Hidden Gem Ski Resorts

The draw of popular ski resorts such as Alpe d’Huez, St. Anton, and Verbier is undeniable. Large ski areas, vast après ski, and easy links make for a brilliant ski holiday. However, if you’re travelling during the peak season, chances are you will be sharing the slopes with other skiers. If you’re starting to think about where to book your next ski trip, leave the crowds behind and discover these largely unvisited, hidden gem ski resorts. With this in mind, we’ve picked the best unknown ski resorts in Europe and North America for you to explore.

Geilo, Norway

If you’re looking to ski somewhere different, Norway is a truly memorable destination for a winter holiday. One of Norway’s oldest ski resorts, Geilo, is a lovely town sitting between two national parks. It’s a fantastic choice for families and beginners looking for a truly magical winter holiday. There are some great nursery slopes for learners and most pistes are wide and quiet. Challenging reds and blacks are also available for advanced skiers.

It’s not just about the skiing in Norway. The off-the-slope experiences are also unique. Incorporate a trip to the dramatic fjords, try your hand at cross-country skiing, or head out on a dog-sledding adventure. Geilo ski resort is home to beautiful wooden cabins with log fires; perfect if you’re after the full Scandinavian experience.

La Tania, France

If you want world-renowned powder runs and convenient chalet-style accommodation, the unknown ski resort of La Tania might be for you. Not only is it the most affordable of the resorts in the Three Valleys ski area, but it also offers many stylish and comfortable ski-in ski-out chalets. This hidden gem ski resort is situated at 1,400m. With its dedication to nature and vehicle-free town centre, La Tania is well suited for a no-stress, family-friendly ski holiday.

La Thuile, Italy

Situated in the Aosta Valley on the Italian-French border, La Thuile ski resort is a peaceful hidden gem. The resort’s 150km of lift-linked pistes offer a mix of intermediate, black, and nursery slopes, as well as links to the nearby French resort of La Rosière.

A relatively unknown ski resort outside of Italy, its quiet, uncrowded slopes make La Thuile an ideal ski resort for families and beginners. Tree-lined black runs, off-piste terrain, and heli-skiing are all available for more experienced skiers. The après ski here includes some charming pubs and cafés, as well as an abundance of delightful chocolate shops. Be sure to try the famous ‘Tometta di La Thuile’ – a 350g milk chocolate bar filled with a local hazelnut paste and Piedmont hazelnuts.

La Clusaz, France

The French resort of La Clusaz is often overlooked due to its low altitude, however, this hidden gem offers lots of off-piste terrain and quiet slopes. Located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, La Clusaz is one of the best unknown ski resorts in France, covering a much larger ski area than most people realise. It’s also a lovely traditional French village.

Ski terrain includes beginner-friendly nursery slopes and unique rock formations that provide a suitable challenge for experts. The village has a traditional square and Savoyard church, as well as an ice rink, an outdoor market, and a good selection of local shops. La Clusaz ski resort is known for fine food and has a great choice of restaurants, including La Scierie, where specialties include a tasty champagne fondue.

Corvara, Italy

Corvara is in the heart of the Sella Ronda ski circuit and is found within the Alta Badia ski area. The ski area is made up of six villages, and are relatively unknown to the masses. Corvara is also a part of the Dolomites ski area which boasts exceptional skiing and remarkable views. The Alta Badia ski area itself covers 130km, with sweeping views of the Dolomites and wide blue slopes. Experts will enjoy the technically challenging World Cup run, Gran Risa, which features a vertical drop of 448m. Low air humidity ensures the snow remains light and powdery for days on end ensuring brilliant ski conditions. A

Engelberg, Switzerland

Switzerland’s secret ski resort of Engelberg is home to some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Head up to the Titlis glacier by the Rotair cable car and enjoy pretty views over the mountains. The skiing on the glacier reaches up to 3,020m with some great, long red runs down.

The snow record is enviable, with Engelberg generally recording one of the deepest snow bases in Europe over the winter. Powder lovers return each year to enjoy epic descents on world-famous off-piste routes; we recommend the legendary 1,000m vertical Laub run. There is a real community feel around Engelberg ski resort with a warm and welcoming vibe. For a great evening out, head up high for a candlelit fondue at the Panorama restaurant on the glacier.

Alpbach, Austria

Only an hour away from Innsbruck Airport, Alpbach is one of the top little-known ski destinations in Europe. This hidden gem in Austria has stunning views and 1,045m of diverse pistes to enjoy. It is an ideal ski holiday for weekends or a week-long family trip. The 14 lifts have an excellent link to Alpbach and the nearby ski resort Niederau.

The village itself has a relaxed vibe and a close local feel. All the locals are very welcoming and sociable with guests in the bars and restaurants in town. As for places to stay, there’s a great selection of hotels and guesthouses to book. There are also several great ski schools to choose from that have great child areas if you’re visiting as a family.

To discover more hidden gem ski resorts, please speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700.