Embrace the exhilarating experience of skiing across international boundaries—enjoying breakfast in one nation and effortlessly gliding into another for lunch. The European ski realms that span across countries redefine the concept of cross-country skiing. The thrill of skiing into unexplored territories, transitioning between languages, culinary delights, and even currencies, is hard to resist. Thanks to the Schengen Area in Europe, which saw 29 countries eliminate border controls in 1995, skiing from one nation to another has become a seamless adventure.

The Portes du Soleil ski domain offers the unique opportunity to ski from France into Switzerland, linking 12 resorts. The Espace San Bernardo, comprising La Rosière in France and La Thuile in Italy, transforms two modest resorts into a vast playground. In the Southern Alps of France, Montgenèvre stands as the French presence in the predominantly Italian Via Lattea, while the Swiss and Italians share the iconic Matterhorn across their borders. In Austria, the lively Ischgl is connected to the tranquil Samnaun in Switzerland. Remember to catch the last lift back to your starting point to avoid costly taxi rides or hotel stays, and for safety, carry your passport.

Espace San Bernardo – France and Italy: La Rosière, nestled in France's Savoie region, boasts some of the sunniest slopes in the French Alps, along with sweeping vistas of the Isère Valley. While its terrain caters more to beginners and intermediates, advanced skiers can venture into the expansive freeride area atop Mont Valaisan, reaching 2,800 meters. At Fort de la Redoute, standing at 2,390 meters, skiers can savor panoramic views from the glass-floored terrace before tackling the narrow red run into La Thuile in Italy's Aosta Valley.

After enduring two lengthy and somewhat monotonous drag lifts, skiers can enjoy the remaining 160 kilometers of diverse slopes and mountain restaurants offering hearty portions of pasta. Note that drag lifts may close during inclement weather, so plan your French-Italian ski adventure for a sunny day. In La Thuile, take advantage of the opportunity for heli-skiing, which is prohibited in France but legal to start in Italy and ski back to France. Regardless of the resort, the stunning views of Mont Blanc are a constant companion.

Ischgl, Austria – Samnaun, Switzerland: High-altitude Ischgl is arguably the most vibrant resort in the Alps, with major concerts marking the season's start and end and a nightlife that keeps the party going until dawn. It's a haven for snowboarders and features one of Europe's premier terrain parks. In contrast, the small, serene Swiss village of Samnaun, just across the border, is part of the Silvretta Arena ski area, which spans 239 kilometers (149 miles) of slopes. Two distinct worlds, both accessible via a swift lift system. In the 19th century, when the only road to Samnaun was through Austria, Switzerland granted this tiny village duty-free status—the only one in the country. Ski across the border and stock up on duty-free goods. The journey is part of the fun: old smugglers' trails have been transformed into thrilling ski circuits. Download the Samnaun app and choose from gold, silver, and bronze routes, ranging from a four-hour challenging thigh-burner to an easier blue run route. Checkpoints track your progress, and all who complete their routes are entered into a prize draw.

Portes du Soleil – France and Switzerland: Comprising twelve resorts—eight in France and four in Switzerland—Portes du Soleil is one of the world's largest ski domains, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Its 650 kilometers (404 miles) of slopes will satisfy intermediates seeking extensive mileage, as you truly feel like you're traversing vast distances. Starting from the picturesque traditional French village of Châtel, you'll soon cross into Morgins in Switzerland. You'll pass through the hamlets of Champoussin and Les Crosets, with an option to detour into Champéry, the largest of the Swiss villages. Expert skiers will want to conquer the infamous Swiss Wall run at Pas de Chavanette, featuring a vertical drop of 331 meters and covered in moguls. This is not a run to be underestimated, so only attempt it if you're an advanced skier. Return to France via the futuristic 1960s resort of Avoriaz, directly linked to two of the Portes du Soleil's most charming and traditional villages, Morzine and family-oriented Les Gets.

Via Lattea – France and Italy: Of the eight ski resorts that constitute the Via Lattea—Milky Way—only Montgenèvre is in France, over the Italian border. Montgenèvre also offers some of the most varied terrain across the entire domain, including a high-altitude beginners' area. Its closest neighbor, the small Claviere just across the Italian border, is easily accessible on skis and also a delightful 20-minute walk along snowy cross-country skiing trails. For a full-day adventure, ski all the way to Sestriere, one of the main resorts of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Partygoers, meanwhile, head to Sauze d'Oulx, where skiers from Turin come to play. If you prefer a quieter time in Sauze d'Oulx, visit during the week when it's less lively.

Zermatt, Switzerland – Cervinia, Italy: While the Swiss may have the more impressive view of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, the Italian resort of Cervinia offers long, wide, sunny slopes perfect for cruising, an abundance of snow, and, importantly, lower prices than luxurious Switzerland. With the opening of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing in 2023, this new cable car linked the two resorts and provided a faster alternative to the series of time-consuming lifts between the two countries. It became the highest border crossing in the Alps and enabled non-skiers to travel between the resorts. However, the crossing will be closed for maintenance from January 6 to February 14, 2025, so plan accordingly if you're not a skier but still wish to visit Cervinia. Zermatt is one of the world's premier ski resorts, and the beauty of the Matterhorn is truly awe-inspiring. On the Italian side of Monte Cervino (as the Matterhorn is known in Italy), Cervinia offers a delightful Italian atmosphere, snow-sure high-altitude slopes, and an extended season.