Europe is all ‘cruisy blues’???? Where were u? That is a bizarre statement. Europe offers a huge variety of terrain . I think you should ski more widely in Europe before making such pronouncements. Your ‘review’ lalso 4:20 umps all European nations together - in reality there are significant differences between Austria, France, Italy , Switzerland etc.
as someone from the EU who has skied twice in America ( only because i have family there ) basically - EU has better resorts , better food , better culture , no ski patrol idiots , better skiing area , alot more freedom (to ski where ever u like) , although this comes at an increased risk and danger level so be careful. oh and is alot cheaper
Great video but please stop calling Europe the EU. The EU is an economic and political club between a few counties. You mention Switzerland a few times and they not a member of the EU but they are in the continent of Europe.
Lies told in this video 1. Not everyone has the same relaxed approach to skiing in Europe. It’s a mixture 2. The trail difficulty is similar to the US just the colours given to grade them differ 3. Many people prioritise first lift. In fact many lesson classes start at lift opening 4. People wear the exact same gear as in the US. 5. Nobody will ask “why are there so many Americans”. Unless you speak they won’t even know you are American, and people from countries that don’t have ski resorts ski in countries that do, so it’s common to have a mixture of people from all over the world on a resort.
About point 3. All you saw were blue groomers? You should have opened your eyes. There are great red and black runs that are quite a thrill. And then there's the off-piste stuff... You missed out. I am sorry for you.
@@markusbrunner9170 Which is not a problem at all. Just don't say that 'there are only blue groomers'. That's all they did, which is fine. Different statement though. And if you want your viewers to get an impression of skiing in Europe, make sure what you're saying is accurate.
@@gijsvanlieshoutyeah exactly. I really also cant imagine that you ski since decades and without a brake all day long and still got so much movement in the upper body. As Tyrolian this video was really strange to watch.
And there’s another layer of complexity to the cultural element: you have the locals, say the Swiss or Austrian, then the German, Dutch, British, Slovak…etc tourists. Who all have their own unique way of line cutting, skiing etiquette, and apres ski!
Dear American cousins DONT take this as a reputable guide, some bits were accurate like the apres ski and the lift lines but that was about it. There are always queues for first chair and there are loads of red and black runs and the best bits are off piste which means unmarked usually for experienced riders. Most of our chairs are open so the smell thing is not a thing, I got skiing every year all over Europe and never smelt anyone’s breath. Yes there’s generally a pretty chilled vibe be we don’t have and mountain police who tell us to slow down so we can ski as fast as we want as long as you don’t hit anyone. I would say typically the skiing experience is better if you like to send it bc you can go wherever you want and as fast as you want HOWEVER, I would say you have much better snow, your powder is a lot drier and softer than what we typically have. Ours can be a bit wet and thicker, still fun as hell to ski but different
You skied in Switzerland not “Europe”. Skiing differs from country to country within “Europe”. Much like skiing difference in Canada & the US (North America). You can’t give an accurate account if you generalise or falsify . EG “it’s all cruising blues”… literally just take a look at any piste map and you will see runs from green to black on pretty much every resort in “Europe”
Yes. I'm from South America but I was lucky to go to Italy this April and my experience was VERY different, so much so that I had to pause the video to comment on this "all blue" thing. I was in the Monterosa ski area; if you take a look in any map you'll find it's predominantly red runs and an almost equal part of blacks and blue ones... I had a blast as an intermediate skier myself, it looked as if the entire place was tailored to my level.
@@gorsh7870Hi! Austrian (Tirol) here. I watched the whole video and thought: what is he talking about? If i go skiing with family or friends the Break is during you go back up with the lift. And no red or black ones? 😂 Yeah the tourists mostly come here to ride a few hours and then just relax. But that's not the way everybody does that...
Excellent video! It’s great to show there’s more than one way to do things. About the lift lines-crazy long queues like Vail’s are rare in most European ski resorts. While Vail has 32 lifts, Val Thorens has 180 and connects to even more lifts at neighboring resorts-making it almost comically incomparable. European resorts offer more space, longer runs, and more variety. Plus, every seat is filled, so lines are more of a quick, semi-organized rush. And yes, people dress up because it’s a full vacation experience with shopping, dining, and nightlife, not just a day or two on the slopes
yep n yep ...I'm an Aussie... never hear a US accent ever in Europe... I hear Slavic, skando, Spanish...kiwi never U S... I laugh watching these videos and then read the comments... they are a very, very self-centered people.
The little kids skiing across your skis reminds me of newly hatched turtles all hurrying to get in the sea. The attitude seems to be we were born here, so we have right of way.
You`ve been to Switzerland, that is one of the, if not the, most expensive places you can go skiing in Europe and though Switserland is part of Europe, it is not part of the EU. Compared to the USA skiing is much cheaper here, but skiing is still an expensive hobby. And depending on what you want you choose a country. France to go for mainly skiing, Switserland for somewhat more luxurious, Austria for the better apres-ski, Italy for good slopes and good food and coffee, Bulgary, Hungary, Czech Republik, Poland and such if you want it cheaper than in the main centre/alps of Europe. It is everywhere different but the slopes are good everywhere if it snows. It is what you want. That all Europeans are farting in the elevators is a crazy thing to say, never experienced that in 40 years skiing. Every Ski area has a variety of slopes, from green to black, the difference is that we don`t have a name for every sort of slope like in America where you can sue the resort if the slope is more difficult than said on the sign. Here we expect you to know your own skills. Blue is relaxed and for beginners, red is intermediate and black is for experts. And often in a red or black slope there are some parts that are difficult, like extrem steep or very narrow, that is why you have just a few colors. But you are free to ski well above your skills, just be sure you have proper ensurance, a ride with a chopper is expensive and there is nobody to sue for it. As you are free to go off piste, on your own risk, as is skiing after the last slope check after all lifts close, than the piste-bullies come on slope what can be dangerous. And when you want to enter a skilift, you have to keep up with the line, everybody wants to go up, so if you, as American, are used to stand still, people will go around you. There is no carnage and chaos as you say, you don`t have to fight or get your elbows out, but people that stand and don`t keep up, for any reason, will be left alone because they probably have a reason to wait. And usually there are no huge crowds like in the USA to get a lift, that happens mainly only at the opening of the slopes in the morning, the rest of the day you wait probably less than 5 minutes everywhere because the people will be all over the area in stead of at the bottom elevator. That everybody is here to have a good time, not just ski, there you`re right. Maybe you should try some other countries in Europe to see the difference between them before you name them all under the EU. Try Austria for the great apres-ski or Italy for its great food, slopes, relatively les packed slopes combined with a cheaper price than Switserland. However Switserland is great to ski too.
