6 cross-border ski adventures to try in Europe

There are plenty of places in Europe where pistes cross international frontiers, and there is little more thrilling than skiing between two countries. Here are six trips where you could, say, wake up in France and slide over to Italy for a cappuccino, follow a former bootlegger’s trail between Austria and Switzerland, or bed down in a chic Swiss chalet beneath the Matterhorn and pop over to Cervinia for beginner-friendly slopes and a bargain pasta lunch. 

1.Sälen and Väggen, Norway and Sweden

The peaks surrounding Scandinavian Mountains Airport — dubbed ‘Europe’s most convenient ski airport’ — take in some of the best resorts in Norway and Sweden. It’s perfect for a multi-stop, cross-border winter adventure. Take a 10-minute transfer from the airport to Hundfjället, one of the six main villages that make up the Sälen ski area, for grand, US-style ski in, ski out lodge accommodation, family-friendly pistes and the chance to tackle Väggen (‘the wall’), widely considered to be among Sweden’s most difficult slopes. Nearby Stöten is another favourite with skiing families, with runs through pine forest, and slopeside huts with fire pits and barbecues. And just across the border, Trysil is Norway’s largest ski resort, offering scenic Nordic landscapes and abundant snow.

How to do it: Ski Scandinavia offers a seven-night package from £2,068 per person including direct flights between Gatwick and Scandinavian Mountains Airport, seven nights’ B&B hotel accommodation between Hundfjället, Stöten and Tysil, and transfers.

2. Portes du Soleil, France and Switzerland

Straddling France and Switzerland, Portes du Soleil is one of the world’s biggest ski areas: 12 resorts (eight French, four Swiss), 650km of pistes and a variety of skiing. Try the Swiss Wall, a mogul piste with a vertical drop of 331m; there’s plenty for beginners and intermediates, too.

How to do it: Iglu Ski offers seven nights’ half-board accommodation at Hotel des Dromonts in Avoriaz, in Portes du Soleil, flights and transfers from £1,849 per person.

3. Zermatt and Cervinia, Switzerland and Italy

Zermatt is one of Europe’s best all-round ski resorts, with varied terrain, great snow and Matterhorn views. Neighbouring high-altitude Cervinia, in Italy, enjoys beginner- and intermediate-friendly slopes and cheaper prices than Switzerland. Ski between the two or catch a lift on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.

How to do it: Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week at the Hotel White Angel in Cervinia from £1,115 per person, half board, including flights and transfers.

4. Ischgl and Samnaun, Austria and Switzerland

The original route between Ischgl and Samnaun was a cross-border bootleggers’ trail. Today, you can ski across, and there are three former smugglers’ routes to choose from. Base yourself in Ischgl for exhilarating skiing and even more thrilling apres-ski or, for something a little more low key, choose Samnaun, for great skiing and bargain souvenirs, due to its duty-free status.

How to do it: SNO Ski Holidays has seven nights at Hotel Solaria in Ischgl from £1,509 per person, half board, including flights and transfers.

5. Espace San Bernardo, France and Italy

The new Chardonnet chairlift has made it easier to nip from La Rosière in France to La Thuile in Italy. Previously, the only way to do this was via a narrow red run. Great for families, beginners and intermediates, La Rosière caters to advanced skiers, too, with fun freeriding on Mont Valaisan at 2,800m. Meanwhile in La Thuile, you can go heli-skiing, something that’s not permitted in France.

How to do it: Peak Retreats offers seven nights in the Espace San Bernardo ski area from £349 per person, including Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing for one standard car and self-catered two-bedroom accommodation (sleeping five) at Les Cimes Blanches apartments in La Rosière.

6. Via Lattea, France and Italy

Enjoy fresh croissants for breakfast and a choice of pasta dishes for lunch when you base yourselves in the charming Alpine village of Montgenèvre. Known locally as ‘Monty’, it’s the only French resort within the expansive Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area and enjoys varied ski terrain, covering everything from motorway-wide blue runs to the legendary freeriding run at Col de l’Alpet. For a full-day adventure, ski to Sestriere, home to former Olympic racetracks.

How to do it: Heidi offers seven nights in a self-catering apartment at the Résidence Club Le Hameau des Airelles, in Montgenèvre, from £539 per person, including flights and transfers.