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The winter isn’t often thought of as the best time to travel in Europe. We tend to prefer our holidays summery and sunny, whether basking on a Mediterranean beach somewhere or bedding in to a rich cultural city centre on the Iberian peninsula. But you’re missing a trick not travelling in the wintertime; in winter, Europe transforms into an adventure playground, from snowy peaks to frozen lakes… a winter wonderland of a mainland, all begging to be explored!
Indeed, winter is the ideal time to go hunting for an adventure holiday experience. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or simply want a more active kind of getaway, what follow are some of the most unforgettable winter experiences available in Europe.
Ski Holidays in France
France is more than its vineyards and Riviera getaways. It’s a gateway to mountain wonderment, from the edifying Alps to the stunning Pyrenees. This is a Mecca for winter adventure sports; when it comes to ski holidays, France is the be-all and end-all.
Wherever you deign to lay your skiing beanie, you’ll find a welcoming environment for adventure holiday-folk of all types, from beginners to experts. Ski resorts are wonderful environments for meeting like-minded sporting travellers, and great places to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Snowshoeing in Switzerland
The Alps stretch far beyond the confines of the French borders, of course, and beyond those borders, the range opens up to views you’d never believe. Such views are best experienced slowly, as opposed to at the great speeds you can expect when bombing down slopes on a pair of planks. The Swiss Alps are particularly beautiful and enjoyed all the more as part of a snowshoe hike across unspoiled mountain paths.
Winter Hiking in Austria
Similar glory can be found in Austria, too, albeit with a little less of an uphill struggle. Austria also receives the Alps, but is also home to a warmer climate and some of the most stunning forest landscapes in Europe. Such forests are a joy to explore on foot, using scenic trails with panoramic mountain views that simply must be seen to be believed. Try Lammerklamm gorge for one of the more unforgettable trails you’ll ever come across.
Ice Climbing in Norway
Finally, and perhaps most edifyingly of all, there’s Norway and the incomparable thrill of ice climbing. Outdoor climbing of any kind is already an adventure sport for the ages, but ice climbing adds a new dimension. In places like Rjukan, it’s actually possible for you to scale frozen waterfalls!
