BY - Will Davis , 27 September 2024 - VIEW ALL ARTICLES
Deciding where to go skiing in Europe is like the sport itself. There are so many options and each ski resort has different pros and cons. Where is the best ski resort in Europe for you?
We’ve spent decades in the Alps – we’ve skied the pistes, queued for the lifts, visited the bars and restaurants. We know the resorts inside out, so let us help you choose the best ski resort for your group.
Of course choosing a ‘best resort’ is subjective and depends on what sort of thing you are looking for. What works best for one group is not the right choice for another group. Are you looking to spend a week in a winter wonderland with your kids? Somewhere easy to access for a shorter ski trip? Are you a speed demon that wants to cover as many miles as possible? Do you prefer a resort with as much to do off the slopes as on them? Or an electric après ski atmosphere?
It’s not been easy, but we’ve chosen our top resorts for different types of group with different priorities.
So put away your piste map collection and see our top picks.
Choosing our favourite three ski resorts in terms of the actual skiing was a tough one. There are so many ski resorts with such fantastic skiing, but for us, these are the 3 places we want to return to the most to ski.
They are not just the largest 3 ski areas. Size is important naturally, but it’s more about quality than quantity. The finest restaurants are not the ones with the biggest portions after all.
Each of these resorts has diverse and exciting ski runs and many off-piste opportunities. And each still has a ski area large enough you’d struggle to ski it all in a week. Here are the best ski resorts in Europe for skiing:
To get the best skiing, you have to go a little further into the Alps. If ever there was a place worth spending a few hours longer in an airport transfer to, it’s Val d’Isere. The town sits amongst some of the best skiing found anywhere. The mountain views are amazing, and skiing down those mountains is one of the purest forms of joy you will experience. Val d’Isere highlights include:
– It is renowned for its vast, world-class ski area that links with Tignes – offering some of the most diverse mountain terrain; a true paradise for established skiers.
– The resort is altitude is 1850m and lifts go up to 3450m. This high altitude provides some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps, making it a popular choice, especially at the beginning and the end of the season.
– The modern, efficient lift system minimises queues, even during peak times, allowing swift access to the mountains.
– Off the slopes, Val d’Isère has plenty going on, with a good range of shops and events.
– The lively après-ski scene is legendary, and includes the world-famous Folie Douce bar up on the mountain, or Cocoricos in town.
– The resort also features top-tier dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants and beloved mountain eateries.
Val d’Isere will be the perfect ski resort for your group if you want an all-round amazing experience.
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The ski area of Zermatt actually extends over the border into Italy so technically this is 2 different resorts that share the same ski area. Zermatt in Switzerland is on one side of the Matterhorn, and Cervinia in Italy is on the other. This area is blessed with some serious altitude and so it is easy to ski all day above 2500 metres. With the altitude comes cold temperatures and as such is one of the most reliable ski areas for good snow conditions. There is even a glacier so some of the ski runs are open all year round.
The ski runs are long, wide and varied and skiers have the added drama of the ever-present, iconic Matterhorn. Zermatt is a larger resort than Cervinia, but both have plenty of charm, albeit in a different style. Here are some of the highlights:
– Zermatt offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn making it a top choice for skiers and non-skiers alike, with a charming mix of old-world architecture and modern luxury.
– Cervinia, on the Italian side of the mountain border, has equally brilliant views of the iconic Matterhorn peak (which the Italians call Cervino).
– The ski area is vast, extending from the Zermatt Ski Paradise in Switzerland into the Cervino Ski Paradise in Italy with a fantastic selection of long wide pistes.
– The high altitude ski area gives reliable snow conditions, and is a great option for early or late season skiing.
– Both Zermatt and Cervinia have many superb gourmet mountain restaurants, boasting some of the best dining experiences in the Alps, both on the slopes and in the villages.
– Zermatt is a car-free resort, with plenty of electro-taxis to get about.
