From refined to hedonistic, leisurely to adrenaline-fuelled, the sheer range of ski resorts available to skiers heading to continental Europe this winter is vertigo-inducing. Don’t be intimidated; there’s a place out there that’s perfect for you. Here are a few of the best ski resorts in Europe to discover, all of which offer a snow-sure welcome.
What are the best months for skiing?
Typically, the ski season across Europe runs from late November/early December to mid-April, with January and February being fairly safe options for snow. However, this can of course vary from country to country, and could be changeable from one year to another when factoring in elements such as global warming, which can cause snow shortages during the peak season. Some resorts have even started to store snow during other months of the year to prevent this problem. Make sure to research the snow forecast before booking your trip.
How do I choose between different resorts?
As with planning any holiday, there are endless things to consider and agonise over before taking the plunge and booking your ski trip. With skiing in particular, it's ideal to consider your own skill level and whether a resort will be appropriate for you - perhaps you're an adult first-timer and would find it useful to go somewhere that offers one-to-one adult lessons and beginner slopes. Or you're a large family group with both children and experienced adults, and are looking for a resort that spans all difficulty levels.
Other things to consider include resort location and accessibility, such as travel times and options from airports, as some are, of course, rather remote. The views and beauty of the landscape is also something you'll want to think about, as you will be spending so much of your time outdoors. Skiing is also notoriously expensive, so it's a good idea to weigh up whether you are looking for a luxury resort (France and Switzerland tends to offer some of the priciest destinations) or a more affordable choice (look at Eastern European countries or somewhere like Andorra for skiing trips on a budget). Another top tip for saving money is to ensure to book your lift pass in advance of your holiday.
The best ski resorts in Europe right now
Alta Badia, Italy
No one comes to the Dolomites to set records for the number of kilometres skied. This is la dolce vita in salopettes: lingering lunches at Michelin-star restaurants; soporific views from the cable car of sun-pinkened limestone peaks; glasses of chilled Pinot Bianco on the terrace of mountain-top rifugios. Target Alta Badia, a tranche of four interlinked Italian villages near the Austrian border. The ski pass gives you access to 130km of slopes, augmented by some of Europe’s most advanced snow production. If you can summon the energy, the Sellaronda is a 40km all-day loop around the mesmerising plateau of the Sella massif.
Where to stay: Hotel Cristallo in the village of La Villa (doubles from £212 a night). For ski-in ski-out access, you can't beat Hotel La Majun's location.
Meribel, France
Serious about taking your skiing to the next level? Meribel puts the world’s largest extended ski area, Les Trois Vallées, at your fingertips: 600km of pistes, nearly 60% of which are green and blue runs. Hone your technique then progress to the more testing slopes of Courchevel, Val d’Isère or lofty Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe and more suited to advanced skiers. Meribel has a track record of reliable snow, backed by snow cannons, and plenty of non-ski activities for when the quads start to burn: husky sledding, snowmobiling and the 3.4km Mission Black Forest toboggan run, which drops 470m via 28 giggle-inducing corners.
Where to stay: The charming Chalet Hôtel de L'Adray Télébar (doubles from £312 a night, with dinner) and Le Coucou is the ski-in ski-out alpine outpost of Maisons Pariente.
Zermatt, Switzerland
With the towering, Tobleronic peak of the Matterhorn as a backdrop and a car-free old town that still echoes to the sound of horse-drawn carriages, this is arguably Switzerland’s prettiest resort. Season-round skiing is guaranteed; the 210km of marked pistes rise to a dizzying 3,883m, with plenty of runs above 3,000m. The off-piste is excellent, while intermediates will be itching for a crack at one of the longest red runs in the world: a border-straddling 22km to Cervinia in Italy. Overdone the lunch? The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cableway, opened in July 2023, provides a more sedate alternative.
Where to stay: Splash out and stay at the historic Monte Rosa (doubles from £320 a night).
Verbier, Switzerland
The skiing is as diverse as the A-listers who converge on this well-heeled but rarely ostentatious resort. Verbier is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area, offering some 400km of runs and, beyond, a vast backcountry playground with some of the most exhilarating off-piste skiing in the Alps. So don’t be surprised to see plenty of advanced and pro skiers and snowboarders among the cinematic, pop and actual royalty strolling the pretty streets. Verbier’s ‘Alpine Ibiza’ tag may grate but there’s no doubting the calibre – or the expense – of the après-ski here, with institutions such as Farm Club (opened in 1971) bolstered by newer arrivals like oenophile outpost 67 Pall Mall Verbier.
