The Alps have long been a part of European legend. Standing proud, more than 8000 feet above the lowlands of northern Europe, they’re the continent’s most impressive and iconic mountain range, stretching for over 700 miles from east to west. It’s here than Hannibal led his caravan of elephants, and it’s here that Edmund Hillary practiced for his ascent of Everest. The Alps are steeped in intrigue and mystery.
Today, the Alps are still a magnet for adventurers. People come from all over the world, looking for the best powder for skiing, and usually, they get it. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider visiting the Alps for your next adventure over all other ski destinations on the planet.
The Alps Regularly Attract Celebrities And Royalty
The mountains in New Zealand may be equally as impressive as those in central Europe, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find many rich and famous who bother to make the trip. By contrast, the Alps are famous all over the world, and at the center of European civilization, meaning that they attract anyone who is anyone, including royalty. If you’re the sort of person who likes the idea of bumping into somebody famous while skiing down a mountain, the Alps s the place to do it.
The Accommodation Is World Beating
If you’re looking for luxury ski chalets, then look no further than the Alps. Thanks to its clientele - many of whom demand the highest standards of luxury during their stay - the Alps provide some of the best accommodation in Europe. Many chalets and resorts come with spas, are made with the finest materials, and have excellent access to local traditional towns and villages.
The Snow Won’t Be Around Forever
According to reports from the European Geosciences Union, the Alps may only be covered by snow for another 70 years, thanks to the relentless march of global warming. The evidence suggests that the Alps are getting drier because of changing weather patterns, meaning that there isn’t much new snow being deposited at the top of the peaks. Because of this, scientists expect that glaciers will shrink, eventually carrying all of the frozen water away from the mountainsides and into the river below.
The amount of snow that remains in 20 year’s time will depend on how much weather patterns change and how much temperatures rise. Under the projected 2 degrees, the Alps might lose 30 percent of their snow cover. Under a 7 degree scenario, they could lose up to 70 percent.
The Diversity
Most of the major mountain ranges in the world span a single country. The Urals are almost entirely contained in Russia, the Andes in Chile and the Rockies in the USA. But the Alps stretch across the entirety of central Europe, and in so doing, pass through many different cultural areas. The Alps span Italian, French, Austrian, German and Czech cultures. That means that there are a lot of different food choices and places to go in the evening once the skiing is done.
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