Six of the best ski resorts in Europe

Ski resorts that pack a punch! There are many top-notch ski resorts in Europe. The best one for you will depend on your personal preferences, skill level and budget. We’ve picked six of the best ski resorts in Europe. All of them have reliable snow conditions and varied terrain for all levels.

The best ski resorts in Europe

Here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded ski resorts in Europe:

Val d’Isère, France

The resort offers some of the most challenging and varied ski terrain in the world. Expert skiers will find steep descents, mogul fields and off-piste skiing opportunities. Advanced skiers and snowboarders in particular will find plenty of exciting and demanding runs to tackle. It has high-altitude and north-facing slopes. This means that it often receives reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season, making it a great choice for early and late-season skiing. Val d’Isère is a well-developed resort with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and après-ski options. It also has a modern lift systems that provide access to the extensive ski area. Located in the heart of the French Alps, it offers easy access to other nearby ski resorts such as Tignes. The resort hosts a number of high-profile skiing events, such as the Alpine Ski World Cup.

St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton is famous for its extensive ski area, lively nightlife and reliable snow conditions. Part of the Arlberg ski area, this is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in Austria. The resort offers a wide range of ski terrain for all levels. You’ll find everything from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste runs and backcountry terrain. The Arlberg region is known for its excellent snow conditions, with reliable snowfall throughout the winter season. St. Anton’s high elevation and north-facing slopes also contribute to its snow reliability. Famous for its lively après-ski scene, there are a wide range of bars and clubs stay open late into the night. The resort is also home to some excellent restaurants and shopping options. It is steeped in ski tradition, having hosted the first ski club in Austria and being home to some of the country’s most famous ski instructors.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is a popular destination for off-piste skiing and freeriding. It is also a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders looking for a high-end ski holiday. Verbier is part of the 4 Vallées ski area, which is one of the largest ski areas in the world. Skiers will find a wide range of ski terrain for all levels, including some of the most challenging off-piste skiing in the Alps. Verbier is situated in a sunny, south-facing bowl surrounded by high peaks and glaciers. The resort has an excellent snow record, with reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season. Verbier is known for its lively après-ski scene, with a wide range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is also known for its luxury chalets, high-end hotels, and exclusive clientele.

Courchevel, France

Courchevel is known for its luxurious hotels and world-class skiing. It makes up part of the huge Three Valleys ski area. At 600km, this is the largest interconnected ski area in the world. The varied terrain includes steep couloirs, powder bowls and gentle beginner runs. It is known for its excellent off-piste skiing and snowboarding, as well as its well-groomed pistes. The resort’s highest peak, Saulire, sits at 2,740 meters. This means  Courchevel has a long ski season with reliable snow conditions. The resort is known for its high-end accommodations, including luxury hotels, chalets, and apartments. Many of these have ski-in, ski-out access, making it easy for guests to hit the slopes. There is a lively apres-ski scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from. Courchevel is  also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and an extensive ski area with plenty of off-piste skiing opportunities. The Matterhorn provides a stunning backdrop for the resort, and its challenging terrain draws advanced skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Zermatt has a large ski area, with over 360km of runs, including some of the longest runs in the Alps. The ski area is also linked to Cervinia in Italy. Zermatt’s highest lifts reach altitudes of over 3,800 meters making for reliable snow conditions throughout the winter. The resort is a car-free town, which means that visitors must arrive by train or electric taxi. Zermatt is known for its high-end accommodations. Many of these offer stunning views of the Matterhorn and easy access to the ski area. There is a lively apres-ski scene as well as gourmet dining options, with several Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is a classic destination for serious skiers and mountaineers, with plenty of challenging terrain and stunning views of Mont Blanc. You’ll find a wide variety of ski terrain, including gentle beginner slopes, challenging black diamond runs, and off-piste skiing. Chamonix is known for its high altitude, which means the ski season lasts longer and the snow quality usually doesn’t disappoint. The ski area is also situated on the north side of the Alps, which receives more snowfall than the southern side. The town is located just over an hour’s drive from Geneva, Switzerland, and there are regular bus and train services from the city. The lively apres-ski scene features plenty of bars and restaurants. The town has a reputation for being a party destination, with many bars staying open late into the night.