GUIDE: The Best European Ski Resorts – Our Handpicked Favourites

Katrina and I have visited most of the resorts on this list, and we wanted to bring you something a little different (be gentle). Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, we hope you find it helpful.

In Europe, we’re fortunate to have some of the world’s best ski resorts, offering much more than just great skiing—think Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star spa hotels, and après-ski champagne bars. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for a family trip or a lively après-ski resort, there’s a luxury ski resort in Europe to suit everyone. 

We’ve rounded up some of Europe’s best ski destinations – the crème de la crème of destinations to add to your bucket list…

Where to Find Europe’s Best Ski Resorts

Luxury Ski Resorts in France

France is home to some of the world’s most famous ski resorts, offering extravagant chalets and access to some of the largest and highest-linked ski areas. The Three Valleys caters to all skill levels with 600km of ski runs.

Val d’Isère and Tignes

• Budget: High-end (Val d’Isère) | Affordable luxury (Tignes)
• Ski Area: 300km (Espace Killy)
• Height: 1,850m – 3,456m
• Apres Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
• Ski Area Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
• Fun Fact: Tignes was once underwater! The original village was submerged in 1952 to create a hydroelectric dam, and remnants occasionally resurface when the dam is drained.

Val d’Isère and Tignes are part of the famous Espace Killy ski area, which has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. Glacier skiing is even available almost all year round. The area is perfect for beginner skiers, but you’ll also find challenging slopes and some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe.

But while they share a ski area, Val d’Isère and Tignes offer two very different experiences.

Val d’Isère is chic and glamorous with a lively après-ski scene. You’ll see live DJs, table dancing, and champagne showers in the snow. Skiing here is mainly suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, although beginner runs and ski schools are available.

You’ll also find amazing luxury hotel options like Airelles Val d’Isère, which has a wellness area with a hammam, ski-in/ski-out suites, and fine dining. Les Barmes de l’Ours, a chalet-style five-star hotel, is highly recommended. There is a much-needed spa, fine dining, and stylish alpine decor.

Tignes is an excellent choice if you’re looking for freeride terrain and an active ski scene without the ultra-luxury price tag. It is a modern resort with a laid-back, high-energy vibe that attracts serious skiers and snowboarders. There’s also plenty here for beginners.

How to Get There: The closest airport is Chambéry, which has a 2-hour transfer time, or you can fly into Geneva (3 hour transfer). Transfer times depend on snow conditions (see below).

TLFL Opinion: It’s no surprise that we absolutely love Val d’Isère and Tignes. From the incredible selection of chalets and hotels to the fantastic, wide-open, and brilliantly linked ski area, it really has it all. The restaurant and bar scene is among the best in Europe, with many afternoons spent at La Folie Douce.

If you haven’t skied here before, it’s an absolute must. The only downside is the transfer time as on our last visit, it took five hours each way from Geneva. That said, the upside of a longer journey is far better snow conditions, which is usually the case here.

Megève

• Budget: Mid Range to High-End
• Ski Area: 445km (Evasion Mont-Blanc)
• Height: 1,113m – 2,350m
• Apres Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0 stars2.5
• Ski Area Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Fun Fact: Megève was the first luxury ski resort in the Alps. Developed in the 1920s by the Rothschild family, it set the standard for high-end Alpine destinations, combining world-class skiing with elegance and exclusivity.

Megève is a glamorous resort with a lovely atmosphere. It offers plenty of fine dining options and stylish boutique hotels. Megève is also a car-free ski resort, making exploring the village more enjoyable.

Enjoy the tree-lined slopes, which offer plenty of beginner and intermediate options, while off-piste areas like Magic Garden Côté 2000 attract more advanced skiers.

Four Seasons Hotel Megève has excellent ski-in/ski-out access, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Kaito) and breathtaking Mont Blanc views.

Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or is also a solid choice. It is a historic five-star boutique hotel with an exceptional rooftop bar, indulgent chocolate lounge, and spa.

