If you don't want to take a trip to the beach, a city break or an all-inclusive pool holiday that doesn't enrich your life, then why not consider a ski holiday? A ski trip encompasses everything you could need on a getaway and more. When it comes to the best ski resorts in Europe, we're pretty picky! Here are our favourite ski and après-ski resorts. It's a mix of winter favourites and remote high-altitude destinations.
15. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This historic town, carved out of the Boite river valley, became a must-see ski destination after the 1956 Winter Olympics. What's more, it will be hosting the Games again in 2026. At just two hours from Venice, the city isn't too far away. But the imposing ring of the surrounding Dolomites can make it feel otherwise. What's more, its understated ambience is a far cry from the flashy culture of other comparable ski resorts. This continues to attract the likes of George Cloney. Part of the huge Dolomiti Superski, this gem of a ski resort in Europe links skiers and snowboarders to almost 750 miles of pistes. And Nordic fans can access Europe's largest network of cross-country ski trails.
Where to stay: Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a sumptuous Belle Époque hotel just 1.5 km from the gondola. Rooms with hand-painted walls and parquet floors offer just the right amount of antique detail without becoming clumsy. The piano bar provides some lively entertainment. The intimate newcomer Hotel de Len has just 23 rooms and a speakeasy.
Stats: Dolomiti Superski day pass from $78; on the Ikon pass. There are 33 lifts for 83 runs.
14. Cervinia, Italy
Located on the Italian side of the Matterhorn massif, the high-altitude ski resort of Cervinia is linked to the Swiss resort of Zermatt. Its combined terrain is fairly vast. This means you can log a lot of kilometres without having to repeat a run all day. The majority of the runs are aimed at beginners and intermediates. What's more, the on-piste catering options are exceptional. Many skiers cross the border just to lunch on pasta all'Amatriciana and sip Bombardinos (an Italian riff on eggnog).
Where to stay: Saint Hubertus Resort's stylish flats feature modern kitchens, marble bathrooms and stone lounges with fireplaces. The team at the five-star Hermitage Hotel & Spa can organise adventures ranging from snowshoeing to heli-skiing.
Stats: day lift tickets from $52; there are 19 lifts for 72 runs.
13. Zermatt, Switzerland
You can't talk about the best ski resorts in Europe without mentioning Zermatt. Surrounded by the highest peaks in the Alps, it has 223 miles of pistes in four huge ski areas, some at altitudes of over 10,000 feet, so the snow lingers well beyond the winter season. This charming Alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is Switzerland's most famous mountain. It's packed with modern touches, like its state-of-the-art lift system and chic après-ski entertainment.
Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred means of transport in the car-free village. On the slopes, don't forget to make a diversion for the Chez Vrony burger. For a glass of bubbly try the tiny champagne bar at the end of the Sunnega piste. An innovative new ski-to-test centre on the Theodul glacier allows skiers to demonstrate the latest equipment.
Where to stay: The modern and centrally located Firefly Hotel is a more than comfortable choice, with its luxury spa, spacious rooms and impressive views. Perched just above the village, the slopeside CERVO Mountain Resort has recently added a heated pool. It also boasts one of the best spas in Zermatt.
Statistics: day lift ticket from $87; on the Ikon pass. There are 52 lifts for 143 runs.
12. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier cemented its reputation as one of the most glamorous resorts in the Alps in 2008 with some high-profile openings, including Richard Branson's luxury chalet The Lodge and Coco Club, the first VIP club in the Alps. The mix of novice and expert slopes, as well as the backcountry terrain and almost 22km of groomed Nordic runs, attract a young and sporty clientele to the 4 Vallées. This season, the Igloo des Gentianes will be transformed into an outpost of the cult New York burger Black Tap.
Where to stay: There are the luxury chalets mentioned above. But the W Verbier has the best location in town, close to the ski school venues and opposite the Médran gondola.
Stats: day lift ticket from $74; on the epic pass. There are 80 ski lifts for over 400km of pistes throughout the 4 Vallées ski area.
11. Courchevel, France
In the world's largest ski area, the Three Valleys, Courchevel and its six networked villages are a flagship resort with several levels. That's why it's one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Here, celebrities and well-to-do party-goers come to ski, relax and shop in over 100 top-of-the-range boutiques. A dedicated children's ski area, the Children's Village, offers over seven acres of terrain so that the youngest skiers can progress with ease.
The region is famous for its extraordinary snowfalls. In fact, Courchevel 1850 is so high up that there is still plenty of snow in April. Be warned, it's hard to go anywhere else if you've sampled Courchevel's heated pavements and impressive Michelin-starred food scene.
