For anyone who skis or snowboards, you’ve got from December to early May to fit a trip (or two) in. Ready to discover where the best ski resorts in Europe are?
Skiing is a great pastime. The adrenaline rush is amazing and the après-ski is world-famous in its own right – especially in Europe. And if you haven’t hit the slopes before, there’s no better time to start than now.
Need some inspiration? Here are 14 amazing European ski areas that all enjoy great snow, stunning hotels and have something unique to offer.
1. Kitzbühel, Austria
Lifesport Hotel Hechenmoos
5 minutes from the Hahnenkamm Ski Area
8.6 (507 reviews)
Kitzbühel is huge, with 54 cable cars connecting its many challenging pistes. Off piste, 77 square miles of adventurous backcountry skiing is a thrill seeker’s paradise. For those looking to learn or perfect their technique, Rote Teufel (The Red Devils) is the perhaps most famous ski school on Earth.
2. Mayrhofen, Austria
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: Seven consecutive days from €441,50 (£380) in peak season.
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Innsbruck and then get a train, taxi or bus to Mayrhofen.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to April.
- Where to stay: Apart-Garni Alpevita is a short walk from the centre of Mayrhofen.
- Top tip: If you’re planning on renting ski equipment, book it well in advance as it can get incredibly busy.
Mayrhofen in Austria has one of the world’s top snowboard parks. Rated as Europe’s best, Burton Park has huge table-top jumps that attract the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding. And so, too, do Mayrhofen’s legendary après-ski bars which are lively (to put it mildly) every night of the week.
The bold can also test their mettle on Austria’s steepest groomed slope. Harakiri Piste is named after the Japanese ritual of suicide by Samurai sword – that name should tell you all you need to know. If that sounds a bit much, ditch the skis and join the crowds to watch thrill-seekers take on the 78% gradient slopes.
3. Chamonix, France
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: The Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass is €487 (£420) for seven days.
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Geneva and then get a shuttle bus from the airport (approximately 75 mins). The train takes between three and four hours.
- ❄️ Usual season: Mid December to mid April.
- Where to stay: Boutique Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré is minutes from the best skiing and has stunning Mont Blanc views.
- Top tip: Chamonix’s ski area covers France, Italy and Switzerland. Ski all of them in a day and dine in a different country for each meal!
Chamonix in France is one of Europe’s highest resorts, so the snow is incredibly consistent here all season long. Its 106 miles of piste are the perfect canvas to enjoy it on, with runs of every type and for every ability. Once mastered, you can dip a ski into some of Europe’s most famous off-piste terrain.
With so much off-piste territory to explore, you’ll find more ski guides than anywhere else on Earth. Chamonix is also home to France’s most lively après-ski environment (it was practically invented here). Why not share a drink with some of the world’s craziest extreme skiers who live here each winter?
4. Les Arcs, France
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A seven-day Paradiski ski pass covering the entire region costs €467 (£403).
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Geneva and then hire a car and drive to the three or so hours to Les Arcs.
- ❄️ Usual season: Mid December to mid April.
- Where to stay: Altezza Arc 1800 is a stunning, family-friendly base ideal for beginners.
- Top tip: Many of the novice skier lifts are free. Do your research in advance to see if it’s really worth buying a ski pass.
Les Arcs in the Paradiski ski area is one of the best ski resorts in Europe for newbies to the sport, with Arc 1800 being a dedicated beginner’s area. On some sections of the mountain, you don’t even need a ski pass – you can simply use the chairlift and go at your own pace.
For those ready to take the next step, Les Arcs offers easy intermediate runs that aren’t a big step up from the beginner slopes. They’re very wide and not particularly steep compared to many French resorts.
After something more challenging? The full Paradiski ski pass covers around 265 miles of slopes including 40+ designated red runs and 17 black runs. Plenty to get your adrenaline fix from then.
5. Courchevel, France
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A six-day ski pass costs €374 (£323).
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Geneva or Lyon and hire a car for the scenic two-hour drive. Grenoble Airport is a similar distance to Courchevel but is served by fewer flights and airports from the UK.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to mid April.
- Where to stay: White 1921 Courchevel is sleek, stylish and enjoys a prime location with views directly over the slopes.
- Top tip: The Aquamotion centre (free with various ski passes) below Moriond is brilliant for families, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and even a surfing wave to transport you from mountain to ocean.
The largest resort in the huge Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) ski region, Courchevel offers six distinct areas and more than 90 miles of slopes. Some 20 green runs and 40 blues are connected by lots of buses, gondolas and chairlifts, so it’s a great family ski resort for all levels. There’s also a dedicated area adapted for skiers with disabilities.
Families should head for Courchevel 1850, named for its elevation in metres, and Moriond, as they have the best access to nursery slopes. The Bellecote green run and drag lift at 1850 is an ideal one to progress to, as is the Belvedere green.
