One of the best things about winter is the snow and the chance to hit the slopes for some skiing. We’re really lucky to have some fantastic ski spots across Europe, especially in the Alps, which are absolutely worth checking out.
Back in places like London, and throughout the UK, we don’t get much snow that sticks around, turning into slush pretty quickly. But thankfully, the Alps are just a short flight away, offering some of the best ski resorts in Europe you shouldn’t miss.
Stretching across eight countries—Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland—the Alps are the tallest mountain range in Europe. They’re a sight to behold, and there’s an impressive array of ski resorts scattered across these countries. I wanted to share some of my top picks with you because there’s just so much variety. Whether you’re into skiing, après-ski, or even festivals, you’ll find something awesome.
Here are some of the top European ski resorts in the Alps you should visit this year. Enjoy!
Tignes, in the Savoie region of the French Alps, is known for its lengthy nine-month ski season. But it’s not just about the long season—it’s a fantastic place to hit the slopes. When you’re there, make sure to ski up high and even cross over to Val D’Isere. After some time on the slopes, head to Le Panoramic for incredible views from over 3000 meters up. Tignes also has some amazing chalets to stay in; the Black Diamond property we stayed at was incredible, featuring even an actual plane cockpit inside!
Val D’Isere is home to many major ski events, like the ski world cups held in December. Right next to Tignes, it’s easy to combine a visit to both places. You can ski between them and just grab a taxi back. We stayed at Hip Hideouts, which was super luxurious and even included our own chef! Val D’Isere boasts consistent snow, making it a top European ski resort.
Val Thorens, nestled in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, is one of the biggest and top European ski resorts. Its massive size means that you won’t feel crowded on the slopes, which is a big plus. It can get busy during holidays, but otherwise, you’ll find fewer crowds compared to other Alpine resorts.
At the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers not just great skiing, but a lively town atmosphere, too. There’s plenty to do if you want a break from the slopes, like ice climbing, husky sledging, or visiting the charming Jazz club, La Maison des Artistes.
In the Italian Alps, La Thuile is the place to go for heliskiing. It’s one of the best spots for a thrilling ski experience, with over 150 kilometers of runs. Plus, it’s Italy, so you’re in for some delicious food!
Livigno in the Italian Alps is perfect if you’re looking for lots of après-ski fun. It’s also known for being one of the more budget-friendly resorts in the region, making it a great choice for a ski trip that won’t break the bank.
St Moritz has a reputation as one of Europe’s best and most established ski resorts. Although prices can be a bit higher here, its history, being an Olympic host and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes it very special. With breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and perfect snow, it’s definitely worth it!
In Austria, Mayrhofen is a fantastic ski destination, with plenty of slopes and more. If you love music, visit during the Snowbombing festival for an amazing experience. And don’t miss out on local delicacies like the delicious pancakes at Schihütte Schneekar!
Lastly, Zermatt in Switzerland is a must-visit, with the iconic Matterhorn as a stunning backdrop. After skiing, find a unique place to stay—we chose an Igloo under the Matterhorn, which was an unforgettable experience!