These towns have glamour when other resorts can have clamour. The après ski atmosphere is more refined than some of the busier resorts. This makes Zermatt or Cervinia the ideal ski resorts in Europe if you want fantastic, high altitude skiing, with a sophisticated vibe.
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The Dolomites, in Italy, is an entire area rather than a specific resort and there are numerous villages dotted around the region. Many of the villages are connected with a network of ski runs in a huge circular route known as the Sella Ronda. The Dolomites are not like anywhere else. Here’s why:
– The Dolomites has stunningly beautiful scenery – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic peaks, vertical cliffs, and unique rock formations. You’ll want to take a photo every few seconds, but it’s a place that demands your full attention.
– With over 1,200km of pistes in the Dolomiti Superski area, the Dolomites are a paradise for skiers of all levels. It’s so large that you can feel like an explorer mapping the area for the first time.
– The Sella Ronda is the most well known part of the area, a 40km circuit that glides through four passes and overlooks five pretty Italian mountain villages.
– It’s favoured by foodies for its excellent cuisine and a plethora of fantastic restaurants, including some superb Michelin-starred options, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional alpine dishes.
– The area’s historical focus on health and wellness makes the Dolomites perfect for relaxation.
– The Dolomites has a culture of its own, being a unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences.
If you want to feel like an explorer on a mission to chart mysterious, beautiful landscapes and take stunning photos, this is the best ski destination in Europe for you.
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Going on a family ski holiday in Europe is all about your kids. You are introducing them to a magical world of snow and sport that will build their confidence and character. It’s important to travel to the right resort, so you all have the best possible experience. The best ski resort for families must have:
– Plenty of easy ski runs, suitable for beginners to learn to ski safely.
– Convenient layout and good infrastructure, to make getting around simple and stress-free.
– Family-friendly activities and events off the slopes.
– Short transfer times, because even big kids can get grumpy after a few hours.
These 3 resorts tick all those boxes and offer a lot more beyond that.
Les Gets in France is a fantastic choice for parents looking to pass on their passion for skiing to the next generation. If you’ve never been yourself, you’re in for as much of a treat as your kids. Our favourite things about Les Gets are:
– Gentle slopes, so you can ski back to town, even as a beginner skier.
– Calm village atmosphere, with a family-friendly, fun après ski energy.
– The shortest transfer time possible, just over an hour from Geneva airport.
– Huge 600km Portes du Soleil ski area, so there’s something for all ability levels.
– Plenty of unique activities, such as the magical Alta Lumina night walk.
– Convenient layout for easy logistics.
All this makes Les Gets the best ski resort in Europe for most families. If your family is unsure where to go, pulling this one out of the bag will win you big parenting points.
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As your kids grow older, childcare becomes less important. While larger ski areas, higher mountains and a broader choice of restaurants/bars become more appealing. You get all of that with Meribel. Our favourite things about this resort are:
– A large beginner ski area, perfect for refreshing your skills at the start of the trip.
– Meribel is in the centre of the vast 600km 3 Valleys ski area so has endless skiing.
– A reasonable transfer time – only 2 hours’ drive from Geneva airport.
– The village has plenty of alpine charm, with attractive, chalet-style architecture.
– The buzzing village centre has lots going on off the slopes.
– Great après ski, including Le Rond-Point – an iconic mountainside après ski location.
Meribel is the perfect place to carve long wide pistes with your teenagers or share celebratory champagne with your newly graduated grandkids.
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Courchevel 1650 is often overlooked for the more well-known and more glamorous resort of Courchevel 1850. Whilst we love many things about 1850, if you are skiing with younger children, we think Courchevel 1650 is the one for you. It’s one of our favourite ski resorts, especially for families. Here’s why we love it :
– Super convenient – The nursery ski area is just in front of hotel terraces in the resort centre, so you can stay close and watch them learn.
– Easy, gentle ski runs locally, with some of the nicest blue runs of the 3 Valleys ski area.
