Inside Scoop: Our Team Explores the Alps and Dolomites

Every winter, our team of Mountain Travel Experts sets out across ski destinations worldwide to deepen their resort knowledge, scout the best hotels, ski the terrain firsthand, and soak up the local culture. I recently sat down with many of them to gather the behind-the-scenes highlights from their FAM (familiarization) trips—and trust me, their experiences made me want to pack a bag and chase powder across Europe.

Here’s the inside story of what they saw, where they stayed, what they loved—and what they think you need to know before booking your own trip.

Alta Badia, Italy - La Dolce Vita on skis

"It's like skiing through a postcard... then stopping for a five-course lunch." – Jennie, Mountain Travel Expert

Tucked into the heart of the Dolomites, Alta Badia delivers jaw-dropping views, quiet sophistication, and some of the best on-mountain dining in Europe. Picture this: savoring pasta with breathtaking views, gliding down wide, perfectly groomed slopes, and unwinding in a charming village that masters the art of coziness. Whether you're carving through fresh powder or savoring a relaxed, culinary-focused ski getaway, this destination emerges as one of Italy's most picturesque and fulfilling retreats.

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Trip Highlights in Alta Badia:

• Traveler Fit: Families, couples, foodies, budget and luxury travelers alike.
• Pro Tip: Hire a guide for the ski safari and opt for an overnight in a rifugio for the ultimate Dolomites experience.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Traditional dishes at La Tabla.
• Après: L’Murin.
• Dinner: La Perla.
• Lodging: High-end stays like Marmolada and La Perla.
• Highlights: The scenic ski safari and panoramic Dolomite views are next level.

Chamonix, France - The birthplace of skiing

"If you want terrain that makes your thighs scream and après that soothes the soul—this is it." – Shannon, Mountain Travel Expert

This place isn’t just iconic—it’s legendary. Chamonix is where the extreme meets the elegant, and adventure pulses through every street of its bustling town. You’ll find off-piste steeps that’ll leave your legs burning, bakeries that make you question reality, and views from the Aiguille du Midi that belong on a movie poster. It’s not just a ski trip—it’s a rite of passage.

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Trip Highlights in Chamonix:

• Traveler Fit: Everyone from powder hounds to pastry lovers.
• Pro Tip: A ski guide is a must for off-piste here. And take the Aiguille du Midi cable car—even if you don't ski.
• Local Loves:
• Breakfast: Me Fournil Chamoniard.
• Lunch: La Fine Bouche, Cremerie du Glacier.
• Après: La Terrasse, Rose Pont, Wine Hut.
• Dinner: Restaurant Josephine, La Caleche, Moo.
• Highlights: Brévent runs, Vallée Blanche adventure, and Mer de Glace train ride.

Cortina, Italy - Dolce and Gabbana meets downhill

"Cortina is for powder mornings and shopping afternoons." – Laurel, Mountain Travel Expert

Italy’s most glamorous ski town lives up to the hype. Cortina is where powder turns and designer boutiques coexist in perfect harmony. You’ll ski under the towering Tofane peaks, sip Aperol in stylish après spots, and stroll through a village that oozes charm and cinematic appeal. It’s no wonder they filmed Bond films here—it’s pure alpine allure.

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Trip Highlights in Cortina:

• Traveler Fit: Families, couples, and style-forward skiers.
• Pro Tip: Book a guide for the hidden stashes and stay a night in a rifugio if you can.
• Local Loves:
• Breakfast: Faloria’s standout service.
• Lunch: Scoliatolo.
• Après: Rifugio Averau.
• Dinner: Faloria again—yes, it’s that good.
• Highlights: Big village energy, scenic runs, and stylish flair.

Saas-Fee, Switzerland - The hidden Alpine gem

"Tiny town, towering peaks. It’s like Zermatt’s little cousin—without the crowds." – Danielle, Mountain Travel Expert

Nestled in the shadow of its glamorous neighbor Zermatt, Saas-Fee is a serene, car-free haven that offers charm and snow in abundance. At over 5,900 feet, it delivers reliable conditions, panoramic glacier views, and surprisingly mellow vibes. If you're seeking tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly slopes, Saas-Fee is a hidden gem that effortlessly captivates.

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Trip Highlights in Saas-Fee:

• Traveler Fit: Beginners, families, and couples.
• Pro Tip: A great backup if Zermatt is booked solid.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Dreh Restaurant (yep—it spins!).
• Highlights: The funicular, high-alpine setting, and scenic charm.
  

Méribel, France - The heart of Les 3 Vallées

"The Mont Vallon descent is pure skiing therapy." – Lou, Mountain Travel Expert

Méribel combines the best of both worlds: picture-perfect alpine charm and direct access to the world’s largest ski area. Whether you’re linking up long laps from Mont Vallon, kicking back at Folie Douce, or sipping hot chocolate fireside at Le Coucou, Méribel has the terrain and hospitality dialed in for travelers who want it all.

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Trip Highlights in Méribel:

• Traveler Fit: Families, couples, après lovers, and powder chasers.
• Pro Tip: Book Le Coucou for families and always go with a guide.
• Local Loves:
• Breakfast: Le Kaila.
• Lunch: Clos Bernard.
• Après: Folie Douce.
• Dinner: Michelin-starred Le Coucou.
• Highlights: Folie Douce parties, long runs, and Alpine elegance.
  

