Heidi's 5 Hidden Gem Ski Resorts You Have To Try

Norway is the original home of downhill skiing. So, what better way to try this epic winter sport than at one of its oldest resorts? Situated between Oslo and Bergen and overlooking the sparkling Ustedalsfjorden Lake, the Nordic village of Geilo screams Norwegian powder paradise. We're talking picturesque mountainscapes, snow-dusted Norwegian spruces, and 34km of long, winding pistes. Let's get stuck in:

With its gentle beginner runs and snug, cosy cabin vibes - set against some of Europe's most reliable snow conditions - Geilo is a hidden gem perfect for beginners and families. Its 34km of slopes snake across either side of the valley and are linked via a free ski bus. Start your trip with lessons at one of the two ski schools before heading to the Vestlia side for long greens and cruisy blues. After a few days of warming up, take the main lift to challenge yourself on the extensive range of blue and red runs, or try your first tricks at the newcomer-friendly Geiloparken terrain park.

Geilo is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities for mini snow champions in the making. There's something for everyone, from the kids' slalom ‘Huski Race’ and marshmallow party to snowshoeing, sledging, and nights around the campfire. The kid-friendly areas at Trollklubben, Kikut, Slaatta, and Havsdalen offer ski conveyors, platter lifts, gentle runs, and even mini-skier terrain parks with jumps and rails. And when it's time to take a break from the slopes, there's sledging, ice fishing, sleigh rides, and breathtaking fjord excursions - the fun never stops!

Imagine yourself surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain vistas, skiing down wide forest-lined runs, and exploring a freeride hotspot. Welcome to the thrills and chills of Bad Gastein! This stunning, snow-spun resort is the crowning star of Austria's renowned Gastein Valley and part of the vast Ski Amadé area. Come here for sky-high 2,650m altitudes, incredible intermediate and off-piste skiing, and relaxing thermal spas.

Easy access from Salzburg makes this an ideal ski weekend or short break destination with friends. High-capacity gondolas and fast chairlifts zip you up to the slopes in seconds, where 83km of intermediate runs sit ready to greet you. Although there aren't many advanced pistes, the freeride here is not to be missed. We recommend booking a local guide to explore deep powder bowls, sheer verticals, and zippy narrow chutes. Better yet, there's no need to worry about the white stuff, as the dizzying high altitudes ensure excellent snow all season, with a platoon of cannons blasting fresh flurries if needed. All in all, Bad Gastein is an excellent pick for those wanting to dodge the crowds and bag a bargain in the off-season.

And it’s not only skiing on offer here, either. Adrenaline junkies can challenge themselves while ice-picking up frozen waterfalls, zooming down floodlit night toboggan runs, and soaring over the incredible Gastein Gorge via a giant zipline. Meanwhile, for those seeking a more zen experience, the warm, mineral-rich Gastein thermal waters are a haven of relaxation, invigorating circulation, promoting blood flow, and helping you achieve true well-being. Bliss.

Let's face it, France arguably holds the crown for the crème de la crème of European skiing holidays, and though you may think you’ve seen it all, Les Carroz is a true hidden gem for mixed-ability groups wanting to have their cake (or fondue!) and eat it.

Nestled on a broad, sunny plateau and part of France’s vast and varied Grand Massif ski area, your ski tribe will be spoilt for choice on a ski holiday to Les Carroz. This alpine village exudes a fairy-tale charm with charming wooden and stone-clad buildings. But it's not just the picturesque setting that makes Les Carroz special. Up here, the 2,500m altitudes within a snowball’s throw of Mont Blanc's lofty peaks keep the flurries spinning all season long, December to April - it's a real powder party! The village is also home to a vibrant aprés scene, with numerous restaurants and a relaxed French atmosphere that will keep you entertained long after the sun sets. Pass the bubbly!

Just an hour's transfer from Geneva airport, Les Carroz offers a diverse range of pistes that cater to all skill levels. Beginners and young skiers can enjoy the gentle greens and long, forest-lined blues. At the same time, the more experienced can tackle the steep reds and challenging blacks, including local favourites like The Combe de Gers and the Piste des Cascades (with a pitch of up to 40%!). For those seeking adventure, the Corbalanche freeride area and the snowpark, with its speed slopes, border-cross trails and slalom courses, are sure to satisfy. Great for a ski weekend or short ski break, Les Carroz shows there’s always more waiting to be discovered in the French Alps.

Just an hour and 30 minutes from Zurich airport, this remarkably easy-to-reach hidden gem is Switzerland's largest central winter resort and its best-kept secret (but shh! You didn't hear about it from us). Founded centuries back by Benedictine monks, Engelberg - meaning 'Mountain of the Angels’' - is a winter wonderland that offers world-class panoramics, 3,000m-high peaks and glaciers, and some of the best powder in the Alps.

Grab one of the 26 ultra-modern, lightning-quick lifts (including Titlis Rotair - the world's first revolving cable car) to whisk you up the mountain, where 82km of blues, reds, and blacks at Titlis-Stand and Jochpass await you. For the adventurous, there are 43km of gnarly cross-country tracks to roam and fantastic freeriding opportunities for boarders. The elevated north-facing slopes know how to hold their snow, with long, steep-sided runs that take you from the mountaintop to the valley station below. With tons of space on the vast, uncrowded pistes and plenty of sledge and snow tubing runs, there's room for skiers, snowboarders, and winter enthusiasts galore.

After a day of exhilarating skiing, Engelberg offers many unique activities to keep excitement levels high. Explore the 5,000-year-old ice at Glacier Cave, test your courage on the Titlis Cliff Walk (Europe's highest suspension bridge!), or take the Ice Flyer to explore untouched snow fields and icy crevasses. If you prefer a more relaxed affair, indulge in Swiss specialities at cosy mountain huts or enjoy an ice-cold Aperol Spritz at the Skihütte Stand sun terrace. You've earned it!

Say buongiorno to Bardonecchia! When it comes to Italian skiing, Bardonecchia is overlooked by many in favour of nearby Sestriere and Sauze d'Oulx. Don’t make the same mistake. Just over an hour from Turin, this rare hidden gem delivers dreamy, laid-back family ski days in spades, with uncrowded, pine-forest-lined pistes and activities to keep the whole tribe entertained from dawn to dusk.

As the host of snowboarding in the 2006 Winter Olympics, Bardonecchia is a paradise for both skiers and boarders. But what's truly exciting is the variety it offers. Kids and beginners can have a blast at the two nursery zones at Campo Smith and Melezet before testing their new-found confidence against Colomion Mountain's gentle greens and blues. Meanwhile, parents can test their mettle on the mountain's many enticing red runs, or tackle the six black routes and plentiful off-piste. If tricks are your thing, find your Olympic spirit at the snow park on the halfpipe, or claim the entire Milky Way area with an extension lift pass. There's just so much to do!

A host for Italian tourists year-round, Bardonecchia offers more than great skiing. Wrap up warm for snowshoeing and winter hikes, or get hearts racing with the 1km long alpine coaster. Alternatively, try a city break and skiing holiday all rolled into one with a day trip to take in the sights and sounds of trendy Turin. When the evening draws near, the food here is a smorgasbord of Italian mastery. We're talking creamy polenta, crispy cajette gnocchi, mouth-watering pasta, cheesy gofri waffles, and - of course - fan-favourite pizzas. Mamma mia!

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