Where to stay: Of the 50 five-star hotels in France, 15 of them are here, including the stylish L'Apogée Courchevel, located in Courchevel 1850. Cheval Blanc Courchevel is the epitome of ski-in/ski-out luxury (and one of the Readers' Choice Awards 50 Best Resorts of 2021), boasting a slopeside terrace with a menu by Michelin-starred chef Yannik Alléno.
Statistics: one-day lift ticket for Courchevel $62; for the Trois Vallées $74. Courchevel has 55 lifts for 102 runs.
10. Megève, France
Megève may not have the hard-partying reputation of, say, St Moritz, or the sports-centric scope of Courchevel. But it still has a lot to boast about. Two ski areas are covered with nearly 250 miles of pistes linked by recently updated cable cars. Skiers can choose from 60 mountain restaurants, including the excellent La Ferme de Mon Père. A charming, car-free town centre, with an outdoor ice rink, unspoilt cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs and a number of stylish boutiques, makes Megève a family favourite.
Where to stay: The resort's main guests - streams of well-heeled Parisians looking to escape the city - book rooms at Les Fermes de Marie, a small mountain chalet where rooms have fur throws, beamed ceilings and stone walls. Alternatively, the Four Seasons Hotel Megève and the 12-room Le Chalet by Zannier Hotels both offer five-star service.
Stats: Day lift tickets from $60; 112 lifts for 231 runs for the Evasion-Mont Blanc ski area.
9. Val d'Isère, France
Admittedly, some people complain about the crowds and the prices at this mega-resort. But Val d'Isère remains a paradise for experienced skiers and one of the best ski resorts in Europe. The region is home to exciting, high-quality, snow-covered slopes. What's more, it boasts Europe's largest artificial snow-making plant. All are easily linked to neighbouring Tignes, forming one of France's largest ski areas. An excellent food scene and lively nightlife make a stay here a real holiday in every sense of the word. New this season: Gigi, an Italian concept perched at almost 2,500 metres at Refuge de Solaise and an outpost of Parisian chic Loulou at Airelles Val d'Isère will be offering DJ sets on the vast terrace.
Where to stay: First-timers should stick to the resort, close to the action. We love the chic ambience of Le Savoie, Les Airelles Val d'Isère and Le Refuge de Solaise, the highest hotel in France. The new 21-room Le K2 Chogori hotel offers five-star service in the heart of the village. This season sees the opening of a Peruvian-inspired restaurant.
Statistics: Day lift tickets cost $67; for Tignes-Val d'Isère $74. The linked Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area has 158 runs linked by 75 lifts, plus two skiable glaciers and two snowparks.
8. Lech, Austria
Lech may not have the bling of the likes of Saint-Moritz and Cortina d'Ampezzo. But that's where its charm lies. Behind the facades of traditional farmhouses you'll find chic boutiques, art galleries and elegant hotels. The village of 1,500 inhabitants may be tiny. But it has the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world. For example, there's the chef's table at the Hotel Rote Wand. And of course there's the draw of its excellent snowfalls and the famous White Ring, an almost 22km circuit linking Lech, Zürs and Zug. Two new high-speed cable cars are making the slopes even more accessible this season.
Where to stay: The family-run five-star Almhof Schneider hotel is the epitome of Alpine elegance. In fact, it boasts a serious art collection, a serene spa and a 25,000-bottle wine cellar. Charming stay Hotel Kristiania was originally created by Olympic skier Othmar Schneider, and his family continues the hotel's legacy of hospitality. For exaggerated luxury, head to Chalet N in Oberlech.
Statistics: Part of the Arlberg, Austria's largest interconnected ski area, 88 lifts and cable cars provide access to almost 300km of marked runs and 200km of backcountry slopes. Day lift tickets start at $70.
7. Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland
More than 70% of the runs in this vast ski area are at altitudes of between 6,500 and 9,800 feet. This guarantees some of the most reliable snow conditions in Europe and a place among the best ski resorts in Europe. With three connected mountains, there is terrain for all abilities. Beginners and families love the gentle slopes around Alp Dado. While skiers and riders looking to test their mettle can tackle the 8-mile descent from La Siala to Flims. Laxx is known as Europe's freestyle mecca and hosts the annual LAX Open, one of the most important events in the world of snowboarding. Night skiing and snowboarding means you can be on the slopes until 10pm and have an excuse to double up afterwards.
Where to stay: The Hide Hotel Flims, right on the slopes, offers penthouse-style rooms, four cinemas and an ephemeral sushi lounge.
Stats: day lift tickets from $54. Lifts connect 220km of pistes and 4 snowparks.
6. Crans-Montana, Switzerland
It doesn't have the cachet of Zermatt or Verbier. But that's just one of the many reasons why skiers love Crans-Montana. Its 90 miles of under-the-radar pistes are spread across a south-facing plateau in Switzerland's Valais canton. This means they are almost always flooded with sunshine. And the resort has 15 mountain restaurants with terraces where you can perfect your tan and admire the view of the Alps. Freestyle fans will find one of the best snowparks in Switzerland, with an Olympic-sized halfpipe. In February, the world's best female skiers descend on Crans-Montana to compete on the challenging Mont Lachaux piste in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
Where to stay: L'Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours is a member of Relais & Châteaux, and Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences enjoys a privileged town-centre location.
Stats: Day lift tickets start from $80. There are 24 lifts for 61 runs.
5. Kitzbühel, Austria
Just two hours from Munich, Austria's most popular seaside resort has it all. In fact, there are chic hotels; a lively après-ski scene along picturesque cobbled streets; and unrivalled skiing that includes eight renowned ski schools and some of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit. With over 60 mountain huts and restaurants, there are plenty of delicious options for refuelling or relaxing with lunch on the slopes.
Where to stay: Hotel Schloss Lebenberg, a medieval hillside castle overlooking the village. It deserves high marks for its exceptional service, dining room and ornate Gothic-style decor.
Stats: Day lift tickets start from $59. There are 57 lifts for 92 runs.
4. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
St. Anton is the heart of the Arlberg region, the "cradle of alpine skiing" and one of the best ski resorts in Europe. The Flexenbahn cable car links Lech and beyond. This makes St. Anton the largest interconnected ski resort in Austria and the fifth largest in the world. Try to get away from the slopes to discover St. Anton's impressive culinary scene. Eight restaurants in St. Anton am Arlberg have been recognised in the Gault-Milau Guide 2020. Wine lovers should not miss Hospizalm. This is right next to the St. Christopher ski run, and the restaurant's cellar boasts 2,900 bottles of large-format Bordeaux.
Where to stay: The exclusive Hotel Tannenhof has just seven suites and an award-winning restaurant. The Raffls Tyrol Hotel is a more affordable option in the heart of town.
Stats: 88 lifts and cable cars provide access to almost 300km of marked pistes and 200km of backcountry runs. Day lift tickets start from $70.
3. Saint-Moritz, Switzerland
The oldest ski resort in Europe and the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. As if St Moritz wasn't blessed enough already, the sun shines 322 days a year, combining with the dry air for what is known as a 'Champagne climate'. But it's the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic boutiques and excellent backcountry skiing that attract celebrities and royalty. The El Paradiso mountain club has always been one of the most exclusive bookings in St Moritz, and even more so this season when Badrutt's Palace takes over its management.
Where to stay: A room at the legendary Badrutt's Palace Hotel, which has been delighting A-listers since 1896, or at the recently renovated Kulm Hotel, one of our favourites on the Golden List, can't hurt.
Stats: Day lift tickets range from $45 to $100; there are 58 lifts for 88 runs.
2. Gstaad, Switzerland
The town centre is traffic-free. It includes a promenade lined with luxury boutiques. What's more, it boasts fairytale Swiss architecture. This makes it one of Europe's most traditional winter destinations. Charming chalet villages adorn the entrances to the various ski areas. A range of superb slopes make Gstaad accessible to all, and gourmets enjoy Michelin-starred restaurants such as the Sommet.
Where to stay: We love the Alpina Gstaad, built from wood salvaged from old farms and locally quarried limestone; with two swimming pools, a Six Senses spa and a cinema, it has become a celebrity favourite.
Stats: Day lift tickets range from $53 to $84; there are 41 lifts for almost 125 miles of pistes.
1. Courmayeur, Italy
Located on the sunnier Italian side of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is one of Europe's ski resorts that attracts both dedicated skiers and shameless sybarites. The latter prefer to sip Aperol spritzes on the terraces during the day. Everyone has the chance to dine on Michelin-starred meals in the evening. The ski resort shares access with Chamonix to the legendary Vallée Blanche glacier piste. Federica Fontana and Federica Brignone are among the many Italian Olympians who call Courmayeur their training ground. The resort recently launched the Arp piste. This allows snowboarders and skiers to shred an area previously only accessible to freeriders. After the slopes close, Courmayeur's cable car continues to operate until midnight. This means you can dine in mountain-top refuges such as Maison Vielle.
Where to stay: The Auberge de la Maison is the epitome of Alpine romance. Most rooms offer panoramic views of Mont Blanc. What's more, the spa offers unique alpine therapies such as a hay bio-sauna.
Stats: day lift tickets from $59; there are 20 lifts for 33 runs.