The hills are alive with the sound of...ski-
ers and snowboarders. European slopes are
internationally known for staggering heights,
splendid scenery and glitzy social scenes. The
season is upon us when winter sports top many
"to do"lists.
With loads of places to explore, it can be tough
narrowing down where to go. One method is to
pick from the top. Twelve Alpine resorts teamed
up to form the`Best of the Alps'group. They
consist of the most prestigious and well-known
ski destinations in the Big Five of Europe's Alpine
countries: Chamonix, Cortina, Davos, Garmisch,
Grindelwald, Kitzb�hel, Lech/Z�rs, Seefeld, St.
Anton, St. Moritz, and Zermatt. Representing an
international marketing initiative, these resorts
qualify due to their: quality, diversity, unique-
ness and exceptional transportation connec-
tions.
CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC, FRANCE
Are you ready to tackle the highest mountain
in Europe? Head to the Swiss-Italian border,
where Mont Blanc towers a thrilling 15,780 feet
over Chamonix. Skiers will find challenging and
exhilarating courses. The three main ski areas are
open from December to May. www.chamonix.
com
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY
Simply made for the movies, many major films
have been set in the Dolomites. With around
101 downhill runs; beginners, intermediates and
advance skiers all have a chance to be a star on
the slopes. The upcoming ski season starts in
November and goes through April. The Ladies
Alpine Ski World Cup will be held here January
23rd-25th, 2009. www.cortina.dolomiti.com
DAvOS, SWITZERLAND
It has been said to be one of Europe's oldest
mountain resorts and was originally a health
resort. Covering one of the largest and exten-
sive ski areas in Switzerland, the Davos Klosters
region boasts skating rinks, sled runs, and 143
miles of ski slopes. It is also known as a hip scene
for snowboarders. www.skiswitzerland.com/
davos/davos.htm
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
There is a guarantee of snow, from mid- No-
vember to May, on Germany's only glacier ski
area the Zugspitze plateau. Take a cable car to
the summit of the Zugspitze for spectacular
views while straddling the Austrian and Ger-
man border. In 2011, Garmisch will host the FIS
Alpine Skiing World Cup. You'll find easy slopes
for beginners and an assortment of challeng-
ing courses for advanced skiers at Hausberg,
Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. Cross-country skiing
and sledding are popular pastimes in the area.
Rent a wooden sled and slide down the moun-
tain at breathtaking speeds; there are day and
night runs. www.garmisch-partenkirchen.de
GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND
Attracting intermediate skiers and snowboard-
ers, Grindelwald is part of the Jungfrau region;
situated on the northern side of the Alps in
Bernese Oberland. Snowboarders dominate the
domain at the terrain park filled with kickers,
rails, boxes and a half pipe. Long, gentle runs are
what appeals to the intermediate skiers. You will
also find lengthy toboggan runs. www.magic-
switzerland.com/grindelwald.htm
KITZB�HEL, AUSTRIA
Known as Austria's winter entertainment capital,
Kitzb�hel carries an international reputation for
being glamorous and expensive. A new connec-
tion between Kitzb�hel and Kirchberg gives ac-
cess to a network of 420 miles of slopes and 260
lifts. In January, is the Hahnenkamm Downhill
World Cup; a treacherous race down the legend-
ary Streif course. Two half pipes, a quarter pipe
and sprint slalom course satisfies snowboarders.
www.kitzbuehel.com
The Best Skiing in Europe
� continued on page 94
F r e e T I M e
welcometoeurope
92
BY HEaTHEr ann Cosimo
PHoToGraPHs From sTriPEs FiLE

Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 8Page 9Page 10Page 11Page 12Page 13Page 14Page 15Page 16Page 17Page 18Page 19Page 20Page 21Page 22Page 23Page 24Page 25Page 26Page 27Page 28Page 29Page 30Page 31Page 32Page 33Page 34Page 35Page 36Page 37Page 38Page 39Page 40Page 41Page 42Page 43Page 44Page 45Page 46Page 47Page 48Page 49Page 50Page 51Page 52Page 53Page 54Page 55Page 56Page 57Page 58Page 59Page 60Page 61Page 62Page 63Page 64Page 65Page 66Page 67Page 68Page 69Page 70Page 71Page 72Page 73Page 74Page 75Page 76Page 77Page 78Page 79Page 80Page 81Page 82Page 83Page 84Page 85Page 86Page 87Page 88Page 89Page 90Page 91Page 92Page 93Page 94Page 95Page 96Page 97Page 98Page 99Page 100Page 101Page 102Page 103Page 104Page 105Page 106Page 107Page 108 Produced by PageSuite