Val Gardena, Italy - Where Dolomite dreams are made

"Every run ends with a plate of something delicious. What more could you want?" – Jennie, Mountain Travel Expert

Tucked into the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Val Gardena is a stunning alpine valley that blends world-class skiing with authentic Tyrolean charm. Part of the expansive Dolomiti Superski region, Val Gardena offers access to over 300 miles of interconnected slopes, including the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. With postcard-perfect villages like Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina, this region delivers a mix of refined hospitality, vibrant culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

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Trip Highlights in Val Gardena:

• Traveler Fit: Foodies, families, après seekers, and on-piste cruisers.
• Pro Tip: Hire a guide for the full ski safari and don’t miss a rifugio sleepover.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Rifugio Sofie, Salei.
• Après: La Stua.
• Dinner: Hotel Gardena Grodnerhof.
• Highlights: Long runs like La Lunga (11 km!), cozy rifugios, top-notch hospitality.

Cervinia, Italy - Cruisy terrain and Matterhorn magic

"Views of the Matterhorn, miles of terrain, and Italian food at every stop? Yes, please." – Silvana, Mountain Travel Expert

Cervinia is Italy’s laid-back answer to Zermatt, with better pasta and less sticker shock. It’s all about long, forgiving runs, family-friendly vibes, and access to one of Europe’s most iconic peaks. You can ski into Switzerland before lunch, soak in views of the Matterhorn, and wrap up your day with pizza and prosecco. What’s not to love?

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Trip Highlights in Cervinia:

• Traveler Fit: Families, budget travelers, couples.
• Pro Tip: Pair it with Zermatt for a two-country ski escape.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Chalet Etoile.
• Après: Yeti.
• Dinner: Wood.
• Highlights: Access to Zermatt, Matterhorn views, and long groomers.

Zermatt, Switzerland - Ski royalty in the shadow of the Matterhorn

"You come for the skiing and stay for the cheese, views, and five-star everything." – Christine, Mountain Travel Expert

This is bucket-list skiing with a luxury twist. Zermatt has it all: thrilling off-piste routes, gourmet mountain dining, car-free streets, and views that make your jaw drop. It’s where experts go to push their limits and leisure seekers indulge in fireside fondue. Either way, Zermatt makes every moment feel iconic.

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Trip Highlights in Zermatt:

• Traveler Fit: Advanced skiers, luxury lovers, and romantics.
• Pro Tip: Book your mountain dining early—it’s competitive!
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Chez Vrony.
• Après: Cervo.
• Dinner: Omnia or Findlerhof.
• Highlights: Igloo bars, Sunnegga Express, and those postcard Matterhorn views.

Courchevel, France - Jet-set glam and seamless skiing

"It’s like skiing through a James Bond film." – Andy, Mountain Travel Expert

Courchevel isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a lifestyle. Known for its chic clientele, Michelin-starred dining, and some of the most manicured pistes in Europe, it’s the glitzy crown jewel of the Trois Vallées. Rest assured, Courchevel isn’t just about the glamour of champagne. With exceptional terrain catering to all skill levels and the convenience of ski-in, ski-out access, it effortlessly combines luxury with an unparalleled skiing experience.

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Trip Highlights in Courchevel:

• Traveler Fit: Luxury travelers and comfort-focused skiers.
• Pro Tip: Beginners should head to Courchevel 1650 for easy terrain and fewer crowds.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: Cap Horn, Le Pilatus.
• Après: Folie Douce (1850).
• Dinner: L’Aventure.
• Highlights: World-class dining, ski-in/ski-out access, and Trois Vallées connectivity.

Val Thorens, France - Altitude and après that never ends

"High, snowy, and wild. Val Thorens brings the party and the powder." – Tench, Mountain Travel Expert
Europe’s highest ski resort is a snow-sure haven for thrill-seekers and party people. Val Thorens is where you come to ski hard, après harder, and do it all at 7,500 feet. With access to the full Trois Vallées and a youthful, high-energy scene, it’s the perfect home base for skiers who want it all—plus a side of late-night fun.

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Trip Highlights in Val Thorens:

• Traveler Fit: Young skiers, groups, and advanced riders.
• Pro Tip: Best bet if you’re chasing snow late in the season.
• Local Loves:
• Lunch: La Maison.
• Après: Folie Douce and beyond.
• Dinner: Jean Sulpice.
• Highlights: Reliable snow, vast terrain, and vibrant après.

Gateway cities worth the visit

Zurich, Switzerland

Not a ski town, but the launchpad to some of Switzerland’s best resorts. Zurich offers a dose of culture, chocolate, and luxury to start (or end) your ski adventure on the right note. Whether you're sipping espresso at Sprüngli or hopping the train to St. Moritz, Zurich makes the journey feel as fun as the destination.

• Traveler Fit: Stopover before the slopes.
• Pro Tip: Get a Swiss Rail Pass—easy, efficient, and scenic.

Geneva, Switzerland

A gateway to both the French and Swiss Alps, Geneva is ideal for a chic pitstop. Think lakefront views, cozy bistros, and quick transfers to spots like Chamonix and Verbier. Add in a stroll through the Old Town or a museum visit, and you've got the perfect start to your ski trip.

• Traveler Fit: Gateway to Chamonix, Verbier, and beyond.
• Pro Tip: Spend 1–2 days exploring the lakeside city before heading to the mountains.

Munich, Germany

Heading to Austria or Germany to ski? Munich is your go-to gateway. With hearty eats, lively après options, and easy access to resorts like St. Anton and Garmisch, it’s a pre-ski playground full of energy and old-world character. Stay a night, raise a stein, and then hit the mountains.

• Traveler Fit: Culture buffs en route to Austria and Bavaria.
• Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a night in the Old Town—and some Schmalznudeln.