Just to clarify for the American friends and non-german speakers, a "piste-bully" is the snowplough, not the dude that thinks he owns the place and pushes you over as he passes.
I highly recommend you try Austria sometime. Not as expensive as Switzerland and yet it has some of the best ski resorts in the world. Also, their lift system is state of the art and the apres ski scene there is the best out of all the European countries
Just checked with main season passes from Sölden. A day pass would come out at 62 CHF. Which would be around 28 CHF lower than e.g. Davos. This comes mainly down to Swiss ski resorts in the last two seasons increasing prices like crazy. I had in mind that the difference was quite small currently, due to the exchange rates. But at least in this regard, it's alot.
Europe is my preference (saw Colorado area in the US only). Reasons: snow and slopes quality, ski lifts age, prices, slopes, rules on slopes, hotels and food (Italy rules)..
Great video. I’ve always said the exact same thing, In the US. skiing is an athletic endeavor. In Europe, skiers have the same attitude we have when we spend a day at the beach. It’s an outdoor experience. The one difference you didn’t mention is renting skis. In the US, there are forms and waivers and copies and stations. In Europe they just handed me skis, they didn’t even take my name. They just took my credit card at the end and that was it. They looked at me strangely when I asked about the need for additional information. They just smiled and said we have enough.
If you buy an epic/ikon day pass or regular pass, it is certainly cheaper to fly to Denver and ski in Colorado for most Americans. Unless you are flying from NYC or Boston, flights to Europe are so expensive.
in the ski resorts of the Scandinavian mountains, we have the same queuing culture as in the USA. We keep their distance from each other and are disciplined and they move faster than in the Alps. in the Alps they would not have to be as it is. Because they have the best lift systems in the world. Europe is densely populated and that is probably why people are the way they are in queues. Scandinavia is sparsely populated, breezy and pleasant.
funny : he's claiming He and his buddy's ski every slope hard like their own personal X-games. But they did only blue cruisers in Europe and his buddy on an easy blue slope sucked big time! Rotating his upper body like crazy. Total beginner style! I guess their X-games is toddler X-games.
I'm one of those American "Ski Patrol Idiots" that someone mentioned in the comments. I can only speak for my experience at our small resort in southern Utah, from what I've seen over nine years, I cannot imagine how crazy it would be without all of our employees. Even with a high level of organization on busy days we still have incidents in the lift line. I'm not sure how European resorts handle injuries but I'm pretty sure that they have some form of rescue group on the hill. This was a fun video, I look forward to skiing somewhere in Europe some day soon!
Yup if someone gets injured you just get someone to ski down to the nearest lift and they will get the rescue team either in a ski mobile or a helicopter if it's really bad
Regarding the number of employees helping people out at the lifts, in france for example there's usually one person at the start and one at the end. But if someone here falls off the lift he can't sue the ski lift operator for millions of $ 😂
your lifts are ancient. Have you been on the covered, seat heated, music playing chair lifts? O by the way, before you get on our lifts you get rolled in position on a conveyer belt .
Interesting, you make a funny, relaxed video about your personal experiences in the US and Switzerland and everyone freaks out, especially people from Europe ( I'm from Switzerland ) are extremely quick to take offence. Guys, relax, it's just for fun that Michael posted this video and it's his experience. It's not a scientific study, just a personal story. And oh yeah, Michael, thanks, it was fun to watch!
Nice summary. Skiing in Europe is about having fun, enjoying the outdoors, great mountains, good food, and apreski ;) And yes, we do care about style (both skiing technique and looks) :D
As a resident of Chamonix I can confirm that if you get up the mountain at 10 am on a powder day it s all over . If european alpes had the same amount of snow and same quality it would be perfect . We still get good snow but with global warming the rain limited get's higher every year
Good video. I have been sking in North Americam and Europe since 1970. I agree with most of what you are saying, except for one thing - there are incredibly difficult runs in Europe. I don't why you guys couldn't find them. Jackson Hole, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse etc., don't have anything on the stepp and deep stuff in Europe
As a Brit snowboarder that was a great assessment. Personally I prefer Vail over Europe for the quality and smoothness of run but outside of that I prefer Europe for everything else especially the food and cost. We have not been back to Vail simply because we can do Verbier for 55 euros a day ish. America is stupid expensive now. When we were there the food was that bad we made our own and took it on mountain. Can you imagine how much money you would make if you had a decent food outlet in Vail on mountain!
I have no idea how you came to this conclusions to be honest. (Most of them) -> it is called "active queue up" and it is an art form. It takes many years and practice to master it. A true master never queues longer than 5 minutes, no matter how long the actual line and waiting time is.
What you missed are all the resort nazis in the slopes in the US that can pull your lift pass if they feel you have skied to fast etc, basically they babysit you onn the mountain. In europe it is up to you to be sensible and make good choices.
