Ski the Alps

Austria, Switzerland, Italy & France

Whether you're a hard-core speed demon in search of a new skiing rush, a ski bunny seeking tame slopes but wild nights or simply an aficionado looking for an affordable place to take the family, the Alps have what you're looking for.

The Alps span the Mediterranean coast of France through Switzerland, Northern Italy, Austria and into Slovenia. The peaks are bigger than most in North America, meaning long, endless runs, lengthy seasons, dramatic scenery and plenty of diverse terrain. The relaxed European lifestyle rounds out the experience with good food, long lunches and an animated night life.

Austria offers affordability and animated apres-ski. Think old-world chalet villages, lift-linked resorts and friendly hospitality.

In France, it's all about drama, diversity and dizzying altitude, with naturally sculpted ski terrain, unrivaled beauty and a long season with loads of virgin powder.

Switzerland is efficiency and elegance, combining well-organized tourist offices, state-of-the-art lifts and snowmaking systems with charming villages and stunning scenery.

Dertour, AltaVia's Frankfurt-based partner, offers packages to an incredible variety of ski and snowboard destinations across the Alps. Following are some of our favorite destinations (and why) in Austria, Switzerland, Italy & France:

La Grave, France	» best extreme skiing
Chamonix, France	» most challenging
Verbier, Switzerland	» steep & deep off-piste
Val d'Isere, France	» wide & easy
St. Anton, Austria	» best apres-ski
St. Moritz, Switzerland	» top-ranked ski school
Davos, Switzerland	» snowboarding heaven
Cortina, Italy	» best eat & ski, spectacular scenery
Zermatt, Switzerland	» best for families
Megeve, France	» best romantic getaway