12 Best Ski Resorts in Europe
Europe’s winter map looks tidy on paper, yet once you step into it the character changes valley by valley. A morning in the Pyrenees holds the light differently to an afternoon in South Tyrol, while Norway’s high plateaux ask for a steadier rhythm than the steep bowls of Savoie. What makes a trip feel well chosen is rarely a single headline; it is the way a lift network breathes on a busy day, the way pistes connect without fuss, the way a village settles after the last chair when you are walking back with warm gloves and tired legs. For anyone weighing the best ski resorts in Europe, the difference is often in these subtleties.
This article takes its time with those details. You’ll get the key facts for every resort you’re considering, plus two considered hotel recommendations to help you decide. From big, snow-sure domains to quieter corners where the pulse slows, the aim is to let places reveal themselves at their own pace. Settle in, picture the first lift humming into motion, and allow the mountains to come into focus one turn at a time.
Tignes–Val d’Isère (Savoie, France)
Why go
A snow-sure, high-altitude heavyweight with two glaciers and 300 km of linked pistes spanning everything from long cruising blues to steeps and classic off-piste. It’s a reliable bet for early and late season, and the villages (Tignes Le Lac/Val Claret and Val d’Isère) give you two very different bases.
The ski area in numbers
300 km of runs across Tignes–Val d’Isère (formerly Espace Killy); highest point on the Grande Motte glacier is 3,656 m. Val d’Isère typically runs late November to early May in recent seasons.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry or Grenoble, then coach or private transfer up the Tarentaise (about 3–3½ hrs from Geneva in normal conditions). Rail: Saturday Eurostar Snow trains from London St Pancras → Bourg-Saint-Maurice for winter 2025/26, then ~1 hr by local bus/taxi up to resort.
Best time to go
For cold, chalky snow and quieter slopes, aim early December (Tignes often opens first); for sunshine and softer pistes, late March–April works well thanks to altitude and glacier cover. Official 2025/26 dates: Val d’Isère 29 Nov 2025 – 3 May 2026; Tignes 22 Nov 2025 – 3 May 2026.
Where to stay:
- Le Refuge de Solaise - 2551 m Altitude (Val d’Isère) — A one-of-a-kind high-mountain hotel at 2,551 m, reached in winter by the Solaise gondola, with wraparound views and a wonderfully secluded feel above the village. Inside you’ll find 16 rooms, 4 apartments and a cosy dormitory, plus a standout spa with a 25-metre pool, hot tubs and wellness spaces designed for a proper post-ski unwind. Perfect for special occasions and those “first tracks” mornings when you’re already on the mountain.
- Hôtel VoulezVous by Les Etincelles (Tignes Le Lac) — A sleek, modern base about 50 m from the slopes and 200 m from the lifts, putting the whole Tignes–Val d’Isère area on your doorstep. Rooms and suites come with contemporary styling and lake or mountain views, while Il Savoia serves hearty, seasonal Italian-leaning dishes for easy half-board evenings. Spot-on for groups who want hassle-free access, a lively atmosphere and concierge help with lessons, passes and activities.
Alpe d’Huez (Isère, France)
Why go
A sun-drenched, big-mileage crowd-pleaser with sweeping south-facing pistes, the lofty Pic Blanc (3,330 m) viewpoint and iconic runs like Sarenne and Tunnel. Around 250 km of pistes make it a great all-rounder for mixed-ability groups.
The ski area in numbers
~250 km of pistes; summit at 3,330 m (Pic Blanc). The domain spans multiple sectors (Bergers, Signal, Auris, Oz-Vaujany), giving lots of variety for cruisers and improvers.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Grenoble Alpes–Isère (≈100 km), Lyon or Geneva. Grenoble is the simplest gateway: shuttle to Grenoble station (~40 mins), then resort transfers; typical road transfer ~1h15–1h30 in normal conditions. Rail via Paris/Lyon to Grenoble then coach/taxi up to resort.
Best time to go
Peak conditions for most skiers are mid-January to mid-March. Thanks to altitude and snowmaking coverage, late March can still ski well — and you’ll bank those famous bluebird days.
