Skiing in Europe. Where to Go?
Norway, the Pyrenees, or the Alps? Going skiing in Europe and not sure which to choose? With good reason. Europe is a mecca for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts and there’s many ski resorts to choose from. If you’re looking for an alpine environment, though, not much can beat the Alps.
The Alps. A Rundown.
- The French Alps: Sophisticated, luxurious and among the priciest ski resorts in the world.
- The Swiss Alps: The birthplace of modern alpine ski destinations, offering both luxurious and casual spots.
- The Italian Alps: Traditional Italian architecture and food combined with awesome slopes.
- The Austrian Alps: Great terrain and amazing après-ski offers.
What are the Best Ski Resorts in Europe?
The best ski resorts in Europe are in the Alps. Whether you prefer the French or Italian Alps, you can find the best ski resorts along this 750 miles (1,200 km) long mountain range.
Looking at the ski terrain, many of the ski resorts in the Alps cater to both beginners and experienced skiers, offering an exhilarating terrain for skiers and riders.
If you’re considering transportation, cost, après-ski, and the overall package, then there are many differences between the upscale French resorts of Courchevel and the party scene at Austrian getaway resorts like Ischgl.
That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best ski resorts in Europe in this guide to give you an overview of the specs, terrain, costs, and transportation.
Our List of the 9 Best Ski Resorts Across Europe.
In our guide to the nine best ski resorts in Europe, we’re giving you an overview based on the following parameters:
- Base elevation: This is the lowest point of the ski resort, namely where the lodging and dining facilities are located. This is the starting point of any alpine adventure.
- Vertical drop: This indicates the potential of descent and the challenge of the terrain.
- Annual snowfall.
- Skiable pistes: The size of the skiable terrain.
- Ski level: The rundown of runs at each ski resort. Europeans operate from the following color scheme, which differs slightly from the American version: Green (beginner), Blue (intermediate), Red (advanced), and Black (expert) runs.
Verbier, Switzerland.
Base elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500 m)
Vertical drop: 6,003 feet (1,830 m)
Annual snowfall: 187 inches (475 cm)
Skiable pistes: 256 miles (412 km)
Ski level: 22% beginner, 50% intermediate, 28% advanced runs.
The off-piste destination in Europe with lift-accessed and ungroomed terrain. You get panoramic views of the iconic Matterhorn and Mont Blanc from the top of Mont Fort, the highest peak at the Verbier ski resort. It’s a super charming chalet village with high-end accommodations.
Terrain Breakdown.
Verbier is most suitable for advanced and expert skiers, having many ungroomed runs that require technique and skill.
Travel.
The closest airport to Verbier is Geneva (GVA). From there, you can take a train to Le Châble and finally a gondola before you arrive at Verbier.
US Pass hook.
Epic Pass holders receive five consecutive days of access to the Verbier 4 Vallées ski area.
Value for Money.
As with most Swiss ski resorts, the cost of on- and off-mountain activities at Verbier is at the higher end of the spectrum. Verbier offers lively après-ski opportunities, and the dining and accommodation is expensive, although magnificent.
Zermatt, Switzerland.
Base elevation: 5,314 feet (1,620 m)
Vertical drop: 7,477 feet (2,279 m)
Annual snowfall: 150 inches (385 cm)
Skiable pistes: 224 miles (360 km)
Ski level: 30% beginner, 44% intermediate, 26% advanced runs.
Zermatt is known for the iconic Matterhorn that you can spot from the village. The village itself is luxurious and historic, having catered to snow adventurers for decades. Notably, it’s also a car-free village, making the atmosphere very quiet and safe.
Terrain Breakdown.
You find the highest lift-served point in Europe at Zermatt, and the ski resort offers the greatest opportunities for glacier skiing and cruising at high altitude. Sitting on the Italian border, you can easily ski into Italy as well, catered by frequent lift infrastructure.
Travel.
The closest airport to Zermatt is Zürich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA), where you must take (and enjoy) a scenic 4-hour train journey to the final destination.
US Pass hook.
Ikon Pass holders get access to the Zermatt ski area (Ikon Base Pass: 5 days, Ikon Pass: 7 days).
Value for Money.
Zermatt is a very expensive resort village, as a result of the high costs of Swiss living and the lively and sometimes rowdy après-ski offer and crowd.
Take the Journey to Zermatt.
Does Zermatt sound like something to you? You and Axel Hackel both. The two-time X Games medalist loves the vibes, the locals, the coffee shack at the bottom of the slope – and even in September the slopes were a joy. His Ramverk backpacks served him on the slopes as well – and the Ramverk luggage were the perfect companion on the journey.
