Tyrol: Sölden, Ötztal
Sölden has pretty much become a SUNLIGHT homebase as we’ve been partnering for quite some time now. Since 2015, we host one of our annual highlights here in the valley: our Camp & Ride event. With our Adventure Crew and a great bunch of people from our community we stay at “Camping Sölden”, a perfect spot right at the foot of the Bike Republic Sölden. We go biking (and learn from the pros), we have BBQs – and the best time.
In 2024, we premier the first Winter Camp & Ride. From January 26–28, we will hit Sölden again to board, ski, freeride, feast and party. Wanna join us? Register here.
A tip for all those who prefer cross-country skiing and like it a little quieter: in Längenfeld (13k from Sölden) you find a picturesque campsite close to the XC ski tracks – and very close to the legendary spa AquaDome.
Switzerland: Pontresina, Graubünden
That’s the top: In Pontresina, you find Europe’s highest all-year camping site at 1.860m, Camping Morteratsch. The Upper Engadine, with its beautiful lakes, is a high plateau nestling amidst the mighty 3,000m peaks. St. Moritz is only 6km from Pontresina, but none of the glamour and glitz catwalks its way over. You can ski in four different resorts or get on your cross-country skis to explore (a part of) the 220km of tracks. Camping Morteratsch is one of the favourite spots of our Adventure Crew member Oli Dorn and his family. No wonder as it presents a stunning view of the Bernina peaks, has lake and forest and XC tracks right on the van doorstep (as well as the ski bus stop), is ambitiously sustainable and has a nice and cozy restaurant.
South Tyrol: Alta Badia or Sexten?
When you think of Alta Badia, cross-country skiing might not be the first thing on your mind. Yet, between Wengen and Arabba, between Peitlerkofel and Sella, you find amazing high plateau XC tracks. There is, for example, the beautiful spot at the foot of the Heiligkreuzkofel on the Armentara meadows near Wengen or the 20km of tracks at the pass of the Würzjoch or the sensationally beautiful Rodenecker-Lüsener Alm or down in the valley, the XC center in Armentarola. This is where you also find Camping Sass Dlacia, a great base camp. If you want to also see the iconic Three Peaks on the other side of the mountain range, you can stay in the 5-star Caravan Park Sexten.
France: Le Grand Bornand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sorry, but we are fire-working French superlatives: Les Trois Vallées is the world’s biggest connected ski resort (156 lifts, 600km of slopes); in the Rhône-Alpes region you ski with Europe’s highest peak in sight, the Mont Blanc; the longest black slope (16 km!) leads down from Pic Blanc to Alpe d’Huez and you find one of the most extreme off-piste rides in La Grave. But how about taking a look at Le Grand Bornand? “Le Grand Bo” is not that grand a place or resort – and that is nice, too. If you want to ski more: Le Grand Bornand is part of the Lake Annecy Ski Resort, but you have to hop on the ski bus. This way, you can also explore other quaint villages like La Clusaz. In Le Grand Bo, Camping L’Escale is open all year and in La Clusaz there is, e.g., Camping Clos du Pin.
Touring Sweden: from Åre to Riksgränsen
Heading north in the dark season? Absolutely! All of you who have experienced winter in Lapland know exactly what we mean. On the way up lies Åre, Sweden’s biggest ski resort, where you find it all: ski touring, freeriding, WC slopes (the 2019 World Championships were held here), snow parks, wine cellars and more than 50 restaurants. Heading further north along the Norwegian border you will get to the legendary ski resort of Tärnaby – alpine ski stars Ingemar Stenmark, Anja Pärson and Jens Byggmark all come from that tiny place. And even further north you find Riksgränsen, Sweden’s most northerly ski resort, it is mini, but pretty cool with old chair lifts.
