Top 8 Ski Resorts in Europe to Experience This Winter

Skiing in Europe presents an unmatched backdrop: endless mountain ranges draped in fluffy white snow, vast above-treeline ski areas, extensive trail systems, and mountain restaurants that far exceed standard ski-area cafeterias.

Discover the eight premier ski resorts in Europe that embody this extraordinary experience.

1. St. Moritz

• Location: Switzerland
• Ideal for: skiers seeking exceptional on-snow adventures, super-pipe enthusiasts, families, and cross-country skiers
• Explore: St. Moritz

St. Moritz boasts a luxurious reputation, complete with snow polo (yes, on horses), high-end boutiques, and a glamorous crowd, yet it also provides plenty of down-to-earth skiing. Three distinct resorts come together to offer 88 trails and endless off-piste options (all accessible with a single pass), while several smaller slopes in nearby towns cater to young beginners.

The Diavolezza/Lagalb region features Switzerland’s longest glacier run, stretching about six miles, along with full-moon ski nights when the cable car operates into the evening. The freestyle park at Corvatsch/Furtschellas will debut one of the world's largest half-pipes starting February 2024, while Corviglia provides unique yoga and skiing sessions on its Paradiso run. For a different experience, the surrounding Engadin Valley hosts Switzerland’s largest network of cross-country ski trails, totaling 150 miles.

Accommodation Options

The Grace La Margna St. Moritz hotel, overlooking Lake St. Moritz, reopened in August 2023 following a renovation of the historic 1906 art nouveau building, complemented by a new addition.

2. Andermatt

• Location: Switzerland
• Ideal for: Epic Passholders (access to Disentis is a new feature for the 2023–24 season) and those seeking powder
• Explore: Andermatt

Skiers have flocked to Andermatt since the early 1900s to take advantage of its plentiful powder. The region gained significant recognition in 2005 when Egyptian developer Samih Sawiris invested nearly $2 billion in hotels, amenities, and real estate to revitalize this formerly quiet town at the invitation of the Swiss government.

Skiers of all abilities can enjoy three interconnected resorts—Andermatt, Sedrun, and Disentis—accessible via 33 lifts and covering 110 miles of trails across neighboring Alpine peaks. The slopes above Andermatt feature challenging runs on Gemsstock Mountain, including one named after 1970s Olympic champion Bernhard Russi, which drops nearly 3,000 feet over miles, as well as easier trails on the Nätschen and Gütsch mountains.

Accommodation Options

Indulge at the Chedi Andermatt, crafted by renowned hotel architect Jean-Michel Gathy in a chalet style infused with Asian elements. It features an exceptional spa and two Michelin-starred dining options.

3. Chamonix

• Location: France
• Ideal for: thrill-seeking skiers, Ikon Passholders
• Explore: Chamonix

Chamonix has long been a coveted destination for adventure enthusiasts. Nestled beneath the towering 15,782-foot Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe, this area is recognized as the birthplace of extreme skiing, featuring steep slopes above the town and a culture that embraces risk-taking.

The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley comprises five distinct regions: Les Grands Montets, a paradise for experts; Les Houches and Le Tour/Vallorcine/Balme, ideal for advanced beginners and intermediates; and La Flégère and Le Brévent, two interconnected resorts offering runs for all skill levels. Additionally, the Aiguille du Midi, accessible via France’s highest cable car, provides an iconic off-piste skiing experience for advanced intermediates and above (a guide is recommended) that descends over 9,000 feet through the glaciated Vallée Blanche, offering stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Accommodation Options

The Wanderlust Motels brand brings an adventurous lodging atmosphere to the French Alps, featuring stylish retro decor in rooms accommodating up to six guests, along with a restaurant, coffee shop, pool, and ski shop.

4. Val d’Isère/Tignes

• Location: France
• Ideal for: families, beginners, and après-ski lovers
• Explore: Val d’Isère/Tignes

These neighboring ski resorts in the Tarentaise Valley of Savoie each offer excellent skiing individually, but together they boast an impressive 186 miles of trails and 71 lifts. Skiers can enjoy it all: expansive snowfields, challenging steeps, long cruisers, and gentle runs. Tignes also features nine free lifts catering specifically to beginner areas.

