Ah, the sweet irony of last year’s ski season: bursting with post-Covid enthusiasm but curiously lacking in snowfall. Yes, Europe’s slopes were as bare as a ski bum’s wallet, with poor snow and delayed openings making skiers yearn for the white stuff. But fear not, because the 2023-2024 ski season promises a fresh slate, despite climate change possibly pushing things a bit further into the year. The buzz is back, and it’s louder than a yodeler on espresso!
This season, brace yourself for exciting new additions. In St. Moritz, the Grace La Margna is set to open its doors, promising luxury with a side of Swiss charm. Meanwhile, the Italian Dolomites will welcome Hotel Le Majun in Alta Badia—proof that luxury can come with a sprinkle of snowflakes. Easyjet is offering new ski flight routes from Stansted to Geneva and Zurich, while Italian airline Sky Alps will be flying Londoners to Bolzano in South Tyrol. And for those who prefer trains over planes, Eurostar’s ski train will whisk you from London St Pancras to various snowy destinations every Saturday. It’s like Hogwarts, but for skiers!
So, if your ski knowledge needs a little sharpening (or if you’re still using those old wooden skis), here’s your ultimate guide to the best ski trips in Europe. We’ve rounded up the top 8 ski resorts, from classic crowd-pleasers to hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for ski lodging, best ski resorts, majestic hotels, mouthwatering meals, or lifts that don’t make you wish for a gondola, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to hit the slopes in style with our guide to the best ski trips in Europe!
1. Lech, Austria
Welcome to Lech, Austria—where the royals go skiing when they want to feel like regular folks. Yes, Princess Diana was once a fan, and if it’s good enough for her, it’s definitely good enough for you. This alpine gem has somehow managed to dodge the neon lights and keep its charm firmly intact. Lech is like the ski equivalent of a classic novel: refined, timeless, and not trying too hard.
For those of you who prefer your slopes wide and snowy (and not overcrowded with wannabe Instagram stars), Lech delivers. This resort is the unsung hero of the “Best Ski Trips in Europe,” boasting snowfalls that make neighboring resorts green with envy. When you’re not busy carving up the pristine powder, you’ll be soaking in the old-school charm of timber chalets and cozy cafés dotted along the Lech river.
Lunchtime here is no joke. Rud-Alpe’s Schnitzels and apple strudels are practically legendary, while Hus Nr 8 and The Stube at the Alberg Hotel serve up cheese fondues that might make you want to skip the après-ski and nap in your chair.
Where to stay? This jewel of the Alps, home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, offers a delightful mix of charm and luxury. Lech hotels are like a royal family reunion: classic, family-owned favorites like Hotel Alberg and Hotel Post mix with sleek newcomers like Severin*s Lech Hotel. For a stay that feels straight out of a Bond film, check out the Arula Chalets—complete with a floating fireplace and a heli-skiing experience that’s as exhilarating as it sounds.
2. Avoriaz, France
If you’re dreaming of a cozy Alpine village straight out of a holiday postcard, Avoriaz isn’t the place—but that’s what makes it unforgettable. This bold, purpose-built gem among France ski resorts boasts striking cedar-clad architecture perched dramatically on cliffs that might just make your knees wobble. Think more Hitchcock suspense than Hallmark cheer. Yet, its unique vibe and top-tier slopes firmly place Avoriaz as a heavyweight contender for the best ski trips in Europe.
Sitting pretty (and pretty high) at 3,500 feet, this resort is a marvel of design and convenience. Forget trudging through snow to get around—Avoriaz’s ingenious lift-and-escalator system means you can practically ski to your doorstep. The 1960s Le Corbusier-inspired architecture by Jacques Labro might have been polarizing, but now it’s celebrated as a visionary, eco-friendly masterpiece. Labro, still sprightly in his eighties, continues to put his stamp on the resort, ensuring that its quirky, cohesive style remains intact. The high-altitude skiing in Avoriaz is top-notch, with slopes offering stunning views and runs for every skill level.
Where to stay? Avoriaz started as a hub for self-catered apartments like the chic Amara, this standout among France ski resorts now boasts architecturally striking hotels that redefine Alpine chic. The iconic pine-cone-shaped Hôtel des Dromonts, with its vintage Bond-chic vibes, has been joined by the playful and birch-clad Mil8, which adds a bright twist to the resort’s offbeat charm.
3. Verbier, Switzerland
If St. Moritz is your glamorous, always-perfectly-coiffed aunt and Klosters your rugged, outdoorsy uncle, then Verbier is the wild niece who knows how to party but never misses a powder day. Dubbed the “Alpine Ibiza,” Verbier is where après-ski legends are born, but don’t let the party vibes fool you—this spot is also home to some of the Best Ski Resorts in Europe.
