Europe Ski Resorts

Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Greg Burke
Last updated 24 June 2024

Endless skiing between multiple resorts within massive ski areas, jaw-dropping views, vibrant culture, and most notably, the all-day après scene; skiing in Europe will be like nothing else you’ve ever experienced.

Skiing in Europe

Pros

  • Extensive ski areas for endless skiing on world-class terrain and spectacular views of the Alps

  • Can sometimes be cheaper than skiing in the US

  • Cross-border ski areas mean you can ski into another country

Cons

  • Some large ski areas can be difficult to navigate

  • There are no in-bounds off-piste areas, unlike the US

  • Above the tree-line terrain is common and can be exposed to bad weather

Map of Europe Ski Resorts

List of Destination Ski Resorts in Europe

Deciding where to ski in Europe is no easy task – the skiing, scenery, snow, and culture vary hugely by region and resort! The best skiing is often within the somewhat confusingly large ski areas with multiple resorts and kilometres of lift-linked slopes. To help you out, we’ve teamed up with our local experts including Leo and Heather to pick out the best ski resort to base at.

Ski the largest lift-linked ski area in the world!

Known for: Part of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world. Consisting of 3 Vallées, and another four unique luxury villages.

Preferred Airports:

Chambéry Airport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Geneva Airport - 88 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Google Maps | Courchevel Ski Packages

Taking first place on our list, it's Zermatt!

Known for: The iconic Matterhorn scenery as a backdrop to the massive ski area.

Preferred Airports:

Geneva Airport - 142 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Zurich Airport - 160 miles (3.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 12791 feet

Skiable Area: 394 acre

Google Maps | Zermatt Ski Packages

Enjoy great snow all season long at Val d’Isère

Known for: World class slopes for intermediates and experts, almost universally at high altitude.

Preferred Airports:

Chambéry Airport - 90 miles (2 hour drive)

Geneva Airport - 110 miles (3 hour drive)

Google Maps | Val-d'Isere Ski Packages

Advanced and expert skiers you don't want to miss on Chamonix

Known for: Famous mountain town with a lively apres scene and legendary off-piste.

Preferred Airports: Geneva Airport - 63 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 10744 feet

Skiable Area: 762 acre

Google Maps | Chamonix Mont-Blanc Ski Packages

Convenient slope-side lodging (Photo credit: Cortina d'Ampezzo)

Known for: Sophisticated alpine town boasting exquisite piste skiing and gourmet on-mountain dining.

Preferred Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport - 91 miles (2 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 9593 feet

Skiable Area: 120 acre

Google Maps | Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Packages

Ski Arlberg is Austria's biggest lift-linked ski area

Known for: Powder and partying in the snowiest corner of the Alps in Ski Arlberg

Preferred Airports:

Zurich Airport - 123 miles (2.5 hour drive)

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport - 64 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 9222 feet

Skiable Area: 1102 acre

Google Maps | St Anton Ski Packages

Enjoy the incredible views from the top of Mont Fort or ride down if you dare

Known for: Its status as a freeride mecca thanks to its intense terrain.

Preferred Airports: Geneva Airport - 100 miles (2 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 10925 feet

Skiable Area: 400 acre

Google Maps | Verbier Ski Packages

Skiing throughout Les Arcs is easy with a few key lifts to take you from one end to the other

Known for: High altitiude village and interconnected with La Plagne to form an enormous ski area.

Preferred Airports:

Chambéry Airport - 85 miles (2 hour drive)

Geneva Airport - 105 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 10584 feet

Skiable Area: 1280 acre

Google Maps | Les Arcs Ski Packages

Explore the Skicircus from Saalbach Hinterglemm

Known for: Attractive village with Europe’s flashiest lift system.

Preferred Airport: Salzburg Airport - 55 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 6876 feet

Skiable Area: 1010 acre

Google Maps | Saalbach Hinterglemm Ski Packages

Good lift links to the rest of Portes du Soleil makes Avoriaz an ideal choice

Known for: Being one of France's snowiest resorts, great for families and friends.

Preferred Airport: Geneva Airport - 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Summit Elevation: 8091 feet

Skiable Area: 470 acre

Google Maps | Avoriaz Ski Packages