Where to stay:
- Hôtel Daria-I Nor by Les Etincelles — Contemporary luxury with direct access to the Alpe-Express gondola from the l’Eclose district, so getting onto the slopes is wonderfully faff-free. Expect warm, modern interiors, an ~800 m² spa with pool, hammam and sauna, and on-site ski shop/boot-room touches that make first and last lifts easy. Spot-on for couples or style-seeking groups who want quick slope access and polished service.
- Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa — Ski-in/ski-out convenience right in the heart of Alpe d’Huez: step across to the green piste and you’re gliding to the lifts, with panoramic views back over the resort. The hotel pairs a central, village-side location with the Spa des Alpes (indoor pool, treatments and its signature Alpinothérapie) and multiple dining spaces, making it an easy base for first-lifts to last runs.
View all hotels near Alpe d'Huez
Val Gardena & the Sellaronda (South Tyrol, Italy)
Why go
With spellbinding Dolomites scenery, superb mountain huts and the Sellaronda’s ~40 km circuit on one pass (Dolomiti Superski), this is one of the best ski resorts in Europe for skiers who relish long, linked tours.
The ski area in numbers
Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi: ~175–181 km (local area) with ~79 lifts, altitude ~1,236–2,518 m. From Selva, you can ski the Sellaronda clockwise (orange) or anti-clockwise (green) in a day.
Getting there from the UK
Best gateways are Innsbruck (≈120 km), Verona (≈190 km) and Bolzano/Bozen (≈40 km); transfer times from Innsbruck are typically ~1.5–2 hrs. Trains run to Bolzano, with buses up the valley to Ortisei/Santa Cristina/Selva.
Best time to go
The Dolomites are famed for impeccable grooming and extensive snowmaking, so January–March is prime for crisp corduroy and blue skies; aim earlier starts for the full Sellaronda.
Where to stay:
- Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti (Ortisei) — A standout wellness base right in Ortisei’s centre, set in a park and moments from the lifts and valley buses for Seceda/Alpe di Siusi access. Expect warm Alpine style, extensive pools/saunas and a full activity programme that works brilliantly for families and spa lovers alike.
- Hotel Tyrol (Selva di Val Gardena) — Alpine-chic and warmly run, a favourite in Selva’s village centre with easy access to the Sellaronda and nearby lifts. After skiing, retreat to the cosy bar and a small but well-equipped spa for a proper wind-down.
View all hotels near Val Gardena/Groeden
Livigno (Lombardy, Italy)
Why go
A snow-sure, high-valley resort (aka “Little Tibet”) with 115 km of well-groomed pistes split between Carosello 3000 and Mottolino, long November–May seasons, and duty-free shopping in a car-friendly, linear village. Livigno is also a Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic venue (moguls & aerials) at Carosello.
The ski area in numbers
115 km of pistes, 74 runs served by 31 lifts; lifts rise to ~2,700 m on the Carosello/Mottolino ridgelines.
Getting there from the UK
Best gateways: Milan Malpensa/Linate or Bergamo (Orio al Serio), then shared/private transfer via the Livigno Express (scheduled shuttles). Driving access is year-round via Passo del Foscagno; from Switzerland, the Munt La Schera tunnel links to the valley.
Best time to go
January–March is prime for cold snow and full coverage; thanks to altitude and aspect, late March–April usually skis well on both sides (Carosello & Mottolino) and the official season typically spans November–May.
Where to stay:
After double-checking piste approaches on both Carosello and Mottolino sides, our collection of ski-in/ski-out hotels in Livigno points you to stays with genuine on-snow access.
- Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort (San Rocco side) — A wellness-first base on/near the slopes with an impressive 1,200 m² spa for proper post-ski downtime. It sits handy for Carosello 3000 access, pairing Alpine calm with convenient connections for the day’s first lift.
- Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality (Carosello side) — A family-friendly hotel in Livigno about 100 metres from the Carosello 3000 lifts, so getting on snow with kids in tow is easy. Expect modern wellness facilities and a practical location just outside the pedestrian area, with a shuttle and local buses close by.
Zermatt–Cervinia (Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland/Italy)
Why go
Europe’s highest lift point with cross-border skiing between Switzerland and Italy, 360 km of pistes and those front-row Matterhorn views. Non-skiers can now cross the Alps by cable car via the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing too. Zermatt is car-free, adding to the atmosphere.
The ski area in numbers
360 km of pistes, 54 lifts, two countries; highest mountain station at 3,883 m (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise/Klein Matterhorn). Cervinia’s resort base sits at 2,050 m, helping with snow reliability.
Getting there from the UK
For Zermatt: fly to Geneva/Zurich/Milan, then train via Visp to Zermatt (the last leg on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn). Remember Zermatt itself is car-free (park at Täsch if driving). For Cervinia: fly to Turin (≈110 km) or Milan Malpensa (≈180 km) and drive/transfer via the A5 (Châtillon).
Best time to go
Thanks to altitude and glacier access, the area skis long and reliably; prime conditions for most visitors are January–March, with excellent spring skiing when the link is open. Zermatt markets 365 days of skiing at the glacier.
Where to stay:
Here at Travelmyth, we traced how the village connects to Sunnegga, Gornergrat and Klein Matterhorn, and collected all the hotels with ski to door access in Zermatt, so you can find the picks that make mornings effortless.
- CERVO Mountain Resort (Zermatt) — Design-led hillside lodge village with ski-in/ski-out access on the Sunnegga valley descent and swift links to the funicular/cable cars; finish the day on the panoramic terraces or in the excellent Atman Mountain Spa. A stylish choice that puts Zermatt’s slopes and après within easy reach.
- Hotel Hermitage Relais & Châteaux (Cervinia) — A classic 5-star Alpine retreat with a noted spa, refined dining and courteous service, set a short distance from the lifts with a private shuttle for effortless access. Ideal if you prefer a tranquil setting with easy reach of Cervinia’s high, snow-sure ski area.
Verbier & 4 Vallées (Valais, Switzerland)
Why go
Switzerland’s largest linked ski area (410 km, serious vertical and celebrated freeride) earns its place among the best ski resorts in Europe. The network covers Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz, with a high point of 3,330 m.
The ski area in numbers
410 km of pistes; highest point 3,330 m; skiing from mid-November to the end of April in a typical season.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Geneva. By road the transfer is about 2 hours; by rail go Geneva Airport → Martigny → Le Châble, then gondola or bus up to Verbier.
Best time to go
For most skiers, January–March delivers the most consistent conditions; late March/April still rides well on upper slopes, with the area typically operating to end-April.
Where to stay:
- W Verbier — Doorstep to the Médran lifts at Place Blanche; effectively ski-in/lift-out with the gondola just steps away. After skiing, LE SPA delivers a 1,300 m² sanctuary with two heated pools (indoor & outdoor), hammam, saunas and treatment rooms — an ultra-convenient, premium base.
- Experimental Chalet — Central boutique stay with a cosy spa (hammam, sauna, terrace jacuzzi) and the on-site Experimental Cocktail Club for buzzy evenings. It’s ~8–10 minutes’ walk to Médran, with a complimentary shuttle on hand when you want to save the legs.
Ski Arlberg (St Anton/Lech–Zürs/Warth-Schröcken), Austria
Why go
Austria’s largest connected ski area with legendary terrain for strong intermediates and experts, plus classic circuits like the Run of Fame (85 km) linking St Anton to Lech and Warth. Big-mountain feel, lively après in St Anton, refined in Lech.
The ski area in numbers
~300–305 km of marked runs, 200 km of ski routes, 85 lifts; high point at Valluga 2,811 m.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Zurich or Innsbruck. There are direct/fast trains to St. Anton am Arlberg (e.g., ~2h20–2h46 from Zurich HB; St Anton is a Railjet stop). From Innsbruck, it’s a straightforward rail/road hop.
Best time to go
Prime conditions January–March; typical operating window early December to mid-April (2025/26 dates on the official site: 3 Dec 2025 – 19 Apr 2026).
Where to stay:
- Mooser Hotel (St Anton) — Set above the village with true ski-in/ski-out access, it is roughly “one ski minute” to the Galzigbahn and right next to the MooserWirt for classic St Anton après. Inside, the outlooks are expansive, the spa unruffled and the breakfasts reliably excellent for long Arlberg days.
- Burg Vital Resort (Oberlech) — At about 1,700 m on Oberlech’s sunny, car-free plateau, this 5-star Superior property offers genuine ski-in/ski-out access. Unwind in the generous spa and pools, then book a table at the on-site Griggeler Stuba, awarded two MICHELIN stars.
View all hotels near St. Anton am Arlberg
Obergurgl–Hochgurgl (“Gurgl”), Austria
Why go
Quiet, high-altitude and famously queue-free; brilliant for families and Easter weeks. Compact but well-connected Obergurgl ↔ Hochgurgl area with long season and lots of true ski-in/ski-out hotels.
The ski area in numbers
112 km of pistes, 25 lifts; altitude roughly 1,780–3,080 m (Wurmkogl).
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Innsbruck; transfers are typically ~1h15–1h30 by road (≈97–100 km). Private shuttles and taxis run direct to resort.
Best time to go
As one of the best ski resorts in Europe for late-season mileage, snow reliability makes January–April excellent, with sunshine a strong bet thanks to altitude and aspect. (Local operators highlight Nov–Apr coverage most years.)
Where to stay:
- TOP Hotel Hochgurgl (Hochgurgl) — One of Europe’s highest luxury hotels at around 2,150 m, with true ski-in/ski-out access straight onto the Hochgurgl slopes. Expect an elegant mountain style, a generous spa and panoramic dining rooms and terraces that make the most of the Ötztal views.
- Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl (Obergurgl) — A long-running favourite positioned right by the lifts in the heart of Obergurgl, delivering effortless access for first and last chairs. The Glacier Spa features indoor and outdoor pools with big picture windows, so you can unwind while looking out to the surrounding peaks. Families appreciate the friendly service and easygoing atmosphere.
View all hotels near Obergurgl
Grandvalira (Soldeu/El Tarter), Andorra
Why go
The largest resort in the Pyrenees with ~215 km of pistes across seven sectors, modern lifts, excellent ski schools and lively après (hello, L’Abarset). Great value compared with many Alpine giants.
The ski area in numbers
~215 km, 7 sectors (Encamp, Canillo, El Tarter, Soldeu, Peretol, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa). Major recent investments in snowmaking, facilities and events.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Barcelona (BCN) or Toulouse (TLS), then coach/transfer ~3–4 hrs to Soldeu/El Tarter. Official pages list multiple bus options (Andbus/Directbus/ALSA) and sector shuttles.
Best time to go
For consistent coverage, target January–March; December often opens strongly when storms line up (recent seasons saw heavy early snow allowing full-sector openings).
Where to stay:
We reviewed Grandvalira’s lift and return routes, and our collection of ski-in/ski-out hotels in Soldeu focuses on places with true door-to-slope access.
- Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa (Soldeu) — A flagship stay at the foot of the Soldeu gondola, placing Grandvalira’s pistes moments from your ski room. All-suite accommodation, expansive wellness facilities and polished dining make this a luxurious base at 1,850 m with mountain views in every direction.
- Park Piolets MountainHotel & Spa (Soldeu) — A wellness-focused hotel facing the Grandvalira slopes, with spacious rooms that all look to the mountains. It’s an easy hop to the gondola thanks to the hotel’s regular shuttle, and the spa provides a calm reset after ski days.
Baqueira-Beret (Val d’Aran, Spain)
Why go
Spain’s flagship resort with broad, cruising terrain across Baqueira, Beret and Bonaigua, excellent grooming and reliable snowmaking. It’s a great all-rounder for mixed-ability groups and families, and the Val d’Aran villages bring plenty of après and dining.
The ski area in numbers
~170 km of marked pistes, 36 lifts and ~100+ runs across three sectors (plus itineraries). Base around 1,500 m (Baqueira 1500).
Getting there from the UK
Best gateways: Toulouse (France) in roughly ~2 hr 15 min by road, or Barcelona in about ~3 hr 45 min (conditions permitting). Regular coach/transfer options run from both.
Best time to go
For most skiers, January–March delivers the most consistent cover and quietest slopes outside Spanish holiday weeks; extensive snowmaking helps the edges of the season.
Where to stay:
After mapping returns to the 1500/1800/1900 sectors, our list of hotels with ski to door access in Baqueira-Beret gathers the stays that truly link to the slopes.
- Hotel Val de Neu G.L. (Baqueira 1500) — Grand luxury hotel in the heart of Baqueira, about 50 metres from the cable cars, so slipping out for first lifts is easy. Expect a pampering stay with multiple dining spaces and a proper thermal spa circuit with saunas, steam, hydromassage features and an outdoor jacuzzi facing the mountains.
- Hotel AC Baqueira Ski Resort, Autograph Collection (Baqueira 1500) — Contemporary hotel around 50 metres from the gondola in Val de Ruda, with on-site restaurants and a relaxing spa for post-ski downtime. It’s a super-convenient base for families and groups who want straightforward access to Baqueira’s lifts and services.
View all hotels near ski resorts in Baqueira Beret
Hemsedal (Viken, Norway)
Why go
Nicknamed the “Scandinavian Alps”, Hemsedal offers long, well-planned pistes, three summits over 1,000 m and a late season often running to early May — great for February half-term or Easter. Family zones and parks keep mixed groups happy.
The ski area in numbers
Around 51 slopes and ~20–22 lifts; ski area from roughly 620–1,450 m with multiple valley bases and a modern lift network.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), then either self-drive or take the direct Sunday transfer bus to Hemsedal (about 3.5 hours; winter timetable). Rail to Gol plus bus/taxi is another option.
Best time to go
January–March for cold, consistent snow; late March–April is popular for sunshine and long days, with lifts typically operating late Nov → early May.
Where to stay:
- Fýri Resort — Design-forward and mountain-smart, this hotel features a 1,000 m² Pool Club with indoor and outdoor 35°C pools, relaxed lounges and a bar, making it a luxurious way to unwind after the hill. Slope access is easy, dining and après are lively, and there’s convenient on-site rental.
- Skistar Lodge Hemsedal — Right at the foot of the slopes with the Lodge Express lift by the door, giving genuine ski-in/ski-out convenience. Families love the children’s area, playroom and climbing wall, while multiple restaurants and bars make life simple after the lifts close.
Åre (Jämtland, Sweden)
Why go
Scandinavia’s biggest ski area, with varied terrain across Åre By, Björnen and Duved/Tegefjäll, a lively, walkable village and Sweden’s highest lift-served vertical (~890 m). Great mix for families and confident intermediates, with World Cup heritage.
The ski area in numbers
Around 90–101 km of pistes (widely quoted as ~91 km) and 46–47 lifts depending on how counted; vertical drop ~890 m; longest run ~6.5 km from Åreskutan to the valley.
Getting there from the UK
Fly to Åre Östersund (OSD) — it’s about 1 hr–1 hr 10 min by road to Åre. From Trondheim (TRD), allow roughly 2–3 hrs by car (winter-dependent) or about 3½–4 hrs by train with a change at Storlien.
Best time to go
January–March for the most consistent cold and coverage; late March–April brings longer days and still-solid snowfall up high. (Live “weather & slopes” and lift status are published by SkiStar.)
Where to stay:
With access points across Åre By, Duved and Tegefjäll verified, start with ski-in/ski-out hotels in Are for bases that keep walking to a minimum.
- Hotel Åregården (Åre By) — A stylish historic hotel in Sweden dating back to 1895, set right in the heart of the village with elegant rooms and a buzzy bar and dining scene. You’re a short stroll from the lifts and the Bergbanan funicular, so getting up the mountain is wonderfully straightforward.
- Hotell Fjällgården Ski-In Ski-Out (Åre By) — A classic ski-in/ski-out hotel mid-slope by Fjällgårdsexpressen, giving you instant access to Åre’s main runs. After skiing, unwind Scandinavian-style in the sauna and outdoor hot tubs and soak up the valley views before an easy glide back to the door.
View all hotels near Arefjallen
When you strip it back, the best ski trip is the one that fits you: your dates, your budget, your style of skiing, and how you like to unwind when the lifts stop spinning. From high-altitude mileage monsters to sun-drenched cruisers and family favourites, the picks above include some of the best ski resorts in Europe and are meant as a springboard rather than a finish line.
Ready to turn inspiration into an actual holiday? Start by browsing Travelmyth’s Ski and Ski-in/Ski-out collections to zero in on properties that put the mountains front and centre. Then fine-tune your stay with Travelmyth’s rich set of filters, from spa and family-friendly to boutique-style, adults-only, with a heated pool and more, drawn from 60 themed categories so you can match a place to your interests, not the other way round. Pick the base that feels right, set your dates, and you’re already most of the way there!
View all hotels near ski resorts in Europe
View all hotels with ski-to-door access in Europe
Don't forget to follow us on social media!
Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | LinkedIn | Pinterest