I’ve seen that maybe once. The only places I see patrollers really enforcing slow zones are when a busy green catwalk crosses a fast run. In europe they just tell you to stay on piste or die in a crevasse
I have a theory on the whole European vs US lift line. Skiing as you said is more of a hobby than it is a holiday to Americans. People invest into their hobbies and the majority of US skiers own their own gear compared to European skiers. There's personal stakes involved to keeping the line orderly to maintain their equipment. They care about their skis getting damaged when it gets clanked or run over by someone else's. It's also in part due to US driving culture. Nowhere else do you see the craziness of ridiculous amount of space dedicated to parking on the mountain. It's easier to transport your equipment from home to go skiing. It's a worthwhile investment because US skiers have a easier means of personal transportation. Europe is big on shared transportation and it may not be worth the hassle to the average person to lug around a 170cm ski bag on trains and buses. Not only is it cheaper to rent skis in Europe, but it is also more convenient. This allows for an attitude of not caring about dings, dents, and scratches to their skis because it's not theirs.
Interesting choice for a video title since you weren't in the EU. Really you were comparing to one resort in Switzerland (not in the EU). Which will be different to any other resorts in Switzerland, let alone all the other options you have. You think the Swiss are the same as the French, Germans, Italians, Austrians, Scottish, Armenia, Bulgaria and everywhere invetween? Across Austria, Italy, Germany where I mostly snowboard I've never encountered a ski area or resort with just blue cruisers. I mostly board on red and black with off piste as well. I'm guessing you just followed the biggest crowd of families at the top or couldnt understand the map. Colour grading is also different. What you call a black is just a red mostly. It can also vary from resort to resort, country to countrt. View the grading at any one resort as being relative to each other. It's not unusual to start with an easy run immediately from the lift that then splits off. The lift at the tallest point on the other hand often only has blacks or the one red that is still essentially a black. Black being the equivalent to your double-black diamond. What we have less of is official runs that arent groomed at least once per day. But often next to the trail is an ungroomed slope that would officially be classed as off piste. Luckily we have no one on the slopes telling us where we can't go and pulling passes. "Ski patrol" is only fot rescuing the injured. We have signs sometimes and you follow them because they usually warn of real danger. The queues are mostly as you describe. Its not about elbows out, but shuffling along with everyone else. You may not get to go up on a lift with your best buddies. As for athelticism on the slopes, I guess only going on blue runs had a lot to do with that. Most people on blue will be aware that this is where the ski achools and families with kids are and act accordingly. Head to the blacks, off-piste, or park if you want jumps and rails.
Completely inaccurate on almost every point. Looks Like you went to Zermatt assumed the rest of Europe was the same. Europe (especially Switzerland) usually allows skiing anywhere on the mountain. Want hard? Try climbing out to Bec des Roses in 4 Vallees. 55 degrees all the way down. And yes. Ski patrol will come for you if needed (and not pull your pass). Don’t pay attention to this silly video. You can get bad food, quiet apres ski, orderly lift lines, and early starts in most places in Europe.
There are resorts in Europa like la Grave and Alagna that have Zero groomed runs. In Alagna you need to rappel with rope in the middle of one run. You have not seen much if you think it's all wide groomers. Not everyone cruises. Try the Mallory route from Aguille du Midi to Chaminix for instance, ua-cam.com/video/Z_7FdMO1J88/v-deo.html
Im from Argentina and im wondering about donsomething "crazy and go to ski (snowboard) to europe because a accident i got last year. So what im triying to do is known where can i go to snoboard in europe, without being bankrupt 😅. I hear what ever anyone can help with that. (Im not a oro snowboarder, but im advance) thank you all ❤️
Hola compa. No puedo ayudarte mucho porque este año fue my primera vez allá (y probablemente, con mi sueldo, la última :P ) pero mi experiencia en Italia estuvo alucinante. Y los precios, (salvo el pasaje obviamente) estaban a la par o más abajo que la locura que te cobran en Castor o Catedral o Chapelco... Yo te recomiendo buscar por ahí. Estuve en Monterosa, alquilando un AirBNB cerca y un autito en el aeropuerto de Milán para ir y venir; seguramente se pueda conseguir algo más barato con un poco más de viaje diario (creo que a Alagna, el pueblo piamontés más al este que compone el centro este, es más accesible en tren). Y yo no hago fuera de pista, pero ya el centro es de primer nivel y el área de fuera no por nada le llamaban "freeride paradise". Eso sí, cero vida nocturna, pendejada, quilombo... Es ir a esquiar y como mucho tomarse una birrita con un par de tanos borrachines. Por mi, genial, pero hay gente que quiere otra cosa...
Cualquier cosa preguntame, seguro hay gente que sabe mucho más que yo del tema (por ejemplo, instructorxs que hacen temporada en Andorra, etc.) pero bueno, lo que pueda contarte y te sirva,...
@@gorsh7870 Que onda loquisho! Podés decir que lo hiciste una vez y que quizás nunca más, pero es lo que estoy buscando. Un viaje de eso que te quedan para toda la vida. Empecé a esquiar hace 10 años gracia a un amigo y fue un cambio de vida a nivel vacaciones. Estaba mirando muy arriba como para ir a Zermatt suiza. Y decir ya fue lo hice! Después de estar un mes en coma por un accidente medio pelotudo en moto, y estar ahora traqueostomizado pero fuera de peligro de vida y dado de alta pasa hacer el deporte olvídate que estoy como loco para hacer una temporada para el recuerdo... No ir a romperme sino ir a disfrutar de la experiencia y no de ir a quemarme los músculos desde las 10.am a la 5 pm como en argentina... De eso se trata la idea.
Mi idea loca es decir, obvio que no soy millo, pero en este momento de mi vida gastar 4 mil USD en un viaje así creo que no me va a arruinar mi futuro de vida. Estoy viendo que un amigo me acompañe, que lo introduje al mundo del snowboard. Y nada medio que se entusiasmo por qué jamás se le cruzo una locura así por la cabeza como a mi. Pero la Posta es que no tengo mucha idea de cómo reservar con la tarjeta con el impuesto país , o si se puede arreglar par garpar allá en efectivo o si no te dejan. Mire hoteles que te incluye los ascensos y todo.. y eso se ve copado y re cómodo.
