It’s every skier’s dream: powder snow, excellent weather conditions and – of course – crowd-free slopes.
But with more and more people heading to winter destinations such as the Alps, it’s becoming harder to get the coveted quiet conditions most skiers are after.
Naturally, choosing a less busy resort is a great place to start.
But one skier has revealed a top tip to guarantee crowd-free ski pistes: start very early.
You could add extra hours to your day by heading out while the rest of the resort is busy with breakfast or post-ski drinks – swapping après-ski for even more skiing.
Early in the morning, while everyone else is asleep or at breakfast, slopes could be silent
Many resorts offer slots to ski before anyone else even hits the slopes.
Oz 3300, a resort in the Isère region, has one such option, Rosalind Upton wrote in The Times, known as ‘first tracks’ – at 8am.
The resort’s website explains: ‘Before the slopes open, enjoy an exclusive moment at the Dôme des Rousses before starting the first descent of the day.
‘Come and open the slopes of Dôme des Rousses with the pisteurs. Make your first tracks of the day on the freshly groomed pistes.
‘For an hour, the slopes will be just for you!
‘After a good descent, breakfast awaits you at the ski patrollers’ hut located on the Alpette plateau to recharge your batteries before continuing the day of skiing.’
With a maximum of 15 people in a group, you’re guaranteed a blissfully quiet experience.
Other resorts have similar offers, for instance in La Plagne.
This resort offers ‘first tracks’ experiences from 7.45am every Wednesday in Plagne Centre and Bellecôte.
The resort’s site says: ‘Be the first to glide down freshly groomed slopes, while everything is still calm and bathed in morning light. With the First Tracks experience, La Plagne opens up the ski area just for you, before anyone else.
‘In a small group, guided by ski patrollers, enjoy an exclusive early-morning adventure in the heart of the snowy Alps – with breathtaking views and perfect snow conditions. An unforgettable descent, followed by a traditional Savoyard breakfast at altitude.’
And, of course, you could also guarantee a crowd-free experience by heading to a lesser-known resort.
Recently, hidden gem ski destinations were revealed by an expert.
Europe’s quieter ski destinations are unlikely to stay under the radar for long.
Places such as Seefeld, Austria and Kranjska Gora, Slovenia – best known for its World Cup pedigree – offer hassle-free, crowd-free alternatives.
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