Also, look out for the beginner ski areas listed on the piste maps, such as Roys, Le Praz and La Tania.
6. Val Gardena, Italy
Hotel Garni Aghel
A minute’s walk from cable cars at Dantercepies ski resort
9.8 (122 reviews)
While Selva di Val Gardena is surrounded by slopes, it also acts as a gateway to the Sella Ronda. It’s worth venturing there for a trip around the Sella Massif: a full day’s excursion by skis or board that passes over and through 16 miles of slopes, four valleys and three provinces.
The locals are lovely and accommodating, and the hotels only rivalled by the quality of bars and restaurants for some après-ski indulgence.
7. Białka Tatrzańska, Poland
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A seven-day high-season TatrySki Pass covers several ski resorts in the region – across Poland and Slovakia – for 970,000 PLN (£196).
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Krakow and grab a cheap hire car for the 90-minute journey into the mountains.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to April.
- Where to stay: Hotel Zawrat – Blisko Natury is a resort and spa set right next to the Kaniówka ski slope.
- Top tip: After a day of skiing, relax in the Terma Bania where you’ll find indoor and outdoor thermal pools with water temperatures from 34 to 38°C.
The Białka Tatrzańska ski resort, found in the High Tatra Mountains, consistently ranks as the best of the Polish ski resorts. Winter sports fans especially appreciate its fantastic infrastructure and amazing downhill conditions.
While largely unknown in the UK, these slopes aren’t a secret in Europe and are popular during high season. That’s in no small part thanks to the incredible prices – you’ll struggle to find anywhere to ski in Europe more cheaply.
There are fewer than 10 miles of routes to choose from, which means slopes get crowded. When it’s full, take the opportunity to try out the several miles of cross country runs for a more serene skiing experience.
8. Jasna, Slovakia
Hotel Tri Studnicky
Near the slopes
9.2 (544 reviews)
9. Bansko, Bulgaria
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A six-day pass costs 635 BGN (£280).
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly into Sofia and take a shuttle transfer or taxi to Bansko which takes around three hours. You could also hire a car but make sure you get a 4WD to tackle those snowy mountain roads.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to mid April.
- Where to stay: Saint George Palace Aparthotel is stylish, hip and within walking distance of the gondola.
- Top tip: Bankso is one of the most affordable places to learn to ski in Europe, with classes costing around £150 for six days of group tuition.
If you’re keen to keep your ski holiday cheap, Bansko is a brilliant option. It’s Bulgaria’s largest ski resort and perfect for newbies thanks to its wide selection of easy blue runs.
It also has two great ski roads. The longest begins at the highest gondola station and takes you all the way back into the town. If you don’t fancy strapping on your skis after a few drinks at the bar, you can always hop on the gondola instead.
There’s lots to keep you busy if you need a break from skiing, too. Think sledding, snowshoeing and trips to nearby thermal pools – 100% recommended after a day on the slopes. Plus, you’ll find some of the cheapest apres-ski in Europe – less than £3 for a pint of local beer.
10. Gudauri, Georgia
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: From 340 GEL (£94) for a six-day pass.
- ✈️ How to get there: Fly to Tbilisi then hire a car for the scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive up into the mountains.
- ❄️ Usual season: Mid December to end April.
- Where to stay: Hotel Alpina is a ski-in-and-out dream set high on the slopes with a great breakfast to fuel you up for the day ahead.
- Top tip: A day trip to Kazbegi National Park is an absolute must to admire its breathtaking landscapes. Think fabulous valleys, canyons, waterfalls and hot springs.
Georgia may not be as close or convenient as many ski resorts in Europe, but it’s worth the effort. Head to the Gudauri ski resort on Mt. Kazbek, Georgia’s third-highest mountain summiting at a whopping 16,581 feet (5,054 metres).
One of the highest and most pristine resorts of the Caucasus Mountains, it boasts more than 50 miles of excellent and relatively uncrowded runs and a growing freeride scene. It’s also very affordable with the cheapest ski pass in Europe coming in at around £15 a day for a six-day pass. Incredible value.
11. Livigno, Italy
Bio Hotel Villa Cecilia
Sustainable, eco-friendly, and just 100 feet from the nearest ski lift.
9.1 (324 reviews)
It may be known as Little Tibet for its remote location close to the Swiss border, yet it is definitively Italian. Great for families who love to explore nature, snow sports fans who love to indulge in après ski, and anyone who loves to eat well. I recommend trying a Bombardino (Italy’s answer to hot eggnog) and the local pasta, pizzoccheri, made from buckwheat flour.
12. Innsbruck, Austria
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A seven-day SKI plus CITY pass costs €392 (£338) and covers 12 ski resorts, transport between them and entrance to several city attractions.
