Best Ski Resorts In Europe & My Experience

If you’ve been here with me for a while, you know that I’m a very passionate skier. I think I generally prefer summer over winter, but as long as the first ski resorts in Europe open every winter, it makes me so excited that I never want the winter to end. There is just something magical about skiing down the slopes with fresh air and the thrill you feel in your legs – can you relate?

I’ve done the work and researched the best ski resorts in Europe, so once you decide to come here, you’ll know you’ve chosen the right one for your vacation. Check them out below and have fun! European ski resorts are truly amazing.

List Of The Best Ski Resorts In Europe

Here is a list of the best European ski resorts and a description of each, so you know why I’ve chosen it and the reasons to visit:

1. Zermatt (Switzerland)
2. Dolomites – Sellaronda (Italy)
3. Verbier – Les 4 Vallées (Switzerland)
4. Les 3 Vallees (France)
5. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)
6. Ischgl/Samnaun (Austria/Switzerland)
7. Kronplatz (Italy)
8. Sölden (Austria)
9. Kitzbühel (Austria)
10. Chamonix (France)
11. Jungfrau Region (Switzerland)
12. Flims/Laax (Switzerland)
13. Ski Arlberg (Austria)

Best Ski Resort In Europe: Map

Here is a map of all the resorts I’ve chosen, so you can visualize it better:

Overview: How To Choose A Swiss Ski Resort To Fit Your Needs?

Before we dive deeper into the resorts, I thought it might be helpful to give you a quick overview of which place fits which type of skier.

So here’s how I’d choose a ski area depending on what you’re looking for:

✅ Best European Ski Resorts For Intermediate/Advanced Skiers

👉 if you’re looking for an extensive resort with many areas and hundreds of slopes + advanced skiing (so you won’t get bored), choose: DOLOMITES, LES 3 VALLEES, ZERMATT & SÖLDEN

✅ Best Ski Resorts In Europe For Families With Kids & Beginners

👉 if you have a family with kids and look for easy slopes with a relaxed vibe, choose: KRONPLATZ, KITZBÜHEL, JUNGFRAU REGION

✅ Best Ski Resorts In Europe For Nightlife/Free-Riding & Apres-Ski

👉 if your target is free-rides, snowboard areas, a lot of fun at apres-ski, choose: FLIMS/LAAX (for free-rides), ZERMATT & VERBIER (for apres-ski & nightlife with a lot of fun)

✅ Great European Ski Resorts For A Ski Day Trip While Exploring

👉 if skiing/snowboarding isn’t your main goal and you’re exploring Europe in winter, yet want to enjoy some skiing on the way, choose: DOLOMITES (Selva di Val Gardena), CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ZERMATT, CHAMONIX, KITZBÜHEL

✅ Top European Ski Resorts For Couples & Honeymooners

👉 if you’re looking for a traditional charm in a cozy mountain hotel/chalet and want to enjoy skiing during the day, choose: DOLOMITES (Sellaronda), ZERMATT, KITZBÜHEL, LES 3 VALLEES, FLIMS

✅ Best Luxury Ski Resorts In Europe

👉 if you’re expecting high-end facilities with a bit of luxury, yet great skiing and many options, go for: SKI ARLBERG, LES 3 VALLEES, CHAMONIX, ST. MORTIZ

✅ Best Ski Resorts In Europe For Non-Skiers & Groups Of Different Interests

👉 if you are looking for an extensive resort with a variety of activities and also great skiing, choose: KITZBÜHEL, CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ZERMATT, JUNGFRAU REGION

1. Zermatt (Switzerland)

Zermatt is in the first spot, on purpose. It’s, in my opinion, the best ski resort in Europe. The vast ski slopes with a variety of difficulties, the ultimate long run from Trockener Steg all the way down to Zermatt, it’s hard to beat.

You can ski in one day from Switzerland to Italy and back, but make sure you’re on time so you don’t get stuck in Italy.

Head up to Rothorn for breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and some of my favorite ski slopes in the area. And it’s great even for non-skiers – there are so many activities from mountain excursions, epic train and cable car rides, iglu village, and a foodie paradise.

So, if you want to have a day off skiing, Zermatt has you covered.

