Winter Sports 2023: Skiing and Snowboarding in the Alps
2 min read
Winter holidays in the Alps are back in full swing in 2023 after the pandemic hiatus. The slopes are crowded, the quality of ski resorts has improved-and snowboarding is enjoying a renaissance among younger athletes. Here’s what you need to know before your next ski trip.
Key Takeaways
- Ischgl, Zermatt, St. Anton: The three most reliable high-season destinations with guaranteed snow cover through April.
- Snowboarding is making a comeback: Snowboard sales rose 15% in 2022/23-a clear trend.
- Book online to save 20-30%: Buying lift passes online in advance is almost always cheaper than at the ticket counter.
- Helmets are standard: Mandatory for children under 15 in Austria and Italy since 2012-strongly recommended for adults.
- Après-ski 2023: More sustainable, quieter, but still a core part of Alpine culture.
Top Ski Resorts 2023 at a Glance
Ischgl (Austria): One of the most famous après-ski hubs with 239 km of slopes, a link to Samnaun (Switzerland), and excellent snow reliability thanks to high elevation. Great for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Zermatt (Switzerland): Car-free village, Matterhorn views, year-round skiing up to 3,883 m. One of the few resorts with guaranteed snow even in late spring. Higher-end pricing, but unmatched ambiance.
Sölden (Austria): Two glaciers, 148 km of slopes, early season opening. Famous for its James Bond backdrop (Spectre) and lively après-ski scene. Ideal for both sporty skiers and families.
Snowboarding in 2023: The Lifestyle Makes a Comeback
Snowboarding took a backseat to skiing in the 2010s-but now it’s back. Drivers include TikTok trick videos, a new generation chasing the “cooler” factor, and improved board tech that makes it easier for beginners to get started.
Beginner tip: Snowboarding demands more patience in the first 2–3 days than skiing-the balance on a board feels unnatural at first. But once you get past that, the carving thrill hooks many riders. Snowboard schools at all major resorts offer beginner-specific courses.
Practical: Gear, Costs, Safety
Gear: For first-timers: rent instead of buying. Ski boots should fit your feet (rental boots are never perfect, but adequate), and always buy a helmet rather than renting. From the second season onward, owning your own gear pays off-buying used is perfectly fine.
Costs: Ski pass for Tirol/Vorarlberg: €55–€65 per day, weekly pass €200–€280. Booking online saves 15–25%. Accommodation: self-catering in an apartment cuts costs by 40–50% compared to an all-inclusive hotel.
Safety: Helmet, back protector for off-piste, and an avalanche backpack for backcountry. Learn piste etiquette: overtake on the right, the skier ahead has priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ski area is best for beginners?
Kitzbühel (Austria) and Davos (Switzerland) offer excellent, wide beginner slopes and top-rated ski schools. In Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf provide good entry-level options at lower prices.
Skiing or snowboarding – which is easier to learn?
Skiing feels more intuitive in the first few hours – standing on two skis is more stable. Snowboarding often becomes more enjoyable after 2–3 days of overcoming the initial hurdle. If you love the feel of gliding on a single board, give snowboarding a try.
How can I plan a ski trip as cheaply as possible?
Buy ski passes online 2–4 weeks in advance (15–25% cheaper). Stay in valley villages instead of right in the resort (cheaper, and shuttles are usually included). Pack your own lunch instead of eating at mountain restaurants. Rent gear instead of buying.
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Source of title image: Pexels / Esther Höfling