How to Get There: Geneva is just 1 hour away while Lyon has a 2 hour transfer time.

TLFL Opinion: Megève holds a special place in our hearts, as it was where I first learned to ski, and we returned every year for around a decade. It’s not as well-known as some of the bigger French resorts, but it’s truly fantastic. Many people are surprised to learn that Megève has one of the largest ski areas in Europe, which means it tends to be quieter than somewhere like Val d’Isère.

As a high-end resort, Megève doesn’t offer much in the way of quick, casual dining, with most restaurants leaning towards the more formal side. The après scene is also quite limited, which could make it the perfect destination if that’s not a priority for you.

Méribel

• Budget: Mid-Range to High-End
• Ski Area: Three Valleys
• Height: 1,450m-3253m
• Apres Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Ski Area Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
• Fun Fact: Méribel played a key role in the 1992 Winter Olympics. It hosted the women’s alpine skiing events, bringing global attention to the resort and cementing its reputation as a world-class ski destination.

If you’re looking for a luxury Alpine experience, Méribel is perfect. Set in the middle of the Three Valleys, Méribel is one of the best-positioned ski resorts in the world. There are options for all levels, perfect for families of differing levels. But that’s not all. The high altitudes of up to 3253m mean that snow conditions are some of the best in France.

Après-ski focuses on live music, with incredible acts playing at ski-in/ski-out bars like Le Rond Point and Jacks, not to mention the infamous La Folie Douce.

The accommodation here is charming. Think traditional wooden chalets and luxury service. For the epitome of luxury, La Kaila is the place to go. It’s Méribel’s—most exclusive five-star hotel with ski-in/ski-out access, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa. 

Le Coucou also comes highly recommended. It features panoramic views, restaurants, a kids’ club, an indoor pool, and direct slope access.

How to Get to Meribel: The closest airport is Chambéry (1 hour and 20 minutes). Geneva and Lyon (2 hours and 20 minutes) are also options.

We’ve not skied Méribel yet but it’s high on the list of places we want to visit. 

Morzine and Avoriaz

• Budget: Mid-range to high-end
• Ski Area: 650km (Portes du Soleil)
• Height: 900m – 2,466m
• Apres Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Ski Area Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0 stars2.5
• Fun Fact: Avoriaz is a car-free resort! Designed in the 1960s with a futuristic vision, it allows only horse-drawn sledges and snowmobiles, giving it a unique, pedestrian-friendly charm.

Morzine and Avoriaz are two of the best-connected ski resorts in France. They offer access to the massive Portes du Soleil ski area.

Morzine is a family-friendly atmosphere in a traditional Alpine village, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. There are good runs for beginners and intermediates, with blue and red runs linking to nearby Les Gets. Le Dahu Hôtel & Spa is a top pick here, a charming four-star hotel with cosy Alpine décor, an indoor-outdoor pool, and breathtaking valley views.

Avoriaz is a purpose-built, high-altitude, sporty resort fully pedestrianised and ski-in/ski-out. At 1,800m, there is much better snow reliability and some fantastic off-piste ski areas.

Avoriaz is home to The Stash, a snow park with steep black runs. The scene is lively here, with La Folie Douce bringing the party atmosphere to the slopes. Hôtel des Dromonts is highly recommended, with direct ski-in/ski-out access, a luxury spa, and a stunning modern design.

How to Get There: Geneva is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away.

TLFL Opinion: Since having our child three years ago, we’ve been looking for a ski resort with a shorter transfer time, and Morzine fits the bill perfectly. Just over an hour from Geneva, it’s an incredibly convenient choice.

We absolutely love Morzine village. It’s packed with fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops, all of which are welcoming and reasonably priced. It’s one of the most well-rounded resorts I’ve visited and caters to almost everyone.

One well-known drawback of this ski area is its low altitude, which often leads to poor snow conditions—we’ve experienced this ourselves over the past two seasons. When snow is lacking in Morzine (which happens quite frequently), everyone heads to the higher slopes of Avoriaz, making it noticeably busier.

Switzerland

Switzerland is where beautiful alpine scenery meets first-class hospitality. Ski resorts here are known for impeccably maintained pistes, ultra-efficient lift systems, and out-of-this-world scenery. 

Zermatt

• Budget: High-End
• Ski Area: Matterhorn Ski Paradise
• Height: 1,620m – 3,889m
• Apres Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Ski Area Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0 stars2.5
• Fun Fact: The Matterhorn’s shape inspired the Toblerone. The iconic Swiss chocolate bar’s triangular peaks were modelled after Zermatt’s famous mountain, making it one of the most recognisable chocolate designs in the world!

Zermatt is one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world. It has stunning views of the Matterhorn, a pedestrianised village, and some of the best snow reliability in Europe. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise even offers year-round skiing.

Rather than wild après-ski parties, Zermatt is all about indulgence. Enjoy a glass of champagne at Elsie’s Wine & Champagne Bar or mountaintop fine dining with alpine views.

For non-skiers, Zermatt offers unforgettable experiences such as the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, Europe’s highest cable car, and the Gornergrat Railway.

Zermatt’s luxury hotels are among the finest in the Alps. Mont Cervin Palace is part of the Leading Hotels of the World group has incredible spa and Matterhorn views.

How to Get to Zermatt: The airports closest to Zermatt are Sion, Geneva, Zurich, and Milan Malpensa. If you opt for an airport transfer, the final part of your journey to car-free Zermatt will be via mountain cog railway from Tasch. All airports are under 4 hours by train or transfer.

TLFL Opinion: Much like Megève, Zermatt is a high-end resort where even a simple pizza will set you back around €30. That said, the views are spectacular wherever you look, and it truly is a stunning destination.

However, out of all the resorts I’ve visited, Zermatt is probably my least favourite. It’s a hassle to get to, and I didn’t find the ski area particularly well-connected – we spent more time on lifts than actually skiing. Combine that with the eye-watering prices, and I think there are better resorts that are both more affordable and easier to reach.

Austria

Austria has some of the best skiing in the world. If sitting in a mountain hut enjoying schnitzel and Glühwein after a day of skiing sounds like the perfect trip, Austria is the place to be. While France and Switzerland may steal the spotlight for luxury, Austria has equally stunning ski resorts with a traditional feel. The Arlberg region is home to some of Austria’s most luxurious ski resorts.

Saint Anton am Arlberg

• Budget: Mid-range to High-End
• Ski Area: 305km (Arlberg)
• Height: 1,304m – 2,811m
• Apres Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Ski Area Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
• Fun Fact: St. Anton is nicknamed the “Cradle of Alpine Skiing.” Thanks to pioneers like Hannes Schneider, the resort played a key role in developing modern ski techniques and ski schools.

St Anton is the ultimate adrenaline-fueled ski resort with world-class skiing and nightlife. The challenging slopes are perfect for more advanced skiers, and there are plenty of off-piste options, steep runs, and deep snow. There is over 200km of off-piste terrain and some of the steepest runs in the Alps. Besides this, there are beginner—and intermediate-friendly options and some good ski schools. 

The glamourous après-ski scene is pumping day and night, starting at the MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh in mid-afternoon. Back in the village, there are plenty of late-night spots, chic cocktail lounges and fine dining options.

The Arlberg Hospiz Hotel is a classic Austrian five-star retreat famous for its wine cellar and impeccable service. For a boutique, ultra-luxury experience, Hotel Tannenhof offers just seven exclusive suites, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views of the Alps. 

Getting There: The closest airport is Innsbruck, 100km away. A transfer will take just over 1 hour. You can also fly into Friedrichshafen Airport, Germany (170km). Fast train services also run from Zürich Airport in just under 2.5 hours.

Like Meribel we’ve not been here but I think we may end up booking to ski here next season so we will report back. 

Italy

Italy is home to some of Europe’s most stylish ski resorts. With a ski network of over 1,200km of pistes, you can enjoy world-class skiing with a distinctly Italian flair. Enjoy lunches with fine wine, Michelin-starred dining, breathtaking scenery, and relaxed après-ski. 

Courmayeur

• Budget: Mid-range
• Ski Area: 100km (Courmayeur Mont Blanc)
• Height: 1,224m – 2,755m
• Apres Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Ski Area Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
• Fun Fact: Courmayeur is home to the highest botanical garden in Europe. Located at 2,173 metres on the slopes of Mont Blanc, the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden showcases rare high-altitude plants from around the world.

Courmayeur has everything you picture when you think of a luxury ski holiday—excellent accommodation options, delicious food, panoramic views, and fantastic skiing. It’s perfect for a relaxed ski holiday—think long lunches admiring the incredible scenery and some great skiing. Cobbled, car-free Via Roma is the social centre of Courmayeur. You can enjoy dishes such as truffle-laced pasta and sip Aperol Spritz.

Skiing here best suits intermediate and advanced skiing. Courmayeur is a mecca for off-piste skiing. The Vallée Blanche—one of the longest lift-served off-piste descents in the world—starts here.

Luxury stays are abundant here. Auberge de La Maison comes highly recommended—a chalet-style boutique hotel with incredible Mont Blanc views and a gorgeous spa. Le Massif is another top option with a private slope-side club, fine dining, and a luxury spa.

How to Get There: You can travel from Geneva (1 hour and 20 minutes) or Turin (1 hour and 40 minutes).

TLFL Opinion: I’d call this a hidden gem although some of you may have heard of it. Italy probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind for a ski holiday. However, it’s quickly becoming my top choice!

Located just beyond the Mont Blanc tunnel and less than 90 minutes from Geneva, Courmayeur is right up there for me. I visited last year for a short trip with friends and was seriously impressed. The ski area, food, bars, and people were all fantastic – and to top it off, it was surprisingly affordable. As a complete package, it really has everything.

Madonna di Campiglio

• Budget: Mid-range to High-End
• Ski Area: 156km 
• Height: 1,550m – 2,600m
• Apres Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0 stars2.5
• Ski Area Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
• Fun Fact: You can ski with flaming torches on New Year’s Eve! The resort’s torchlight descent, where skiers glide down the slopes holding fiery torches, is one of the most magical ways to celebrate the New Year in the Alps.

Madonna di Campiglio is in a beautiful location in the Brenta Dolomites. Its car-free centre and high-end boutiques make it a favourite among well-heeled Italian skiers.

The ski area is one of the largest in Italy, connecting Madonna di Campiglio to Pinzolo, Folgarida, and Marilleva. You can enjoy long scenic runs and a state-of-the-art lift system. If you’re an advanced skier, you can test yourself on the Spinale Direttissima, a steep black run that drops 600m altitude.

Dining here is exceptional. Enjoy Trentino specialities like polenta, venison, and local cheeses.

If you love spa hotels, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is the place to be. It offers world-class wellness and stunning Dolomite views. Hotel Chalet del Sogno is also a top pick, with ski-in/ski-out access.

How to Get There: Verona (2 hours) and Innsbruck (3 hours) are the closest airports.

TLFL Opinion: Having just returned from another hidden gem – one I’d never considered before – I’m now completely hooked on skiing in Italy. Compared to Courmayeur, Madonna di Campiglio has a more upmarket feel, with fewer bars for après-ski, making it ideal for those who prioritise skiing over partying.

I stayed at the fantastic Hotel Spinale (review coming next weekend) and genuinely loved my time in Madonna. The ski area caters to all levels, from challenging championship black runs to scenic 10km blue runs that take you from the very top down to the village. It’s truly suited to all abilities, whereas I’d say Courmayeur leans more towards intermediate and advanced skiers.

Next on my Italian ski list: Cortina!

Final Words

Whether you’re a first-time skier, an off-piste expert, or just in it for the après-ski vibes, there’s a luxury ski destination perfect for your next trip.

Where is your favourite ski resort? Let us know in the comments!