Hermelinda Lightner

For many skiers, modern ski resorts with slick infrastructure, plenty of lifts and an extensive network of runs are an essential part of the experience. But this convenience often comes at a price, with purpose-built towns long on function and short on charm. But it’s still possible to enjoy an authentic alpine experience while dialing in to the best the mega resorts have to offer. Here are six atmospheric mountain spots where skiers can be at one with the old ways and still connect to the skiing superhighway. The mighty Matterhorn stands sentinel at the head of a snaking tributary to the north of Italy’s Aosta valley. Popular winter resort Breuil-Cervinia sits at its foot, while Swiss gem Zermatt lies over the mountain. The ski lifts of the two areas connect at the Theodul Pass, making up a stellar system of borderless skiing surrounded by some of the Alps’ loftiest peaks. The high point is 3,883 meters at the top of the crisp, bs2best.at modern Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift.