The best ski resorts in Europe for 2025

The expert's guide to the best ski resorts in Europe, from classic resorts in the Swiss Alps to where to go ski touring in Scandinavia
Magnificent mountain range in bright sunlight with skiers in the foreground.
Luca Sage/Getty

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Where to stay: Lech hotels tend to skew towards family-owned classics, like royal favourite Hotel Alberg or the old-world Hotel Post, but there’s also crisp modernity at the likes of Severin*s Lech Hotel. The best chalets are the twin Arula Chalets, where the crisp mod-chalet design feels right-on, with a faintly Bond-esque floating fireplace, cool indoor and outdoor pools and new heli-skiing offerings.

AvoriazGetty Images

Avoriaz, France

The purpose-built retro one

Anyone seeking the chocolate-box Alpine aesthetic, look away now. Avoriaz, with its angular cedar-clad high-rises, some perched on the edge of a steep cliff, would make a better setting for a Hitchcock horror than a festive rom-com. But this 3,500ft-high space simply works. Thanks to an ingenious lift-and-escalator system, there’s not a spot in town you can’t ski to; and while Jacques Labro’s Le Corbusier-influenced 1960s design has been divisive over the years, the general consensus now is that his car-free, environmentally sensitive vision was ahead of its time. Labro, now in his eighties, still consults on new developments in town, meaning there’s a real visual cohesion – and the high-altitude skiing, often with views over the resort, is reliable and fun for all levels.

Where to stay: Traditionally a resort of self-catered apartments like the blonde-wood Amara, architecturally sensitive hotels are now joining the fray. The pine cone shaped Hôtel des Dromonts, one of Labro’s classic Bond-chic designs and recently updated, has been joined by the birch-clad Mil8, which has brightly and playfully updated the resort’s slightly oddball style.

VerbierGetty Images

Verbier, Switzerland

The social skiing one

If St Moritz is the glamourous aunt and Klosters the outdoorsy, patrician uncle, ‘Verbs’ is the Sloaney niece who parties hard but still gets up early to ski. The ‘Alpine Ibiza’ tag only goes so far: yes, the après-ski is legendary here, but the young crowd will only be impressed if you’ve spent the morning on one of the famous powder fields, including the Stairway to Heaven, reached via a narrow, step-like couloir. Verbier’s regulars tend to be serious skiers: think Pippa Middleton, Bear Grylls or James Blunt, who co-owns mountain restaurant La Vache and even has a lift named after him (as does Diana Ross, bizarrely). While the 250 miles of piste areas offer plenty for intermediates, this place is known for hairy black runs and off-piste where the powder stays deep late into the season, including for the Xtreme Verbier freeride event every March.

Where to stay: The postcard-pretty town is also the most continually evolving of the Swiss hotspots, and big, modern hotel groups tend to make their splashy first alpine forays here, like W Hotels did in 2013. The coolest hotel in town is still the 39-room Experimental Chalet, a bright mod-retro place from the ever-growing French group, and still home to the iconic Farm Club that has hosted Bowie, Elton John, Diana Ross and the rest over the years.

Alta BadiaGetty Images

Alta Badia, Italy

The locavore one

Alta Badia has long been a popular spot among slope-seeking Italians, but it’s become an increasingly popular destination for other Europeans craving a taste of the Dolomites. It’s a beautiful landscape year-round and a great spot for hikers of all abilities during the summer when mountain peaks glitter and Alpine pastures reach as far as the eye can see. However, the vibe shifts as soon as the first substantial sprinkling of snow dusts the rocky formations. Aside from the excellent slopes, Alta Badia offers travellers a unique taste of Ladin culture. Archaeological remains suggest this region was inhabited as long as 4,000 years ago, and subsequent empires and settlements have left unique indents on the land. The Romans followed the Rhaetians and, as locals mingled with passing soldiers and explorers, the Rhaetian and Latin languages collided and created a neo-Latin language – Ladin.

Where to stay: It’ll only take a few hours to realise why Hotel La Perla is one of the Leading Hotels of the World. Located in the charming commune of Corvara, the hotel offers everything you’d want from a cosy Dolomites escape. Rooms and suites overlook the magnificent mountain peaks and are packed with trinkets from the Costa family, from typewriters on desks to captivating artwork adorning the walls. Breakfast is a particularly delicious affair, as guests generously smother butter and honey from the mountains on freshly baked bread, and fruit platters decorate tables. Connor Sturges

RiksgransenAlamy

Riksgränsen, Sweden

The one for heli-skiing

Anyone who watched a snowboard video in the 1990s will be familiar with Riksgränsen, even if they’ve never heard of this outpost on the Norwegian border in Sweden’s far north. It’s a funny old place, which started in 1903 as a station for the trains carrying iron ore from the mining town of Kiruna to Narvik on the Norwegian coast – and the industrial train still rumbles through most days. Gradually, the train workers realised they were next to an almost unlimited trove of skiable peaks, and when a road finally arrived in 1984 it started to become an open secret among Europe’s best powder skiers and especially snowboarders. Today, the cluster of red barns overlooking the Vassijaure Lake (frozen in winter) is a freeride and heli-ski paradise, with the latter much more of a free-for-all than most European resorts.

Where to stay: The longstanding Hotell Riksgränsen is comfortably utilitarian, with a spa and sauna, but the smartest place by far is Niehku Mountain Villa, a cool heli-oriented lodge in a former industrial train building, run by charismatic sommelier-restaurateur Patrik ‘Strumpan’ Strömsten and experienced ski guide Johan ‘Jossi’ Lindblom.

Bad GasteinGetty Images

Bad Gastein, Austria

The ‘Wes Anderson’ one

This Belle Epoque ski and mineral spa town, built into the slopes of the Hohe Tauern mountains a 90-minute train ride from Salzburg, was once known as the ‘Monte Carlo of the Alps’ before falling on harder times. Now, though, it’s making a comeback built on creatives, especially from Berlin, giving new life to faded hotels and putting on festivals like the sommer.frische.kunst art festival. There are usually good snow conditions somewhere along the valley, especially up at the Kreuzkogel peak.

Where to stay: Hotels run the gamut from the Salzburger Hof, a canary-yellow grand dame, to modern design-driven hotels like the Miramonte, a 1950s bank building made over by local hotelier Ike Ikrath, who also runs the cool Haus Hirt. The pick of the stays, though, is The Comodo, a place of crisp lines and mid-century touches that might just be the most exciting Alpine opening of 2023.

MegèveGetty Images 

Megève, France

The Rothschild’s one

With just over an hour’s transfer from Geneva, Megève’s car-free cobbled streets, stunning views of Mont Blanc and multi-level pistes are a breeze to reach. Founded as a ski resort by Baroness de Rothschild in 1916, Megève’s inception is quite a story. Having shared her dream to replicate St Moritz’ charm in a French setting, the Baroness’ ski instructor introduced her to the pretty village and its Medieval rhythms. Whether it was the panoramic views from the Mont d’Arbois plateau above the village or Megève’s singular Alpine charm, the Baroness was smitten and put plans in place to bring her vision to life. When not gawping at the views from Emmanuel Renault’s secluded (and outstanding) Flocons de Sel, or angling for a third round of raclette at the buttoned-down l’Alpage, the resort is intermediate bliss, the run to St Nicholas from L’Epaule being a firm favourite. With its generous squiggle of greens and ski schools, La Caboche is the first-timer spot, while a handful of thrilling blacks, such as Emile Allais, and freeride terrain (particularly Magic Garden Coté 2000) is a siren call for advanced skiers.

Where to stay: Almost a century on and Rothschild’s legacy remains keenly felt here, from the artwork dressing the Four Seasons Hotel Megève’s stylish walls to Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, all named after various members of the Rothschild family. For a cosy boutique stay, Le Cerf Amoureux has just 11 bedrooms, some with knockout views of Mont Blanc from their balconies.

