Where will your next adventure take you?

Incorporating some of the best ski resorts in the Paznaun Valley, the Silveretta Smugglers pass centres around the lively resort of Ischgl and its satellite resorts through the Valley of See, Kappl and Galtur.

Although the focal point may be Ishgl, the smaller resorts of See, Kappl and Galtur are home to a wide range of quality runs which see far less traffic than Ischgl. More popular with the locals, See and Kappl are closer to the entrance to the valley and provide excellent access to St Anton am Arlberg and Serfaus for those who enjoy a day trip.

The main resort of Ischgl/Samnaun is split by the Austrian – Swiss border. Sharing its slopes with Samnaun the infamous smugglers run once was home to smugglers moving high demand goods such as Coffee, Fur and tobacco across the border evading border guards and patrols. Skiers can relive these times (somewhat) by taking part in Ischgl Smugglers Circuit Challenge.

High above Ischgl is Gautur, this suits the more intermediate skier and connects the valley with other resorts in the Silvretta Mountains such as Schruns and Gaschurn, This makes Gautur an ideal base due to the proximity to Ischgl, the smaller village feel it has and unlimited opportunities for exploration for the adventurous skier.

The Valley is easily accessible from Innsbruck and the Silvretta Ski Pass covers all of the resorts within. Skiing aside, the jagged Silvretta Mountains provide exceptional scenery and small charming towns dotted around allow for a true tyrolean alpine experience, with plenty of activities through the Valley both on and off-piste.

While the world converges on the most popular ski areas, insiders prefer these cleverly chosen, quieter options amidst Paradiski and the 3 Valleys. These small resorts and traditional villages offer a more special holiday experience, away from overpriced concrete jungles.  

For those craving adventure, Sainte Foy or nearby provides the perfect base to access a variety of slopes. It’s ideal for snowy days with tree-lined slopes for better visibility and sunny days with abundant skiing opportunities within half an hour of the Alps’ largest resorts, accessible via the ‘back door’—Les Arcs (Paradiski), Tignes (Espace Killy), and La Rosiere (Espace San Bernardo), including skiing into Italy, are irresistible for avid skiers. 

Saint Martin de Belleville is the other ultimate choice for an exceptional 3 Valleys stay. Nestled in this sprawling winter paradise, it offers an authentic Alpine village experience with cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and a warm ambience. It strikes a perfect balance between cultural charm and access to one of the world’s largest ski domains. Providing a peaceful escape from bustling resorts nearby, it offers easy access to Les Menuires and Val Thorens, ensuring a delightful and picturesque winter getaway. 

Skiing the amphitheatre is all about the mix of culture with snow. Out in the wilds of the mountains by day and in a civilised urban environment by night. The resorts are typically Italian, with style and great food. The roads are good and the distances not so great that it is not possible to explore a little.

From Aosta the first gondola of the day does not leave from a small old village or a new purpose built one, but from the centre of the city, filled with all the history, art, culture and life that you might expect from an old Roman town. 18 minutes in a gondola from the centre of town and you are on the slopes of Pila.

Located throughout the beautiful Aosta Valley this area is home to some of the most exceptional medium-sized ski resorts in the Alps. From the glamorous high altitude of Cervinia through to the freeride rustic centre of Alagna and the bustling town of Courmayeur there is something for everyone.

The Grouse’s Nest is a collection of small ski resorts centered on the iconic Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. This is ideal cluster for you if you want to combine your winter sports trip with some whisky tasting, castle touring and munro bagging!
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Although not as snow sure as their mainland European counterparts, the resorts here offer a fun and different way to explore these historic landscapes.

This cluster in the Spanish Pyrenees has the reputation as a top class resort to the locals. Around Baqueira and the base of the slopes there is a sprinkling of glamour. The apres drinks of choice being Moet and Aperol Spritz. It is after all the favourite of the Spanish royal family and where Christian Ronaldo has a hotel. The slopes are snowsure and varied. But it is the food that makes the difference here.

The tastefully purpose built resort works well. The locals chose to stay in the fascinating town of Vielha where the food culture is king and there are genuine local traditions and histories. This is a place where Basque, Catalan, Spanish, French and Italian cultures combine. the result is a lively well priced food and wine scene. The extra journey in the morning is rewarded with unique evening experiences.

Developed by Luis Arias, a Spanish National Ski Champion, Baqueira first opened in 1964 and is a favourite with the Spanish Royal family who regularly holiday here. Its location provides a unique Atlantic climate guaranteeing high quality snow, just the right amount of sunshine and, due to its southerly latitude, an hour’s more daylight than the Alps.

Picturesque and charming mountain villages, uncrowded slopes and oodles of local charm make this ‘end of the road’ cluster a true hidden gem.

The Jewels centre around the Val D’Anniviers valley, which culminates in Zinal where 3 glaciers meet in spectacular fashion, beyond this lie the views and the mountains that make up the crown. The skiing in this area is excellent, varied and at altitude snow sure. The resorts remain small and slightly disjointed due to the natural geography of the area. This in turn keeps the crowds away and so the villages have kept their charm, the slopes are less skied out and you are in a perfect place for whatever holiday you are after.

Those in the know rate the snow quality in these resorts as second to none in Switzerland. These are the true hidden gems of Swiss skiing.