@@gorsh7870 pero buscaba algo que me dijo un amigo (quien me metió en esto de la nieve) nada de España, ni Andorra si vas a hacer este viaje único busca algo que te vuele la cabeza. Me dijo, a vos gordo que te gusta el Toblerone anda a Zermatt que está símbolo del chococate ese que se llama el Matterhorn 😂
Cool comparison! Although having lived in the US, I unfortunately never went skiing there. Nonetheless I disagree with difference 3. There are huge differences between the European ski resorts regarding availability of difficulties. Try the Streif next time ;-) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streif
This is so wrong! Europe has such a good variety of chill blue, red and challenging blacks! Also you don't have to stick to the trail necessarily. Too bad this isn't said. Also also I feel like you call the US an ''Xgames area'' but all the vids I see of America are just ski patrol shutting down people 'going too fast''?
Switzerland is not EU ;) Btw you have tough place in the French Alps or Austria. As for the smell, once i smell the awfull odour of alcohol bad breath. Never noticed the cheese. It might come from the clothe due to the raclette, fondue, and tartiflette and that is not the case outside from France and Switzerland. In Sweden and Austria cheese is not a thing. as for the queuing... I sadly agree. some kids even scratched my brand new board... The issue is the laxk of ski patrol, so sadly every years we get people killed because of idiots going too fast.
You went to one resort and BOOM you've got european skiiing figured out? You my friend, are deluded. The terrain in the Alps is way more than just 'blue groomers' and if that's all you tried, then you severely missed out. Some people will cruise and you'll see more of that on the easy runs that you appear to have favoured, but get onto something like the Swiss Wall (Avoriaz), The Tunnel Run (Alpe Duez) or Le Face de Bellevarde (Val D'Isere) and you'll be giving those legs a proper workout. Take Aguille Rouge in Les Arc, tell me where in the US you can do a 2136m (7000+ft) descent on reds and blacks - the equivalent of your blacks and diamonds? Don't even start me on the off piste opportunities.... As for paying for first lifts, a lot of resorts are ski in ski out, so you don't even have to take a lift to get on a run. However, in most resorts you will find people queuing for the lift before they open to get to the higher runs. Bottom line: We have fun, look good, eat and drink well, get lots of runs in and don't have a million resort staff policing us or holding our hands. All for a cheaper price! Come back again, try some of the big French resorts and ask the locals where to go, you won't be disappointed.
Only been to the Dolomites, and only in summer. Concur the on mountain dining was good. It was decent value and tasty homemade-ish. Labor is cheap in Europe and the dollar is very strong right now. So yeah it was a great couple years to be American in Europe. It was fun seeing how they make it work while being so jammed together. I watched an Italian farmer stacking fence posts on the Seiser Alm in a Fiat Panda, and thought how an American rancher wouldn’t have done that job in anything smaller than an F-250.
Lol one would think Europe is one country with one mountain in it…😂😂😂😂 Skiing infrastructure in Europe, same as about everything else is about eleventy gazilion times better than what passes for resorts in America. I am gonna have to dislike this vid, it is full of bull manure.
Thanks for confirming that I have very little desire to ski in europe. Takes forever to get there, cost way more money for the flights. Lift lines are disaster. They get less snow than North america. Not much tree skiing,. And loads of people who are focused more on eating and fashion than the skiing. The exact type of people I despise on the slopes😂😂
Oh Mr American fan boy...we will miss you so much. BTW, I have skied in many countries such as Australia, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and yes the US...worked at many ski resorts too. You should stay in the US. One less American .....
@benreadford8887 I'm a fan of heavy snow totals for the least $. Why does that make me an American fanboy? I said I've been to Europe and enjoyed it very much. I prefer Europe for its museums, food and architecture. I don't find it necessary to go there to see/ski mountains. You Couldn't wait to play that card could you? You're not beating the snow totals (or quality) of Utah or Alaska in europe . And the cost is lower. My trip choices are based on Math not xenophobia.....
Europe is all ‘cruisy blues’???? Where were u? That is a bizarre statement. Europe offers a huge variety of terrain . I think you should ski more widely in Europe before making such pronouncements.
Your ‘review’ lalso 4:20 umps all European nations together - in reality there are significant differences between Austria, France, Italy , Switzerland etc.
I think he was in Zermatt … there s a lot of easy runs but not only of course
Send them to Chamonix, Verbier or St. Anton 😂
@@tonyg3091we got so many hard runs in Tirol think the most well known is the streif
as someone from the EU who has skied twice in America ( only because i have family there ) basically - EU has better resorts , better food , better culture , no ski patrol idiots , better skiing area , alot more freedom (to ski where ever u like) , although this comes at an increased risk and danger level so be careful. oh and is alot cheaper
They don't have more snow, that's what really counts..
@ dam , I hate it admit it but I think u got me
@@mcgameing1 lol
Naaaaah safety in USA... they don't even use the safety bar in the lifts😂😂😂
Freedom wins always. Plenty of snow in Europe if you look for it
Great video but please stop calling Europe the EU. The EU is an economic and political club between a few counties. You mention Switzerland a few times and they not a member of the EU but they are in the continent of Europe.
Jees man eu is short for europe you were thinking about the european union stop being so sensitive cmon 😅
@@kohaneczn7633 The EU is the European Union. Other wise it would be Europe ma man
Eu is not Europe. Usa citizens call themselves wrongly "americans" IMO, there you see the mix of country and continent they have in their heads😅
$20 says you don’t even live there
@@B-902 lol im born and raised in hungary we refer to europe as eu you must be saying united states of america all the the when you mention the us
Lies told in this video
1. Not everyone has the same relaxed approach to skiing in Europe. It’s a mixture
2. The trail difficulty is similar to the US just the colours given to grade them differ
3. Many people prioritise first lift. In fact many lesson classes start at lift opening
4. People wear the exact same gear as in the US.
5. Nobody will ask “why are there so many Americans”. Unless you speak they won’t even know you are American, and people from countries that don’t have ski resorts ski in countries that do, so it’s common to have a mixture of people from all over the world on a resort.
