Music in theMoutnains

Murray Lobel

Depending on where you live inthe States, good powder can be

easy to find.

But even if you have great skiingnear by, chances are you've still

let your mind wander toEuropean skiing destinations.

Specifically in the Alps.

Below you'll find my top five Alpsgetaways.

La Grave, France1.

Looking to rough it? About an hour from Grenoble, La Graveis a Twelfth century ski resort tucked into the French Alps.It's a BIG mountain kind of place that features 7000-vertical-feet drops, no-fall zones, cliffs, and glaciers. Thetiny town holds 500 residents, so it has a very intimate vibe.Bonus: the Skiers Lodge is only three minutes from the liftand boasts live music.

Verbier, Switzerland2.

When it comes to skiing nightlife, Verbier is the ultimatedestination. A much different vibe than La Grave, Verbier isa small mountain city with fast lifts that offer access to over254 miles of slopes. Looking to dance? The Farm Club discois a great local spot where you can find big wigs and skibums alike. It's little surprise that Verbier is one of the topdestinations for the winter music festival scene.

St. Moritz, Switzerland3.

St. Moritz is known for being the oldest winter holidayresort in the world. Gourmet restaurants? Check. World-class luxury hotels? Check. Shopping? Check, check check.St. Moritz is noted for it's "champagne climate," less sobecause everyone sips the beverage there and more sobecause it features 322 days of sunlight and hospitable dryair.

Courmayuer, Italy4.

Situated right beneath Mt. Blanc, Western Europe's highestmountain, the winter resort town of Courmayuer should befound on any destination skiers list. What's more, the slopesof France's Chamonix are only a short cable car away.

Mayrhofen, Austria5.

Mayrhofen tops the list as a destination for those who liketo ski and party. Mayrhofen is found in the Austrian Alps andis closely tied with the music industry. The town hosts theSnowboming Festival--the biggest music festival held duringthe ski season. Snowboming will celebrate it's 17th year in2016.