Where To Stay In Zermatt

The best place to stay is Zermatt. I don’t recommend staying in Tasch as you’d waste a lot of time commuting. Zermatt is a lot more magical. These are my favorite hotels in Zermatt:

❄ Alpine Hotel Perren – budget-friendly hotel – book here
❄ 22 Summits Boutique Hotel – mid-range hotel – book here
❄ Nomad by CERVO Mountain Resort – luxury resort – book here

2. Dolomites – Sellaronda (Italy)

If I were to pick 1 ski resort as the best one, it’s the Dolomites, undoubtedly. I’ve skied here over the past 10 years, almost every season. And then I came hiking in the summer, and I fell in love with these mountains so much so that I moved here.

That’s how great it is. Now, I get to enjoy skiing in the Dolomites every week. It’s a dream come true.

The Dolomites have 12 major ski regions, so I’ve decided to pick the best. Sellaronda is a ski route that hits 4 different regions (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa).

You’ll follow different slopes and cable cars and ski around the Sella Massif, and at the end of the day, you’ll arrive at the spot where you started. It’s great for both advanced and intermediate skiers.

If you’re a complete beginner, I would be careful, but if you can ski a bit, you’ll be able to make it.

Where To Stay In The Dolomites

To enjoy the Sellaronda circuit, I suggest staying in Selva di Val Gardena, Passo Sella, or Corvara in Alta Badia.

Check out my full article about where to stay in the Dolomites and find your favorite hotels, or choose from these favorites below:

❄ Boutique Hotel Nives – in Selva di Val Gardena
❄ Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Resort – in Passo Sella (ski-to-door)
❄ Hotel La Perla – in Corvara (Alta Badia)

👉 READ ALSO: Ultimate Europe Winter Itinerary: 2 Weeks By Train

3. Verbier – Les 4 Vallées (Switzerland)

For all the après-ski lovers here, don’t look any further. Come to Verbier. You’ll love the vibe here, it’s great for young people who want to party in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

It’s lively, fun, and full of energy – perfect if you like big mountains, long runs, and that Swiss alpine charm. You’ll enjoy the views across the 4 Vallées, the way the sun hits the peaks, and the feeling of freedom as you carve down endless trails.

Verbier offers a lot. You can enjoy smooth, wide runs in the morning, explore challenging off-piste sections if you’re up for an adventure, and then stop at a cozy mountain hut for a warm lunch with a view that feels like it stretches forever. All 4 valleys are well connected, so you won’t get bored here.

Where To Stay In Verbier

The entire ski resort is called Les 4 Vallees, and the main town is Verbier. Even though there are other base towns in the area like Nendaz (calmer, more family-friendly), Veysonnaz (quiet, traditional mountain feel), and La Tzoumaz (budget-friendly).

But I recommend staying in Verbier, which is the main area accessible to the major ski resort and reflects the vibe of this place:

❄ Ski-in, Chalet-style appt – amazing chalet apartment – book here
❄ Hotel Bristol Verbier – mid-range hotel – book here
❄ W Verbier – luxury hotel – book here

4. Les 3 Vallees (France)

I haven’t been to the 3 valleys in France yet, but I’ve been asking so many of my friends about their favorite ski resorts in Europe, and it’s been the second or third on the list. And those are people who love the same style as me and go skiing regularly.

Just picture skiing in one of the vast ski areas in the world and then being cosy in a French mountain chalet with melted cheese on your plate and a hot chocolate. I mean… If you love long ski days and long runs with a lot of variety, it’s a ski region for you.

The main towns are Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires, and slopes and cable cars all connect them well. If you love après-ski and a bit more lively vibe, choose Val Thorens. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, stay in Méribel.

Where To Stay In Les 3 Vallees

I suggest staying in Méribel and Courchevel, as they’re the most traditional/charming town and a great base for exploring all 3 valleys. Other places to stay are Courchevel (great for luxury, ski-to-door hotels), Les Menuires (budget and family-friendly), and Val Thorens (high-altitude slopes).