Read the full postcard from Zermatt
Val Thorens, France.
Base elevation: 7,545 feet (2,300 m)
Vertical drop: 3,051 feet (930 m)
Annual snowfall: 257 inches (653 cm)
Skiable pistes: 372 miles (600 km)
Ski level: 14% beginner, 42% intermediate, 44% advanced runs.
Located in Savoie, France, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest village base at 7,545 feet. This makes snow guaranteed in both early and late seasons. Additionally, the resort is known for its amazing ski-in and ski-out possibilities. Val Thorens is part of Les Trois Vallées ski area in France which connects it with Méribel and Courchevel.
Terrain Breakdown.
The terrain is characterized by cruising on ungroomed slopes and high altitudes. Val Thorens is perfect for intermediate skiers who got some of the basic technique and experience with runs above the treeline.
Travel.
The closest airport to Val Thorens is Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS), where you take a train or bus for 3 hours to get to the ski resort.
US Pass hook.
If you hold an Epic Pass, you can access Les Trois Vallées for seven consecutive days.
Value for Money.
If you buy a lift pass at Val Thorens you get access to the entire Trois Vallées area, which is a pretty sweet deal. The modern village is also a famous party spot, if you are looking for an equally nice après-ski offer.
St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Base elevation: 6,004 feet (1,830 m)
Vertical drop: 4,337 feet (1,322 m)
Annual snowfall: 108 inches (275 cm)
Skiable pistes: 217 miles (350 km)
Ski level: 27% beginner, 51% intermediate, 22% advanced runs.
St. Moritz is the birthplace of modern Alpine winter tourism. The ski resort is known for its luxurious environment, affluent residents and visitors, and «champagne climate», meaning the dry air and sunny forecasts.
Terrain Breakdown.
The St. Moritz terrain is intermediate, having a bunch of groomed slopes.
Travel.
You can easily access St. Moritz from Zürich (ZRH) or Milan (MXP) airport, in combination with a 3,5 hours train transfer.
US Pass hook.
Ikon Pass holders get access to St. Moritz (Ikon Base Pass: 5 days, Ikon Pass: 7 days).
Value for Money.
The clientele pushes the prices up, which naturally impacts the local atmosphere as well. If we were to sum it all up in three words, we would say that St. Moritz is chic, elegant, and refined.
Courchevel, France.
Base elevation: 3,600 feet (1,100 m)
Vertical drop: 5,370 feet (1,638 m)
Annual snowfall: 157 inches (399 cm)
Skiable pistes: 372 miles (600 km)
Ski level: 15% beginner, 51% intermediate, 34% advanced runs.
Sticking to the flashy side of the spectrum, Courchevel is perhaps the most luxurious ski resort on this list. Also a part of Les Trois Vallées, it’s known for its blue and red runs, scenic views, and amazing snow.
Terrain Breakdown.
There are a bunch of opportunities for beginner and intermediate skiers as the terrain consists mostly of wide and gentle slopes.
Travel.
Fly into Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS), transfer for 3 hours, and then you reach the ski resort. Keep in mind that Courchevel is spread across five villages, making inter-village transfer an essential part of the trip.
US Pass hook.
If you hold an Epic Pass, you can access the entire Les Trois Vallées for seven consecutive days.
Value for Money.
Courchevel is expensive. There’s no two ways about it. However, if you dream of the French Alps and want to experience it on steroids, you should definitely book the trip.
Ischgl, Austria.
Base elevation: 4,517 feet (1,377 m)
Vertical drop: 4,904 feet (1,495 m)
Annual snowfall: 214 inches (543 cm)
Skiable pistes: 148 miles (239 km)
Ski level: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced runs.
Located in the Paznaun Valley, near Tyrol, this picturesque Austrian ski resort is one of the best alpine destinations in the Austrian Alps. Ischgl offers modern facilities, including a high-speed lift system, making it practical to travel to and within. Ignoring the high altitude and the snow guarantee, the party scene is unmatched.
Terrain Breakdown.
At Ischgl, you can cruise along wide runs and get high speeds on the mountain. The terrain is perfect for intermediate skiers as a majority of the runs are well-groomed.
Travel.
The closest airports are Innsbruck (INN) or Munich (MUC). If you choose the former, there’s a 1.5-hour transfer before you arrive at Ischgl.
US Pass hook.
Ikon Pass holders get access to Ischgl (Ikon Base Pass: 5 days, Ikon Pass: 7 days).
