luxurious, ski-in ski-out apartments with Alpine charm, modern amenities, and access to a spa.
7. Alpbach, Austria
Alpbach’s night skiing takes place on the Reither Kogel slope, located in the nearby village of Reith im Alpbachtal. The slope is illuminated every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.15pm. It’s a great choice for families, as there’s also a toboggan run nearby, so non-skiers can still enjoy the action. The slope’s gentle terrain is ideal for beginners looking to get a taste of night skiing, while more experienced skiers can enjoy a relaxed evening on the snow.
Stay At:
Hotel Alphof offers great service, valley views, and easy access to the village and gondola, with a pool, sauna, and free shuttle.
Image credit: skijuwel.com
8. Serre Chevalier, France
In Serre Chevalier, night skiing is offered on the Ratier run in the Chantemerle area. The slope is open for night skiing one evening a week during the holidays from 5.30pm to 8pm, giving skiers extra time to perfect their technique. This family-friendly resort offers a cosy atmosphere and plenty of options for an après-ski bite to eat after your nighttime adventure. Warm up with some raclette or fondue in one of the local restaurants for a true Alpine experience.
Stay At:
Le Grand Aigle Hotel and Spa in Serre Chevalier offers ski-in ski-out access, a welcoming atmosphere, a spa, and great dining.
Image credit: serre-chevalier.com
9. Courchevel, France
Courchevel, part of the expansive Three Valleys, offers night skiing on the Verdons slope and family park every Wednesday during the season. The slope is floodlit from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, allowing skiers to extend their day on the mountain. The nearby Verdons restaurant stays open late, offering food and drinks to warm you up after an evening run. With free access to the slope, it’s a fantastic option for those who want to experience skiing under the stars without breaking the bank.
Stay At:
Chalet Estrella offers en-suite rooms, a cosy lounge, an outdoor hot tub, and is close to the lifts and village.
10. Söll, Austria
Söll, part of the SkiWelt area, is known for its extensive night skiing. The resort has over 10km of floodlit slopes, making it one of the largest night skiing areas in Austria. The slopes are open from Wednesday to Saturday until 9.30pm, and the experience is enhanced by the lively atmosphere at the base, where après-ski festivities carry on into the night. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a blend of skiing and nightlife without leaving the slopes.
Stay At:
Hotel Bergland is a traditional, family-run, Tyrolian style hotel located close to the slopes in Söll.
Image credit: skiclub.co.uk
To find out more about our best night skiing resorts in Europe please call our ski experts on 020 3930 4143.