They are extrapolating and generalizing from their very limited experience. No bueno but quite typical.
Blind men and the elephant all over again…
About point 3. All you saw were blue groomers? You should have opened your eyes. There are great red and black runs that are quite a thrill. And then there's the off-piste stuff... You missed out. I am sorry for you.
If i look at his friend going down the Blue i'm not sure if it's better, that they didn't found the Black runs
@@markusbrunner9170 Which is not a problem at all. Just don't say that 'there are only blue groomers'. That's all they did, which is fine. Different statement though. And if you want your viewers to get an impression of skiing in Europe, make sure what you're saying is accurate.
@@gijsvanlieshoutyeah exactly. I really also cant imagine that you ski since decades and without a brake all day long and still got so much movement in the upper body.
As Tyrolian this video was really strange to watch.
And there’s another layer of complexity to the cultural element: you have the locals, say the Swiss or Austrian, then the German, Dutch, British, Slovak…etc tourists. Who all have their own unique way of line cutting, skiing etiquette, and apres ski!
Dear American cousins DONT take this as a reputable guide, some bits were accurate like the apres ski and the lift lines but that was about it. There are always queues for first chair and there are loads of red and black runs and the best bits are off piste which means unmarked usually for experienced riders. Most of our chairs are open so the smell thing is not a thing, I got skiing every year all over Europe and never smelt anyone’s breath. Yes there’s generally a pretty chilled vibe be we don’t have and mountain police who tell us to slow down so we can ski as fast as we want as long as you don’t hit anyone.
I would say typically the skiing experience is better if you like to send it bc you can go wherever you want and as fast as you want
HOWEVER, I would say you have much better snow, your powder is a lot drier and softer than what we typically have. Ours can be a bit wet and thicker, still fun as hell to ski but different
You skied in Switzerland not “Europe”. Skiing differs from country to country within “Europe”. Much like skiing difference in Canada & the US (North America).
You can’t give an accurate account if you generalise or falsify .
EG “it’s all cruising blues”… literally just take a look at any piste map and you will see runs from green to black on pretty much every resort in “Europe”
Yes. I'm from South America but I was lucky to go to Italy this April and my experience was VERY different, so much so that I had to pause the video to comment on this "all blue" thing.
I was in the Monterosa ski area; if you take a look in any map you'll find it's predominantly red runs and an almost equal part of blacks and blue ones... I had a blast as an intermediate skier myself, it looked as if the entire place was tailored to my level.
@@gorsh7870Hi! Austrian (Tirol) here. I watched the whole video and thought: what is he talking about? If i go skiing with family or friends the Break is during you go back up with the lift. And no red or black ones? 😂
Yeah the tourists mostly come here to ride a few hours and then just relax. But that's not the way everybody does that...
Excellent video! It’s great to show there’s more than one way to do things. About the lift lines-crazy long queues like Vail’s are rare in most European ski resorts. While Vail has 32 lifts, Val Thorens has 180 and connects to even more lifts at neighboring resorts-making it almost comically incomparable. European resorts offer more space, longer runs, and more variety. Plus, every seat is filled, so lines are more of a quick, semi-organized rush. And yes, people dress up because it’s a full vacation experience with shopping, dining, and nightlife, not just a day or two on the slopes
yep n yep ...I'm an Aussie... never hear a US accent ever in Europe... I hear Slavic, skando, Spanish...kiwi never U S... I laugh watching these videos and then read the comments... they are a very, very self-centered people.
austrian resorts are often at low elevation and have marginal snow.
Too funny. Thanks for a great perspective.
I like to call it "active queueing"
😂 😂 yeah, it's like "if you're slow and passive, you brought it upon yourself". Kids are great at this while pretending to look innocent.
The little kids skiing across your skis reminds me of newly hatched turtles all hurrying to get in the sea. The attitude seems to be we were born here, so we have right of way.
You`ve been to Switzerland, that is one of the, if not the, most expensive places you can go skiing in Europe and though Switserland is part of Europe, it is not part of the EU.
Compared to the USA skiing is much cheaper here, but skiing is still an expensive hobby.
And depending on what you want you choose a country.
France to go for mainly skiing, Switserland for somewhat more luxurious, Austria for the better apres-ski, Italy for good slopes and good food and coffee, Bulgary, Hungary, Czech Republik, Poland and such if you want it cheaper than in the main centre/alps of Europe.
It is everywhere different but the slopes are good everywhere if it snows. It is what you want.
That all Europeans are farting in the elevators is a crazy thing to say, never experienced that in 40 years skiing.
Every Ski area has a variety of slopes, from green to black, the difference is that we don`t have a name for every sort of slope like in America where you can sue the resort if the slope is more difficult than said on the sign. Here we expect you to know your own skills. Blue is relaxed and for beginners, red is intermediate and black is for experts. And often in a red or black slope there are some parts that are difficult, like extrem steep or very narrow, that is why you have just a few colors. But you are free to ski well above your skills, just be sure you have proper ensurance, a ride with a chopper is expensive and there is nobody to sue for it.
As you are free to go off piste, on your own risk, as is skiing after the last slope check after all lifts close, than the piste-bullies come on slope what can be dangerous.
And when you want to enter a skilift, you have to keep up with the line, everybody wants to go up, so if you, as American, are used to stand still, people will go around you.
There is no carnage and chaos as you say, you don`t have to fight or get your elbows out, but people that stand and don`t keep up, for any reason, will be left alone because they probably have a reason to wait. And usually there are no huge crowds like in the USA to get a lift, that happens mainly only at the opening of the slopes in the morning, the rest of the day you wait probably less than 5 minutes everywhere because the people will be all over the area in stead of at the bottom elevator.
That everybody is here to have a good time, not just ski, there you`re right.
Maybe you should try some other countries in Europe to see the difference between them before you name them all under the EU.
Try Austria for the great apres-ski or Italy for its great food, slopes, relatively les packed slopes combined with a cheaper price than Switserland.
However Switserland is great to ski too.