– Aquamotion – A huge leisure centre with waterslides for kids and a separate spa area for adults.
– A dedicated toboggan run, which zooms through 8 tunnels.
– Easy access to the vast 3 Valleys ski area for more accomplished skiers.
– Just 15 mins drive from Courchevel 1850, for designer boutiques and Michelin restaurants.
If you are looking for a convenient, family-friendly ski resort with great connections to a huge ski area, Courchevel 1650, known locally as Courchevel Moriond, is the perfect solution.
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Sometimes you don’t have time to spend hours driving to far-flung resorts. Maybe you are on a short trip for just a few days, or maybe you have young children and so you would like to keep transfer time from the airport to a minimum. These are the best ski resorts in Europe if you need a short transfer time:
If a short airport transfer is what you need, St Anton is our top choice in Austria. It is such a great all-rounder resort and one of the team favourites here at Firefly HQ. There are many reasons why St Anton is so popular. Here are some of them:
– Just 1 hour 10 minutes drive from Innsbruck airport.
– Varied terrain with stunning scenery.
– St Anton sits in the extensive Arlberg ski area, which provides access to Lech and Zürs on a single ski pass, so you can easily enjoy all three of these famous Austrian ski resorts.
– Pretty, pedestrianised village centre with plenty of charm and atmosphere.
– The legendary après-ski scene, with buzzing bars like the Mooserwirt, but also relaxing cafes, great restaurants (try Verwallstube).
St Anton is perfect for those looking to have as much, if not more, fun off the slopes as on the slopes. Austrian hospitality is world-famous, and anyone who visits this resort will leave with an understanding why St Anton wears the crown when it comes to après ski.
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Chamonix is quite unlike any other ski resort in the Alps. Everything about it is on an epic scale. The dramatic peaks of the Aiguille du Midi tower above the town giving jaw-dropping vistas, and the spectacular Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) Glacier can be seen looming above the resort.
Chamonix is a ski resort that’s well-known for many great reasons. Here’s why you should go:
– Short transfer – Just 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Geneva airport.
– Renowned for its spectacular beauty, with breathtaking views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.
– Diverse, challenging skiing, especially off-piste, alongside options for beginners and intermediates across five distinct ski areas.
– The Aiguille du Midi cable car provides stunning high altitude views across France, Italy, and Switzerland.
– A large and vibrant town with lively après-ski and diverse dining options from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy local eateries.
– Non-skiers can enjoy lots of activities, including the Alpine Coaster Luge, plus health spas, shopping, and even a casino.
All this makes Chamonix the perfect option for people who want the best parts of the Alps – dramatic views, challenging skiing and lively après – without having to drive hours up its winding roads.
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Morzine is one of the great resorts of the French Alps. It occupies a central location in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, yet has a relatively short transfer time from Geneva Airport. It’s brilliant for many reasons:
– Just a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Geneva airport – one of the shortest transfers of any major resort.
– Over 600 km of slopes for all skill levels, from gentle runs for beginners to challenging terrain for experts.
– The range of pistes is extensive and extends into Switzerland.
– Morzine has a lively, buzzing atmosphere with numerous bars and a vibrant après-ski culture, but still maintains its traditional French alpine charm, with many great après-ski spots including Le Tremplin for live music and The Cavern Bar for late-night revelry.
– Events, including the brilliant Rock the Pistes music festival, happen frequently.
– Morzine offers a broad range of dining options, from traditional Savoyard fare at La Grange to Michelin-starred fine dining at L’Atelier d’Alexandre.
This will be your favourite ski resort in Europe if you want a quick transfer up the mountain, a huge ski area and a lively resort.
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Skiing is naturally the main draw to the European Alps in winter, but if skiing is not your thing, there are still plenty of reasons to head to the mountains. Maybe you are looking for a relaxing break in the fresh air of the high peaks or maybe some of your group ski and some are non-skiers, some ski resorts suit non-skiers more than others.
