The Best Ski Competitions in Europe

Discover the best ski competitions in Europe, and the best luxury ski chalets to stay in while attending the top winter sports events.

In the European Alps, visitors are blessed with some of the world’s most excellent skiing events. From international skiing championships to more local competitions, the public is invited to watch some amazing winter sports up close. The atmosphere in the resorts is always exciting during these events and you can enjoy a livelier après-ski scene as spectators socialise in the bars afterwards. These competitions are located close to some of our fantastic luxury ski chalets to rent in the Alps.

The Top European Ski Competitions

Telemark World Championship – Telemark Ski Competition, Montchavin, March

La Plagne plays host to the Telemark World Championship in Montchavin in March. Telemark skiing is a technique that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing and is named after a region of Norway. Telemark skiers exhibit elegance with harmonious movements since they are constantly at risk of overbalancing they have to become extra-aware of their limitations so it’s an impressive race to watch. Montchavin-la Plagne has a strong link to telemark skiing which goes back to 1995 when the first World Cup event was held.

Xtreme Verbier – Freeride Ski Competition, Verbier, April

Verbier in France represents the final stage of the Freeride World Tour via stop-offs in Vallnord (Andorra), Fieberbrunn (Austria), Haines (Alaska) and Chamonix (France). Verbier’s terrain is widely regarded as the most challenging with its steep and intimidating Bec des Rosses face that challengers must overcome. The riders are always out on a great show, but it’s so popular that spectators need to get there early. Stay in Firefly’s Chalet Makini which is located in a ski-in/ski-out position and you will be right at the heart of the action in no time at this luxury ski chalet.

World Cup Alpine Ski Racing – Downhill Ski Competition, Val d’Isere, December

Val d’Isère in France starts the season off in style with the World Cup Alpine Skiing World Cup. The International Ski Federation (FIS) organises this prestigious event as part of the world’s premier skiing championship. Top professional skiers compete in a series of events including downhill racing and slalom, which are fast and thrilling for spectators. The village’s main street is full of celebrations and special events that get people in the mood for Christmas when on a luxury ski holiday. Firefly has a range of luxurious ski chalet rentals in Val d’Isere with amazing features like hot tubs and games rooms, which make being close to the action easy and convenient.

Women’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Courchevel 1850, December

Courchevel 1850 in France regularly plays host to the Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup. The best female skiers tackle events including a giant slalom at the Emile-Allais slope. The atmosphere in the crowds is electric as the talented athletes hurl themselves down the slopes at impressive speeds. Courchevel 1850 really knows how to put on a party and the festivities continue over two days. The Firefly Collection have some stunning luxury ski chalets to rent in Courchevel, including Chalet Muztagh, which is ideally located on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 and comes with a butler and private chef. Occasionally, the event takes place in St Moritz in Switzerland instead.

Lauberhorn – Downhill Ski Competition, Wengen, January

The Lauberhorn in Wengen, Austria’s downhill racecourse is the longest in the world at almost 4.5km. Despite skiers reaching speeds of 160kph, it takes around two and a half minutes to complete the demanding course. Wengen’s Lauberhorn is one of the “blue riband” events in world skiing and is watched by up to 30,000 spectators.

Skiing enthusiasts who are not content to just sit on the sidelines will enjoy this range of competitions that they can participate in on a luxury ski holiday in the Alps.

Ski Marathon Engadin – Cross Country Ski Competition, St Moritz, March

The Ski Marathon Engadin is a cross-country race held in the Swiss Alps near the famous ski resort of St. Moritz. It’s the most important race of its kind in Switzerland and the positive atmosphere attracts thousands of fans whilst on a luxury ski holiday. It’s a unique event in that both professional skiers and enthusiasts alike may participate in the race. It’s a huge event with more than 14,000 (yes, you read that correctly!) skiers meeting at the start point in the small village of Maloja to take on the challenge of a 42-kilometre long course that follows snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes through alpine villages. There’s also a great entertainment programme for participants and spectators. 

The 3 Valleys Enduro – Downhill Ski, Snowboard and Telemark Competition, France, March

‘Les 3 Vallees Enduro’ is a fun-focused event open to all ages from beginner to expert that promises to provide an unforgettable day of ski, snowboard and telemark action. The races will take place across Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. We have a huge selection of luxury ski chalets to rent in the 3 Valleys region and they come with an unrivalled concierge service to help make your stay stress-free and fun. It’s my personal favourite ski competition in Europe because of it’s unique madcap energy.

The White Ring Race – Downhill Ski Competition, Lech, January

This annual race has become a winter highlight since it began in 2006. The unique race covers 22km of piste and 5,500m of altitude and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ski circuit between Lech and Zurs. Anyone who enjoys skiing is welcome to take part and hundreds of spectators watch the show. We have a a range of upmarket luxury ski chalets to rent in Lech and Zurs, many of which are equipped with their own spa facilities so after a day of activity all you need to do is simply relax.

Booking Chalets for Ski Events

If you’re interested in attending any of these skiing competitions and need a luxury ski chalet rental, please contact the friendly team at Firefly Collection.

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