Verbier’s slopes aren’t for the faint-hearted; we’re talking about serious powder fields like the Stairway to Heaven, accessible only by navigating a narrow, step-like couloir. It’s no wonder this place attracts big names like Pippa Middleton, Bear Grylls, and James Blunt—who, by the way, co-owns the mountain restaurant La Vache and even has a ski lift named after him. This resort may have 250 miles of pistes, but it’s the black runs and off-piste adventures that keep the ski pros coming back, especially for the Xtreme Verbier freeride event in March.
Where to stay? The ever-evolving town of Verbier is a magnet for chic, modern hotels, like the stylish W Hotel that made its alpine debut here in 2013. But if you want to stay somewhere that’s as cool as the slopes, the 39-room Experimental Chalet is your go-to. This mod-retro gem is home to the iconic Farm Club, where legends like Bowie and Elton John have partied.
4. Alta Badia, Italy
Tucked away in a picturesque valley, Alta Badia offers a ski experience in the Italian Dolomites that pairs world-class slopes with irresistible culinary delights. This enchanting destination celebrates Ladin culture and farm-to-table flavors, making it as much about gourmet indulgence as skiing. Picture yourself gliding past Michelin-starred eateries, including the prestigious three-star St Hubertus—one of only ten in Italy—before savoring farm-fresh smoked pork or homemade cheeses bursting with local pride. In the Italian Dolomites, Alta Badia proves that skiing and gastronomy are a match made in alpine heaven.
Alta Badia is perfect for skiers who appreciate the finer things in life while hunting for the Best Ski Trips in Europe. With access to the Dolomiti Superski, you’re not just skiing—you’re conquering over 700 miles of pistes, including the legendary Marmolada glacier and the chic slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Where to stay? If you’re after rustic charm with a touch of Alpine authenticity, Hotel Kolfuschgerhof, run by the Ebner family for over 50 years, is your spot. But if eco-luxury is more your style, Adler Lodge—with its all-wood, minimalist vibe and outdoor thermal baths—offers a Zen twist on the Best Ski Trips in Europe.
5. Riksgränsen, Sweden
Ever dreamt of skiing where trains carry more than just passengers? Welcome to Riksgränsen, Sweden’s remote gem near the Norwegian border, where the iron ore trains rumble through as casually as you carve down pristine, untouched peaks. If you’re a fan of the Best Ski Trips in Europe that come with a side of adrenaline, this is your snowy paradise. Picture a cluster of red barns overlooking a frozen Vassijaure Lake, surrounded by peaks that whisper, “come and conquer me.”
In the 90s, Riksgränsen gained cult status among snowboarders and powder enthusiasts, becoming a well-kept secret among Europe’s best. This isn’t just skiing; it’s freeriding and heli-skiing in a place where the rules are as loose as the powder. Whether you’re dropping in from a chopper or cruising down a slope with the Northern Lights as your backdrop, this place is the definition of cool.
Where to stay? The Hotell Riksgränsen is a utilitarian classic with a spa to unwind after your heli-skiing adventures. But for a truly epic experience on your Best Ski Resorts in Europe, Niehku Mountain Villa, housed in a former industrial train building, offers chic, heli-oriented lodging with all the rugged charm you’d expect from Sweden’s far north.
6. Bad Gastein, Austria
If Wes Anderson designed a ski town, it would be Bad Gastein—a Belle Epoque gem nestled in the Hohe Tauern mountains, just 90 minutes by train from Salzburg. Once the “Monte Carlo of the Alps” (seriously), this town hit a rough patch but is now staging a stylish comeback, thanks to Berlin creatives who’ve revived its faded grandeur. Now, with art festivals like sommer.frische.kunst and a dash of quirky charm, it’s one of the Best Ski Trips in Europe for those who love a mix of culture, snow, and cinematic vibes.
The snow is usually reliable somewhere along the valley, particularly at Kreuzkogel peak, making it a top choice for the Best Ski Trips in Europe. And when it comes to where to rest your head, options range from the grand, canary-yellow Salzburger Hof to the hip, design-forward Miramonte. But the real showstopper is The Comodo, a sleek, mid-century-inspired hotel that’s easily one of the Best Ski Lodging in Europe accommodations in 2023. It’s the perfect blend of Alpine nostalgia and modern flair, wrapped up in a setting that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film.
7. Megève, France
Just over an hour’s glide from Geneva, Megève is where French chic meets Alpine charm—think car-free cobbled streets, jaw-dropping Mont Blanc views, and pistes so perfectly groomed they might as well come with a ‘Rothschild Approved’ stamp. This ski haven was dreamt up by Baroness de Rothschild in 1916, after she decided St. Moritz needed a French rival. And voila! Megève was born, wrapping up some of the Best Ski Trips in Europe in one classy package.