We’ve picked our top 3 resorts for non-skiers to get you started. Each of these resorts features plenty of activities off the slopes and stunning views. Of course, they still have great skiing, so are still excellent options for skiers, but in these resorts it would be perfectly reasonable to spend the week living the high life, without going on skis once.
I could spend a week sitting in the sun, wining and dining, in the company of family, friends, with the legendary Matterhorn in the background. You may prefer to be more active and luckily Zermatt has plenty going on. Some of the best things to do off the slopes in Zermatt are:
– Explore Zermatt’s picturesque village, shopping streets, and charming cafes. As a fairly large resort, there are plenty of shops and interesting streets, with ancient hidden chalets, to explore.
– The car-free streets and electric taxis and busses make it stress-free and easy to get around.
– Ride the Gornergrat train for scenic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains, where the most taxing thing you’ll endure is a sore camera finger.
– Spend the day being pampered at the Ātman Mountain Spaat the Cervo, where guests can relax in a sauna, refresh in a Bhutanese scent bath, then sink into a Japanese onsen (hot spring) with stunning views of the Matterhorn.
– Enjoy ice skating at the Obere Matten rink.
– Take the Matterhorn Express up to the Glacier Paradise viewpoint at 3883m altitude for breathtaking views, and a look around the Glacier Palace.
– Take a helicopter flight for a unique aerial view of the Matterhorn.
– Learn about Zermatt’s history at the Matterhorn Museum – it’s even more magical than you’d expect.
All this and more make Zermatt the perfect resort in Europe for non-skiers who want to relax and leave the Alps feeling refreshed, renewed and 10 years younger.
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Chamonix is less of a ski resort and more of a fairly large town, that happens to be in the mountains. As a result, the town centre has so much going on and so is a great option for non-skiers. There are more shops, restaurants, bars and cafes here than other resorts and plenty to keep visitors entertained. And that is before you factor in the dramatic mountains and the many sporting activities they offer.
Some of the best things to do off the slopes in Chamonix are:
– A pedestrian lift pass gives you access to the stunning mountain views and dining at mountaintop restaurants.
– Enjoy the lively après-ski scene at the famously friendly local bars.
– Book paragliding experiences and helicopter tours for breathtaking aerial views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding valleys.
– Visit the Crystal Museum, which was redesigned and reopened in 2021. It displays nearly 1900 beautiful crystals from the Alps and elsewhere in the world.
– Get some popcorn and enjoy the latest films and classics at Cinema Vox. You can even rent a screen for private viewing parties.
– Le Royal Casino is open until 2am for those who fancy their hand at roullette.
– Visit the Alpine Museum, which opened in 1898, and has documented the evolution of Chamonix and the surrounding areas ever since. It offers a unique perspective on the way that all ski resorts have evolved over hundreds of years from mountaineering stations to active leisure retreats.
Chamonix’s unique mix of heritage and the endless activities on offer makes for a memorable trip, even if you never look at a set of skis. It’s perfect for groups that have both keen skiers and non-skiers, who love the lively atmosphere and the dramatic scenery.
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If you imagine a winter-wonderland-style ski resort, you are probably thinking of Megeve in France. When it comes to charm, this medieval old town has it in spades. With its cobbled central square with an ancient church, narrow streets and pretty architecture, there is nowhere else like it. Here’s what you can get up to off the slopes in Megeve:
– Walking around the charming village feels like you are in a Christmas film.
– Art fans should check out the Galerie Saint Martin, where you can find a variety of contemporary works of art that will leave you feeling creatively inspired.
– Indulge in the breathtaking scenery on a snowshoe hike.
– Embark on an exhilarating dogsledding adventure.
– Glide gracefully across the Olympic ice rink. Perfect for some family fun.
– Take a break from your holiday and rejuvenate at one of the town’s many spas.
– Sample the exquisite cuisine of Megeve. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
– Indulge in a shopping spree at the designer boutiques.
