There was an error with your log in

Ski Adventures in the Alps

No mountain range has shaped skiing like the Alps.
Glaciers above Chamonix, couloirs in La Grave, huts strung from valley to valley, and lunch that's a reason to ski in its own right. Choose your style and we'll take care of the rest.
Find your adventure Talk to us
ski adventure alps tours
Ski Adventures in the Alps
Adventure Catalog
Ski Adventures in the Alps Brochure
Download for sharing and offline access to full adventure itineraries, important information, FAQs, guides info and more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Discover the finest on and off-piste ski adventures in the Alps

Groomers, slackcountry, or skins: three ways to ski the Alps

Ski trips in the Alps fall roughly into three camps. Where you land depends on how much you want to climb and how far from the piste you want to go.

    • Resort-based weeks: Big lift networks, a guide or instructor showing you the best runs, and a hotel or chalet waiting at the end of the day. Think a week on the Dolomiti Superski pass or hopping between Aosta Valley resorts.
    • Lift-served off-piste: The lifts do the climbing and your guide finds the untracked snow. Now and then you’ll bootpack or skin for 15–45 minutes to reach a better line. Chamonix, Verbier, Andermatt, and La Grave are built for it.
    • Ski touring and hut-to-hut: Skins on, roughly 600–1,200 m of climbing on a typical day, and nights in mountain huts as you cross from valley to valley.
Young male skier skiing in fresh snow through the trees in austrian ski resort

Where to ski in the Alps (and why these spots)

The best ski resorts in the Alps aren’t always the biggest. These are the places our guides keep going back to:

    • Chamonix, France: Mont Blanc’s backyard. Steep lift-served terrain at Les Grands Montets, 20 km of glacier on the Vallée Blanche, and Italy one tunnel away.
    • La Grave, France: One gondola, over 2,000 m of vertical, and not a single groomed run. Couloirs like the Banane and Trifide sit right under La Meije.
    • Verbier, Switzerland: The 4 Vallées and the backside of Mont Fort, with Zermatt and Chamonix within day-trip range.
    • The Dolomites, Italy: The 40 km Sella Ronda loop, the long Lagazuoi run, and some of the best on-mountain food in Europe.
    • Silvretta and St. Anton, Austria: The heart of ski touring in Austria, with hut routes skinning beneath Piz Buin, the range’s highest peak.
    • Andermatt, Switzerland: Deep powder, long descents, and the start of the Urner Haute Route to Engelberg.

Then there’s the Haute Route itself: Chamonix to Zermatt on skis, hut to hut, in seven days.

Evening landscape and ski resort in French Alps, Val d'Isere, France

Ski like a local: Unlock the Alps’ best-kept secrets

The difference between a good ski trip and an unforgettable one? Local knowledge. Our expert guides have spent years mastering these mountains—they know where to find the deepest untracked powder, the best lines long after a storm, and the secret routes to skip the lift lines and dodge the crowds. Whether it’s scoring first tracks in a hidden couloir or finding the perfect après spot with a view, they’ll make sure you experience the Alps like a true insider.

Family on ski holidays together at glacier in the Alps. They are cheering on the steep ski slope among the snowcapped mountain peaks.

What a day on a hut-to-hut ski tour looks like

Early starts, steady climbs, and a lot of soup.

    • Breakfast at the hut, skins on before the sun hits the slope
    • 4–6 hours of touring and roughly 600–1,000 m of climbing
    • The descent you’ve been eyeing all morning
    • Afternoon at the next hut: drying socks, maps out, three-course dinner
    • Lights out early in a shared dorm
Ski holidays in Ortler, the Alps, skiers above the clouds.

Stress-free skiing: We handle logistics, you enjoy the Alps

We take the hassle out of your ski trip so you can focus on what matters—skiing! From handpicked, cozy accommodations in prime locations to custom gear lists and seamless logistics, we’ve got everything covered. No stress about bookings or equipment; we’ve already sorted it all, so all you have to do is show up and get ready for the ride of your life. Whether you’re traveling light or need rental gear, we’ve got you set up with the best—just bring your stoke and leave the rest to us.