Here are the hotels I suggest for your stay:

❄ Hôtel l’Hélios – in Méribel (ski-to-door)
❄ Chalet l’écureuil – in Méribel
❄ Hôtel La Sivolière – in Courchevel (ski-to-door)
❄ Snow Lodge Hotel Courchevel 1850 – in Courchevel (ski-to-door)

👉 READ ALSO: Is It Worth Visiting Europe In Winter? Full Guide

5. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)

Returning to the Dolomites, Cortina is another great ski resort to check out. I love it because there are so many ski slopes, and you can choose where to spend your time. You can ski around the trenches of WWI, or down Tofana, where the Olympics were held.

For the most amazing experience, head up to Lagazuoi, have lunch there, and then ski down to Passo Falzarego. Or even sleep at the rifugio and enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Cortina is also easily accessible from Venice; it’s a nice mountain town full of great hotels to relax after your ski day.

Where To Stay In Cortina d’Ampezzo

Here are the best hotels to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo:

❄ Hotel de Len – in Cortina
❄ Hotel Tofana Cortina (ski-to-door) – in Pocol
❄ Dolomiti Lodge Alverà – approx. 15-minute drive from Cortina
❄ Faloria Mountain Spa Resort – approx. 15-minute drive from Cortina

6. Ischgl/Samnaun (Austria/Switzerland)

Ischgl and Samnaun are other amazing resorts at the border between Austria and Switzerland. Ischgl is the Austrian part, and Samnuan is the Swiss part. So you can easily cross borders multiple times in a single day.

It’s a great resort for advanced skiers, but beginners will also find their slopes here. I loved how wide the slopes were here, and the way you can feel both cultures together as you ski around is another level.

Where To Stay In Ischgl/Samnaun

You can either stay in Ischgl or Samnaun. Ischgl (Austrian side) is a bit bigger and more budget-friendly, with more facilities. Samnuan (Swiss side) is more luxurious and has more of the traditional alpine charm (it’s also higher in the mountains, so it feels cosier).

Here are the hotels I recommend for you:

❄ Hotel Palin – in Ischgl (ski-to-door)
❄ Schlosshotel Ischgl 5-Sterne Superior – in Ischgl (ski-to-door)
❄ Das Homann – in Samnuan (ski-to-door)
❄ Alpinlodge & Spa – in Samnuan

👉 READ ALSO: 23 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Winter

7. Kronplatz (Italy)

Kronplatz is one of my favorite ski resorts in the Dolomites. I used to come here as a kid with my dad, and he left me skiing alone here at 6 years old while he enjoyed some time with his friends. I was terrified at first, but after I reached the cable car, I skied alone there and never wanted to leave. It’s still so magical nowadays.

What’s great about Kronplatz is that it offers a variety of slopes. It’s great for beginners and families with kids. But there are also red and black slopes for advanced skiers.

My favorite part is especially having aperitivo on the top of Plan de Corones in a mountain hut and watching sunrise, before skiing down the most difficult slope – Hernegg, Silvester, or Olang. There is nobody on the slopes at that time, and I just love the thrill.

Where To Stay In Kronplatz

The main areas to stay around Kronplatz to enjoy the best possible ski holidays are Bruneck, Santo Stefano, and Olang (on the slopes). These are my favorite hotels I suggest for you:

❄ Hotel Winkler Sport & Spa Resort – in Santo Stefano
❄ Majestic – Unique Spa Resort (ski-to-door) – below the talstation near Bruneck
❄ Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus – Olang Valdaora on the slopes
❄ Bärenhotel (ski-to-door) – Olang Valdaora on the slopes – love this hotel

✅ NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Check out Safety Wings: Cheap & Flexible Insurance For Travelers

8. Sölden (Austria)

Sölden is one of those places that completely shifts your energy the moment you step onto the slopes. It feels big, bold, and exciting – like the mountains are truly alive.

I’m amazed by how quickly you can reach the glaciers. One moment you’re winding through playful forest runs, and the next you’re up at Rettenbach or Tiefenbach, surrounded by pure white silence and those huge panoramic views that stretch across the Ötztal Alps.

What I love most about Sölden is the variety it offers in a single day. You can chase long, fast glacier runs in the morning, stop at a cozy hut for a warm lunch, and then explore the lower slopes when the light gets soft.

