You are planning your Erasmus, and you want snow, slopes, and winter sports? There are plenty of places where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities not far from many Erasmus cities.
To help you decide, we’ve gathered some of the best destinations for students who want to make the most of winter abroad.
A ski trip is one of the most popular plans for Erasmus students. Skiing and snowboarding lead the list of the most practiced outdoor winter sports, but there are other activities like cross-country skiing, sledging, and ice skating.
Here are some top countries and Erasmus cities known for being popular ski destinations or for their great winter sports access:
Austria
Located in the heart of Tyrol and surrounded by mountains, Innsbruck is one of the most iconic places for students who love skiing and snowboarding. Many resorts are just a short train or bus ride away.
France
Grenoble is known as the gateway to the French Alps, perfect for skiing, mountain views, and plenty of winter sport activities. Annecy and Chambery can also be great options, since they are close to resort areas for winter sports.
Germany
You can practice many winter sports in Germany, including downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Alps and other mountain ranges, cross-country skiing in places like the Karwendel and Harz mountains, and ice skating on outdoor rinks and frozen lakes.
We especially recommend cities like Munich, Konstanz or Freiburg which are only a short drive to the German Alps (plus very close to Austria and Switzerland), or Hannover, Dortmund, and Bochum which are close to the Harz Mountains.
Switzerland
Famous worldwide for its ski culture, Switzerland offers the adrenaline you might be looking for, but usually at higher prices.
Erasmus cities like Zürich, Lucerne, Bern, Chur, St. Gallen, and Winterthur are excellent bases for winter sports, offering quick access to various Alpine resorts. These cities provide excellent transport links, and while not directly in the mountains, they are convenient starting points for day or multi-day trips to the slopes.
Finland
The north of Finland is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and even night-skiing under the Northern Lights. Resorts like Levi and Ruka are especially popular among young travelers. Cities like Rovaniemi, Lahti, and Jyväskylä are excellent bases for winter sports, offering good access to these resorts and nearby ski areas.
Sweden
Cities like Luleå, Stockholm, Södertörn, and Uppsala offer great opportunities for winter sports. Luleå in northern Sweden guarantees snow and is close to ski resorts and other winter activities, while Stockholm, Södertörn, and Uppsala provide easier access to ski parks and weekend trips to resorts like Romme Alpin or Hammarbybacken.
Norway
Tromsø, Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim offer excellent opportunities to practice winter sports in Norway. Of course, you can try other winter activities in Norway beyond skiing, like dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and even chase the Northern Lights. This Nordic country is without a doubt one of the top Erasmus destinations for winter lovers.
Cheapest winter sports destinations in Europe
If you’re looking for affordability, countries like Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, and Czechia offer excellent slopes at much lower prices than the Alps or Scandinavia. Great for student budgets, offering up to 60% savings compared to traditional Alpine destinations.
Most places offer rental equipment and student passes, making it easy to enjoy the snow without spending too much.
Have You Ever Heard of Winter Travel Insurance or Sports Insurance?
What about having both? When choosing insurance for your Erasmus, look for policies that specifically cover the activities you are planning on doing, such as skiing, snowboarding, or sledging.
Look for coverage that includes:
- Medical expenses from sports-related injuries
- Search and rescue
- Equipment loss, theft or damage
- Interruption of sport activities
- Support if your sports equipment is delayed
OnCampus Abroad offers a Sports Pack including all this and more, perfect for your Erasmus adventures. You can check it out here.
