RESORT SPOTLIGHT
We round up the most prized resorts in the Ski Club’s portfolio – all with the added bonus of a resident Ski Club Rep. Bring on the après…
Club Reps are stationed in 17 resorts across the Alps and North America
Our Reps are the face of the Ski Club, poised to help Members get the most out of their time on and off the snow. In addition to hosting Members on Freshtracks holidays, our trusty Reps are stationed in 17 resorts across the Alps and North America, on hand to help you sniff out the best snow, sunniest lunch stops and top après spots, as well as arrange instructors and mountain guides, and book Members into the Club’s Instructor-led Guiding service, where it’s offered.
Here, we shine the spotlight on some of the very best resorts in the Ski Club’s portfolio – prized destinations that combine diverse ski terrain, a vibrant town, welcoming hotels and, of course, a Ski Club Rep to show you around.
The quaint village of Ischgl belies its lively party scene
PHOTO TVB PAZNAUN/ISCHGL
ISCHGL
Set in the heart of Austria’s mountainous Arlberg region, towards the end of the Trisanna valley, Ischgl is justly proud of its reputation as St. Anton’s noisy neighbour. The pretty little town is home to one of the best après-ski scenes in the Alps and famous for its
star-studded mountain-top season opening and closing concerts, yet it also offers cosy, family-run hotels and laidback restaurants.
Fortunately for those who party hard but ski harder, Ischgl’s expansive Silvretta Arena ski area packs as much punch as its après-ski scene: over 240km of varied slopes stretch up and out from the town, with more than 80 per cent of the skiing located above the treeline, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
Over The Smuggler’s Run, a circular route around the whole resort, is a must-ski for anyone looking to get to know Ischgl. The meandering trail is perfect for intermediates and advanced riders looking to get into the flow of their skiing and includes a scenic run down a long valley to cross the border to the Swiss village of Samnaun.
Carving up the slopes at altitude in Gurgl
PHOTO OTZTAL TOURISM/RUDI WYHLIDAL
OBERGURGL
Quiet and picturesque, the village of Obergurgl is perched nearly 2000m asl at the end of the Ötztal valley. Encircled by 3000m high peaks, it’s one of the highest villages in the Alps, a lofty setting that delivers some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps, with fabulous conditions promised from November through to April. Obergurgl’s snow guarantee is combined with a modern lift network, diverse selection of pistes and barely touched off-piste terrain to provide an ideal environment for skiers and riders of all abilities. Recently linked to the neighbouring resort of Hochgurgl to create the combined area of Gurgl, there are now over 112km of pistes to explore – a majority of gentle, winding blues is complemented by a good selection of blacks and some challenging itinerary routes, opening the mountain to even the best of skiers.
Come the end of the ski day, the centuries-old village is a delightful spot in which to enjoy family-friendly après activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, swimming and even horseriding. For something involving Jaegermeisters and table-top dancing, drop into the piste-side Nederhütte, which hosts a band every day from 4pm.
SAUZE D’OULX
With 400km of linked slopes, the Via Latte (Milky Way) ski area offers enough pistes to cover a small galaxy, and at its heart lies Sauze d’Oulx. A diverse blend of pretty, tree-lined trails and sweeping open pistes stretches over the hill from the traditional Italian town to neighbouring Sestriere and along the valley to Sansicario, as well as over the border to Montgenèvre in France.
Packed with character from its cobbled streets and ancient farmhouses topped with giant stone slabs, Sauze d’Oulx holds the key to the entire Via Lattea. Access is easy, with Turin airport just around the corner, while easy connections to Sestriere and Montgenèvre open up some impressive freeride terrain. Staying between the piste markers, a great variety of intermediate skiing nestles neatly in the trees, providing perfect shelter from poor weather. Complemented in recent years by sophisticated snow making, Sauze d’Oulx offers snow surety in this southern area of the Alps as well as a lively, bustling town.
The Sphinx Observatory above the Jungfraujoch, overlooking the Aletsch Glacier
PHOTO JUNGFRAUBAHNEN 2019
THE JUNGFRAU REGION
Home to some of the Alps’ most dramatic peaks and picture-perfect villages, the Jungfrau region has a special place in the heart of skiers and mountain lovers. Set at the foot of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau this extraordinary ski region comprises two valleys, three mountain ranges and 211 kilometres of pistes, all of which can be accessed from the comfort of the atmospheric Alpine towns of Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen and the lakeside city of Interlaken. On the slopes, long sweeping reds and blues wind through the trees to pretty villages, meeting more challenging terrain further up to help build confidence and skills.
The region is rich in history, from the feats of alpinists tackling the infamous Eiger to the engineers determined to build a railway to the top of the mountain, yet is also bathed in contemporary charm, from the car-free streets of Mürren to the sophisticated hotels, restaurants and shops of Interlaken. Don’t miss the opportunity to take the train up to the Jungfraujoch station – set at 3454m asl, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping Alpine panoramas as well as unbeatable views of the north face of the Eiger.
Head to ski club for the latest information on our Reps and to see when your favourite Rep is due to be in resort. Please note, our planned schedule is subject to change, and may be altered at short notice, especially due to Covid-19.