From the beginner-friendly La Caboche to the adrenaline-pumping Emile Allais run, Megève has something for everyone, whether you’re here to perfect your snowplow or conquer the freeride terrain of Magic Garden Coté 2000. And if you’ve got a soft spot for raclette (who doesn’t?), l’Alpage will have you coming back for thirds. But it’s not all about the slopes; the Best Ski Trips in Europe wouldn’t be complete without an unforgettable dining experience, like the one at Flocons de Sel—secluded, panoramic, and oh-so-Rothschild.
Where to stay? The Four Seasons Hotel Megève, of course, where you can dine in a candlelit igloo or marvel at Rothschild-inspired art. For something more intimate, Le Cerf Amoureux offers just 11 rooms, each with a balcony view that screams, “This is one of the Best France Ski Resorts in Europe!”
8. St. Moritz, Switzerland
When it comes to the Best Ski Trips in Europe, St. Moritz is the OG, the trendsetter, the one that started it all. Imagine moonlit ice-skating, skijoring (yes, that’s being pulled on skis by a horse) across a frozen lake, and the most glamorous ski club in Europe—all under the famously stunning Engadin Valley light. The skiing? Oh, it’s just a mix of thrilling backcountry and fabulous reds on Corviglia mountain, where your après-ski wiener schnitzel at Chasellas comes with a side of “Is this real life?”
The magic of St. Moritz Ski Resort goes far beyond its pristine slopes. This season, all eyes are on Grace La Margna, the first new hotel in 50 years, nestled in a stunning Art Nouveau building. This boutique hideaway offers elegant suites with breathtaking views of Lake St. Moritz. Meanwhile, the timeless icons of luxury, Badrutt’s Palace with its gothic grandeur and the historic Kulm Hotel, continue to reign supreme. These legendary landmarks have been hosting winter enthusiasts since St. Moritz Ski Resort made its debut as the Alps’ first winter destination in 1864.
9. Zermatt, Switzerland
Welcome to Zermatt, the Alpine postcard that every snowglobe wishes it could be. Picture this: you arrive on the charming Gornergrat train, glide through town in a horse-drawn carriage, and gaze up at the majestic Matterhorn—a mountain so iconic it’s basically the Beyoncé of peaks, inspiring everything from chocolate bars to Victorian daydreams. The skiing? Think high-altitude, sun-drenched, and with the bonus of cruising right into Italy. Zermatt’s slopes serve up more than just fresh powder—try slope-side delicacies at Chez Vrony or Findlerhof, where the food is just as legendary as the views.
Where to stay? You’ve got your choice of grand dames like Monte Rosa and Mont Cervin Palace, or for something with a bit more edge, check into the glassy, modern Backstage Hotel Vernissage by local legend Heinz Julen. And if you’re after chalet-chic, Schweizerhof by La Réserve’s Michel Reybier is where luxe meets laid-back in the heart of this Alpine wonderland.
10. Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère isn’t just another dot on the map of French ski resorts; it’s the ultimate playground for those who crave endless skiing. With a piste map that looks like it was designed by a spaghetti artist, this resort, part of the massive Espace Killy, makes Whistler Blackcomb look like the bunny hill. Sure, Val’s been known for its Brit-boozy spots like Bananas and Dick’s Tea Bar, but lately, it’s been trading pints for posh. When you’re not busy skiing, treat yourself at L’Atelier d’Edmond, where Arctic carp and crayfish make for a seriously fancy après-ski. Or, keep it cozy at L’edelweiss with some traditional tartiflette.
Where to stay? How about the highest hotel in France, Refuge de Solaise, for a night above the clouds? Or go big at the grandiose Airelles Val d’Isère. And if you’re eco-minded, the Mont Blanc chalet on the edge of Rogoney Forest is your green dream come true.
11. Kitzbühel, Austria
Step into Kitzbühel, where the medieval charm rivals that of any Alpine beauty contest, making it a top contender among the Best Ski Resorts in Europe. With its frescoed façades and pastel townhouses, it’s like an Austrian St Moritz that’s stuck in a vintage postcard. The town’s rich history, from Ian Fleming’s escapades to the legendary Hahnenkamm race, adds a dose of thrilling nostalgia.
Where to stay? For a touch of timelessness, Schloss Lebenberg and Tennerhof offer a throwback vibe. But if you’re craving a hint of modernity, check out the Six Senses Residences—40 villas nestled in a pine forest that whisper, “Change is on the horizon.”