And the food? Few ski regions pack this much culture into one range. Lunch in the Dolomites means rifugi serving pasta and strudel at 2,000 m. A Chamonix day can end in Courmayeur with an Italian espresso, a quick ride through the Mont Blanc tunnel away. Austrian huts run on Kaiserschmarrn and big dinners, Swiss villages on fondue, and a chalet week in Morzine comes with hosts who cook and pour. Four countries, four food cultures, a few hours apart.

A skier in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier standing on top of a cliff above a sea of clouds, looking towards Mont Blanc and Chamonix.
What do people think of Ski Adventures in the Alps?
David Bonkowski
about Slackcountry From Verbier to Chamonix — and Beyond (Epic Pass)

If you want an unforgettable, great guided experience, hire the “Juan and only” ski guide. Juan is highly professional and willing to help you every step of the way. Thank you for all you did to make my recent journey to Verbier one of my best ever! YOUR THE BEST!!!!

Newton D
about Ski the Alps from Chamonix: A Self-Guided Ski Safari

Wow! It’s all we can say. A phenomenal and unforgettable trip of a lifetime. We were a group of 10, with different ability levels, but everyone gave rave reviews. The various areas are all so different in terms of terrain, snow condition and atmosphere, even though they are located a very short distance from Chamonix.

David Hewett
about Backcountry Skiing in La Grave, France: One Lift, No Rules

Top level mountain guide services. Friendly, approachable, instructive; Tom is a super strong climber/skier and a very skilled and knowledgeable mountaineer. Highly recommended!

David V.
about Backcountry & Intro to Ski Touring Week in St. Anton, Austria

Been skiing with Piste to Powder for nearly 15 years (on and off) and have never been disappointed. Whatever the weather and conditions, they always seem to find good powder snow to ski.  The business model of joining an open group makes guiding very accessible financially and it is always fun to meet and ski with new people of the same ability. We had a great couple of days this time with Magnus who I would love to ski with again.  For me, Piste to Powder is one of the main attractions now of St Anton where I have been skiing for over 30 years.

