Discovering the Ultimate Skiing Destinations in Europe

For such a small continent, Europe offers an incredible range of ski resorts. The French, Swiss, and Austrian Alps, along with the Italian Dolomites, each possess their own unique charm and culture. Among the nearly 4,000 ski resorts across Europe, some truly shine above the rest.

Top Skiing Locations in France

Expansive ski areas blend seamlessly with charming, smaller resorts.

Les 3 Vallées

As the largest lift-connected ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées offers something for every skier and snowboarder across its six resorts and 375 miles of slopes in the Tarentaise Valley of Savoie. The glamorous Courchevel not only shines with luxury but also boasts an excellent beginner zone. Méribel, established by a Scotsman in the 1930s, serves as a vibrant base for intermediate skiers eager to explore the expansive terrain, while St-Martin-de-Belleville exudes a charming traditional village atmosphere. More budget-friendly, modern Les Menuires may lack visual appeal, yet offers great value, and the high-altitude Val Thorens guarantees reliable snow conditions. For those on a budget, the quaint Orelle in a nearby valley features a quick cable car to Val Thorens.

Alpe d’Huez

The expansive Alpe d’Huez resort in the Isère region, close to Grenoble, features 155 miles of slopes situated on a sunny plateau with stunning vistas. Notably, it includes a significant beginner area at approximately 6,900 feet, ensuring that newcomers aren't relegated to the base of the village. Expert skiers can tackle challenging black runs and off-piste areas, with many drawn to the resort's iconic 10-mile black Sarenne piste, boasting a vertical drop of nearly 6,000 feet. If the somewhat plain architecture of Alpe d’Huez isn’t to your taste, consider staying in one of the charming nearby villages like Vaujany or Oz-en-Oisans, which are linked by efficient gondolas.

Montgenèvre

As the sole French resort within the predominantly Italian Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski and snowboard region, Montgenèvre boasts the most diverse terrain available. Beginners will feel like they’ve found paradise with excellent green slopes that reach up to 8,055 feet in elevation, while seasoned skiers can enjoy the untouched free-ride zone. Located just a mile from the Italian border, you can ski over or leisurely walk across the open border to Claviere village for lunch, swapping out French fondue for delicious Piedmontese pasta.

Les Portes du Soleil

Spanning the border of France and Switzerland, Les Portes du Soleil features 12 resorts and 360 miles of slopes, rivaling the offerings of Les 3 Vallées. The neighboring villages of Morzine and Les Gets—both traditional Savoyard villages perfect for families—offer the largest local ski area between them. From the charming village of Châtel, skiers can venture into Switzerland, while the modern architectural style and impressive snow reliability of Avoriaz, located at 6,000 feet, attracts enthusiasts of contemporary design.

Grand Massif

Despite its expansive terrain, the Grand Massif ski area often flies under the radar. However, savvy skiers have uncovered its 165 miles of slopes nestled among five family-friendly villages in the Haute Savoie region, many situated at high altitudes, ensuring excellent snow conditions. If the modernist design of the largest village, Flaine, doesn’t appeal to you, consider the cozy charm of Samoëns or Les Carroz.

Where to ski in Switzerland

Experience Europe’s most breathtaking mountains in this compact yet stunning country.

Zermatt

Zermatt is undeniably one of the most stunning ski destinations you will ever encounter, with your gaze inevitably drawn to the majestic Matterhorn. Ski the glacier at Trockener Steg under the shadow of the Matterhorn before taking the cable car across the Italian border to Cervinia.

Verbier

The challenging off-piste terrain of Verbier attracts expert skiers eager to test their skills at high altitude. In the 4 Vallées, which is Switzerland’s largest ski area, you’ll find ungroomed and unpatrolled off-piste routes—truly a mogul paradise.

Jungfrau

Nestled among the three resorts that comprise Jungfrau—Wengen, Grindelwald, and Mürren—the stunning peaks of Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch create a breathtaking backdrop. Experience the world's longest downhill World Cup course in Wengen and ascend to an impressive 11,332 feet aboard the Jungfraujoch Railway, the highest in Europe.

Where to ski in Austria

Anticipate everything from lofty slopes to charming medieval villages

Kitzbühel

Charming Kitzbühel truly belongs in a fairy tale, with its cobblestone streets adorned by vibrant medieval buildings and upscale boutiques and hotels, such as the sophisticated Hotel Zur Tenne and the Hotel Goldener Greif. In stark contrast to this refined atmosphere, the town transforms into a festive frenzy every January during the grueling Hahnenkamm World Cup race, drawing in thousands of visitors. For the remainder of the year, enjoy excellent intermediate pistes across its expansive 145-mile ski area.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm

Austria’s reputation as the ultimate après-ski destination is firmly established in Saalbach, one of the villages nestled within the vast ski area known as the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. (Good luck saying that after a few schnapps!) Within Austria’s second-largest ski domain, you can effortlessly move between the two primary valleys, thanks to one of Europe’s most efficient lift systems. Nearby Hinterglemm offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

Lech

Connected to the livelier St. Anton within Austria’s largest ski area, the sophisticated little Lech in the Arlberg region opts for an atmosphere of understated elegance. Known as the late Princess Diana’s favorite ski destination, Lech is characterized by charming traditional architecture—picturesque wooden chalets adorned with decorative panels and colorful shutters. The resort features red runs that cater to confident intermediates, as well as some truly demanding off-piste routes.

Where to ski in Italy

Stunning landscapes and exquisite cuisine come together to create a truly exceptional skiing experience in Italy.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Known as the queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo seamlessly blends timeless elegance with breathtaking landscapes. Its 75 miles of slopes offer a peaceful skiing experience, likely because many visitors are more captivated by the town's shopping and dining scene. With over 300 miles of pistes available through the Dolomiti Superski, Cortina's ski areas present their own unique challenges, featuring the diverse terrains of Tofana, the Super8 ski circuit around Cinque Torri, and the thrilling runs of Faloria.

Alta Badia

Regarded as the gourmet capital of the Dolomites, Alta Badia truly lives up to its name. Few ski resorts offer a gourmet skiing experience or have a sommelier on the slopes. Settle in Corvara to fully enjoy its 80 miles of pistes, which also provide direct access to the renowned 25-mile Sella Ronda ski circuit.

Explore Dinogo’s comprehensive review of Italy’s gourmet skiing offerings.