Just to clarify for the American friends and non-german speakers, a "piste-bully" is the snowplough, not the dude that thinks he owns the place and pushes you over as he passes.
I highly recommend you try Austria sometime. Not as expensive as Switzerland and yet it has some of the best ski resorts in the world. Also, their lift system is state of the art and the apres ski scene there is the best out of all the European countries
Just checked with main season passes from Sölden. A day pass would come out at 62 CHF. Which would be around 28 CHF lower than e.g. Davos.
This comes mainly down to Swiss ski resorts in the last two seasons increasing prices like crazy.
I had in mind that the difference was quite small currently, due to the exchange rates. But at least in this regard, it's alot.
Also the meals in Austrian skiing resorts will look a lot better than the one which is pictured in this clip
Apres Ski in France... I have danced on the tables... in ski boots... and I'm a raging introvert.
yup 😂🤣
Europe is my preference (saw Colorado area in the US only). Reasons: snow and slopes quality, ski lifts age, prices, slopes, rules on slopes, hotels and food (Italy rules)..
In Switzerland you can also have the sports approach and stand at the lift alone at 8 am
Great video. I’ve always said the exact same thing, In the US. skiing is an athletic endeavor. In Europe, skiers have the same attitude we have when we spend a day at the beach. It’s an outdoor experience. The one difference you didn’t mention is renting skis. In the US, there are forms and waivers and copies and stations. In Europe they just handed me skis, they didn’t even take my name. They just took my credit card at the end and that was it. They looked at me strangely when I asked about the need for additional information. They just smiled and said we have enough.
Don't get one thing wrong: Lokals come to shred, tourists often come to chill out.
If you buy an epic/ikon day pass or regular pass, it is certainly cheaper to fly to Denver and ski in Colorado for most Americans. Unless you are flying from NYC or Boston, flights to Europe are so expensive.
great thank you so much for the info ! going to France this February
in the ski resorts of the Scandinavian mountains, we have the same queuing culture as in the USA. We keep their distance from each other and are disciplined and they move faster than in the Alps.
in the Alps they would not have to be as it is. Because they have the best lift systems in the world.
Europe is densely populated and that is probably why people are the way they are in queues. Scandinavia is sparsely populated, breezy and pleasant.
funny : he's claiming He and his buddy's ski every slope hard like their own personal X-games. But they did only blue cruisers in Europe and his buddy on an easy blue slope sucked big time! Rotating his upper body like crazy. Total beginner style! I guess their X-games is toddler X-games.
just fyi, Switzerland isn't in the EU.
It's like a Swiss snowboarder in Guantanamo Bay, US.
I'm one of those American "Ski Patrol Idiots" that someone mentioned in the comments. I can only speak for my experience at our small resort in southern Utah, from what I've seen over nine years, I cannot imagine how crazy it would be without all of our employees. Even with a high level of organization on busy days we still have incidents in the lift line. I'm not sure how European resorts handle injuries but I'm pretty sure that they have some form of rescue group on the hill. This was a fun video, I look forward to skiing somewhere in Europe some day soon!
Yup if someone gets injured you just get someone to ski down to the nearest lift and they will get the rescue team either in a ski mobile or a helicopter if it's really bad
@utd927 Makes sense.
In Balkans where I'm from, just a smaller local resort fits the checklist except of the length of the runs, and day pass is 15-20$ (20€). Check it out
Where s that? Best resorts on the Balkans are in Bulgaria and day pass is 45 euros.
@@tonyg3091 adriaskiDOTnet/cjenik
Regarding the number of employees helping people out at the lifts, in france for example there's usually one person at the start and one at the end. But if someone here falls off the lift he can't sue the ski lift operator for millions of $ 😂
I’m European and this is a very good overview.
your lifts are ancient. Have you been on the covered, seat heated, music playing chair lifts? O by the way, before you get on our lifts you get rolled in position on a conveyer belt .
Interesting, you make a funny, relaxed video about your personal experiences in the US and Switzerland and everyone freaks out, especially people from Europe ( I'm from Switzerland ) are extremely quick to take offence. Guys, relax, it's just for fun that Michael posted this video and it's his experience. It's not a scientific study, just a personal story. And oh yeah, Michael, thanks, it was fun to watch!
Nice summary. Skiing in Europe is about having fun, enjoying the outdoors, great mountains, good food, and apreski ;) And yes, we do care about style (both skiing technique and looks) :D
Yessss! Great video mike
think you nailed it.
83 is expensive.
Austria and italy are bit cheaper
The biggest difference going skiing in europe for a US citizen is the freedom! The USA really lacks freedom when skiing
But I thought.....
(just kidding but also kinda not)
As a resident of Chamonix I can confirm that if you get up the mountain at 10 am on a powder day it s all over .
If european alpes had the same amount of snow and same quality it would be perfect .
We still get good snow but with global warming the rain limited get's higher every year
Good video. I have been sking in North Americam and Europe since 1970. I agree with most of what you are saying, except for one thing - there are incredibly difficult runs in Europe. I don't why you guys couldn't find them. Jackson Hole, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse etc., don't have anything on the stepp and deep stuff in Europe
You're an American skier, so do a 180, given the extra cost is it worth a European skier used to skiing here in Europe going to America?
As a Brit snowboarder that was a great assessment. Personally I prefer Vail over Europe for the quality and smoothness of run but outside of that I prefer Europe for everything else especially the food and cost.
We have not been back to Vail simply because we can do Verbier for 55 euros a day ish. America is stupid expensive now. When we were there the food was that bad we made our own and took it on mountain.
Can you imagine how much money you would make if you had a decent food outlet in Vail on mountain!
I have no idea how you came to this conclusions to be honest. (Most of them)
-> it is called "active queue up" and it is an art form. It takes many years and practice to master it. A true master never queues longer than 5 minutes, no matter how long the actual line and waiting time is.
What you missed are all the resort nazis in the slopes in the US that can pull your lift pass if they feel you have skied to fast etc, basically they babysit you onn the mountain. In europe it is up to you to be sensible and make good choices.