St Moritz, Switzerland

Getty Images

St Moritz, Switzerland

The classic one

You’ll find Switzerland’s swankiest ski resort on the southern slopes of the Albula Alps, where palatial hotels gaze towards Lake St. Moritz – the base for the iconic annual horse racing competition White Turf St. Moritz. When horses aren’t galloping across the frozen lake, ice skaters slide on boots for moonlight gliding after polo, and cricket teams wrap up warm for head-turning games. Most people come to the resort for a flamboyant combination of daytime sports and cocktail-sipping afternoons in couture gowns, and it’s common to spot a recognisable personality or two in the fanciest establishments. Guests dress in their finery for long suppers in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Da Vittorio and La Trattoria before tucking into billowy beds for an early morning arrival on the slopes. It’s more popular among seasoned skiers rather than ice-fearing beginners, but there’s something for everyone across more than 155km of slopes.

Where to stay: The Carlton St Moritz opened its doors in 1913 and quickly became the go-to check-in for the glitzy kind of clientele St. Moritz is known for. Settle into one of the 60 rooms or suites characterised by plush leather headboards, rich wood tones and pops of colour that jump into your peripheral view with joy. Feast in Michelin-starred Da Vittorio, wrap up for al-fresco coffee moments and splendid scenery and seek out the spa and wellness space to ease ski-sore joints and muscles. Connor Sturges

Zermatt, SwitzerlandGetty Images

Zermatt, Switzerland

The preposterously pretty one

Zermatt is the vision of the Alps that every snowglobe aspires to – arrived at on the incredibly scenic little Gornergrat train then traversed by horse-drawn carriage, and watched over by a great slab of a mountain that has inspired more Victorian legends, chocolate bars and reveries than any other. The skiing is high, dry and cruisey (including into Italy), and the food rivals that of any ski resort anywhere, especially at slope-side classics Chez Vrony and Findlerhof.

Where to stay: There are grand hotels, including the Monte Rosa, Mont Cervin Palace and the Grand Budapest-ish Zermatterhof, but also fresher options. The glassy Backstage Hotel Vernissage, the work of charismatic local architect Heinz Julen, and the chalet-luxe Schweizerhof, a big-hitting local stay from La Réserve hotelier Michel Reybier.

Val d'IsereGetty Images

Val d’Isère, France

The one for endless skiing

Few ski resorts are as highly regarded or iconic as Val d’Isère, a commune of the French Alps’ Espace Killy ski area, close to the Italian border. Human habitation in Val d’Isère dates to pre-Roman times, but its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in Europe has its routes in the early 20th century. Public infrastructure increased footfall in the 1930s, bringing roads, running water and the first hotels to the commune. By the 1960s, more than a dozen ski tows and two cable cars were in place, whizzing skiers around the resort. Now, it’s a ski resort favoured by the rich and famous, with stars such as Margot Robbie and Prince William perfecting their turns while unwinding in extraordinary hotels. No visit is complete without a visit to La Folie Douce Val d'Isère, the notorious après-ski bar where DJs play to crowds dancing in the blinding white snow as they sip on endless spritzes.

Where to stay: Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère is one of the latest hotels to open its doors, home to 113 cosy rooms, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a spa. Alternatively, team up with fellow ski enthusiasts and take over a ski chalet for a long weekend of snow-ploughing. Connor Sturges

Kitzbühel, AustriaGetty Images

Kitzbühel, Austria

The defiantly old-school one

Snow-sure slopes, state-of-the-art lift systems and more than 200km of pistes – Kitzbühel is all too often overlooked despite being one of the best ski resorts in Europe. 58 lifts stem the flow of skiers across the resort as visitors perfect their moves before long lunches and swanky suppers in the sixty-something restaurants and bars. The season begins in late November and lasts until the Easter break; it’s a popular ski resort for families thanks to purpose-built facilities and the Kitz Mini-Streif slope that’s tailormade for beginners and little ones. It’s just as beautiful during the summer months, when visitors shimmy into boots and tackle more than 1,000km of hiking paths through the surrounding valleys and mountains, dine al-fresco on chalet terraces and throw themselves into a host of adrenaline-inducing activities.

