The Best Ski Resorts in Europe

For the avid skiing enthusiast, finding the best ski resorts in Europe can be a challenge. Luckily, you’ll find a plethora of ski resorts to satisfy a wide range of skill sets and accommodations. The beautiful Alps stretching across many parts of Europe will provide gorgeous views, slopes, and memories you won’t ever forget. Whether you’re looking to visit France, Italy, or even Switzerland, you’ll be sure to find a resort that’s right for you. In this article, you’ll read more details on some of the best ski resorts in Europe, including the beautiful mountain ranges they reside on.

Let’s have a look at some of the best ski resorts in Europe:

Zermatt, Switzerland

Lying at the foot of the Matterhorn peak like a jewel, Zermatt is an iconic resort with over 220 miles of skiable area of enchanting beauty and grandeur. Some of the peaks are more than 10,000 feet high, which means that snow is not limited within the winter season. This stunning Alpine village has got plenty of facilities like a state-of-the-art lift system and après-ski diversions.

Zermatt is known as one of Europe’s highest ski resorts. It is situated at a mind-boggling altitude of approximately 3,900 meters. 

This epic resort is great for experts and newbies alike. All you have to do is to fly to Geneva or Zurich airport and catch a train or a helicopter to this magnificent village. You will find luxurious accommodation and dining here. Naturally, all these amenities come at a price, so Zermatt can be quite expensive.

St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria

Located in the Tyrolean Alps, St.Anton is an Austrian village situated right in the heart of the Arlberg region, which is known as the “cradle of alpine skiing”. Crowned as Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, it consists of 190 miles of marked slopes and 124 miles of off-piste runs. It is a paradise for experienced skiers thanks to its world-class steep trails. The 88 cable cars and lifts make sure that you don’t have to wait despite the crowds that gather due to the popularity of this gem.

Over a dozen expert ski runs can be found at the St. Anton resort, and the most difficult with the longest slope is the Valluga-St. Anton route, which is 10-kilometers. Ski enthusiasts come for the 200 kilometers of heavy snow runs, multiple runs for many types of skiers, and over 1,000 meters of elevation. Everyone who arrives will appreciate the convenience of riding the Galzigbahn cable car immediately from the hamlet up into the ski resort’s center, making traffic a non-issue.

St. Anton is not just a place to ski, it is a must-go for wine lovers and food sensualists as well. With a collection of 2,900 bottles of Bordeaux, Hospizalm is a heaven for oenophiles. 

The approach is not tricky at all, you can land at the St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport just a 1.5-hour drive away from St. Anton. 

Chamonix, France 

This marvelous ski resort is located in the majestic French Alps of Mont Blanc. Considered by many as the best freeride resort in the world, Chamonix is divided into 5 major locations linked by bus. This area holds the honor of holding the first winter Olympics in 1924. Equipped with the highest cable car in Western Europe, the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix also has the world’s largest and oldest guiding organization.

Despite the reputation of its extreme terrain, Chamonix provides ample room for families and beginner skiers and snowboarders. Descending into the heart of Mont-Blanc Massif through the legendary 12-mile glacier Vallée Blanche is an experience of a lifetime. 

The easiest approach to Chamonix is through Geneva Airport which is just over an hour’s drive away.

Cortina D’ampezzo

Located in the valley of the Boîte river, Cortina D’ampezzo is a thousand years old Italian town. It hosted the Winter Olympics of 1956 and is again going to host the event in 1926. This marvelous resort is surrounded by towering Dolomites. It is linked to Dolomiti Superski which is a cluster of 12 ski areas operating under one pass. 

A famous resort for its Olympic heritage, Cortina d’Ampezzo is considered the Queen of the Dolomites in Italy. Although the ski resort area is known for its history with the sport, Cortina’s sophisticated environment is enhanced by gorgeous architecture, various luxury dining experiences, and wonderful boutiques with a wide range of beautiful items to explore. Cortina’s 120km of local slopes are divided into many ski areas and are part of the famous 1,200km Dolomiti Superski.

Cortina D’ampezzo is ornated with 50-miles of cross-country trails with some of the best views of the Dolomites. The black trails here are groomed perfectly and are just stunning to look at. 

Cortina also offers exquisite dining with its lavish restaurants and hotels. The area is just 2-hour drive away from Venice Marco Polo Airport. 

St. Moritz, Switzerland 

Heralded as the oldest winter holiday resort in the world, St. Moritz has a class of its own. It is loaded with 155 km of slopes and 8 km of ski routes. St. Moritz is an exclusive and premium holiday resort where the sun shines almost throughout the year. 

With 150 years of history with ski sports, St. Mortiz will provide one of the best ski trips you’ll ever have. The area’s closest mountain is Corviglia and is well known for its high elevation, sunny days, and the resort’s luxurious amenities. In addition, the nearest airport is just fifteen minutes away from the resort, and the region features an astonishing 87 pistes, all of which meet World Cup grade requirements.

Despite being a bit on the expensive side, people from all over the world flock to this place because it is worth it. It is a perfect spot for pro skiers and noobs alike. It also offers some of the finest restaurants you can find on a resort. 

You can reach St. Mortiz by road from Engadin Airport which is just 15 minutes away. The other option is to hop on a train that goes through scenic terrain.

Courchevel, France

Widely known as a loved, family-friendly resort, the Courchevel in France provides accessibility to Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski region, with 600 km of slopes, more than 140 red-black, and 180 green-blue slopes.

This allows skiers of all skill sets to enjoy the gorgeous view Courchevel has to offer. You’ll also discover many different luxurious Michelin-star restaurants and luxurious accommodations the whole family can enjoy.

Wengen, Switzerland

If you’re seeking out a more casual stay for your ski trip, the Wengen in Switzerland is a lovely community in one of the most magnificently gorgeous locations of the Swiss Alps. Here you’ll find the infamous Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, three of the most renowned Alps peaks.

After a long day on the mountain, indulge yourself in the ski resort’s high-quality spas for quality relaxation.

Final words

No matter which slopes you decide to visit next, there are many ski resorts to choose from throughout Europe that provide an endless list of beautiful slopes and accommodations. Not only will you create a lifetime of enriched memories through the natural beauty and local culture, but you can also find luxury and relaxation that you’ve never experienced before.