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Are you a passionate skier looking for an adventure in Europe? Then look no further! Europe is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering stunning scenery, world-class facilities, and an unforgettable experience. From the majestic Alps in France and Switzerland to the stunning Dolomites in Italy, there are plenty of ski destinations to choose from. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one for you? That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 10 ski destinations in Europe to help you plan your perfect winter getaway. So grab your skis, and let’s hit the slopes!
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Courchevel Ski Resort, France
Ski resorts don’t get much better than Courchevel, the largest and most famous resort in the world-renowned Three Valleys ski area. Located in the French Alps, boasting 600 kilometers of interconnected runs across 10 summits, this is a skier’s dream. But it’s not just experts that love Courchevel. There are plenty of beginner-friendly runs and amenities to keep everyone happy!
Courchevel is known for its luxurious accommodation and divine dining options. There are no less than 15 five-star hotels here, offering incredible slope-side luxury and Michelin-starred cuisine from Yannick Alléno. The Children’s Village has more than seven acres of terrain tailored explicitly for kids.
The snowfall here is abundant; with an average annual snowfall of four meters and state-of-the-art grooming, you can be sure that your ski experience will be second to none. And if you’re looking for something special, remember to check out the heated pavements and unparalleled shopping opportunities at over 100 luxurious stores!
When it comes to ski resorts, Courchevel really takes some beating – its combination of superb skiing conditions and luxurious amenities make it one of the most sought-after winter holiday destinations around. With so much on offer, it’s not hard to see why this beautiful mountain town attracts celebs, merrymakers, and families all year round!
Chamonix-Mont Blanc Ski Resort, France
Chamonix‘s vast backcountry and rough slopes make it a must-see for experienced skiers. The pedestrian-friendly town, which hosted the first winter Olympics in 1924, exudes alpine beauty. Despite the mountain’s harsh reputation, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate routes. Riding the Aiguille du Midi, Western Europe’s tallest cable car is a must for the views. Experienced skiers may hire a guide from the summit and schuss down the famed Vallée Blanche, a 12.4-mile glacier descent in the heart of the Mont-Blanc Massif.
You can stay at the fashionable La Folie Douce Hotel, which boasts a busy après scene and an exceptional location in the center of Chamonix with a ski lift only steps from the front door. Or you can book a stay at Hameau Albert 1er, one of the most luxurious ski resorts. The five-star hotel features 33 rooms, two suites, two separate chalets, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Innsbruck Ski Resort, Austria
You don’t have to trek into Tirol‘s isolated side valleys to locate suitable slopes. Instead, the regional capital Innsbruck has many ski and snowboarding choices! The Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck comprises nine ski resorts across the city, including the freeride paradise Axamer Lizum, the family-friendly Rangger Köpfl, and the Stubai Glacier, which rises 3,210 meters above sea level. Of course, each resort has its own personality and allure.
The Nordkettenbahn funicular and cable car bring skiers and boarders to this modest but perfectly built resort with spectacular views of Innsbruck and the Inn Valley. Highlights include the world’s only Incity Snowpark, the steep Karrinne couloir with up to 70% gradients, and the eye-catching Cloud 9 Igloo Bar. Families and beginners should visit the Muttereralm Park or the Rangger Köpfl resort near Oberperfuss since both are very modest and offer plenty of gentle slopes.
The Sellrain Valley resort of Kühtai is a little further distant but well worth a visit. It is Austria’s highest ski resort, 2,000 meters above sea level. Kühtai now only has snow-sure slopes, but it is also relatively compact, making the walk from the hotel to the lifts easier and faster. You don’t want to miss touring the great holiday markets in the nearby villages throughout the Christmas season.
Courmayeur Ski Resort, Italy
Courmayeur, one of the best ski resorts in Europe, is a popular destination for those seeking to combine challenging terrain with the glamour of Swiss and French ski resorts. Courmayeur is located on the sunnier Italian side of Mont Blanc and boasts breathtaking views from the top of Europe.
Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find plenty of slopes to choose from, depending on their skill level. Novice skiers can start off with the beginner-friendly Dolonne area or even learn with an instructor to get up to speed quickly. Meanwhile, experts can explore downhill runs from Arp or venture off-piste in untracked terrain.
Experienced skiers are also welcome to race down Chamonix’s Vallée Blanche glacier line, considered one of the most thrilling experiences among all European ski resorts. The resort recently updated its snowmaking system and planned to cover 87% of its trails within three years. After that, you can take advantage of late-night skiing – with the help of the Courmayeur Cable Car – to reach luxurious mountain restaurants like LaChaumière while enjoying unparalleled views.
When it comes time to relax after a day on the slopes, there’s no shortage of high-end lodging options in Courmayeur. You can choose from a diverse selection ranging from cozy alpine cabins like Rifugio Monte Bianco to chic inns like Auberge de la Maison, where you’ll enjoy unique alpine therapies such as hay bio saunas and spa treatments with unbeatable panoramic views of Mont Blanc from your room window.
Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast looking for a thrilling adventure or someone who wants a glamorous getaway surrounded by majestic mountain views, Courmayeur will surely satisfy your needs without fail! With its incredible Alpine scenery and world-class skiing opportunities, this ski resort is truly one of Europe’s premier destinations for sliding down snowy slopes!
Saalbach Ski Resort, Austria
Saalbach is one of four resorts that comprise the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, one of the world’s largest lift-linked ski areas and is famed for its old-world Tyrolean hamlet and bustling après culture. From challenging terrain that has hosted the Freeride World Tour to family-friendly groomers, the combined mega-resort has something for everyone. Skiers with a sense of adventure may take on “the Challenge,” a 40-mile circuit of downhill courses linked by 32 lifts and traversing 40,682 vertical feet. Without a lunch break, it takes about seven hours on average.
“The Challenge” has established itself as the ultimate test for even the most seasoned winter athletes, with 68 kilometers of slopes, 12,000 altitude meters, and breathtaking vistas, which you must complete in one day to win the prize. Keep in mind the time limit for completing the complete circuit!
Other ski circuits are available in the Skicircus. Significantly easier ski courses provide an entertaining introduction to the unique Skicircus venues. Hit the best slopes in the ski region in two and a half hours, accompanied by divine, memorable vistas and one or two rest stopovers. There’s also a short, challenging trek into the Tyrolean Mountains in store for you.
After conquering your favorite Saalbach ski circuit, you may take a private slope back to the Eggerhof for gourmet pleasures, divine spa sessions, and deep relaxation in your chosen room.
Val d' Isère Ski Resort, France
Val d’Isère, one of the best ski resorts in Europe, is an absolute paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Located in the French Alps and surrounded by majestic 3,000-meter peaks, Val d’Isère is a renowned ski resort that offers a vast array of skiing opportunities. With over 150 lifts and 300 kilometers of skiable terrain, Val d’Isère’s Espace Killy boasts some of the most incredible powder snow and terrain in Europe.
Skiers have access to all skill levels at the resort, from gentle slopes for children and beginners to thrilling expert runs. For beginners, there’s even a Travelator – an enclosed magic carpet – that takes them from the top of a gondola up to a high-altitude slope where they can enjoy fantastic views as they learn to ski. The layout of the lifts also makes it easy to navigate between different areas without having to take long catwalks along wide flat trails.
Despite being such a large resort, there’s also something special about Val d’Isère – it has retained its charm as a car-free village with great restaurants, allowing visitors to explore quaint streets before hitting the slopes or grabbing dinner after a day out on the mountain. Every year, skiers flock here to enjoy some of France’s best skiing combined with Apres-ski fun, like fat biking, ice-driving, and ice climbing.
The area also has two new on-slope food options this season: René at Mangard Slope and Airelles at Grand Pré chairlift are great spots for refueling during an action-packed day on the mountainside. And when night falls, you can expect plenty more excitement with DJ sets and wild nightlife adding another dimension to what is already one of Europe’s premier ski resorts.
Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the beautiful Italian Dolomites, is easily one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Cortina D’Ampezzo is a ski paradise for both beginner and experienced skiers, Boasting five ragged peaks and a gorgeous surrounding landscape. After hosting the Winter Olympics in 1956, Cortina became a hotspot for jet-setters looking to ski and be seen. Still, nowadays, it has broadened its clientele significantly.
The town offers more than just skiing; with miles of scenic cross-country ski trails, bobsled runs that are floodlit at night, and an Olympic rink for ice skaters, there’s something for everyone! In addition, Cortina also forms part of the Dolomiti Superski Pass – giving access to over 400 km of interconnected slopes and trails across 12 other ski resorts in the area. For those looking to get wild on their skiing trip – why not check out Marmolada Glacier?
Indeed, with its low-key atmosphere yet high-end amenities drawing celebrities such as George Clooney, Cortina is so popular! An ideal family ski trip awaits you with entertainment options ranging from chic shops to stylish venues. It will also be even better now that it will host the Games again in 2026!
For those looking for some of the best ski resort experiences available in Europe – look no further than Cortina Dante Ampezzo. Whether you are coming to relax or hit some hardcore slopes – you won’t find another place like it anywhere else!
Read next: Top Places To Visit in Italy
Verbier Ski Resort, Switzerland
Verbier is one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Located in canton Valais, Verbier has something for everyone – from beginner skiers to advanced thrill seekers. It offers various pistes and slopes, with over 400 km of marked trails suitable for all levels and abilities. There are ski areas dedicated explicitly to Alpine skiing and freestyle skiing, as well as plenty of off-piste challenges for the more adventurous visitors.
Off the slopes, Verbier offers a wide range of activities for those who want to take advantage of its natural beauty. Snowshoeing and hiking are popular options during wintertime. At the same time, during summer months, there’s mountain biking, paragliding, mountaineering, and horse riding to enjoy. Visitors may also explore the stunningly beautiful surrounding valleys and participate in special activities such as ice-climbing, climbing walls, and zip lines.
The resort is home to many bars, restaurants, shops, and nightclubs for those who want to indulge in some apres ski action after a hard day on the slopes. The historic village of Verbier is full of unique experiences; from traditional Swiss chalets to chic boutiques to picturesque churches – there’s something for everyone!
Verbier has built an international reputation for its quality ski schools and ski instructors. Various skiing classes are available for all ages, from beginner skiers to elite athletes, so there’s something for everyone. The resort also provides vast ski and snowboard hire shops, making it easy to get the best equipment to enjoy your time on the slopes.
As you can see, Verbier is a fantastic ski destination with plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained. With its stunning location, wonderful skiing opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences, it’s one of Europe’s best ski resorts that promises unforgettable memories!
Read next: Top 10 Attractions in Switzerland
Switzerland Zermatt Ski Resort
For ski slopes lovers, Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Situated at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, this picturesque alpine resort offers 223 miles of routes across four massive ski resorts, with some trails reaching over 10,000 feet. With its high altitude and perfect snow conditions, you can expect plenty of skiing and snowboarding fun for everyone!
In addition to its stunning scenery, Zermatt also has cutting-edge lift systems, luxurious après-ski options, and a variety of skiing and snowboarding runs suitable for all abilities. For example, Wolli’s Park at the top of the Sunnegga funicular offers gentler terrain with amazing views. At the same time, experienced skiers can ski Switzerland and Italy in one day by skiing over the Theodul Pass.
The Matterhorn Glacier Ride – the world’s highest 3S cableway – transports 2,000 skiers an hour to a glacier at an altitude of 3,883 meters, offering year-round skiing experiences. Moreover, there is a 100-passenger aerial tramway connecting Zermatt with the Testa Grigia border station between Switzerland and Italy for tourists looking for even more unique adventure opportunities.
Also available is a free app that uses GPS and adjusts for ability level, weather, and snow conditions to guide skiers safely between locations. This fantastic winter wonderland also provides many modern amenities, such as horse-drawn sleighs, the predominant mode of transportation within the car-free community.
Moritz Ski Resort, Switzerland
St. Moritz is one of the most well-known and iconic ski resorts in Europe, with a long history of hosting world-class skiing competitions such as the Winter Olympics. This luxurious alpine destination has something for everyone thanks to its various slopes and pistes, ranging from beginner to expert. With over 20 lifts across the mountain, skiers can enjoy incredible views while exploring this stunning ski resort.
This exclusive luxury ski resort has plenty to offer apart from skiing and snowboarding: ice skating, tobogganing, Nordic skiing, and even kite skiing can be experienced here. The area is also home to some of the most glamorous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops on offer – so much so that celebrities and royalty are often spotted in St. Moritz! El Paradiso mountain club has become even more exclusive since Badrutt’s Palace took over last winter. In contrast, Langosteria restaurant brings Italy’s famed mini-chain to the heart of Corviglia this season.
You won’t be disappointed at St Moritz regardless of your skill level or experience on the slopes. In addition to the long intermediate runs suitable for all levels – from beginners looking for guidance and tuition to experts searching for a challenge – there are several bars in town where visitors can relax after a day on the mountain. Furthermore, luxury hotels provide an excellent way to escape after a full day of sports activities if you feel you should stay in town.
Suppose you’re looking for an unrivaled ski experience filled with luxuries and amenities that only Europe’s best ski resorts have to offer. In that case, St Moritz is undoubtedly worth considering. From its spectacular Alpine views to its grandiose atmosphere and everything else in between, it truly offers something unique that no other European ski resort can match!
Best Ski Resorts in Europe FAQ
Which country in Europe has the best ski resorts?
Switzerland, France, and Austria have some of Europe’s best ski resort options. Switzerland’s Zermatt is one of the best ski destinations in the Alps and offers world-class skiing with incredible views of the Matterhorn mountain. In France, Chamonix is renowned for its off-piste runs and breathtaking scenery. Finally, Austria has several fantastic ski resorts, such as Kitzbuhel and St Anton am Arlberg, both boasting excellent snow conditions and friendly locals.
What month is best for skiing in Europe?
The best time to ski in Europe is between December and March, when the snowfall is most reliable, and temperatures remain cold enough to keep the ski resorts open. The best ski resorts will have plenty of snow cover throughout this period. However, some ski resorts are best visited outside these months – such as Italy’s Val D’Aosta region, which remains open from mid-November until late April/early May. So ultimately, it really depends on where you plan to go skiing in Europe and what type of experience you’re looking for!
Where are the cheapest places to ski in Europe?
The best ski resorts for an affordable European skiing experience include Les 2 Alpes in France, Schladming in Austria, and Livigno in Italy. Many of these resorts offer various activities outside the slopes, such as spa treatments, yoga classes, and even scenic hikes.