Where to stay: La Cordée des Alpes (doubles from £208 a night).
Obergurgl, Austria
The snow will certainly be lying deep and crisp and even in Obergurgl, the highest non-glacier resort in Austria. The tranquil Tyrolean village sits at nearly 2,000m, while lifts extend to 3,000m – where the Top Mountain Star panoramic bar is perched like an Austrian Piz Gloria (for those who remember On Her Majesty’s Secret Service). Together with those of its even loftier sister village of Hochgurgl, there are 112km of marked and groomed runs – the majority blue – served by fast, efficient ski lifts. A more traditionally full-bore Austrian après-ski experience is available just down the valley in lively Sölden.
Where to stay: Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl (doubles from £294 a night).
Chamonix, France
There’s always something going on in Europe’s winter-sports capital. A century after hosting the first Winter Olympics, ‘Cham’ is a magnet not just for skiers and snowboarders but also climbers, mountaineers, ultra-runners and paragliders. Plenty more come simply for the awe-inspiring views of the massif that encircles the Alps’ highest peak, Mont-Blanc. The broad appeal extends to the skiing. While the fearless tackle the precipitous blacks of Grand Montets or the fabled Valleé Blanche, others head for the beginner or intermediate segments of its 150km-plus of runs, perhaps followed by a fondue feast in the atmospheric backstreets of the birthplace of alpinism.
Where to stay: La Folie Douce Hotel Chamonix (doubles from £130 a night).
Hemsedal, Norway
Beginners and families are supremely well served by this relaxed resort three hours’ drive northwest of Oslo. Lengthy green and blue runs and wide-open pistes boost confidence. Yet, unusually for Scandinavia, there’s sufficient verticality to cater for more serious skiers, too (the span of 810m is comparable to that of some resorts in the Alps). Floodlit skiing, ice climbing and dog sledding add variety, while 250km of mountain and forest trails await cross-country skiers. Après-ski is fun but restrained: think dancing at 4pm on the sun terrace rather than 4am on the tables.
Where to stay: Skarsnuten is a stylish design hotel with a spa (doubles from £134 a night).
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs lies a short rattle up the mountainside by funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which is served by Eurostar’s weekly ski train from London. This versatile Savoie resort comprises four purpose-built satellite villages, named for their respective altitudes. The two highest, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, are the pick, with easy access to slopes that offer leisurely woodland runs, high-altitude off-piste bowls and everything in between. With its connection by gondola to neighbouring La Plagne and the sprawling Paradiski area, you’ll struggle to ski the same slope twice. DJs and live music are the cornerstones of the exuberant nightlife.
Where to stay: Taj-I Mah is the only five-star hotel in Les Arcs (doubles from £245 a night).
Zell am See, Austria
Just two hours drive from Salzburg, this year round destination is set around the picturesque Lake Zell. The ski resort here offers around 80 miles of slopes, with a fair spread of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs that make this a family friendly destination, with plenty of ski schools available for lessons. Those looking for more of a challenge can take a longer gondola over to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which soars about the town at 3,203 metres. Zell am See is also a wonderful Christmas ski destination, with a Christmas market running from the end of November that is resplendent with festive artisan crafts and local culinary delights.
Where to stay: The Grand Hotel sits on a private peninsula on Lake Zell, providing breathtaking views over the frozen water and up to the ski slopes.
Arosa, Switzerland
The domain of Swiss locals and tourists alike, Arosa's easy reach from Zurich makes it an excellent short stay destination. Nestled in the heart of a national park, the resort offers a wide range of red and blue runs, making it an excellent choice for intermediate skiers. Those who want to branch out from their hotels offering should visit Guterschuppen - an ambient restaurant inside an old train container - and Aifach, a contemporary spot offering a set menu.
Where to stay: 2023 saw the opening of Faern Arosa, a revamped spot ready to welcome guests throughout the year. It's a brisk five minute walk to the nearest chair lift and well placed for exploring the local area.
