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Read MoreHow to choose the perfect ski resort?
Whether you're skiing for the first time or have been hitting the slopes for years, choosing the perfect winter sports destination can be a tough challenge. While some have been going to the same area since childhood, others prefer discovering new slopes every year. Additionally, everyone values different aspects of a winter sports holiday. But what are the best ski resorts? With an abundance of options in Europe, finding the ideal ski destination is no easy task. Don't worry, we've compiled all the ski holiday tips you need to find your perfect destination!
1. Choose your destination country
The country you choose to ski in has a significant impact on your winter sports experience. Each country has its own unique charm and offers different experiences for winter sports enthusiasts. For example, the slopes and hotels vary by country, and don't forget that each country has its own cuisine. We’ve listed the key characteristics of each country for you.
Austria: Cozy villages, après-ski, and traditional charm
The moment you see the wooden chalets around the church tower, you immediately know you're in the Austrian mountains. This traditional style is particularly recognizable in smaller villages like Alpbach and Grossarl. Skiers of all levels can enjoy beautiful runs on the rolling slopes here, which are often less crowded than in the well-known ski areas. In addition, you can indulge in the abundance of traditional mountain huts, as you can everywhere in Austria. Are you more of a party animal or a distance skier? Then you can let loose in the large ski areas of the Zillertal and around Saalbach.
France: Elevation, size, and affordability
French ski resorts like Les Trois Vallées and Les Portes du Soleil are so vast that it's almost impossible to explore the entire area in a week, and they offer a wide range of affordable accommodations. For a ski holiday with a unique story, head to historic Chamonix. Learn about Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, the first to reach the summit of Mont Blanc. Take the steep gondola to Aiguille du Midi for breathtaking views, and ski down the Olympic slopes in the area.
Switzerland: Majestic mountains and luxury
If you’re a fan of breathtaking landscapes, expansive ski areas, and luxury, Switzerland is a must. We recommend Zermatt and the Jungfrau Region. These ski resorts bring together everything Switzerland has to offer: imposing rocky mountains, numerous altitude records, and not only can you reach the top by ski lift, but also by train. It’s no wonder this experience attracts winter sports enthusiasts and other tourists from all over the world.
Italy: Sunshine, the Dolomites, and gourmet dining
'Enjoyment' is the perfect word to describe a winter sports holiday in Italy. Who wouldn’t dream of delicious Italian cuisine and wines with the enchanting Dolomites in the background? And imagine that in this region, the sun shines more than 300 days a year. Our tip is the ski circuit at Cinque Torri. Here, you’ll feel like you’re alone in what many consider the most beautiful setting in the Alps. From here, a horse-drawn sleigh will take you back to the popular Sella Ronda, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal at one of Alta Badia's Michelin-starred restaurants in the evening.
Hidden gems in Europe
Besides the well-known destinations in the Alps, there are many undiscovered gems in Europe. Ski in southern Spain's Sierra Nevada, where you can enjoy tapas for lunch and visit Granada or the beach in the evening. Or travel to Lapland, where you can not only ski but also go on a husky ride and witness the Northern Lights.
2. Determine what you find important in a ski resort
Now that you have an idea of which country you want to explore, it's time to decide which ski resort best suits your needs and preferences. Will it be one of the popular winter sports destinations or one of the hidden gems? Here are the main factors to consider:
| Suitable for beginners | Suitable for families and children | Suitable for experienced skiers |
|---|---|---|
|
Choose a ski resort with plenty of blue slopes and wide, calm descents, such as Austria's Loferer Alm and Germany's Feldberg. |
Family-friendly ski resorts have children's areas, childcare, and a good ski school. By choosing a smaller area, such as the Wildkogel Arena, older children can explore independently without getting lost. |
For the adrenaline junkies among us, ski resorts with steep slopes, plenty of piste kilometers, and off-piste opportunities are a must. Endless challenges await in ski resorts like Verbier and Ischgl. |
| Snow reliability | Ski-in ski-out | Charming villages and après-ski |
|
Do you enjoy early or late season skiing? Choose a resort with plenty of slopes above 2000 meters. This way, you're guaranteed optimal snow conditions in all glacier ski areas like Engelberg and Hintertux. |
There’s nothing easier than stepping straight onto the slopes from your hotel. That’s the ultimate comfort of ski-in ski-out. You’ll find ski-in ski-out accommodations mainly in French ski stations like La Plagne. |
Sing-alongs in Austria, live music in France, and a glass of wine in Italy—the après-ski is very diverse. Or do you prefer a quiet evening walk and a nice dinner? |
| Size | Affordability | Wellness, relaxation, and other activities |
|
Some prefer a quiet ski resort where you can always stay close to each other. Others want to avoid taking the same lift twice in a day. In areas like Les Trois Vallées, Portes du Soleil, and Ski Arlberg, unlimited skiing fun is guaranteed. |
While a ski holiday can be expensive, there are easy ways to save a lot of money. Smaller and less-known ski resorts are often affordable, and a hotel outside the village is cheaper than one near the lift station. |
A winter sports holiday no longer just means skiing or snowboarding. On a beautiful snowshoe hike, toboggan run, or horse-drawn sleigh ride, you can fully appreciate the stunning surroundings. In the evening, there’s nothing better than relaxing and recovering in the wellness area. |
| Suitable for beginners |
|---|
| Choose a ski resort with plenty of blue slopes and wide, calm descents, such as Austria's Loferer Alm and Germany's Feldberg. |
| Suitable for families and children |
| Family-friendly ski resorts have children's areas, childcare, and a good ski school. By choosing a smaller area, such as the Wildkogel Arena, older children can explore independently without getting lost. |
| Suitable for experienced skiers |
| For the adrenaline junkies among us, ski resorts with steep slopes, plenty of piste kilometers, and off-piste opportunities are a must. Endless challenges await in ski resorts like Verbier and Ischgl. |
| Snow reliability |
| Do you enjoy early or late season skiing? Choose a resort with plenty of slopes above 2000 meters. This way, you're guaranteed optimal snow conditions in all glacier ski areas like Engelberg and Hintertux. |
| Ski-in ski-out |
| There’s nothing easier than stepping straight onto the slopes from your hotel. That’s the ultimate comfort of ski-in ski-out. You’ll find ski-in ski-out accommodations mainly in French ski stations like La Plagne. |
| Charming villages and après-ski |
| Sing-alongs in Austria, live music in France, and a glass of wine in Italy—the après-ski is very diverse. Or do you prefer a quiet evening walk and a nice dinner? |
| Size |
| Some prefer a quiet ski resort where you can always stay close to each other. Others want to avoid taking the same lift twice in a day. In areas like Les Trois Vallées, Portes du Soleil, and Ski Arlberg, unlimited skiing fun is guaranteed. |
| Affordability |
| While a ski holiday can be expensive, there are easy ways to save a lot of money. Smaller and less-known ski resorts are often affordable, and a hotel outside the village is cheaper than one near the lift station. |
| Wellness, relaxation, and other activities |
| A winter sports holiday no longer just means skiing or snowboarding. On a beautiful snowshoe hike, toboggan run, or horse-drawn sleigh ride, you can fully appreciate the stunning surroundings. In the evening, there’s nothing better than relaxing and recovering in the wellness area. |
3. Let’s go!
Whether you dream of descending steep mountain peaks or simply want to enjoy the magic of winter, there is a perfect ski holiday for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your gear, choose your ideal ski destination, and prepare for an unforgettable ski holiday!
Want all the tips for planning your new ski holiday? Check out this handy guide!