Table of Content
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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