If you've decided you'd like to go on a ski holiday in Europe, and you’re wondering where you’d like to go, the choice of resorts can feel overwhelming!
You need to choose somewhere that guarantees enough snow, provides a decent variety of accommodation and chalets, whilst getting the right mix of skiing, relaxation and partying. Whether you’re a first time skier or a professional, going with family or a group of friends looking for an ‘après-ski’ party, we’ve got 5 of the most highly recommended ski resorts in Europe for you to choose from.
Most reliable
There is nothing more disappointing than heading to a ski resort and finding that there’s not enough snow. European winter weather is something quite unpredictable, so this can be tricky. Val d’Isere, situated in the French alps, however, is well known for being one of the most reliable resorts in Europe for snow cover. With its two glaciers, Val d‘Isere is any skier’s paradise, and has a vast array of cruising pistes which cover almost 25 acres.
Although skiing is the focus of this European ski resort, the Folie Douce will bring you a fantastic après ski experience, so there are plenty of places to play hard too.
Scenic Paradise
All ski resorts are pretty, but Zermatt in Switzerland definitely wins the award for being the most scenic, with stunning views of the famous Matterhorn mountain. What makes it really unique, however, is its ban on cars, meaning you can escape the traffic and pollution and really appreciate the fresh alpine air and quietness.
During the winter months, Zermatt provides 220 miles of slopes, which is enough to ski to Italy if you wanted, as the area is linked to Breuil-Cervinia across the border. Go and get an espresso if you fancy!
Party Madness
For many, selecting a European skiing destination is more about the après-ski parties than the skiing itself. These days, many ski resorts in Europe during the winter months can be as crazy as Ibiza is in the summer!
If you fancy knocking back a load of Jägermeister, while dancing in your ski boots with your fellow skiers, then head to St. Anton, Austria. Due to its well-deserved reputation for after parties, St. Anton usually attracts a younger crowd and has a large variety of bars to choose from, both in the village itself and on the slopes, where music blares over the mountains.
And if you ever manage to actually get your skis on, St. Anton has over 160 miles of slopes, with plenty of variety for beginners, as well as for the more advanced skiers, so you won’t be disappointed.
Largest availibility
Les Trois Vallees in France is one of the largest skiing areas in the world and consists of three different ski resorts: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. It consists of 600 kilometres of piste, 293 runs, two snowboard parks and 185 ski lifts, so if you head in this direction you will definitely not be disappointed by the scope of availability and the lack of queues – perfect!
The largest ski resort is Val Thorens, which offers the biggest variety of accommodation, whilst Courchevel is aimed at the rich and famous and is home to luxurious six-star hotels. All three locations are known for having amazing night life, but they can be more on the pricey side.
If you're looking at visiting Meribel, come and stay in some of our fantastic catered chalets.
Best day trip resort
If it’s only a day trip you are looking for, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is only an hour’s drive from Munich, Germany. The charming town is perfect for day visits, as it’s both very easily accessible and reasonably priced. The train from Munich provides fantastic deals on tickets to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and ski pass prices are also relatively inexpensive, so it’s not a problem if you’d like to return for another day.
Skiers and snowboarders of every ability can count on 15 miles of freshly groomed slopes. But the best thing about Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is that even when the valley is fully submerged in winter fog, the sun still shines brightly, making it a truly unique experience on Germany's highest ski slopes.
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