American Skiing in Europe

[ChristinaM]

Hello. Based in New York and ski mostly in Vermont, but have skied in Colorado as well. Am only up to Blue trails in the US and wondering what the equivalent would be in European countries. Especially interested in Italy, Switzerland, or France.

Thanks,
Christina

 

[santacruz skier]

I've skied several times in Italy, Switzerland, and France. In Europe, they add a "red" designation that would be equal to an "easy black" in the US. I would stay away from them unless you're confident on an easy black. I think the blues are pretty similar to Western blues (never skied in the East). I will point out that most of the runs are groomed so that makes them a little easier iMO.

 

[Cantabrigienne]

It really depends. France has green runs, so blues there should be sil blue. Austria, Switzerland, and Italy don’t use the green designation, so blues can be flat as a pancake (particularly around the Sella Ronda). It really depends on the resort - agree that reds *can* edge into the easier black zone…but more often are just harder blues. Some in Alta Badia are ludicrously easy (because everything is groomed to within an inch of its life) - there are greens at Whistler and Vail that are harder than a few of the reds I skied there.

Are you thinking of going to Europe this season?

 

[Eera]

I tend to find that French green runs on resort maps really are bunny hills and the blues can be anything from roads to pretty steep and lumpy. Reds are designated difficult and blacks are very difficult - I've never seen double blacks on a piste map so don't think it exists there, though haven't looked that hard.

If you go onto the web version of Trailforks you can get the actual incline of many of the resort runs - go onto a run you're confident with and compere and you'll get an idea.

 

[ChristinaM]

Hello again. Are there any ski areas in Europe that have open lifts/runs in late October?

 

[Eera]

Hello again. Are there any ski areas in Europe that have open lifts/runs in late October?

There are a few high-altitude / glacier runs open. No full resort as far as I know: Cervinia and Hintertux come to mind.

A few of them have a summer season which is mainly to pick up school vacations so they close after those until winter comes around.

 

[edelweissmaedl]

The glacier area at Soelden is already open the rest of the mountain has a target date of November 10.

 

[freeskigal]

Hello again. Are there any ski areas in Europe that have open lifts/runs in late October?

Hi there, check the open ski resorts in Europe here: https://www.skiresort.info/snow-reports/europe/filter/open-ski-resorts/
I am joining a weekend in Lenzerheide, Switzerland from Jan 10-12, 2025 to learn freeride technique and avalanche safety training with rescue dogs. If you are interested to join hit me up! CHF 480 for the trainings.

 

[tahoeaussie]

Europe is AMAZING. The culture is very different. It's more about the whole experience, dining, skiing, apres etc.
Most europeans take longer holidays than Americans, so they are often more laid back. And,it's often cheaper too

 

[santacruz skier]

^^^^what she said!!