…including the best ski resorts in Europe for solo skiers
Any skier will have been in this position at least once: Lacking a ski buddy. Whether this is because you are currently single or your partner can’t or won’t ski, or maybe your usual ski buddies are busy or injured. The fact is, going skiing on your own isn’t much fun. On the upside, you don’t have to debate with anyone else which ski resort to choose. You are the one who decides where to go this year – and whether you will travel by yourself or in a group. Consider it an opportunity to try something new. But before you decide, check out some of our recommendations for your next solo ski holiday:
Group holidays for solo skiers:
If you do not want to travel by yourself, why not book a group holiday for solo travellers? If you choose one of the Single Parents on Holiday’s solo ski holidays, you can be sure to have the company of other 40+ solo skiers on and off the piste. One of the Single Parents on Holiday’s team member will be with the group to organise airport transfers, lift passes, lessons, and equipment and ski with anyone, not in ski school. This way, you can be sure that you have a very sociable, fun, and completely hassle-free ski break.
Solo ski holiday in Mayrhofen, Tyrol in Austria:
If you fancy a buzzing resort, Mayrhofen won’t disappoint. The resort is lively and fun, and popular with English winter sports enthusiasts, yet has a charming town centre characterised by beautiful Alpine buildings. Mayrhofen’s three mountains, Ahorn, Penken and Eggalm, offer a total of 139 km of pistes and 45 modern lifts with something for all levels of ability.
Solo ski holiday in Schladming, Austria :
If you fancy a somewhat quieter ski resort, Schladming should fit the bill. The small town has a friendly and authentically Austrian atmosphere, with a more ‘villagey’ feel than Mayrhofen. Yet Schladming has it all, with the most famous après ski bar in Austria in the town centre, and the award-winning 4-Mountains Ski Circuit with an FIS race course and runs stretching over 865 km.
Travelling solo:
If you don’t mind your own company or are very sociable and easily meet new people, then why not travel alone? So, which ski resort is best for singles travelling solo? Are you a party animal or would you prefer to stay in a spa hotel and go to the sauna and an excellent sports massage after a day on the slopes? There are ski resorts for every preference, so we have looked at the ones that truly tick all the boxes:
Méribel, France
Méribel is part of Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps, often voted the best ski resort in the Alps, and rightly so: With 600 km of pistes and great snow until May, you have excellent conditions for beginners through to advanced skiers. Pistes are wide and never feel crowded, and there are two snow parks and two half-pipes for snowboarders and adventurous skiers.
There is a huge range of chalets available in Méribel from budget to fully catered, which are perfect when you travel solo and want to meet other single skiers for the company on and off the piste. Booking early means better choice, but as an independent solo traveller you might prefer to look for last minute ski chalet deals. Naturally, the nightlife does not disappoint in Méribel, and from around 3 pm onwards, you can see the party goers visit the Folie Douce by the mid-station for drinks, dancing, and food.
Ischgl, Austria
Austria’s ski resorts have a great reputation for their unrivalled hospitality, great skiing and après ski. The Silvretta Arena ski area is certainly famous for its nightlife and popular with celebrities. The town has a reputation for loud and lively après ski, and the “Kuhstall”, which is known to skiers around the world, fills up with partygoers as soon as the lifts start closing. The locals are as friendly as the tourists, so if you are travelling solo, you will have no issues meeting and mingling with other friendly singles.
If hard partying is not your priority, you will still fall in love with Ischgl as 330 km of well-connected slopes up to an altitude of 2,864 m guarantee excellent skiing from December through to April. Ischgl is also known as a paradise for snowboarders and has one of the best snow parks in the Alps, so there is something for everyone. Accommodation ranges from star rated ski-in / ski-out hotels to essential holiday rentals that require a shuttle to the slopes.
Zell am See, Austria
Zell am See is popular with both families and party-goers: A scenic resort situated on Lake Zell at 762 m above sea level offers excellent skiing for all levels, a picture-postcard town centre, great shopping, and numerous star-rated hotels. The nearby Kitzsteinhorn glacier guarantees snow almost all year round with 270 km of high-altitude slopes, so you could ski almost all year round.
The most scenic views offered by the excellent 4-star hotels on the lake’s shores, including the Senses Violett Suites that caters exclusively for adults. Although this does attract many couples, it is equally suitable for singles. Alternatively, there are plenty of chalets and “Pensionen” that are cheaper and closer to the cable car stations than the lake hotels. Après ski bars in Zell am See traditional and friendly with a great vibe. One of the best known here is Villa Crazy Daisy, with live music, guest DJs, and a roof terrace with heaters and blankets. But the resort caters equally well for those seeking a quiet time in a cosy bar or spa hotel after a day on the slopes.
Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère has got it all – the slopes, the après ski, and the village atmosphere. The resorts itself located at 1,850 m and slopes go up to an altitude of 3,400 m making for a safe snow experience. 300 km of pistes and 96 lifts serve all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There is a huge accommodation choice, from budget to boutique hotel, chalet to 5-star residence.
The village has a good choice of bars, shops, and restaurants for all tastes, yet managed to maintain its character with small streets and original chalets, particularly in the oldest part, the Vieux village. For those after a bit of après ski, La Folie Douce, a mid-mountain bar, is well known for its festivities from the early afternoon onwards.
The best ski resorts for singles are in Austria and France, be it travelling on your own or in a group with other solo skiers. Some resorts are quieter than others, but all of the above offer excellent skiing for all levels, pretty much-guaranteed snow, a decent après ski experience, and plenty of accommodation options.
About Single Parents on Holiday:
If you enjoyed reading this post, please check out some of our popular ski posts below from our Travel Blog for Single Parents and Solo Travellers :
- The Best Skis on the Market for the New Ski Season
- 5 Great Reasons to Try Skiing in Your 50s and 60s
- All Mountain Skiing: How to Master All Snow Conditions in Style
- The Ultimate Ski Holiday Packing List
- Ski Exercises to Help you Get Fit for the Ski Season
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