Load more reviews

Meet the guides in the area

5
Yann
Yann is a Chamonix-based mountain guide, boasting over 20 years of experience guiding mountaineering and skiing in the Mont Blanc area, the Alps, the Himalayas, and beyond. He is the co-founder and the “driving force” behind his own outdoor adventure company, mixing the wisdom and experience of an “old guide” with boundless enthusiasm and creativity.
5
Francesco
Francesco is a UIAGM mountain guide based in Switzerland who has always been drawn to adventure and freedom, with the mountains as his natural playground. Over the years, he has climbed and skied in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations, including Yosemite, Patagonia, Africa, Siberia, Asia, the US, and, of course, extensively throughout the Alps. Becoming a mountain guide has allowed him to share his deep passion for the mountains and the powerful sense of connection and fulfillment that only true adventure can provide.
Sebastien Tournoud
5
Sebastien
Sebastien is a ski instructor and trekking guide who followed in the footsteps of his father, a mountain guide in Chamonix. He spends winters on skis and summers trekking in the Alps. Apart from Chamonix, his favorite places are the Dolomites, Gran Paradiso, and the Pyrenees. For him, guiding is not just a profession but a way of life. Hiking provides him with an opportunity to reflect, observe, and immerse himself in the natural environment. Through hiking, we nurture our bodies and minds, focusing on ourselves and our surroundings.
5
Florian
Florian leads a top-notch team of mountain guides in the Alrberg area. Renowned for his expertise, he ensures guests have exceptional off-piste experiences under his guidance, making every skiing adventure memorable.
Luka Saric
5
Luka
Luka is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and a multi talented sportsman with a wealth of experience as a guide. Specializing in climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and snowboarding instruction, Luka has cultivated a diverse skill set that appeals to adventure seekers of all kinds. In recent years, he has expanded his repertoire by offering unique sailing tours that seamlessly integrate climbing and mountain biking, providing his clients with an unforgettable and a holistic outdoor experience. Luka's dedication to his craft and his deep love for nature make him a sought-after guide for those looking to explore the great outdoors in an exhilarating and comprehensive way.
5
Juan
Juan began his ski instructor career in the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees, teaching at Pas de la Casa. After a few years at a ski resort in Andorra, Juan perfected his craft in two hemispheres, splitting his years between Canada's Whistler and Chile's Valle Nevado. In 2010, the mountains of Valais captured his heart, and he's called Verbier home ever since.
5
Luis
Luís is an experienced and passionate ski instructor and entrepreneur with a deep love for the mountains. His career began in the Pyrenees, where he honed his skills and developed a commitment to teaching. Over the years, he has expanded his expertise, leading skiing and snowboarding experiences for clients in some of Europe’s top ski destinations. As the co-founder of Dropin-Snow Ski School, Luis is dedicated to creating exceptional learning experiences on the slopes, emphasizing safety, personalized coaching, and a memorable adventure for skiers of all levels.
5
Tom
Tom is a full-time, year-round mountain guide based in Chamonix, France. As a member of both the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) and the British Mountain Guides Association (BMG), he holds the highest professional guiding qualifications in the industry. These credentials allow him to guide clients worldwide across all mountain disciplines. A passionate and dedicated skier, alpinist, and all-round climber, Tom has developed a particular expertise in steep skiing. His pursuit of challenging descents has led him to complete numerous first descents across the Alps, New Zealand, Norway, British Columbia, and Baffin Island, Canada.
57hours is committed to supporting local guides around the world.

Frequently asked questions about our ski adventures in the Alps

  • The Alps are the ultimate skier’s playground—massive verticals, endless terrain, and some of the best snow you’ll ever ski. You’ll find everything from easily accessible & perfectly groomed runs to steep couloirs, untouched powder fields, crazy chutes & beyond. Add in jaw-dropping views, legendary après-ski spots, and that mountain air, and you’ve got a ski experience that’s truly next level. Plus, with resorts like Chamonix, St. Moritz, and Courmayeur, there’s always something new to explore, no matter your skill level. It’s the kind of skiing that keeps you coming back for more.

  • December to April, but it depends on the style of trip.

      • Resort and freeride weeks: December through March, with January to March the most reliable for snow.
      • Hut-to-hut ski touring: Late March and April. Days are longer and the spring snowpack is usually more settled for big traverses like the Haute Route and Silvretta.
      • Cross-country skiing: January and February.

    Early December can be hit or miss for off-piste, since the base is still building. Each trip page lists its exact departures.

  • If you’re into off-piste ski adventures, Chamonix is where you should go. This legendary resort has some of the greatest backcountry terrain in the world, from steep couloirs to vast glaciers, with miles of untouched powder and hidden lines. Plus, with local guides who know every inch of the mountain, you’ll be hitting stashes most never even see. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re up for adventure, Chamonix is where you’ll find the goods.

  • Ask yourself one question: do you want to ride lifts or climb? On a resort week you’ll cover a lot of ground on groomers, with a guide or instructor showing you the best of a big ski area. Lift-served off-piste trips keep the lifts but leave the piste behind. Ski touring means skinning uphill for hours, carrying a pack, and earning every descent. If you’ve never toured, an intro week like the one in St. Anton bridges the gap: a few days of lift-accessed off-piste first, then real tours and a hut night.

    How much off-piste experience do I need?
    Less than you’d think for some trips, a lot more for others. Here’s the honest range:

      • Resort weeks: Comfortable on groomed runs for several days in a row. Cross-country needs no experience at all.
      • Lift-served off-piste: Confident linking turns on red runs at minimum. The steeper freeride trips in Chamonix and La Grave want black-run skiers who are at home in powder, crud, and changing snow.
      • Ski touring: Some backcountry experience for shorter hut tours. Big traverses like the Haute Route and Urner Haute Route call for strong skiing on 35–40° terrain, crampons and ice axe use, and 5–7 hour days.

