Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Whether you aim for Olympic speed or gentle slopes, here is a list of the coolest and lesser-ridden ski resorts in Europe, which are waiting for you.
If adventure is what you’re looking for, kitzbühel, in the region of Tyrol, hosts one of the most thrilling races on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup circuit! It is also known for its extensive and varied slopes, a vibrant night life and a beautiful medieval town.
Located in the Finnish Lapland, Levi is the largest ski resort in Finland. Make sure to pack your warmest clothes, as temperatures can go down to -30 degrees Celsius. It hosts a slalom on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit every year, and if you’re lucky you can even catch the famous Northern Lights!
Val d’isère is one of the top celebrity haunts in the world of skiing. Located in the Savoie region, it’s linked to tignes, another trendy resort that has the most extensive glacier skiing in France.
To find some of the biggest and highest well-groomed ski pistes, head for Cervinia in the Valle d’Aosta region. It has some of the longest runs stretching through three valleys and comprising two countries: Italy and Switzerland.
In the Southern region of Bavaria lies Garmisch-Partenkirchen, former venue for the Winter Olympics. It is famous for its downhill ski runs, amazing hiking trails, death-defying ski jumping and perfect conditions for whitewater kayaking.
With almost 140 km of skiing area, Formigal is popular among families and beginner-intermediate skiers. But the resort, located in the Aragon Pyrenees, can also please advanced skiers who are looking for new off-piste challenges.
Bansko, in the Pirin Mountains, offers the longest ski runs in Bulgaria. It’s cheap, has a great snow record and a long ski season (from December to May). It is also home to cozy traditional taverns called ‘mehanas,’ where you can eat, hear folk music and sit by the fire.
Zakopane is perfect for beginners. If you look forward to skiing or snowboarding, this ski resort, located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, offers you lower prices than the Alps, wonderful landscapes and authentic Polish cuisine.
Jasná-chopok is the main resort in Slovakia, with 45 km of well-groomed, tree-lined ski runs. Located in the Tatra Mountains, it is suitable for beginners, intermediates or advanced skiers.
Located in the Carpathian Mountains, in the region of Transylvania, Poiana Braşov has gentle slopes perfect for beginners and a lively nightlife. Not far away, in Bran, you can even visit Dracula’s castle, which owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker’s famous character, Dracula.
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Romance is everywhere in Europe. But along the coast and in the small harbor towns, romance is inevitable. From seaside villages in Italy to beaches in Latvia, browse some of the most romantic coastal spots in Europe. Then, treat your sweetheart to the ultimate getaway.
One of the best ways to witness the diversity of Europe is to participate in one of the many festivals – be it celebrating a saint, food , film or even the circus.
Sometimes you need to see something from another perspective to understand its beauty. In Europe, every perspective hides a new discovery, even under the water. From the shores of Italy to the clearwaters of Iceland, find what’s hiding beneath the surface of Europe with this gallery.
Discover the most popular sports in Czechia!
Zigante Truffle Days: A delectable celebration in Istria, Croatia, featuring exquisite truffles, gastronomy, and local culture.
Scenic routes await…
During the summer many fruits ripen, so they have also become part of the traditional Slovak recipes. The cooked dough dishes are some of the most popular among them, where besides gnocchi and noodles, potato dumplings with fruit belong to. Many different kinds of fruit can be used for its preparation, but the most common are cherries, strawberries, apricots, plums and blueberries. As a topping/streusel curd, nuts, poppy seed or bread crumbs can be used.
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