Brains
This article is an edited version of an original piece that appeared on agingskibum.com and was written by Jamie Schectman.
I have been incredibly lucky (and grateful) to have spent most of the past three ski seasons in the Alps. Maybe I’m still in the Honeymoon Phase, but not a day goes by when I don’t find myself inspired, taken aback, amused, and/or blown away. Without further ado, my comprehensive list of the differences between skiing on the two continents.
#9 Fashion
Let’s start with looking good. The Euros are known to rock some pretty outrageous outfits guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Some skiers in the Alps definitely subscribe to the theory of dress to impress. Sometimes it is hard to determine if they are rich and famous, or just look the part.
#8 Authentic villages
Unlike in North America, many alpine villages were established hundreds of years ago, way before skiing was even a thing. As a result, you are treated to communities richly steeped in history and culture with their own distinct architecture. Pro Tip: When making a full valley descent to a remote valley, treat yourself. If there is a bar, stop in for the experience and the drink/snack will be well earned and hit the spot.
#7 Lift ticket prices
The U.S. dollar is currently stronger than the Euro, making daily lift ticket prices even cheaper than they were a year ago. Interestingly, instead of the North America (Ikon and Epic) season pass strategies, every Alps ski resort offers a much lower daily lift ticket and usually a higher season pass price than across the pond. I may do a deeper dive on this subject down the road.
#6 Number of runs per day
In the Alps you may only find yourself doing a fraction of the runs in a day. Think of it as the opposite of a hot lap. However, the length, vertical, and duration of descent will be significantly longer. The old adage of “quality not quantity” applies in this case.
#5 Huge vertical reliefs
The vertical drop of many Alps ski resorts will leave your quads burning. My local hill’s home run is a robust 6,000′ vertical, most of it steep (and sometimes pretty slick), and takes about 15 minutes without stopping. You might even find your ears popping at the end of a monster descent.
#4 Culinary offerings
Simply put, the Alps’ mountain dining establishments are in a league of their own. Almost all of them have an outdoor deck with a striking view. Many of these dining experiences are operated by a local family with a long history. It is not uncommon to have a 90-minute or longer 5-star lunch, often for a fraction of the price it would cost in North America.
#3 Connectivity
One of the greatest things about the Alps is the connectivity. There are many ski circuses and arenas that span long distances. In some places (such as Trois Vallées and Arlberg) you can ski from one valley to another and so on. In other places like the Dolomites, you can do a huge circular tour such as the Sella Ronda.
#2 Snow reporting
At most Alps ski resorts, you will be hard pressed to find an accurate and real-time report of new snowfall amounts. Maybe it’s the fact that most Euros only ski on piste so its not relevant? Regardless, the Powder Hype Train rarely leaves the station in the Alps.
#1 Off-Piste
The moment you venture off the prepared piste runs in the Alps, you are on your own. In many places, skiing off-piste, aka “freeriding” in the Alps, has a much higher degree of risk. You always want to have an avalanche beacon, backpack, and full kit as well as the skills when getting off the groomer. Or hire a guide.
Skiing in the Alps is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a full cultural shift. From massive verticals and leisurely lunches to centuries-old villages and truly wild off-piste terrain, the European experience reshapes what a ski day can be. Whether you’re drawn by the terrain, the lifestyle, or the prices, one thing’s clear: it’s a different world over there, and for some of us, it’s hard to imagine going back.