The ski area is so well connected that you feel like you’re flowing through different little worlds without ever taking off your skis.

Where To Stay In Sölden

Best place is just to stay in Sölden village. Here are the hotels I recommend:

❄ Alpengasthof Grüner – (ski-to-door)
❄ Hotel Elisabeth Superior Sölden – (ski-to-door)
❄ Almhof – (ski-to-door)
❄ Hotel Valentin – (ski-to-door)

9. Kitzbühel (Austria)

Kitzbühel is the kind of ski resort that feels both elegant and cozy from the moment you arrive. The slopes are long, gentle sections mixed with fun, steeper stretches that keep the day exciting. And then there’s the famous Streif… even just standing near it gives you goosebumps, knowing it’s one of the most legendary downhill runs in the world.

What I love most about Kitzbühel is that it’s not just about skiing – it’s the atmosphere. The old town is so charming, full of colorful buildings, little cafés, and a relaxed kind of luxury that makes you feel like you’re on a real alpine getaway.

And the ski area itself is huge, with so many lifts and runs that you can explore all day without ever repeating the same slope unless you want to.

Where To Stay In Kitzbühel

These are the hotels I recommend in Kitzbühel:

❄ Spa, Sport & City Luxury – ski-to-door
❄ Rasmushof – Hotel Kitzbühel – ski-to-door
❄ ERIKA Boutiquehotel Kitzbühel

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Austria Road Trip: 7, 10, 14 Days In Austria

10. Chamonix (France)

Chamonix is one of those places where you instantly feel the power of the mountains. It’s dramatic, wild, and a little mysterious – the kind of ski resort that makes you stop and look around every few minutes because the scenery is just unreal.

You’re skiing right at the foot of Mont Blanc, and you can actually feel that massive glacier energy all around you.

What I love most about Chamonix is how different each area feels. One morning, you’re carving wide, sunny slopes with soft views over the valley, and the next, you’re tackling something steeper and more adventurous if you’re in the mood for a challenge.

It has 5 ski areas, so you won’t get bored here, and it’s perfect for all types of skiers.

Where To Stay In Chamonix

Here are the hotels in Chamonix I suggest:

❄ Chalet-Hôtel Hermitage
❄ Apartment Periades
❄ Lykke Hôtel & Spa Chamonix
❄ Langley Hotel Gustavia

11. Jungfrau Region (Switzerland)

I’ve also included the Jungfrau region, because I think it’s one of the most underrated ski regions in Switzerland. It offers so much, and the fact that you can ski between 2 valleys and across 3 different mountains, it’s so great.

I suggest staying in Grindelwald and then enjoying the skiing around. Head to Grindelwald First or Männlichen, especially if you’re family with kids, and enjoy amazing ski runs from the top of Eigergletscher as an advanced skier.

For more challenge, go up to Schilthorn and ski on one of the steepest slopes in the world – this run is my favorite. Before or after, enjoy a brunch on the top of Piz Gloria in a revolving restaurant. I don’t know what is better, whether the food or the views.

Where To Stay In The Jungfrau Region

I recommend staying in Grindewald. It has the nicest charm and hotels, and you can easily get from there to the majority of the slopes. There is also a lot more to do than in the other towns. Wengen is also great, if you don’t mind being a bit isolated in the mountains. It’s great for a romantic getaway, and those of you looking for quiet.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in Lauterbrunnen, because it’s small, there isn’t much to do and see (although it’s beautiful on its own), and the other towns are more lively.

Here are my favorite hotels in the area:

❄ Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel– in Grindelwald – book here
❄ Boutique Hotel Glacier – in Grindelwald – book here
❄ Braunbär Hotel & Spa– in Wengen – book here
❄ Hotel Silberhorn – in Lauterbrunnen – book here

12. Flims/Laax (Switzerland)

Flims/Laax is great for free riders and snowboarders. There is a great snowpark to enjoy and test a few tricks. I found this ski resort not as great as the others in Switzerland, but the slopes were of high quality.

There aren’t as many ski slopes, so you can easily get bored as an advanced skier, but for the few there are, they do a great job.