Families will find plenty to enjoy here, including various snowy activities for children, such as horseback riding and even an igloo village. Val d’Isère’s Gypaète Adventure Slope features nature-themed interactive elements, like a ski-through tunnel inspired by vultures. On the other hand, après-ski at the iconic on-mountain La Folie Douce is legendary, where the lively dance party with costumed performers can be heard well before you arrive on your skis.

Where to stay

The stylish Hôtel Kandahar has long been a favorite for its convenience and charm; nestled in the historic village of Val d’Isère, it’s just a short stroll from the lifts.

5. St. Anton am Arlberg

• Location: Austria
• Best for: skiers seeking diversity and ski history enthusiasts
• Visit: St. Anton am Arlberg

Recognized as the birthplace of Alpine skiing, Austria’s Arlberg region has drawn skiers for over a century. It boasts the country’s largest interconnected ski area, with seven resorts—including St. Anton, Zurs, and Lech—providing nearly 200 miles of ski trails along with 125 miles of off-piste terrain, suitable for all skier types.

The array of lifts and cable cars is truly impressive; one, the Galzigbahn, even loads like a Ferris wheel. The marked Run of Fame guides skiers along a 52-mile path through the ski areas, culminating at the on-mountain Hall of Fame, featuring interactive exhibits that celebrate the ski pioneers and celebrities who have shaped the region.

Where to stay

The Ullrhaus, a Scandinavian-style hotel with 40 rooms, is centrally located in St. Anton, offering easy walking access to two cable cars. It features a spa, pool, and an on-site restaurant.

6. SkiWelt

• Location: Austria
• Best for: beginners, intermediates, and Indy Pass holders
• Visit: SkiWelt

Though it boasts a staggering 168 miles of trails and 82 lifts, this resort in Austria’s Tyrol region has flown under the radar for many U.S. skiers. However, that changed this fall when the Indy Pass named it a new partner. With nine villages granting slope access, it's the second-largest ski area after Arlberg.

SkiWelt features 80 on-mountain huts, making it convenient to pause for some schnitzel or strudel while soaking in the breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks stretching for miles. Last winter, the resort unveiled two designated SkiWelt tours, with routes of 42 or 52 miles that traverse the entire ski area.

Where to stay

Each of the nine villages provides accommodation options; the on-mountain KraftAlm, accessible only by gondola, was renovated in 2021 and now offers 29 contemporary Alpine rooms, a restaurant, and an impressive indoor/outdoor infinity pool.

7. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• Location: Germany
• Best for: families and beginners, those seeking activities beyond downhill skiing
• Visit: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Located just an hour from Munich by train or car, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is filled with Gemütlichkeit (a sense of coziness and good cheer). Beginners and families can practice their skills at the Garmisch-Classic ski area, which offers 25 miles of trails and a dedicated area for children; experienced skiers will want to tackle the incredibly steep Kandahar run, a regular venue for the World Cup.

Adventurous visitors can even spend the night on the Zugspitze in a multi-room igloo complete with beds and warm sleeping bags. Garmisch-Partenkirchen also features 17 miles of free Nordic ski trails and offers weekly lessons in biathlon, a popular combination of cross-country skiing and target shooting in Germany.

Where to stay

The family-owned Staudacherhof exudes a traditional German Alpine atmosphere, focusing on wellness with a large spa, Ayurvedic massage options, yoga classes, and nutritious meals.

8. Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Location: Italy
• Best for: intermediates, off-piste adventurers, luxury enthusiasts, Ikon Passholders
• Visit: Cortina d’Ampezzo

Skiers flock to this iconic resort in Italy’s northern Dolomites for a taste of la dolce vita. The four ski areas here are part of the Dolimiti Superski, boasting 745 miles of trails and 450 lifts available with a single pass (including the Ikon Pass). The terrain around Cortina is particularly appealing for intermediates, while advanced skiers will be captivated by the dramatic scenery of the Dolomites, with jagged peaks towering majestically. One notable run, the Armentarola, begins in the Lagazuoi ski area and concludes with a picturesque horse-drawn carriage ride back to the lifts.

Off-piste opportunities abound, and experienced intermediates and experts are advised to hire a guide to explore famous descents like the Lagazuoi Couloir or Sci 18. Cortina itself is a historic gem, known for its luxurious hotels, upscale shops, and restaurants offering Tyrolean-inspired Italian cuisine.

Where to stay

The centrally positioned Hotel de Len is a beautifully restored historic establishment that features reclaimed wood accents throughout, including in the spa and restaurant, creating a naturally sophisticated atmosphere.