Megeve is perfect for those seeking a classic chocolate-box village, that looks and feels like the ideal Alpine village. It’s not as lively as Chamonix, or as dramatic as Zermatt. It is the best ski resort in Europe for those seeking to step back in time to a classic winter wonderland.
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For those in the know, Après ski is a fabulous institution. But après ski doesn’t just mean after skiing, it’s the few hours just after everyone finishes skiing when the bars buzz with energy. Tales are told over drinks, maybe in front of a warming fire, maybe on a sunny terrace, or maybe in front of a jumping live band or DJ set.
We’ve picked our 3 top resorts for lively après ski fun:
St Anton is arguably the birthplace of Apres Ski. It is the original and still the best in my view. (although the competition is pretty strong). The Apres ski spots in St Anton have become legendary – think lederhosen and ‘oohmpa’ music meets Ibiza nightclub. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, with the emphasis on fun. St Anton is our top pick for après skiing. Here are some top spots:
– The MooserWirt, up on the slopes, has to be experienced at least once. You’ll go for a nice lunch there, but before you know it you’ll be in the thick of the party, singing along to Sweet Caroline with an arm around your new friend from Italy.
– The Krazy Kanguruh is next to The MooserWirt and offers more of the same party vibe.
– Basecamp is located at the foot of the piste and has live music to get the atmosphere going.
– In the town centre there are numerous great bars to choose from, all a short walk from each other.
If you love great skiing, followed by a great party, St Anton is the place to go.
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As ski resorts go, Val d’Isere is one of the larger ones – and one of the liveliest. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to continuing the fun off the slopes, both up the mountain and down in the village. Here are some of our favourite après ski spots in Val d’Isere:
– The original La Folie Douce, located up the mountain at the top of the La Daille gondola is a force of nature when it’s in full swing. DJ’s and live bands get the crowds jumping and dancing on the tables.
– Cocoricos has a similar party formula but is located down in the village on the snowfront.
– La Rosée Blanche, at the foot of the piste in La Daille, is a bit more relaxed, with a great sunny terrace.
– Le Petit Danois is a cosy and atmospheric. Perfect when the snow is falling.
– Sun Bar is quieter and more relaxed, great for a catch up with friends, with an outdoor terrace.
For those looking for a great selection of lively après ski bars, excellent restaurants, and incredible skiing, Val d’Isere is up there with the best in Europe.
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Morzine sits in the heart of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area, which means you have a huge ski area to explore by day, and then a buzzing village to return to in the afternoon. Morzine is a lively resort, with a great selection of restaurants and bars to choose from for an après ski drink.
– For a glamorous slopeside party, La Folie Douce (in Avoriaz) is the place to go. Live DJ sets and dancing on the tables is likely.
– Le Tremplin, next to the Pleney lift, sits at the foot of the slopes and the huge terrace is one of the top spots for an après beer. Expect live DJs and large crowds.
– The Happy Hours Bar, at the bottom of the Ardent gondola, claims to have “the liveliest après ski party in the Portes de Soleil”.
– For live bands head to the Cavern Bar. One of the liveliest bars in Morzine. Open until late.
All in all, Morzine is the perfect choice for party-hearted skiers who are set on skiing the famous Portes du Soleil ski area. You’ll find plenty of lively locales across those slopes, but the best are in and around Morzine.
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Now you know where the best ski resort in Europe is, based on your preferences, it’s time to go out and enjoy a holiday there. If you would like to browse the finest ski chalets in each of these resorts, and beyond, feel free to look through our website. We have been collecting the best chalets for over a decade, so you’ll find all the best chalets in Europe on this website.
Browse the finest ski chalets in the Alps.
Our team know the ski resorts inside out and will be delighted to advise you on your next trip. So if you’d like some assistance selecting a resort, or finding the right chalet, do get in touch.
Written by
Will is a keen traveller and writer. When he's not travelling the world or writing about it, he's managing the marketing for Firefly Collection.
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