Value for Money.
The value for money is excellent. It’s famous for its après-ski scene, offering music, drinks, and high energy. If this is high on your list of criteria, we would definitely recommend going.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Base elevation: 4,015 feet (1,224 m)
Vertical drop: 5,794 feet (1,766 m)
Annual snowfall: 126 inches (320 cm)
Skiable pistes: 75 miles (120 km)
Ski level: 39% beginner, 52% intermediate, 9% advanced runs.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a natural beauty that sits on the spires of the Dolomites, a mind-blowingly mountainous terrain. Choose this ski resort if you want a unique experience, Italian cuisine, and fantastic slopes for intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Terrain Breakdown.
The terrain is ideal for moderate skiing, having a majority of blue and red runs with pistes.
Travel.
Fly to Venice (VCE) or Innsbruck (INN) and do a 2 hours transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
US Pass hook.
Epic Pass holders get 7 days access to the Dolomiti Superski ski area.
Value for Money.
Though it’s more lowkey compared to its French or Swiss counterparts, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fashionable ski resort. This drives the prices up, but at the same time you can enjoy gourmet food and chilled vibes.
Val d’Isère, France.
Base elevation: 6,070 feet (1,850 m)
Vertical drop: 5,269 feet (1,606 m)
Annual snowfall: 228 inches (581 cm)
Skiable pistes: 186 miles (300 km)
Ski level: 21% beginner, 38% intermediate, 41% advanced runs.
Val d’Isère sits in Tarentaise Valley, on high altitudes. The Tignes-Val d’Isère (formerly Espace Killy) ski area is typical alpine terrain that offers challenging and fun skiing experiences.
Terrain Breakdown.
Val d’Isère is built for advanced and expert skiers, having a majority of black runs due to the steep off-piste nature of the area. That being said, there are family and beginner zones at the resort.
Travel.
The nearest airports are Geneva (GVA) or Chambéry (CMF). If you travel to the former, there’s a 3,5 hours transfer to get to Val d’Isère.
US Pass hook.
The Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area is not affiliated with Epic or Ikon.
Value for Money.
The village life is vibrant and lively, however, much more pared down compared to the party scene at many Austrian ski resorts. It’s still pricey, but less flashy compared to Courchevel.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Base elevation: 5,085 feet (1,550 m)
Vertical drop: 3,379 feet (1,030 m)
Annual snowfall: 127 inches (324 cm)
Skiable pistes: 93 miles (150 km)
Ski level: 48% beginner, 39% intermediate, 13% advanced runs.
Nestled in the Dolomites, in the Trentino region, Madonna di Campiglio is one of the largest ski resorts in the Italian Alps. It’s a traditional Italian village with modern lift infrastructure and huge freestyle areas, catering to both the classic Alpine adventurer and families.
Terrain Breakdown.
The terrain is predominantly beginner- and family-friendly. If you’re a mixed-ability group, perhaps of different ages and skill levels, then Madonna di Campiglio is the perfect choice for you.
Travel.
The closest airports are Verona (VRN) or Milan (BGY), where you also need to factor in a 2.5-hour transfer time.
US Pass hook.
Epic Pass holders get 7 days access to all Skirama Dolomiti ski resorts.
Value for Money.
Compared to Zermatt or Courchevel, there are much more reasonable prices at this ski resort. Of course, the wining and dining is excellent, as you would expect from this Northern Italian region. An important note on the après-ski offer: This is much more a chilled late-afternoon hangout rather than a place for rowdy parties. If you want something laidback, this is perfect for you.
Choose the Right Ski Resorts for Your Level.
Traveling with the fam? We’ve got you covered on where you should go – read our list and get our tips here.
Explore Ski Resorts in the U.S.
Are you staying in the U.S. and want to find equally – or better – skiing and snowboarding destinations? Get inspired for the journey by checking out our list of the best ski resorts in the U.S.
Your Questions Answered.
European Ski Resorts.
Which ski resorts give the all-around best experience?
If you’re looking for a well-rounded choice, we recommend that you visit Les Trois Vallées. This French ski area consists of the villages and ski resorts Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. There’s runs for every ski level and excellent après-ski possibilities. Zermatt, set at the foot of the Matterhorn in Switzerland, is another great option.
Which European ski resort is most luxurious?
The most luxurious ski resorts in Europe are Courchevel (France) and St. Mortiz (Switzerland).
What ski resort has the best après-ski offer?
For nightlife and a guaranteed party vibe, you better choose one of the Austrian hubspots like St. Anton or Ischgl.
