Is there anything as glamorous and exciting as a skiing holiday? We think not. To make sure your time on the slopes is as fantastic as possible, we’ve got the best ski resorts in Europe lined up for you all on one page!
Courcheval, France
Size: 600km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 13-201 cm (2015-2016)
Courcheval is a part of the Trois Vallées ski domain which spans 600km, meaning it is situated in the largest interconnected ski area in the world. This is a very famous ski place, having hosted celebrities such as Prince William and Victoria Beckham. The famous Mont Blanc offers incredible views over the area and snow is guaranteed from December to the end of April.
Méribel, France
Size: 600km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 3-203cm (2015-2016)
A favorite with stars like Emma Watson, Méribel is one of the best ski places in Europe. Like Courcheval, this resort is a part of the Trois Vallées ski domain. It’s full of Alpine charm with wooden chalets and weekly street markets.
Zermatt, Switzerland and Italy
Size: 360km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 3-239cm (2015-2016)
Zermatt packs several punches: it’s the highest resort in Europe, it has slopes in Switzerland and Italy, and is host to the towering Matterhorn mountain. Zermatt is also renowned for its wining and dining scene with over 60 eateries providing live music and five-star menus. It also scores on the charm factor as a traditional, car-free village.
Banqueira Beret, Spain
Size: 156km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 9-220cm (2015-2016)
This Spanish skiing resort has long been a secret but it’s fit for royalty with the Spanish royals making frequent use of its slopes. Nestled in the Pyrenees, it’s got good pistes, especially for intermediate skiers.
Alpe d’Huez, France
Size: 250km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 10-300cm (2015-2016)
This is one of the best ski resorts for beginners in Europe thanks to the uncluttered slopes and high number of beginner pistes. From the summit of Pic Blanc, you can see an incredible one-fifth of France, making Alpe d’Huez one of the best places to ski in France!
Åre, Sweden
Size: 500km
Level: Easy to Difficult
Snowfall: 3-85cm (2015-2016)
Åre is Sweden’s best and most famous skiing resort, having hosted the Skiing World Cup in 2007. In addition to the chic, relaxed atmosphere, there’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights!
Cortina, Italy
Size: 120km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 2-175cm (2015-2016)
Thanks to its quiet slopes, Cortina is a fabulous destination for first time skiers. The Dolomites make for spectacular scenery and there’s plenty to do after your day skiing! This is a great option for skiing in Italy.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Size: 70km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall:0-124cm (2015-2016)
Although relatively small when compared with other European ski domains, Bansko offers good-value, budget skiing in Europe. The area is also rich in history with numerous archaeological sites.
Val Thorens, France
Size: 600km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 31-386cm (2015-2016)
Val Thorens is one of the best ski resorts in Europe as it has a high altitude (2300m), meaning better snowfall! For this reason, it’s popular with skiers visiting later in the season. It’s situated in the 600km Trois Vallées ski domain.
Verbier, Switzerland
Size: 410km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 5-246cm (2015-2016)
Verbier is a favourite with the famous, such as Richard Branson. Its popularity does mean that it gets rather busy and so is better suited to the more experienced, including professional skiers who train here.
St Moritz, Switzerland
Size: 350km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 0-116km (2015-2016)
St Moritz has been described as “Switzerland’s original winter wonderland” and it’s no wonder why. The village has hosted four Skiing World Championships and is the historic heart of Swiss skiing, having installed the country’s first electric tram and established its first skiing school. It remains popular with famous guests like George Clooney and Kate Moss.
Geilo, Norway
Size: 220km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 11-70cm (2015-2016)
With reliable snowfall till late April, Geilo offers great skiing. It’s a family-orientated resort with easy runs and a host of outdoor activities, including dog-sled rides.
Gastein, Austria
Size: 208km
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Snowfall: 7-138cm (2015-2016)
Gastein offers good skiing with guaranteed snow from late November to April; what makes it special is its ski and spa packages. It offers a host of treatments, some of which take place in rooms overlooking the slopes! It’s also family friendly with a spa made to excite children!
St Anton, Austria
Size: 305km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 0-230cm (2015-2016)
With its challenging slopes and high number of skiers, St Anton is one for the more advanced skiers! It’s a great ski domain in Austria, though, that offers bustling nightlife, too.
Livigno, Italy
Size: 115km
Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Snowfall: 0-136cm (2015-2016)
Livigno not only offers a longer skiing season, stretching till May, but is also one of the cheapest skiing destinations in Europe.
We hope that this list helps you to choose which of Europe’s best ski domains you’ll be visiting!