Anyone who’s really into winter snow-sports will probably have spent some time in both the Alps and the Rockies. But which would you recommend to a friend?
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The Alps
Top 5 Pros:
1. In the heart of Europe; close and less expensive to get to for many
2. Absolutely breath-taking scenery – arguably prettier than the Rockies
3. Great range of slopes for beginners and experienced skiers alike
4. Brimming with character and alpine charm
5. Lots of après-ski activities away from the slopes
Top 5 Cons:
1. Notorious for long and pushy lift queues
2. Ski-schools not always in English
3. The snow season can sometimes be unreliable
4. Slopes can often be crowded in peak season so difficult for beginners
5. Not always as snow-board friendly as the Rockies
The Rockies
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Top 5 Pros:
1. Usually fantastic champagne powder even early in the season
2. Quiet, sweeping wide slopes excellent for beginners
3. Brilliant bowls for snowboarding and loads of great off-piste routes
4. Usually no lift queues with very friendly staff
5. Top quality English-speaking ski-schools where teaching groups are kept small for best tuition
Top 5 Cons:
1. Not as much mountain-based après-ski and less character than the Alps
2. Often need to take a bus to get to the mountain from the ski resort
3. Generally expensive to get there with long travelling times
4. Accommodation tends to be hotels; less availability of cheaper chalets
5. Constant tipping pressure – every interaction comes with a price
Après-ski or Champagne Slopes?
Both the Rockies and the Alps have fantastic appeal. If you want a sugar-coated winter holiday filled with charm, a mix of winter activities and plenty of sociable après-ski, the Alps is your ticket. A fantastic Christmas retreat with friends and family too.
For an awesome skiing or boarding experience, hit the U.S and Canada – pure, unadulterated ski heaven but less feeling of community in the evenings. It’s a tough call and one that budget and mood will probably decide for you.
Summer in the mountains
But what often gets forgotten about both these destinations is that they are fantastic summer holiday locations too. Both the Alps and the Rockies are perfect for mountain biking, hiking and climbing. They also boast white water rafting, pony trekking and kayaking to name but a few activities. Perhaps where the Rockies win out in the summer months, however, is with the wildlife. A trip to see the Canadian Grizzly Bears is a must at some point in your life; specialist nature operators organise trips to see the bears and a whole host of other animals that make the Rockies their home.
In short, both the Rockies and Alps should definitely be on your list – with any luck, the only decision will be the order you visit them in!