The Best Resorts to book your next European Ski Trip
A ski holiday is the perfect escape for fresh air in your lungs, sunshine on your face, and beautiful landscapes. Whether it’s your first, second or one hundredth time heading to the mountains, you’ll appreciate the exhilaration of spending a week or two away in a stunning, picturesque ski resort . If you’re looking to head out to the mountain this season, booking a last-minute trip makes things even more thrilling. We are so lucky to have Europe on our doorstep offering breathtaking destinations that cater to both seasoned enthusiasts and novice skiers. Some of the best resorts in the world are here are and in this article, I will guide you through where to book the best resorts for your next ski holiday.
France
Chamonix
My most recent ski trip was to Chamonix, and it did not disappoint. Nestled in the French Alps, Chamonix is a resort for seasoned skiers and mountaineers with vast, challenging slopes and a stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc. It has a skiing altitude of 1035 – 3842 metres and has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, with the season lasting until May. The après-ski scene is just as great. The town is wonderful and feels very traditional whilst offering plenty of exciting restaurants, hotels and bars. This makes it a great resort to book your spontaneous ski holiday. Alternatively, if you’re a non-skier, there is the Aiguille du Midi to enjoy. This is a very popular tourist destination which can be accessed directly by cable-car.
I would recommend staying in or near Chamonix-Sud as the ski buses all come through here, so it’s easy to get to your desired slopes. This hotel would be perfect with it’s central location and beautiful views.
Val d’Isère
This resort is world-renowned for it’s endless slopes. Interconnected with Tignes, it is host to a fantastic piste map of over 300km of slopes, providing a vast playground for skiers and snowboarders. Val d'Isère is particularly famous for its challenging slopes, including the infamous Face de Bellevarde, which has hosted numerous international competitions. Not only is there endless skiing, this resort is well-known for its lively après-ski scene, with a plethora of restaurants, bars, and clubs to cater to various tastes. This is a fantastic place for friendship groups to let their hair down and enjoy a busy, busy week. With this in mind, this stunning chalet would be perfect. You can split the costs between 8 friends and enjoy the snowy scenes.
Avoriaz
Situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz stands out as a unique and car-free ski resort with a distinct modernist architectural style - there’s not a spot in town you can’t ski to. At an altitude of 1,800 meters, Avoriaz offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Avoriaz provides a wide range of ski-in, ski-out accommodations, making it convenient for families and groups. The resort features an innovative Stash snowpark, designed by professional snowboarder Jake Burton, and a variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. Avoriaz is also renowned for its vibrant winter events and festivals, ensuring a festive and lively atmosphere throughout the ski season, ensuring a great week whenever you book.
This chalet looks stunning in the heart of Avoriaz. Not only is it central but it also includes a kitchen, which is a great way adding variety to your holiday.
Switzerland
Verbier
Switzerland's Verbier is renowned for its extensive ski terrain, world-class skiing opportunities, and panoramic views. However, it’s reputation is truly linked with it’s vibrant nightlife. The après-ski is legendary here, often being referred to as the ‘Alpine Ibiza’. This resort is a great get-away for social skiing making Verbier is an excellent choice for a last-minute winter escape. The town offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury chalets to budget-friendly hostels, accommodating various preferences and budgets.
St Moritz
Situated in the majestic Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is a world-class ski resort known for its luxurious ambiance, stunning landscapes, and a rich history dating back to the 19th century. As one of the pioneers of winter tourism, St. Moritz has hosted two Winter Olympics and numerous world-class events. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the vast slopes that surround the town, while the iconic Cresta Run offers tourists the experience of the world's oldest bobsleigh track. St. Moritz is equally famed for its designer shopping and Michelin-starred restaurants. The frozen Lake St. Moritz is stunning and hosts events like polo matches and horse racing on ice. With its and sophisticated elegance, St. Moritz stands as a perfect destination for those seeking an unparalleled winter retreat. There is plenty of accommodation options in St Moritz, but if you’re looking for an all-inclusive package holiday that takes care of all the planning stress, offers luxury accommodation and catering, then take a look at Club Med Saint-Moritz.
Zermatt
In the Swiss Alps, Zermatt offers a picturesque and car-free haven for winter enthusiasts. This charming mountain village blends traditional alpine architecture with modern luxury, providing visitors with an enchanting ambiance. Zermatt is a skier's paradise, with extensive slopes that cater to all skill levels. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ensures year-round skiing and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Beyond skiing, Zermatt offers a plethora of activities, including snowshoeing, ice climbing, and romantic horse-drawn carriage rides. The village’s narrow streets are lined with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and historic hotels. Zermatt's commitment to sustainability is evident in its electric taxis and the ban of combustion-engine cars, contributing to the pristine air quality of this alpine haven. Whether seeking world-class skiing, awe-inspiring landscapes, or a charming alpine retreat, Zermatt is a fabulous destination to book your last-minute escape.
This is a great place to stay in the heart of the village, and only 400 yards from a ski lift!
Austria
St Anton
For those in search of a traditional alpine experience coupled with world-class skiing, St. Anton in Austria is an ideal destination. This charming village is part of the Arlberg ski region, one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world. There are accommodation options for all budgets, and the après scene is world-class. St. Anton offers a lively atmosphere and excellent snow conditions with 306km of slopes, not to mention the additional 200km of marked ski routes, you’ll never run out of skiing. This resort is ideal for intermediate - advanced skiers, as even the blues and reds can be rather daunting. If you’re a beginner, I would suggest reading the next section on Lech! However, St. Anton is not only about skiing; it also offers a range of winter activities, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice skating. The Arlberg WellCom, a modern wellness centre, provides relaxation and rejuvenation for those seeking a break from outdoor adventures.
Lech
Lech is surrounded by stunning peaks and nestled alongside the Lech River. This traditional mountain village combines a sense of tranquility with world-class skiing. Lech is known for being part of the extensive Arlberg ski area, which also includes St. Anton, Zürs, and St. Christoph. It offers a diverse range of slopes suitable for all levels of skiers which makes it perfect for beginners as well as advanced skiers. The village itself, has enchanting chalets with wooden balconies and cobblestone streets, creating an atmosphere of cozy sophistication. Lech is a family-friendly destination, with excellent ski schools for children and a welcoming atmosphere. The après-ski scene is elegant and relaxed, featuring refined dining options and charming mountain huts. This resort is a perfect fit for those wanting a relaxing break in a stunning village with plenty to offer.
This cost-friendly hotel is great, and includes breakfast.
Have you been to these resorts before? Where are your favourite slopes?