Where to stay: While it’s never been a cutting-edge resort – places such as Schloss Lebenberg and Tennerhof, where Fleming holed up in the 1920s, trade on a certain timelessness – the Six Senses Residences, with just 40 villas and apartments tucked away on the edge of a pine forest and a tinkling stream, would suggest change is afoot. Connor Sturges

Sunnmøre Alps, NorwayGetty Images

Sunnmøre Alps, Norway

The one for fjord ski-touring

Ski-touring keeps growing everywhere, but few do it with as much commitment as the Scandinavians, who say tak for turen (‘thanks for touring’) after every session. Norway has some especially magical spots for this, including the Lofoten archipelago and Lyngen Alps, high in the Arctic Circle. While those mountains tend to be by the open sea, central Norway’s Sunnmøre Alps are in a landscape of majestic fjords, 90 minutes inland from the Art Nouveau coastal town of Ålesund. Meditative hikes here tend to be rewarded with epic views and thrilling whooshes down to the fjords. Unlike the Alps, lunch is a rucksack picnic and supper, a candlelit, flush-cheeked affair following a drawn-out stint in the sauna.

Where to stay: There are some seriously smart stays in the area: the glassy modernist Juvet Landscape Hotel, which starred in Alex Garland’s Ex Machina; and the Hotel Union Øye, a fairytale place that opened in 1891 but was renovated in 2020, keeping the lobby suit of armour that everyone from Arthur Conan Doyle to Edvard Grieg has gawped at over the years.

Chamonix, FranceGetty Images

Chamonix, France

The hardcore one

There is a lot of competition when it comes to Europe’s best place for serious freeride skiing, with arguments to be made for heli hotspots such as Italy’s Monte Rosa and Riksgränsen in northern Sweden. But really, ‘Cham’ has always been the one: where ski and mountaineering guides come to get the serious qualifications, and where the vast terrain keeps drawing them back, even after epic trips to Kamchatka or Alaska. Typified by the off-piste Vallée Blanche, a thigh-busting 12 miles from the Bond-villain Aiguille du Midi station, the skiing here is big and bad. Menus cater to calorie-heavy skiing, with white table-cloth Le Panier des 4 Saisons' hearty French plates and Europe’s highest restaurant 3842’s crepes with generous lashings of melted cheese.

Where to stay: Opt for rosy-cheeked relaxation in the indoor-outdoor pool of the Hotel Hameau Albert 1er 1er, or under the angular roof of the smart Chalet Couttet.

Gjeravica, KosovoShutterstock

Gjeravica, Kosovo

The really wild one

Cat-skiing is very much a North American invention and has only appeared on this side of the Atlantic in off-piste destinations. Few European ski destinations are as immediately intriguing as the Accursed Mountains, as the locals call the Gjeravica range on the Albanian-Kosovan border, whose upper slopes have only become accessible to people for the first time in the 21st century​. Founded by Croatian ski and snowboard champion Sebastian Fleiss, Lynx Freeride runs week-long trips to Gjeravica’s vast terrain of untouched bowls, couloirs and tree runs. Kosovan craft beer and no-menu seasonal suppers welcome weary skiers home, fresh from exploring a wild, off-piste paradise that is still home to wolves, bears and lynx.

Where to stay: In a two-bedroom villa at Belle Resort in nearby Decan.

Val Gardena, ItalyGetty Images

Val Gardena, Italy

The all-rounder

At the heart of the vast Dolomiti Superski area, with more than 740 miles of pistes, Val Gardena has long been a draw for pro skiers and powder-hunting free-riders, with heli-skiing options among the craggy peaks of the Sella Ronda. But the South Tyrol area, in general, is about so much more than skiing. To the east, the pine-covered, craggy Alta Badia valley has an ancient Ladin culture and serious locavore food, from centuries-old agriturismos to the three-Michelin-starred St Hubertus.

Where to stay: To the west, a series of striking contemporary stays have shone a light on Italy’s most sustainably aware region: the sleek Adler Spa Resort, overlooking a particularly stunning section of the Dolomites; the modernist Miramonti, near the small Merano resort; and the Lefay Dolomiti, a future-forward spa from the group first known for jet-set health programmes on Lake Garda.