I especially loved the one from the top of La Siala to Flims. It’s a great ski resort if you want to have some fun on the slopes with your friends, or if you’re a couple and want to ski in the morning and then relax in some of the amazing luxury wellness hotels in Flims after.

Where To Stay In Flims/Laax

I suggest staying in Flims at one of these 2 resorts. I just feel it has a nicer vibe and charm, and it’s a nice village to walk around in with more facilities than Laax. These are my favorite hotels:

❄ Edelweiss Flora Sura – apartment – book here
❄ Hotel Adula– mid-range hotel – book here
❄ Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof & Spa Flims– luxury hotel – book here

13. Ski Arlberg (Austria)

Ski Arlberg is one of those ski areas that feels endless in the best possible way. My favorite part is that you can easily move among the main towns: St. Anton, St. Christoph, Zürs, and Lech. They’re all connected by beautiful slopes that seem to go on forever.

There’s something magical about starting your morning in one valley and ending your day somewhere completely different, all without ever taking off your skis.

Ski Arlberg has a lot of variety. It’s a ski area that gives you this wonderful feeling of freedom – like there’s always another hidden corner to discover.

Where To Stay In Ski Arlberg

To ski in Arlberg, you can base yourself in 4 different towns: St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, and St. Christoph.

St. Anton is the main town, great to explore it all. Lech and Zürs are higher in the mountains, upscale with luxury hotels, great for relaxing and unwinding. And St. Christoph is between these 2 luxury towns.

I suggest staying either in St. Anton or Lech in the following hotels:

❄ Quality Hosts Arlberg – Hotel ANTON – ski-to-door
❄ Das Bergschlössl – very special – ski-to-door
❄ Hotel Garni Schneider – ski-to-door
❄ Pfefferkorn’s Hotel – ski-to-door
❄ Hotel Kristberg in Lech

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions for you. Check out my answers below:

What Is Considered The Best Ski Resort In Europe?

The Dolomites are the best ski resort in Europe. It’s the largest ski area in Europe and the world, offering 12 ski regions, a variety of slopes for beginners to advanced skiers, amazing hospitality, including hotels, delicious Italian and South Tyrolean cuisine, and stunning views. You’ll love it there.

What Is The #1 Ski Resort In The World?

The Dolomites are the best ski resort in the world. It’s the largest one, offering so much, from the best ski slopes to long-day ski routes you can enjoy, and everything else in between.

Where Do Billionaires Ski In Europe?

St. Moritz, Zermatt, Verbier, Samnaun/Ischgl, and 3 Vallees are the main ski resorts for billionaires in Europe.

Are There Any Luxury Ski Resorts In Europe?

Yes, there are many luxury ski resorts in Europe. Some of the most famous are St. Moritz, Andermatt, Verbier, Chamonix & 3 Vallees, and Samnaun/Ischgl.

What Is The Biggest Ski Resort In Europe?

The Dolomites are the largest ski resort in Europe, spanning 12 regions. They’re located in northern Italy, and skiing here is just a whole other level. I highly recommend visiting.

Is Skiing In Europe Cheaper Than In The USA?

Yes, skiing in Europe is significantly cheaper than in the USA. A day ski pass in Europe costs, on average, $80, while in the USA, prices are over $200 per day.

Where Do Rich People Go In Winter In Europe?

Most rich people enjoy luxury hotels in Swiss resorts such as St. Moritz, Verbier, and Andermatt, or in the French Alps, such as Chamonix and 3 Vallees.

What Is The Most Expensive Country To Ski In Europe?

Switzerland is the most expensive country to ski in Europe. The ski pass isn’t necessarily more expensive than in other European countries (though it’s a bit more), but the biggest price difference is in accommodation and food.

WRAP-UP: Best Ski Resorts In Europe

These are the best ski resorts in Europe for your holidays. I love returning to these resorts and keep exploring new ones, so I can advise you in detail what you’d like and create customized ski itineraries for you. Skiing in Europe is my favorite winter activity, and I’m sure you’ll love the resorts here.

If you need help planning your trip to Europe, I also plan customized travel itineraries for my clients. Write me an email at info(at)voicesoftravel.com, and we can discuss the details. Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat with me and I’ll help you plan in real time.

Enjoy skiing!