I've never had my pass pulledt or even been stopped by ski patrol, and I'm pretty reckless.
I’ve seen that maybe once.
The only places I see patrollers really enforcing slow zones are when a busy green catwalk crosses a fast run.
In europe they just tell you to stay on piste or die in a crevasse
I have a theory on the whole European vs US lift line. Skiing as you said is more of a hobby than it is a holiday to Americans. People invest into their hobbies and the majority of US skiers own their own gear compared to European skiers. There's personal stakes involved to keeping the line orderly to maintain their equipment. They care about their skis getting damaged when it gets clanked or run over by someone else's.
It's also in part due to US driving culture. Nowhere else do you see the craziness of ridiculous amount of space dedicated to parking on the mountain. It's easier to transport your equipment from home to go skiing. It's a worthwhile investment because US skiers have a easier means of personal transportation. Europe is big on shared transportation and it may not be worth the hassle to the average person to lug around a 170cm ski bag on trains and buses. Not only is it cheaper to rent skis in Europe, but it is also more convenient.
This allows for an attitude of not caring about dings, dents, and scratches to their skis because it's not theirs.
I never noticed any bad breath on a gondola. Anywhere. :)
Interesting choice for a video title since you weren't in the EU.
Really you were comparing to one resort in Switzerland (not in the EU). Which will be different to any other resorts in Switzerland, let alone all the other options you have. You think the Swiss are the same as the French, Germans, Italians, Austrians, Scottish, Armenia, Bulgaria and everywhere invetween?
Across Austria, Italy, Germany where I mostly snowboard I've never encountered a ski area or resort with just blue cruisers. I mostly board on red and black with off piste as well. I'm guessing you just followed the biggest crowd of families at the top or couldnt understand the map. Colour grading is also different. What you call a black is just a red mostly. It can also vary from resort to resort, country to countrt. View the grading at any one resort as being relative to each other. It's not unusual to start with an easy run immediately from the lift that then splits off. The lift at the tallest point on the other hand often only has blacks or the one red that is still essentially a black. Black being the equivalent to your double-black diamond. What we have less of is official runs that arent groomed at least once per day. But often next to the trail is an ungroomed slope that would officially be classed as off piste.
Luckily we have no one on the slopes telling us where we can't go and pulling passes. "Ski patrol" is only fot rescuing the injured. We have signs sometimes and you follow them because they usually warn of real danger.
The queues are mostly as you describe. Its not about elbows out, but shuffling along with everyone else. You may not get to go up on a lift with your best buddies.
As for athelticism on the slopes, I guess only going on blue runs had a lot to do with that. Most people on blue will be aware that this is where the ski achools and families with kids are and act accordingly. Head to the blacks, off-piste, or park if you want jumps and rails.
You should try Italy.
Cheaper lift tickets than any of the less than 1 hour new England small ski places overrun during xmas
Agree on most things except the mornings and clothes! We look like you an are at the lift when they open!
Solid video…bang on. Snow quantity and quality and lining up for lifts is better in North America - rest is better in Europe
Thanks so much. We were going to brekenridgr but 3 days ski passes 2000$. Same tix at engelberg $450
So expensive😮 i really advice going to europe. Beautiful rough mountains and a high altitude
Great video. Switzerland isn't part of the EU though. I know some people equate Europe with the EU but it's two different things.
People don’t do stupid things in the Europe… is crucial for a fun day.
Completely inaccurate on almost every point. Looks
Like you went to Zermatt assumed the rest of Europe was the same.
Europe (especially Switzerland) usually allows skiing anywhere on the mountain. Want hard? Try climbing out to Bec des Roses in 4 Vallees. 55 degrees all the way down. And yes. Ski patrol will come for you if needed (and not pull your pass).
Don’t pay attention to this silly video. You can get bad food, quiet apres ski, orderly lift lines, and early starts in most places in Europe.
any colabs anytime soon?
There are resorts in Europa like la Grave and Alagna that have Zero groomed runs. In Alagna you need to rappel with rope in the middle of one run. You have not seen much if you think it's all wide groomers. Not everyone cruises. Try the Mallory route from Aguille du Midi to Chaminix for instance, ua-cam.com/video/Z_7FdMO1J88/v-deo.html
Im from Argentina and im wondering about donsomething "crazy and go to ski (snowboard) to europe because a accident i got last year.
So what im triying to do is known where can i go to snoboard in europe, without being bankrupt 😅. I hear what ever anyone can help with that. (Im not a oro snowboarder, but im advance) thank you all ❤️
Hola compa. No puedo ayudarte mucho porque este año fue my primera vez allá (y probablemente, con mi sueldo, la última :P ) pero mi experiencia en Italia estuvo alucinante. Y los precios, (salvo el pasaje obviamente) estaban a la par o más abajo que la locura que te cobran en Castor o Catedral o Chapelco... Yo te recomiendo buscar por ahí. Estuve en Monterosa, alquilando un AirBNB cerca y un autito en el aeropuerto de Milán para ir y venir; seguramente se pueda conseguir algo más barato con un poco más de viaje diario (creo que a Alagna, el pueblo piamontés más al este que compone el centro este, es más accesible en tren). Y yo no hago fuera de pista, pero ya el centro es de primer nivel y el área de fuera no por nada le llamaban "freeride paradise".
Eso sí, cero vida nocturna, pendejada, quilombo... Es ir a esquiar y como mucho tomarse una birrita con un par de tanos borrachines. Por mi, genial, pero hay gente que quiere otra cosa...
Cualquier cosa preguntame, seguro hay gente que sabe mucho más que yo del tema (por ejemplo, instructorxs que hacen temporada en Andorra, etc.) pero bueno, lo que pueda contarte y te sirva,...
@@gorsh7870 Que onda loquisho! Podés decir que lo hiciste una vez y que quizás nunca más, pero es lo que estoy buscando. Un viaje de eso que te quedan para toda la vida. Empecé a esquiar hace 10 años gracia a un amigo y fue un cambio de vida a nivel vacaciones.
