Glistening snow, pristine powder descents and impressive mountain views – it’s no wonder that ski touring is becoming more and more popular. It’s one of the best ways to get away from it all and to clear your head, far away from the hustle and bustle.
Europe is blessed with a huge number of great ski touring spots. After all, the Alps are a jaw-droppingly beautiful stage for ski touring. To give you some inspiration for your next ski tour (or, even better, for your next ski touring holiday), we have listed some of the best ski touring spots in Austria, Switzerland and France.
Austria
Home of ski touring bliss
Austria is known as one of Europe’s prime destinations for ski touring. The breathtaking scenery of the Alps forms a perfect backdrop for ski touring adventures for all skill levels.
Here are two of our favourites:
Großarl
Großarl’s reputation as an excellent ski touring location is well-earned. The resort in the Salzburger Land region offers a huge choice of ski tours for all skill levels. Whether it’s rolling hills or steep mountain faces, in Großarl you’re spoilt for choice. Many of the tours start in either Großarl or Hüttschlag.
Our recommendations:
Paznaun
The Paznaun region is not only known as a great destination for alpine skiing, it’s also great for ski touring. The mountains surrounding Galtür, Kappl and See offer numerous possibilities for relaxed ski touring. The best thing about it: The starting points of many routes can be reached by cable car, giving you the best views without the exhausting ascent.
Our recommendations
- “Südliches Fluchthorn” route
- “Hennekopf” route
Switzerland
Action-packed adventures away from the slopes
With so many mountain peaks to choose from, Switzerland is a bit of a no-brainer choice for avid ski tourers. Ranging from easy beginner routes to challenging mountaineering adventures, Switzerland has it all.
Here are two ski touring resorts worth visiting:
Engadin
In the “land of 3,000-metre peaks”, it’s easy to find a ski touring route tailored to your interests. More accomplished ski tourers will enjoy the high-altitude tours in the Bernina massif, but there are also plenty of routes for beginners.
Our recommendations
- “Ski tour round to Piz Surgonda” route
- “Corn Chamuotsch” route
Zermatt
38 peaks and countless great ski touring moments: With the mighty Matterhorn as the undisputed highlight, Zermatt is a dream come true for ski tourers. For those that aim higher, Zermatt also offers great heliskiing opportunities.
Our recommendations
- “Patrouille des Glaciers” route
- “Corno Nero-Tour” route
France
Impressive peaks and lots of powder
In the French Alps, you can probably find ski tours to last a lifetime. Surrounded by some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, you can explore some of Europe’s best-kept ski touring secrets – for instance at the following two locations:
Chamonix
Chamonix boasts four allocated ski touring areas and a vast choice of routes for all skill levels. Located at the base of Mont Blanc, some say that Chamonix is Europe’s best location for backcountry skiing.
Our recommendations;
- “Mont Blanc via the Grand Mulets hut“ route
- “Vallée Blanche“ route
Vanoise National Park
Surrounded by the famous ski resorts of Les Trois Vallées, Tignes, Val d’Isère and others, you can find vast stretches of wilderness that are simply perfect for ski touring. Expect epic descents and unforgettable views!
INTERSPORT Rent tip
Austria, Switzerland or France – where’s your next ski touring trip going to take you? Whichever location you choose – there will always be an INTERSPORT Rent shop nearby!
At our more than 800 shops across Europe and Canada, you can rent top-class ski touring equipment for all types of mountain adventures. Whether you want to try the latest touring skis by your favourite brand or are looking for high-quality sportswear or accessories for your next snow adventure – INTERSPORT Rent offers you everything you need. Simply drop by and talk shop with our experienced RENTertainers on site!
P.S.: Have you seen our kit list for ski tourers? It might give you a few ideas what to bring on your next tour!
