Places
15 stories
Resorts, destinations, hotels and the practical business of planning a trip that works.
How to book a group ski trip without everyone falling out
A practical guide to planning a group ski trip, from agreeing expectations and budgets to choosing a resort, accommodation and shared spending rules.
Stelvio Glacier reopens summer skiing with shorter morning hours
Italy’s Stelvio Glacier has reopened for summer skiing after a three-week heat-related closure, with lifts now operating during a shorter morning window.
ESA says El Niño could raise Europe’s cold and snowstorm risk this winter
A developing strong El Niño may increase Europe’s risk of cold spells and snowstorms, but it cannot yet provide a reliable forecast for Alpine snowfall.
Courchevel: the group ski trip that wasn't very Courchevel
A practical account of making Courchevel affordable, from sharing rooms in Le Praz to choosing lift passes around different abilities.
The Ski Standard guide to La Rosière
A practical 2026/27 guide to La Rosière, covering the cross-border ski area, family logistics, best terrain, travel options and the cost of a week.
The Ski Standard guide to Courchevel
A comprehensive guide to navigating Courchevel’s six villages, world-class slopes, and the expansive 600km Three Valleys ski network.
Weisshorn glacier alert raised after ice break-offs above Randa
A hanging glacier above Randa has entered Level 3 monitoring after multiple ice break-offs, closing routes while transport links remain open.
72 Hours in Crans-Montana
Three days in Crans-Montana, skiing from the Plaine Morte glacier to long World Cup pistes, with practical picks for where to stay, eat and après.
I grew up skiing. My son is finding his own way to love the mountains
I grew up skiing and always assumed I’d one day do the same with my own children. Then family life turned out rather differently. A week in La Rosière became less about getting my five-year-old son onto skis, and more about working out whether the mountains could work for him at all.
Après-ski in the French Alps: ten bars, ten very different afternoons
A guide to 10 French Alps après-ski venues, from relaxed acoustic terraces and live-music bars to high-altitude party spots and late-night dives.
Why European glacier skiing is shutting early in summer 2026
Record-breaking summer heat and dwindling snow reserves have forced iconic resorts like Zermatt to suspend summer skiing operations in the Alps.
The Ski Standard guide to Chamonix
An essential guide to Chamonix skiing, covering the valley's best terrain for all abilities, budget tips, and top places to stay and eat.
48 Hours in Avoriaz
The layout makes the whole trip feel effortless. You arrive, settle in quickly and start skiing almost immediately. By the time the visit ends, it’s usually easy to imagine doing it all again.
The Ski Standard Guide to Crans-Montana
An essential guide to skiing Crans-Montana, featuring 140km of sunny south-facing slopes, high-altitude glacier terrain, and practical tips for every budget.
The Ski Standard guide to Avoriaz
A complete guide to skiing in Avoriaz for the 2026/27 season. Explore slope recommendations, village logistics, and updated lift pass pricing.