- ✈️ How to get here: You can fly direct to Innsbruck with lots airlines from around the UK.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to mid April.
- Where to stay: Hotel Innsbruck is centrally located, has a great spa and even better rooftop terrace for sundowners with an incredible view.
- Top tip: Visit the Bergisel ski jump hill for an amazing view of where the pros have previously competed in the Ski Jumping World Cup.
The capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, Innsbruck is a lively university town with a serious winter sports heritage having hosted the Winter Olympics on several occasions.
Easy access from city to slopes is what places Innsbruck high among the best ski resorts in Europe. No fewer than 12 ski resorts are easily accessible via a free shuttle. Nine of them make up the Olympia SkiWorld, a connected area comprising nearly 200 miles of pistes.
Among them, the family-friendly Patscherkofel. With 11 miles of pistes it was the main site of the 1964 and 1976 Olympics. There’s also the sunny Patscher plateau where freestylers can practice their tricks in the snow park at an altitude of 6,233 feet (1,900 metres).
13. Zermatt, Switzerland
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A six-day international ski pass covering Zermatt and Cervinia in Italy costs from CHF 424 (£391).
- ✈️ How to get here: Fly to Geneva or Zürich and take the three-hour train to Visp for the connecting mountain line directly into Zermatt.
- ❄️ Usual season: December to mid April.
- Where to stay: Alpenlodge is located up a hill so prepare for the walk, but its stunning Matterhorn views are worth every step.
- Top tip: Zermatt is car free, so if you’re driving a car you’ll need to leave it at Visp. There’s parking at the train station. If you can, take the train all the way – it’s one of the most scenic and stunning rail journeys in the world.
A paradise in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn with glacier skiing and stunning alpine scenery describes Zermatt perfectly. Without doubt it’s one of the best family ski resorts in Europe. Pistes to suit all abilities and an efficient network of lifts connecting 125 miles of runs that extend into neighbouring Italy.
Boutiques and chocolate shops line cobbled streets in the beautiful centre, with varied après ski suited to all ages. Indoor and outdoor activities are as abundant as they are varied, with lots of high octane and more relaxing activities available.
14. Tignes, France
- 🏂 Adult ski pass: A six-day ski pass covering Tignes and Val d’Isère costs €384 (£331).
- ✈️ How to get here: Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble and hire a car – all are just under three hours from Tignes.
- ❄️ Usual season: Late November to early May.
- Where to stay: Cosy, rustic Hôtel Le Refuge is one of Tigne’s oldest buildings and brilliantly located – just cross the road to the lifts accessing both sides of the resort.
- Top tip: Intermediate and expert skiers hankering to go off piste should pay attention to the north-facing slopes, which hold snow longer after a snowfall. Look for untracked lines on runs like the back side of the Aiguille Percée after a powder dump.
The resort of Tignes consists of five distinctly different villages. Le Lac is the central hub and a great option for young families with easy access to the main lift system and gorgeous views across the lake.
Party lovers enjoy the best nightlife at Val Claret, while Le Lavachet offers more peaceful evenings. Down at 1850m is the peaceful Les Boisses and lower still at 1550m you’ll find classic alpine charm at Les Brévières.
The Grand Motte glacier is huge, allowing you to ski for at a greater height and for longer, making this a great option for a ski resort. Whatever your skill level you will find the right slope for you.
FAQs about the best ski resorts in Europe
There are so many brilliant European ski resorts to choose from – and all of them offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. If you’re after somewhere that caters well to beginners, try Les Arcs. For those wanting to try off-piste skiing, Kitzbühel is hard to beat.
European ski resorts don’t typically come cheap – especially if you factor in ski passes and the cost of food and drink. Livigno is a great option for an affordable ski trip to the Alps, with lovely, affordable food and après ski. For the cheapest resorts though, look east towards Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia and Georgia. The resorts and runs may not be as developed and polished, but light crowds and low prices more than make up for it.
For the best chance of snow, choose a resort that sits at high altitude. Chamonix and Livigno are two of the the highest ski destinations in Europe, so you’re sure to get snow from early December onward. Otherwise, look to resorts based around glaciers like Engelberg in Switzerland, which gets snow into late April and even early May.
The best ski resorts in Europe for families mix wide-ranging facilities with great ski schools and reasonable prices. Lech in Austria is famed as a draw for the rich and famous, but the Arlberg ski area is a vast playground of accessible runs, ski schools – and under eights ski for free.
Thanks to their mountainside locations, Alpine architecture and regular snow cover, most European ski resorts are beautiful by default. But you’d be hard pushed to find one more stunning than Zermatt in Switzerland. Accessible only by train with no cars, it’s a picture perfect ski town dominated by the iconic, impassive silhouette of the mighty Matterhorn.
