For the best European skiing, head for the Alps

updated 12:22 p.m. ET Feb. 22, 2007

Whether you're a hard-core speed demon in search of a new skiing rush, a ski bunny seeking tame slopes but wild nights, or simply an aficionado looking for an affordable place to take the family, Europe's Alps have what you're looking for.

The Alps span the Mediterranean coast of France through Switzerland, Northern Italy, Austria and into Slovenia. The peaks are bigger than most in North America, meaning long, endless runs, lengthy seasons, dramatic scenery and plenty of diverse terrain. The relaxed European lifestyle rounds out the experience with good food, long lunches and an animated night life.

Austria offers affordability and animated apres-ski. Think old-world chalet villages, lift-linked resorts and friendly hospitality.

In France, it's all about drama, diversity and dizzying altitude, with naturally sculpted ski terrain, unrivaled beauty and a long season with loads of virgin powder.

Switzerland is efficiency and elegance, combining well-organized tourist offices, state-of-the-art lifts and snowmaking systems with charming villages and stunning scenery.

In Italy, it's as much about the holiday as the skiing. Socializing, fashion, fine dining and grappa breaks mid-slope are as important as swooshing down the mountain.

Here is a list of what some of Europe's ski resorts are best-known for. The list does not pretend to be definitive; it's based on reputation, personal experiences and other sources. Finally, there's one thing you'll need to know if you're heading to the Alps: "Piste" refers to an established ski run; "off-piste" refers to areas that are unmarked and ungroomed.

Best extremet skiing
La Grave, France. For experts only. A proving ground for the world's hardest-core skiers, here even the most experienced should hire a guide initially to help uncover dangers lurking among the cornice drops and crevasses. Avalanche beacons and rescue harnesses are a must. A charming, quiet little village with few bars and restaurants, La Grave is definitely not a party town, though you'd probably be too exhausted anyway.

Best extreme terrain
Chamonix, France. Home to Europe's highest peak, the beautiful 15,771-foot Mont Blanc, this testosterone-charged resort offers some of the world's most challenging skiing. Its reputation as a global off-piste capital attracts adrenaline junkies from everywhere.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MSNBC.COM Lovitt: Get a jump on ski season Snowmaking expands as season approaches New ski areas find niches with terrain 12 resorts for early snow Ski resorts uphold quaint images Full winter travel coverage

St. Anton, Austria. An ideal destination for confident intermediate and advanced skiers, the resort has a rocking 160 miles of groomed runs and another 114 miles of off-piste.

Verbier, Switzerland. Boasts some of the steepest and deepest off-piste skiing in Europe.

Best intermediate skiing
St. Moritz, Switzerland. About 70 percent of this glam resort caters to intermediates.

Best beginner slopes
Lech, Austria. Plenty of easy runs and an excellent ski school.

Val d'Isere, France. Plenty of well-linked, wide and easy "motorway runs" up above to give neophytes an authentic experience of skiing in the high Alps. Nursery slopes (for children and other beginners) at Val are free, so wait to buy your ski pass after you've tested them out.

Best under-the-radar
Livigno, Italy. Young and carefree, this unpretentious Italian resort has a long season, over 62 miles of perfectly groomed runs and lots of sun. A tax-free shopping haven at 5,905 feet above sea level, Livigno has terrific restaurants and accommodations for all budgets.

Saas Fee, Switzerland. The "Pearl of the Alps," Saas Fee is a romantic Swiss village with traditional old chalets and narrow, crooked cobblestone roads. The traffic-free resort is encircled by glaciers and majestic mountains soaring over 13,123 feet high.

Sainte Foy, France. A wee, unspoiled alpine village nestled in the Tarentaise Valley, this is where ski instructors from the neighboring resorts of Tignes, Val D'Isere and Les Arcs head to during their off-days.

Best cross country
St. Moritz, Switzerland. Has 117 miles of trails meandering through the famous Engadine valley and along the resplendent, glittery shores of St. Moritz Lake. The station provides illuminated night trails, heated dressing rooms and a top-notch ski school.

The Seefeld Plateau, Austria. With over 310 miles of groomed and marked trails, this Tyrolean resort is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Innsbruck's airport.

Best snowboarding
Davos, Switzerland. This snowboarding haven possesses three snowboarding schools, a couple of boardercross circuits, funparks, two monster pipes, a quarterpipe and even some night riding, all on exceptional terrain with deep powder, wooded runs and big natural hits.

MORE FROM ALPINE & ECO ADVENTURES

Ski resorts ratchet up the fun factor

Ski resorts ratchet up the fun factor Resorts go 'green' to make white For good European skiing, head for the Alps Europe’s traditional alpine resorts Sun Valley gets low grade on environment Ski resorts uphold quaint images Rustic resorts: roughing it in style North America's best cross-country ski resorts Elite skiing: The very best downhill slopes South Pole trek: Skiing to the Nth degree   Add Alpine & Eco Adventures headlines to your news reader: