The chance to ski or ride in Europe is the ski trip of a lifetime. Europe is home to many of the world’s largest and best destination ski resorts. But you may be asking, why head to the Alps when I have so many great ski resorts in North America? There’s really no reason to compare, say a day of skiing in the European Alps versus a day in the Rockies. Both offer endless skiing, big ski resorts, challenging terrain, and fun experiences off the slopes. However, riding and skiing at European resorts opens you up to a whole new world.
So let us help simplify the search by sharing what we consider the best European ski destinations. You’ll have no problem finding the perfect place among hundreds of ski resorts in the Alps for an epic Europe ski vacation. What’s more, many of the best ski areas in Europe are close neighbors, forming huge, interconnected resorts — connected by trails, lifts, and shuttles — that offer endless variety. If it’s the low-snow season, then you can rely on fun skiing on high-altitude glaciers and at snow-sure resorts. And if that’s not enough, après-ski was invented in Europe, so you’ll have no problem finding a lively après-ski scene wherever you go.
Best Countries for Skiing in Europe
France
Skiing in France usually means two things: Skiing at a very high altitude and skiing at huge, often cosmopolitan, ski resorts. Most French ski resorts, like La Plagne for instance, were built from scratch in the 1950s and 1960s, in places where there’d been nothing but the Alps. As a result, many of the French ski resorts are located higher than any other European country (like Val Thorens at 2,300 meters/7,500 feet above sea level, or Tignes at 2,100 meters/6,900 feet). This means that excellent snow conditions are guaranteed for up to half the year.
Among the many enormous French ski areas, the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil destination are the biggest, and among the best ski resorts in Europe. Portes du Soleil spans 650 kilometers of slopes that are dispersed into 12 individual resorts in France and Switzerland. The Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées) is the world’s biggest interconnected ski resort, featuring 600 kilometers of slopes across 3 valleys and the the 7 world-famous ski resorts of Courchevel, Val Thorens, Orelle, Brides-les-Bains, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Méribel, and Les Menuires. This is a great option, too, if you’re traveling with kids, as there are tons of ski school options at many of these resorts.
Most of the villages, among which Chamonix is by far the biggest and most cosmopolitan, offer restaurants, pubs, concerts, clubs, spas, gyms and shopping. However, there are some exceptions. Les Gets in Haute-Savoie is among the smaller resorts that have retained their traditional charm, with alpine architecture, family-run guesthouses, and delicious regional cuisine made by local families.
Check out Lodging options in France.
The French Tourist Board awards family-friendly resorts with the “Famille Plus” label. So if you’re looking for moderate prices for family activities, daycare, and entertainment for your kids, then look for a “Famille Plus” resort, such as Châtel, Les Gets, Les Deux Alpes, or Val Thorens.
Ski lift prices throughout the four nations are similar. Be sure to check the resort websites for up-to-date pricing. The airports of Geneva, Lyon, Nice, and Milan provide international links to the French Alps, with buses and shuttle services running from each of these airports. Home to so many of the best ski resorts in Europe, France is a dream. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best countries for skiing in Europe.
Austria
Austria, too, is home to some of the largest and best ski resorts in Europe. Its most popular ski region is Tyrol, with 3,500 kilometers of slopes and world-famous resorts such as Soelden, Ischgl, and St. Anton. The region of Salzburg is second in skiable terrain, with 1,700 kilometers of slopes. Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Obertauern are Salzburg’s most popular ski resorts. Finally, there’s Vorarlberg (with Lech-Zuers am Arlberg as its most popular resort) and Carinthia with 1,031 kilometers of ski slopes.
Most Austrian ski resorts feature state-of-the-art lifts, such as eight-person cable cars or heated chairlifts, with ski slopes that are usually in excellent condition. Austria’s off-piste skiing is famous, especially in high-altitude areas such as Arlberg, Silvretta-Montafon, Zell am See, and Grossglockner (Carinthia), Austria’s highest peak. Austria also attracts a lot of cross-country skiers thanks to thousands of kilometers of cross-country trails.
Lift companies are quite family-friendly, often granting free rides to children under the age of 6, and some even grant free rides to children under the age of 10. Note that Austria tends to be a bit less expensive than France in terms of food and drink.
Check out Lodging options in Austria.
The concept of “après-ski” has roots in Austria
Austria’s lively après-ski scene begins at lunchtime. You can have beer, champagne or Jagertee (tea with rum) in cozy huts close to the slopes or in bars and discotheques in the villages. St. Anton, Ischgl, Soelden, and Saalbach-Hinterglemm are famous for their après-ski parties.
On the other hand, Austria is also home to alpine “Gemuetlichkeit” (geniality; friendliness) and delicious local cuisine. Most of the inns and huts are run by local families who are happy to serve you traditional dishes, such as dumplings, pasta, schnitzel and a variety of sweet pastries. Fruit schnapps (Obstler) afterward is a must-try. Visit when the World Cup racing season is in town for an extra treat (think Kitzbuehel and the Hahnenkamm Downhill in January).
Fly into Munich, or, even better, Innsbruck, which is an ideal base for Tyrol. You can reach many ski resorts from Innsbruck in anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple hours. There’s no need to rent a car thanks to free ski buses that’ll take you to the slopes and back.
Switzerland
Switzerland is proud of its traditions, old heritage, and unique nature opportunities. Uniting four different peoples and languages in one country, Switzerland is also among the most diverse alpine winter sports destinations. Most of the Swiss ski resorts are located in the regions of Valais, Graubuenden, Central Switzerland, Bernese Oberland, and Eastern Switzerland.
Valais offers the highest peaks (47 of them higher than 4,000 meters/13,000 feet) and the longest slopes (up to 17 kilometers, 10.5 miles, at Zermatt), while in the Bernese Oberland is where you’ll find the coziest huts and the largest network of hiking and snowshoeing trails.
The Lake Geneva Region is famous for its nature reserves, but also for a number of incredible ski resorts, including one of Europe’s biggest ski destinations, Portes du Soleil. Switzerland has a little bit of everything for skiers. In the Jungfrau Region, you can find powder slopes up to 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) high. While the Fribourg Region may not have the spectacular pistes as some of the others, it is perfect for a budget ski vacation in Europe.
Check out Lodging options in Switzerland.
Among the most popular Swiss resort options, St. Moritz is the most glamorous, sunniest, and biggest individual ski resort in Switzerland. However, you’ll also be paying for it. Smaller and less cosmopolitan ski resorts include Andermatt and Bruson, where a family of four can go skiing for a whole day and have a hearty Swiss lunch in a cozy hut for much less than the more famous Switzerland ski resorts.
The most family-friendly ski resorts bear the “Familien Willkommen” (families welcome) label. And don’t forget to try the cheese. A Swiss ski holiday would not be the same without enjoying cheese fondue at least once. OK, twice.
The most convenient Swiss airports for skiers are Zurich, Bern, Geneva, and Basel, while the railway system in Switzerland is one of the world’s best and most interconnected. International trains from twelve countries go to Switzerland on a daily basis.
Italy
Think Italy skiing and you may think of South Tyrol, located at the northernmost point of Italy, and which used to be a part of Austria. Today it’s known for comfortable ski resorts and cozy villages. There are miles of groomed slopes, and no shortage of powder stashes, meaning that everyone from beginners to serious skiers will have plenty to play on. South Tyrol offers hearty cuisines (the ham and the Vinschgau bread are renown) and exquisite wines to enjoy after the lifts stop spinning. Generally speaking, Italy can be more reasonably priced than other Europe ski destinations. For a uniquely Italian experience, stay at farm homes close to the ski resorts for a low-priced alternative to hotels.
The Dolomites (located mainly in the South Tyrol, Trentino, and Veneto regions) are regarded as the world’s most beautiful mountain range by many, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dolomites reach all the way to northeastern Italy, to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region neighboring Slovenia. The region features charming, internationally lesser-known resorts such as Piancavollo and picturesque Valcellina, ideal for skiers who prefer originality rather than glamour.
When people think Italian ski resorts, they probably think of the Dolomiti Superski resort alliance, the world’s largest ski resort alliance, spanning 12 resorts and 1,200 kilometers of slopes. Many of the ski resorts in the Dolomiti Superski resort alliance are quite demanding, catering to advanced skiers, especially in Trentino. Nonetheless, there’s a massive amount of terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers, and it’s the place to go if you plan to ski multiple resorts. Veneto is Italy’s most popular region amongst tourists, where Cortina d’Ampezzo is the best ski resort, home to nearly 140 kilometers (87 miles) of slopes.
Don’t sleep on 3 Zinnen Dolomites, located just 45 minutes northeast of Cortina d’Ampezzo. What was once a destination of two small ski areas has grown extensively in the last decade into one large ski destination of five interconnected mountains with 115 km (71 miles) of runs. Coming soon, 3 Zinnen Dolomites will be connected with Thurnthaler Ski Resort in Austria and Skiarea Val Comelico in Veneto. This connection will increase the terrain to 160 km (100 miles) of ski runs.
Check out Lodging options in Dolomiti Superski.
Europe’s hidden ski gems
The newest “in destination” for skiing in Europe is Slovenia. Slovenia is budget-friendly, offers plenty of skiing, and boasts landscapes that look straight out of a fairy tale. Slovenia, located at the intersection of the Alps, Mediterranean, Pannonian Plain, and the Dynamic Alps, is likely the best-value skiing you’ll find anywhere in Europe. The largest ski area in Slovenia is Mariborsko Pohorje, where there are plenty of trails, including one of the longest flood-lit slopes in Europe for night skiing. Skiers and riders of all abilities will find plenty of terrain here.
Check out Lodging options in Slovenia.
Krvavec is close to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and offers a more challenging affair, while Ski Centre Vogel in Triglav National Park offers astounding views and will keep even the most advanced skier happy. Slovenia’s oldest ski resort is Kranjska Gora, which opened in 1948. The ski resort is divided into five different sections around the municipality, and has a total of 12 miles of ski slopes and a terrain park for snowboarders. Kranjska Gora frequently hosts World Cup ski races.
Just in case you still want to try another option there’s Andorra in the Pyrenees. Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, home to 130 miles of ski terrain for all levels. Vallnord is smaller but ideal for families with a nice variety of slopes.
Check out Lodging options in Andorra.
A few tips for a European ski trip
Depending on where you plan to ski in Switzerland, Austria, France or Italy, your gateway cities will likely be Geneva, Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, or Milan, to name a few. Today, public transportation (trains and buses) is so efficient in Europe that you often don’t need a car. Plus, in many destinations you’ll find operators who offer ski transfers. Many ski villages are car-free as well, so once you arrive, everyone uses ski lifts and buses. Additionally, car rentals in Europe are considerably more expensive than in the U.S., and driving directions and signage can sometimes be challenging.
Finally, don’t forget to download our app (North America version here) to see snow reports, weather, snow cover, and more.
What are the best ski resorts in Europe?
This question of the best ski resorts in Europe is really subjective. It largely depends on what you’re looking for. Some of these ski resorts in Europe, like Tignes, Les Deux Alpes and Val d’Isère, attract advanced skiers. Yet Tignes, for example, is considered one of the best resorts for beginner skiers. If you want variety, then consider one of Europe’s sprawling interconnected ski areas. Many of these resorts offer more skiable terrain than you’ve ever seen. For a lively après-ski scene, St. Anton, Chamonix, Verbier, and Cervinia are among the great après-ski resorts in Europe.
Header: ©St. Anton am Arlberg
October 05, 2024
