If you love sport or a ski event where people come together, ski resorts have many activities to watch, take part in and admire. Whether it’s watching the world’s best snowsport athletes compete or enjoying a celebration, there’s something for everyone. Our ski experts have created a guide to the best ski events in ski resorts.
Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel, Austria
The Hahenekamm ski race weekend in Kitzbühel is arguably the biggest alpine ski event in the world. The world’s best take on the iconic Streif downhill track, which is historically the toughest ski race track on the World Cup circuit. A lot of the speed skiers consider winning races here as a bigger honour than the Olympics. As a spectator, the atmosphere is electric with fans around the world admiring some breathtaking ski racing. If you head to the Londoner pub after each race you might see some wild celebrations by the race winner.
Stay At:
Hotel Kaiserhof Kitzbühel is a great ski-in ski-out hotel, situated right on the slopes and close to the lifts.
X Games, Aspen, USA
The world’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarders compete annually in Aspen. The event is a prestigious honour to win amongst action sports athletes and has propelled careers. Spectating the event is excellent because you can see most of the action from the viewing areas. The halfpipe events in particular are excellent to watch for this reason. History is often made at the X Games with new tricks being landed on the highest of stages in freestyle snowsport. This is certainly one of the best ski events for freestyle lovers
Stay At:
In the heart of Aspen, the Hotel Little Nell is one of the premier hotels in this stylish resort.
European Snow Pride, Tignes, France
Tignes is home to Europe’s biggest gay ski week, with the European Snow Pride. Each day has a theme with nights of brit-pop to superhero days. Many international DJs are invited to play each evening party in the resort’s local clubs and bars. The event offers packages that include accommodation, lift passes and tickets to each event. As well as DJs there are many famous dancers and performers to watch throughout the week. One of the best ski events celebrating an amazing community.
Stay At:
Hotel Village Montana is a luxury ski-in ski-out property in the heart of Tignes with an excellent outdoor pool.
Laax Open, Switzerland
Laax is the mecca for freestyle snowsports with its world-class facilities available to use throughout the year. The Laax Open is a legendary snowboarding competition where the world’s best riders battle it out for top honours. As well as the amazing events during the day, there are also DJ sets and live music to enjoy for spectators. This combines sport with entertainment perfectly, with one of Switzerland’s most modern ski resorts.
Stay At:
Hotel Adula in Flims Laax is a family-run hotel with a fabulous range of health and fitness facilities.
Winter Marathon Vintage Car Rally, Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
If you’re a petrol head or admire vintage cars, you’re in for a treat at the Winter Marathon Vintage Car Rally. Held in the Italian resort of Madonna di Campiglio each year, it showcases over 100 classic cars through the Dolomites’ biggest passes. You don’t need a vintage motor yourself to enjoy this event as the cars are often on display for people to admire when parked. Enjoy incredible Italian cuisine, beautiful cars and an incredible mountain backdrop. A truly unique ski event.
Stay At:
Hotel Chalet del Sogno in Madonna di Campiglio was built using sustainably sourced materials and techniques.
Schladming Night Race, Austria
The Schladming night race atmosphere is one the best in sport, let alone alpine skiing. Thousands of fans gather on the Planai course to watch the world’s best slalom skiers battle it out. Fan club bands are in full voice and flares are often lit during the race. Slalom is one of the best disciplines to watch too because of the small margins and you can watch near enough the whole course. The World Cup circuit has recently introduced female athletes to the course, so there will be now two opportunities to watch this legendary race in a year.
Stay At:
Hotel Falkensteiner in Schladming-Dachstein is a great hotel with a mixture of urban and rustic lodges.
Inferno, Mürren, Switzerland
The Inferno Race in Mürren was first organised in 1928 by a group of Brits. It has been held annually ever since. Only 1850 competitors are allowed to compete each year, with many applicants still searching for their first spot today. The course is 14.9 kilometres long with varied terrain. It’s a real thigh burner. The record for the course is 13 minutes, 20 seconds by Kuno Michel. It’s also a great race to watch and there’s plenty of after-parties and dinners to attend too.
Stay At:
The Hotel Eiger in Mürren is a traditional family-run hotel with a wonderful welcoming atmosphere.
White Ring, Arlberg, Austria
Throughout the year skiers and snowboarders can complete the White Ring route connecting the Arlberg ski resorts. It is a 22 km route that connects the tows of Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. Annually thousands of skiers compete in a race across the White Ring to see who gets the best time. The race is unique with lift involved and skiers competing for side by side. After the race, there are plenty of events within the towns and après to enjoy.
The Brits, Laax, Switzerland
Great Britain’s freestyle snowsports and ski and snowboard cross athletes are showcased at this event. Up and coming athletes, as well as established World Cup stars compete to be crowned the best Brit in their event. Laax has some of the best snowparks and ski cross courses in the world so it’s the perfect venue to watch incredible competitions. In addition to the sport, there are costume parties, DJ sets and live acts to enjoy during the week.
Stay At:
The RocksResort apartments in Laax have luxurious, high-quality décor and easy access to the slopes.
Snow Polo World Cup, St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is the venue for the Snow Polo World Cup each year. It’s the alpine equivalent of the Queen’s Cup and has a unique atmosphere. Royalty and celebrities regularly attend this annual event. You can attend the event for free, but you can also upgrade to the grandstand too where you’re served delicious canapés and champagne. A prestigious ski event held in one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world.
Stay At:
Hotel Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz is one of Switzerland’s finest luxury ski hotels, with extensive facilities including a swimming pool, skating rink and multipurpose spa.
To find out more about the best skiing events, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
