Skip to content
sports — Photography — Culture — Lifestyle — News — Spotlight — travel

Excursion to the Alps for Snowy Adventures

Navigating along a twisting path, towering summits loom, crafting a majestic pentacle. Scattered pine trees adorn the base of the mountains, looking like miniature green gowns. The snow-covered peaks boast an impeccable white hue, with areas of rocky gray serving to inject a sense of...

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Soaring along a twisty path, mammoth peaks stand tall, shaping a majestic citadel. Scattered below...
Soaring along a twisty path, mammoth peaks stand tall, shaping a majestic citadel. Scattered below the mountains are tiny pine trees, dotted sparsely like green frocks. The snow-covered peaks are pristine white, contrasted by rocky gray patches that give a sense of ruggedness. Layered upon each other, these towering peaks extend in the distance, casting a stunning sight.

Excursion to the Alps for Snowy Adventures

Hitting the Slopes: A Fresh Perspective on Skiing in the Alps and US

Strap on your skis and follow me as I share an unforgettable ski adventure in the beautiful Alps of Austria, a stark contrast to the monopolized ski industry back home in the US.

In February 2025, my family embarked on a long-awaited ski trip that promised snow-capped peaks, wide slopes, and a cultural smorgasbord. As someone who's regularly hit the mountains of New York and Vermont, I prepared for a snowy expedition with lots of anticipation.

The Alps, with their towering, snowy peaks, looked like a breathtaking fortress as we snaked along windy roads. These majestic mountains were speckled with green pine trees and boasted breathtaking vistas.

Compared to bustling US slopes, the Alps were home to more experienced skiers. While snowboarding was scarce, almost everyone was gracefully navigating the slopes on skis. The vast, wide slopes offered a unique challenge as nearly every surface could be skied depending on how adventurous you felt that day.

Our journey took us to resorts in Warth and Zillertal, with meandering ski routes that zigzagged from one mountain range to another. We moved swiftly from slope to slope, creating an exhilarating sense of horizontal movement.

Gallery • 6 Photos

One of the most memorable moments occurred during our second day on the slopes when we traversed the entire collection of mountains spanning 85 kilometers. Each mountain offered a distinct, jaw-dropping view. There's something incredibly freeing about gliding across snowy peaks, leaving one destination behind and moving toward another.

We also paid a visit to the intriguing Skyspace art installation by James Turrell, where a dome buried in the snow revealed a small portion of the sky to observers below. In a circle, we gazed up at the clear, open sky, feeling a connection with the natural world.

Away from the slopes, we opted for a homey, cultural experience by staying in family-owned bed and breakfasts in Steeg. From traditional breakfast spreads with local delicacies to farm stays with friendly livestock neighbors, we found a warm, welcoming atmosphere far removed from the cookie-cutter resort experience back home.

Gallery • 4 Photos

While the Alps offered an affordable, unparalleled skiing experience, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Making reservations for restaurants in town was essential, as even eateries on the mountainside required warnings days in advance.

Back in the US, the ski industry has experienced a significant shakeup thanks to a duopoly between Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass and Alterra’s Ikon Pass. These passes have transformed the landscape of the skiing world, offering skiers access to multiple resorts across the globe. However, this consolidation has led to higher prices for lift tickets, meals, and gear, making the sport less accessible for many.

In Austria, the beauty of the slopes remains within reach, thanks to the country's more independent resorts and lower prices. A single day lift ticket often costs around $100 USD in European resorts—a far cry from some US resorts where prices exceed $200 for a single day ticket.

By the time my trip came to an end, I could hardly believe that mere hours away, the skiing experience would be dominated by a duo-monopoly, making it virtually impossible for the average person to afford a day on the slopes. Capitalism, they say, has found its way into our favorite winter pastime.

Traveling down a winding road, enormous peaks rise up, forming a beautiful fortress. Pine trees speckle the foothills of the mountains like little green dresses. The snow-capped peaks are a flawless white, with patches of rocky gray adding depth and texture. The mountains layer each other, one on top of the other for as far as the eye can see.

Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story * Alps* Austria* skiing* duopoly* epic* ikon* mountains

Rossitsa Mina Petrova

  1. The breathtaking views and unique challenges of the Alpine slopes make them a perfect subject for a spotlight in lifestyle and travel photography, capturing the essence of adventure and culture.
  2. As I reflect on my skiing journey, I can't help but contrast the news of the duopoly in the US ski industry with the independent resorts in Austria, where the focus is on preserving the love for skiing at a more affordable price for all.
  3. Moving away from the slopes, the vibrant local culture of Austria shapes the lifestyle, offered through homey bed and breakfasts and traditional delicacies, that adds another layer to the overall travel experience, away from the monopolized resort culture in the US.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest