Where to ski this winter: the best places in Europe

In the 2024/25 winter season, European ski resorts continue to face challenges due to warm weather caused by climate change. Some resorts, such as Grand Puy and Alpe du Grand Serre in France, have already closed their lifts due to lack of snow and mounting debts.

Resorts at low and medium altitudes suffer the most, while high-altitude locations experience an increased influx of tourists, Euronews reports. It is noted that this winter may be favorable for skiing, but the final success of the season will depend on the whims of nature.

Despite the difficulties of recent years, resorts continue to attract tourists by adapting to new conditions and offering alternative routes. Therefore, winter sports enthusiasts should plan their vacations carefully, giving preference to high-altitude locations and eco-friendly ways of traveling.

El Niño and La Niña: how the weather will affect the season

This year, the climate in Europe has been affected by the natural phenomenon of El Niño, which has caused temperatures to rise. However, it is expected to change to La Niña in the winter months, a phenomenon that can bring colder weather and increased snowfall. The winter is forecast to start off cold but could end with milder conditions, which is important to consider when planning your vacation.

Should we expect snow

Despite the hopes for a cooler winter, Météo France forecasts show that the probability of warmer weather is still higher - about 40%. This creates uncertainty for resorts trying to recover from previous bad seasons. Snowfall may become more intense, but its amount and duration remain in question.

Recommended resorts for this winter

For those who want to find snow for sure, we recommend visiting high-altitude resorts in France, such as Avoriaz, Val d'Isere, and Val Thorens, which open at the end of November. Early season fans can go to the Levi and Ruka resorts in Finland, which started operating on October 4, or the Austrian Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which has been welcoming guests since October 5.

Alternative destinations

Other promising destinations include Sölden and Ischgl in Austria, which will open in mid- and late November, respectively. Also recommended are the Swiss resort Diavolezza, which will open on October 19, and Cervinia, Italy, at an altitude of 2050 meters, which will welcome guests from October 26.

The environmental aspect of ski tourism

As climate change makes predictions more difficult, it is important to consider the environmental impact of travel. Rail travel is becoming an environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. For example, in December, the Eurostar Snow train will be re-launched, bringing tourists to the French Alps. The Italian Cortina d'Ampezzo can also be reached by the Espresso Cadore train, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!