Europe Ski Resorts

Europe Ski Resorts
Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Greg Burke

Endless skiing between multiple resorts within massive ski areas, jaw-dropping views, vibrant culture, and most notably, the all-day après scene; skiing in Europe will be like nothing else you’ve ever experienced.

Skiing in Europe

Pros
  • Extensive ski areas for endless skiing on world-class terrain and spectacular views of the Alps
  • Can sometimes be cheaper than skiing in the US
  • Cross-border ski areas mean you can ski into another country
Cons
    Pros
      Cons
      • Some large ski areas can be difficult to navigate
      • There are no in-bounds off-piste areas, unlike the US
      • Above the tree-line terrain is common and can be exposed to bad weather

      Map of Europe Ski Resorts

      List of Destination Ski Resorts in Europe

      Deciding where to ski in Europe is no easy task – the skiing, scenery, snow, and culture vary hugely by region and resort! The best skiing is often within the somewhat confusingly large ski areas with multiple resorts and kilometres of lift-linked slopes. To help you out, we’ve teamed up with our local experts including Leo and Heather to pick out the best ski resort to base at.

      Courchevel

      Ski the largest lift-linked ski area in the world!

      Known for: Part of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world. Consisting of 3 Vallées, and another four unique luxury villages.

      Preferred Airports:

      Chambéry Airport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Geneva Airport - 88 miles (2.5 hour drive)

      Google Maps | Courchevel Ski Packages

      Taking first place on our list, it's Zermatt!

      Known for: The iconic Matterhorn scenery as a backdrop to the massive ski area.

      Preferred Airports:

      Geneva Airport - 142 miles (2.5 hour drive)

      Zurich Airport - 160 miles (3.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 12791 feet

      Skiable Area: 394 acre

      Google Maps | Zermatt Ski Packages

      Enjoy great snow all season long at Val d’Isère

      Known for: World class slopes for intermediates and experts, almost universally at high altitude.

      Preferred Airports:

      Chambéry Airport - 90 miles (2 hour drive)

      Geneva Airport - 110 miles (3 hour drive)

      Google Maps | Val-d'Isere Ski Packages

      Advanced and expert skiers you don't want to miss on Chamonix

      Known for: Famous mountain town with a lively apres scene and legendary off-piste.

      Preferred Airports: Geneva Airport - 63 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 10744 feet

      Skiable Area: 762 acre

      Google Maps | Chamonix Mont-Blanc Ski Packages

      Cortina d'Ampezzo

      Convenient slope-side lodging (Photo credit: Cortina d'Ampezzo)

      Known for: Sophisticated alpine town boasting exquisite piste skiing and gourmet on-mountain dining.

      Preferred Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport - 91 miles (2 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 9593 feet

      Skiable Area: 120 acre

      Google Maps | Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Packages

      Ski Arlberg is Austria's biggest lift-linked ski area

      Known for: Powder and partying in the snowiest corner of the Alps in Ski Arlberg

      Preferred Airports:

      Zurich Airport - 123 miles (2.5 hour drive)

      St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport - 64 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 9222 feet

      Skiable Area: 1102 acre

      Google Maps | St Anton Ski Packages

      Enjoy the incredible views from the top of Mont Fort or ride down if you dare

      Known for: Its status as a freeride mecca thanks to its intense terrain.

      Preferred Airports: Geneva Airport - 100 miles (2 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 10925 feet

      Skiable Area: 400 acre

      Google Maps | Verbier Ski Packages

      Skiing throughout Les Arcs is easy with a few key lifts to take you from one end to the other

      Known for: High altitiude village and interconnected with La Plagne to form an enormous ski area.

      Preferred Airports:

      Chambéry Airport - 85 miles (2 hour drive)

      Geneva Airport - 105 miles (2.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 10584 feet

      Skiable Area: 1280 acre

      Google Maps | Les Arcs Ski Packages

      Explore the Skicircus from Saalbach Hinterglemm

      Known for: Attractive village with Europe’s flashiest lift system.

      Preferred Airport: Salzburg Airport - 55 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6876 feet

      Skiable Area: 1010 acre

      Google Maps | Saalbach Hinterglemm Ski Packages

      Good lift links to the rest of Portes du Soleil makes Avoriaz an ideal choice

      Known for: Being one of France's snowiest resorts, great for families and friends.

      Preferred Airport: Geneva Airport - 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 8091 feet

      Skiable Area: 470 acre

      Google Maps | Avoriaz Ski Packages