    Fitness matters as much as technique, especially on back-to-back days. Be honest with yourself, check the difficulty rating on each trip page, and get in touch if you’re unsure.

  • Off-piste skiing in the Alps isn’t ideal for true beginners because of the risks involved. If you don’t have strong downhill skills and aren’t comfortable maneuvering on various snow conditions, steeps, and off-piste terrain, which can be much more challenging than groomed resort runs, you could get seriously injured.

    However, there are plenty of beginner-friendly ski camps & courses in the Alps that are designed to help you master the fundamentals and get comfortable on off-piste terrain. We recommend taking an off-piste ski camp or course, and then going with a guide.

  • Skiing in the Alps on a budget requires some creativity. Here are some tips to make it happen:

    Season & Location:

      • Shoulder Seasons: Target spring (March-May) or late winter (Feb-early March) for potentially cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds compared to peak winter.
      • Less Popular Spots:  Skip the famous resorts and explore lesser-known valleys with free or low-cost access points. Research online or consult guidebooks.

    Accommodation & Food:

      • Self-Catered Stays: Opt for hostels, camping (weather permitting), or vacation rentals with cooking facilities to save on restaurant costs.
      • Pack Your Food: Bring groceries and cook your meals instead of relying on expensive mountain restaurants.

    Gear:

      • Used or Borrowed: Look for good deals on used ski setups or borrow from friends if possible. Prioritize safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) over new skis.

    Transportation & Access:

      • Public Transport: Utilize buses, trains, or hitchhiking (with caution) to get around instead of renting a car. Research local options beforehand.
      • Skinning Up: Focus on tours where you skin up to the descent point, rather than relying on lifts, which require lift tickets.

    Remember:

      • Safety First: Don’t compromise on essential avalanche safety gear or training to save money.  An avalanche course is a wise investment.

    Limited Amenities: Be prepared for basic facilities in remote areas. Embrace the backcountry experience!

  • On guided trips, yes. Off-piste and touring trips are led by certified mountain guides, mostly IFMGA/UIAGM, who know the area and make the safety calls. Resort weeks are led by certified ski instructors or local hosts. Ratios stay small: about 4:1 in La Grave, 5:1 around Verbier, and 6–7:1 on most hut-to-hut tours.

    One exception: the Chamonix ski safari is self-guided. There’s no guide skiing with you, but you get route recommendations, planning help, and safety gear when needed.

  • On some trips. The Dolomites week includes a 6-day Dolomiti Superski pass, and the Aosta Valley resort trip covers all ski passes. Most freeride and touring trips don’t include lifts, and costs vary a lot by area. A few work well with passes you may already own: the Ikon Pass covers Chamonix, Courmayeur, and Zermatt, and Epic Pass holders can ski Verbier. Each trip page spells out what’s covered.

Get in touch
We’re happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.
Find your adventure Talk to us

Articles & webinars

More world-class ski trips this way

skier turn backcountry skiing
Backcountry Skiing Adventures
hut to hut skiing and ski traverse trips
Hut-to-Hut Skiing & Ski Traverses
heli skiing and cat skiing
Heli Skiing & Cat Skiing
arctic skiing backcountry
Arctic Backcountry Skiing: Norway, Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
One person skiing untracked snow through trees.
Japan
georgia asia skiing
Backcountry Skiing in Georgia, the Balkans & Central Asia
backcountry skiing in british columbia
British Columbia
A skier shredding in the Lyngen Alps, Norway
Norway
Need help finding a perfect adventure?
We're happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.
Find your adventure Talk to us
57hours uses cookies for a better experience!
We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. View Privacy Policy
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar