Skiing in Europe

The best places to ski in Europe offer you the chance to experience reliable snow, modern facilities, and slopes that suit every level of skill. You can begin your Eruope trip in Switzerland's Zermatt, where you can ski at high altitudes and enjoy runs that stay open throughout the year. You can train on long trails in France's Val d’Isère, which is known for professional ski schools and efficient lifts. 

In Austria, you can test your stamina on the steep slopes of St. Anton and stay in traditional alpine lodges, which are close to the pistes. You can also explore Italy's Cortina d’Ampezzo, where you can ski across the Dolomites to enjoy easy access to nearby mountain towns of San Candido and Auronzo di Cadore.

If you prefer calm surroundings, you can visit Levi in Finland and ski under the Northern Lights. You can try advanced runs in Switzerland's Andermatt, or relax in the thermal spas of Italy's Bormio, after a day on the snow. Each of these resorts is known for strong safety measures, reliable transport, and comfortable stays close to the lifts. So, pack your winter gear, plan your route, and get set to experience the finest ski slopes of Europe this season.

Here are some of the best places to to ski in Europe:

1. St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz in Switzerland offers one of the best skiing in Europe because of its high altitude, reliable snow, and extensive slopes, which are suitable for all levels. Here, you can enjoy excellent on-piste and off-piste skiing in well-maintained areas while enjoying stays in world-class hotels like Badrutt's Palace and Kulm Hotel. 

You can dine at top restaurants, including the new Amaru, which features Peruvian dishes like the flavourful ceviche and Pisco Sour. You can attend exclusive events such as the Snow Polo World Cup, White Turf horse racing, and an ice car show on the frozen lake, and add entertainment beyond skiing. You can explore local art galleries, visit the Segantini Museum, shop at chic boutiques and explore luxury offerings.

2. Courchevel, France

Courchevel in France is considered one of the top skiing areas in Europe because it is part of the largest ski area, the Three Valleys, which offers over 372 miles of interconnected slopes suitable for all levels. Here, you can enjoy excellent skiing across six villages and use 46 lifts to access a wide range of terrain. The resort provides exceptional snowfall, and Courchevel 1850 retains snow even in April, which ensures a long season. 

You can take children to the dedicated Children’s Village, where over seven acres of beginner-friendly terrain help young skiers progress easily. You can explore over 100 upscale boutiques, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and stay in luxury accommodations like Aman Le Mélézen or Cheval Blanc Courchevel with ski-in/ski-out access beyond skiing. The resort also hosts cultural and social events, which allow you to enjoy shopping, dining, and local traditions alongside winter sports.

3. Avoriaz 1800, France

Avoriaz 1800 in France is one of the top ski destinations in Europe as it has an extensive terrain, which appeals to skiers of all skill levels. Perched 1800 metres above the Morzine Valley, it was created in 1966 by three young architects who used natural materials and passive heating to build an eco-focused resort. 

Here, you can ski directly from your doorstep across the vast Portes du Soleil area, which is known for reliable snow and 7.5 metres of annual snowfall. The resort’s architecture, built from red cedar and natural materials, merges into the mountains of the Chablais Alps while offering ski-in ski-out access. 

You can explore snow parks, enjoy sledging or ice skating, and take scenic rides through the car-free village by horse-drawn sleigh. Families can visit Aquariaz, an indoor tropical water park, while après-ski spots serve hearty Savoyard food.

4. Zermatt in Switzerland

Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the best ski towns in Europe because it offers extensive slopes across four major ski areas. These slope runs reach over 10,000 feet, which ensure reliable snow for a long season. You can ski from beginner to expert trails on well-maintained pistes, and snap pictures with the Matterhorn providing a stunning backdrop. 

Zermatt is car-free, and horse-drawn sleighs provide local transport while the village combines traditional charm with modern lifts and après-ski options. You can stop at restaurants like Chez Vrony for local cuisine or enjoy a glass of champagne at the Sunnega run bar. 

Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, which connects Zermatt and Cervinia, giving access to cross-border skiing. Moreover, luxury hotels such as Mont Cervin Palace, Schweizerhof Zermatt, and CERVO Mountain Resort offer excellent stays, spa facilities, and slope-side convenience.

