One place where immigration controls are not a topic of conversation is on a ski slope. Many of Europe’s greatest ski resorts offer the unique opportunity to cross borders, which can be both culturally interesting and earn you bragging rights—for example, have breakfast in France and lunch at a mountainside trattoria in Italy in the same day. While skiing from one country to the next doesn’t have to be a grueling trek—these areas offer runs for a range of ski levels—many cross-border pistes are for advanced skiers. Guides who can help assess your abilities and weather conditions on sky-high terrain are often essential for your outing. Even though passports are rarely checked, it’s not a bad idea to bring one; if the weather changes and you can’t get back over the border, you don’t want to be stranded without it.

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