Estaba mirando muy arriba como para ir a Zermatt suiza. Y decir ya fue lo hice! Después de estar un mes en coma por un accidente medio pelotudo en moto, y estar ahora traqueostomizado pero fuera de peligro de vida y dado de alta pasa hacer el deporte olvídate que estoy como loco para hacer una temporada para el recuerdo... No ir a romperme sino ir a disfrutar de la experiencia y no de ir a quemarme los músculos desde las 10.am a la 5 pm como en argentina... De eso se trata la idea.
Mi idea loca es decir, obvio que no soy millo, pero en este momento de mi vida gastar 4 mil USD en un viaje así creo que no me va a arruinar mi futuro de vida. Estoy viendo que un amigo me acompañe, que lo introduje al mundo del snowboard. Y nada medio que se entusiasmo por qué jamás se le cruzo una locura así por la cabeza como a mi. Pero la Posta es que no tengo mucha idea de cómo reservar con la tarjeta con el impuesto país , o si se puede arreglar par garpar allá en efectivo o si no te dejan. Mire hoteles que te incluye los ascensos y todo.. y eso se ve copado y re cómodo.
@@gorsh7870 pero buscaba algo que me dijo un amigo (quien me metió en esto de la nieve) nada de España, ni Andorra si vas a hacer este viaje único busca algo que te vuele la cabeza. Me dijo, a vos gordo que te gusta el Toblerone anda a Zermatt que está símbolo del chococate ese que se llama el Matterhorn 😂
Cool comparison! Although having lived in the US, I unfortunately never went skiing there. Nonetheless I disagree with difference 3. There are huge differences between the European ski resorts regarding availability of difficulties. Try the Streif next time ;-) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streif
or La Face fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_face_de_Bellevarde
or Le Grand Couloir ua-cam.com/video/8MRJW96W1HA/v-deo.html
or Le Tunnel in Alpe d'Huez
or ...
Never smelt a roaring fire by the lift in the US?
This is so wrong! Europe has such a good variety of chill blue, red and challenging blacks! Also you don't have to stick to the trail necessarily. Too bad this isn't said. Also also I feel like you call the US an ''Xgames area'' but all the vids I see of America are just ski patrol shutting down people 'going too fast''?
Switzerland is not EU ;)
Btw you have tough place in the French Alps or Austria. As for the smell, once i smell the awfull odour of alcohol bad breath. Never noticed the cheese. It might come from the clothe due to the raclette, fondue, and tartiflette and that is not the case outside from France and Switzerland. In Sweden and Austria cheese is not a thing. as for the queuing... I sadly agree. some kids even scratched my brand new board...
The issue is the laxk of ski patrol, so sadly every years we get people killed because of idiots going too fast.
You went to one resort and BOOM you've got european skiiing figured out? You my friend, are deluded.
The terrain in the Alps is way more than just 'blue groomers' and if that's all you tried, then you severely missed out. Some people will cruise and you'll see more of that on the easy runs that you appear to have favoured, but get onto something like the Swiss Wall (Avoriaz), The Tunnel Run (Alpe Duez) or Le Face de Bellevarde (Val D'Isere) and you'll be giving those legs a proper workout. Take Aguille Rouge in Les Arc, tell me where in the US you can do a 2136m (7000+ft) descent on reds and blacks - the equivalent of your blacks and diamonds? Don't even start me on the off piste opportunities....
As for paying for first lifts, a lot of resorts are ski in ski out, so you don't even have to take a lift to get on a run. However, in most resorts you will find people queuing for the lift before they open to get to the higher runs.
Bottom line: We have fun, look good, eat and drink well, get lots of runs in and don't have a million resort staff policing us or holding our hands. All for a cheaper price!
Come back again, try some of the big French resorts and ask the locals where to go, you won't be disappointed.
All other costs reasonable as well.
And cues are not that common anymore.
in a proper resort you are not cueing for over 2 or 3 minutes. maybe on Christmas - new year. but typically not.
Only been to the Dolomites, and only in summer. Concur the on mountain dining was good. It was decent value and tasty homemade-ish.
Labor is cheap in Europe and the dollar is very strong right now. So yeah it was a great couple years to be American in Europe.
It was fun seeing how they make it work while being so jammed together. I watched an Italian farmer stacking fence posts on the Seiser Alm in a Fiat Panda, and thought how an American rancher wouldn’t have done that job in anything smaller than an F-250.
Those people elbowing their way through the queue were surely Germans... ;)
Talking about Europe like it was a country...
Lol one would think Europe is one country with one mountain in it…😂😂😂😂
Skiing infrastructure in Europe, same as about everything else is about eleventy gazilion times better than what passes for resorts in America.
I am gonna have to dislike this vid, it is full of bull manure.
So many bad takes in this video I hardly know where to start. Sorry you wasted your trip.
Thanks for confirming that I have very little desire to ski in europe. Takes forever to get there, cost way more money for the flights. Lift lines are disaster. They get less snow than North america. Not much tree skiing,. And loads of people who are focused more on eating and fashion than the skiing. The exact type of people I despise on the slopes😂😂
Oh Mr American fan boy...we will miss you so much. BTW, I have skied in many countries such as Australia, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and yes the US...worked at many ski resorts too. You should stay in the US. One less American .....
@benreadford8887 I'm a fan of heavy snow totals for the least $. Why does that make me an American fanboy? I said I've been to Europe and enjoyed it very much. I prefer Europe for its museums, food and architecture. I don't find it necessary to go there to see/ski mountains. You Couldn't wait to play that card could you?
You're not beating the snow totals (or quality) of Utah or Alaska in europe . And the cost is lower. My trip choices are based on Math not xenophobia.....
@@carterfan80ok, literally nobody cares 😂
Incidentally, clicked your profile, man the snow conditions in your videos is shocking 😅
@proto_nightmare local ny skiing
almost non of this is true :D