10 Best European Ski Resorts

The 10 best European ski resorts are located in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. Many are favorite vacation spots to the rich and famous, and they all have plenty of snow and ice for skiing and tobogganing. The winter is the best time to visit European ski resorts, as airfares are at there lowest this time of year. Some skiers find it more affordable to purchase a package deal

1. Chamonix/Mont-Blanc, 85, place du Triangel de l’Amitie BP 25, France. This is one of Europe’s most challenging resorts with a 12-mile run, which is one of countries longest ski runs. It not only offers skiing, but hand gliding and ice climbing are also great activities at this resort. Gourmet food is available at the Le Heameau-Albert, which is located in the middle of the resort and they provide an elegant setting for resort goers after a long day on the slopes.
2. Cortina, 15/B, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This European ski resort is set in the mountainous range of Italy and it provides 52 lifts and 87 miles of well cared for runs. They offer snow rafting, bobsledding and high-speed tobogganing. This is also a resort for Italy’s elite, so expect high fashion and technology at this ski resort. They also provide old world style furnishings, elegant food and a spa for those who simply want to relax.
3. Courchevel, 73120 Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, France. This ski resort boasts to be the largest in the world and is located in the Three Valleys of France. They pride themselves on their gourmet restaurants, amazing shopping boutiques and ski-jumping activities. While this ski resort is a little more expensive, it’s also home to an Olympic ice-skating rink and they offer night tobogganing and ice climbing.
4. Gstadd, Ch-3780 Gstaad, Switzerland. This European ski resort is home to movie stars, play boys and the rich and famous. It has access to 155 miles of downhill skiing, and 70 gondolas and chairlifts. Skiers can purchase this all-inclusive pass, known as the “Ski Gstadd Pass”, to take advantage of the many activities this ski resort has to offer.
5. Lech/Zurs, 1450 M, Austria. This European ski resort is located in the midst of an alpine village, and the resort has great exclusivity. Only 14,000 tickets are sold a day, which makes for short lines at the lifts. Priority is given to hotel guests and the likes of Boris Becker, Vladimir Putin and Princess Diana have all vacationed at this popular ski resort.
6. Zermatt, 3920 Zermatt,Switzerland. This ski resort is known for its peace and quite, which is due to its car-free environment. It’s known for it’s five star hotels, and it receives plenty of snow due to the altitude. This is a great place for a quiet retreat and many skiers rank Zermatt as the best resort in Switzerland.
7. Kitzbuhel, 6370 Kitzbuhel, Austria. This popular resort is recognized for it’s liveliness and is known as the “Pearl of the Alps.” It’s nestled in a 700 year-old village and people have been skiing there since 1892. This resort is very popular at the holidays and offers the elegance of an old-world alpine village.
8. Les Deux Alpes, 38860 Les 2 Aples, France. This European ski resort is great for people of all ages. They offer 55 ski lifts and 191 snow cannons and, it’s one of the more southerly resorts that offer wooded slopes that reach year round snow fields. This resort is perfect for the avid skier.
9. Landhaus Sonnenschein, 6292 finenbery Gstan, Austria. This ski resort is set in the beautiful mountains around Finkenberg and it’s home to many ski bars and mountain inns. Advanced skiers will enjoy all the trails, and it is also a great place for beginners and snowboarders alike.
10. La Tania, 73600 La Perriere, France. This resort is part of the Three Valleys Ski area and has access to 200 ski lifts. There are plenty of airports within distance, making this the perfect holiday ski vacation. It provides one of the highest tree lines in the Alps and a super fast gondola for getting around the resort. They also have several cross-country routes and welcome skiers of all ages. This ski resort is open between December and April.