5. Selva, Italy

In Italy’s Dolomites, the Sella Ronda is one of the best ski trips in Europe, which covers about 40 kilometres of slopes around the Sella massif. This circuit crosses four high mountain passes of Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Pordoi Pass, San Pellegrino and Campolongo Pass, which link four Ladin valleys. 

You can ski continuously through these routes without removing your skis, passing traditional villages and the famous Hidden Valley, where horses tow skiers. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site formed from ancient coral reefs, which glows pink during sunrise and sunset. 

Through Selva in Val Gardena, you can get direct access to the circuit and nearby towns like Ortisei, which makes it ideal for combining long ski runs and authentic Italian food.

6. Borovets, Bulgaria

Surrounded by the Pirin mountains, Bulgaria's Borovets is the cheapest place to ski in Europe because it offers excellent value for both beginners and casual skiers. Here, lift passes, food, accommodation and ski gear rentals are a lot cheaper compared to Western Europe, yet the facilities are modern and reliable. It is located just an hour from Sofia and provides easy access for short ski trips. 

This resort has 58 kilometres of well-groomed slopes and a 12-kilometre run through dense pine forests, which gives you a full skiing experience at a fraction of the cost. Borovets also has good ski schools like Musala Rubies and Ollie Moly, which make it ideal for first-timers. Also, after skiing, you can enjoy hearty Bulgarian meals and local music in traditional taverns, which creates an authentic and affordable winter escape.

7. Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Crans-Montana in Switzerland has a modern lift system, which appeals to freestyle skiers and snowboarders. It has transformed into an action sports and youth culture hub, but was once well-known for its high-end boutiques and gourmet dining. In this resort, you can enjoy around 150 kilometres of slopes with excellent snow conditions and modern lifts. 

Here, the Alaïa Parks by Tudor, which is the largest snowpark in Western Switzerland, spans 100,000 square metres and hosts major freestyle events like Red Bull’s The Nines. 

Off the slopes, the Alaïa Chalet and Alaïa Bay provide you with trampolines, skate ramps, and even a surf pool, which keeps the energy alive year-round. In the town, colourful murals from the Vision Art Festival also add to its creative vibe, which makes it one of the most dynamic ski mountains in Europe.

8. St Anton, Austria

St Anton in Austria is one of the best ski towns in Europe because it combines challenging slopes with a vast terrain, which is suitable for all skill levels. This resort is part of the Ski Arlberg area, which offers over 300 kilometres of marked runs and modern lifts that connect multiple villages. If you are a beginner, you can take lessons at well-regarded ski schools here, while advanced skiers can ski along steep off-piste routes and long descents. 

You can enjoy high-quality dining on the slopes at gourmet restaurants like Verwallstube by trying local dishes like Kaiserschmarren pancakes. The resort is also famous for après-sk, which in French means 'after ski', with lively bars such as MooserWirt and Sennhütte where you can gather after a day on the mountain.

9. Chamonix, France

France's Chamonix is one of the top ski destinations in Europe as it sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering access to some of the most challenging and wide ski terrain in the Alps. This resort has over 150 kilometres of slopes, which are suitable for all levels, with off-piste routes attracting expert skiers from around the world. 

You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to reach high-altitude runs and admire the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps from above. The town also offers top ski schools for beginners and intermediate skiers. 

You can enjoy après-ski at local bars and dine in high-quality restaurants like Albert 1er, which offer fine French food items. However, if you are a non-skier, you can visit museums like Musée des Cristaux (Crystal Museum) and take guided cultural tours to see global crystals.

10. Andermatt, Switzerland

Andermatt is one of the best ski stations in Europe as it offers a wide range of terrain, which is suitable for all skill levels. Here at Gemsstock, you can ski through steep, challenging runs for advanced skiers, or the easier slopes of Nätschen and Sedrun for cruising and practice. 

At the interconnected ski areas, you can explore new routes every day without repeating runs. Take the Matterhorn Gotthard railway, which is included in the ski ticket and provides easy access across the slopes while ensuring smooth transitions between mountains. 

In this station, you can use modern lifts and well-maintained pistes, which make skiing efficient and enjoyable. With reliable snow, high-altitude runs, and diverse terrain that range from free-riding zones to gentle family slopes, Andermatt delivers you a complete winter sports experience.