Val d’ArlyGetty Images

Val d’Arly, France

The slow skiing option

Made up of four pretty villages in a valley west of Megève, Val d’Arly has largely flown under the radar – but a rich Savoie food culture and several new sustainable places to stay make it a good choice for a slow, deep-nature trip this season. There are lifts at the family-friendly ski resort Espace Diamant, and the much larger Portes du Mont-Blanc towards Megève – but the French often come to snow-shoe and cross-country ski in the white wilderness, then eat at restaurants such as La Ferme de Victorine, where Bib Gourmand-rated local dishes are served as cows watch from the adjoining shed.

Where to stay: The best stays fit the area’s ethos: Cabanes Entre Terre et Ciel, four modern treehouses in the dense forests of St Nicolas la Chapelle; and Le Toi du Monde in Flumet, where environmental engineer Florent Perrin has turned his grandmother’s 1886 Savoyard farm building into a carbon-neutral guesthouse and restaurant.

Pradollano, SpainGetty Images

Pradollano, Spain

The one nearest the beach

Europe’s southernmost ski resort, in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Granada, reaches up to 11,150ft, with 70 miles of surprisingly snow-sure slopes that have regularly hosted World Cup ski races and beau monde crowds lining the terraces of La Visera and Badia. But the best thing about a few days skiing here is coming down the mountain and heading for somewhere entirely different. It takes 40 minutes or so to drive to Granada, where the great Moorish Alhambra palace is about as far from Alpine style as it gets; it’s barely an hour south to Motril, with its Costa Tropical beaches; and two hours in either direction to the new creative buzz of Málaga or the old Spaghetti Western sets around Almería.

Where to stay: At chalet-style El Lodge, the smartest place in this quirky town.

Villars-sur-OllonGetty Images 

Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland

The low-key classy one

This whimsically pretty (and rather posh) Swiss resort is a firm favourite for Europe’s discreetly wealthy and royalty wanting to pelt down a pap-free mountain. Along with the welcome absence of the bling brigade with all its diamante decadence, Villars proximity to Geneva and the vast ski area spanning Les Diablerets, Gryon and Glacier 3000, make it a failsafe for families and late-season skiing. As do its nursery slopes and stellar ski schools – advanced skiers will have to lean into some backcountry skiing for an adrenaline fix. Villars is all about the velvety smooth blues and reds, rustic mountain restaurants such as Lac des Chavonnes, and the old mountain railway that can still chug skiers to the mountain top, should tradition dictate.

Where to stay: At trad Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel and Spa, which has a knockout spa.

Crans MontanaGetty Images

Crans Montana, Switzerland

The seriously sunny one

Situated on a terrifically sunny plateau above the Rhone Valley, Crans Montana is a magnet for Swiss and Italian intermediate skiers, along with a few in-the-know Brits and fur-clad shoppers hitting Rue du Prado. A patchwork of traditional chalets and more modern concrete structures, the two towns of Crans-Sur-Sierre and Montana are joined by a funicular, Crans being particularly chic. Steep, fast runs and high alpine terrain keep adrenaline levels up (the lower, south-facing slopes tend to melt) while fresh powder days call for leisurely, off-piste meandering through the pine trees or an invigorating whoosh down from the glacier. Serious skiers (the first lift sort) pile into locavore mountain restaurants Buvette de Pepinet or Cabane Violettes for rösti and croûte Fromage, and back in town, comfortingly unfussy La Dente Blanche keeps a loyal crowd with its fondu-focused menu. With its sunshine guarantee and traditional rhythms, it's little surprise that Sir Roger Moore chose Crans Montana for his twilight years.

Where to stay: Six Senses is the smartest stay to know about, with direct ski-in and ski-out access plus an impressive spa with a rooftop swimming pool. Hotel Chetzeron is another option, set in a converted gondola station.

Cortina D’AmpezzoGetty Images

Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

The Dolce Vita one

Cortina D'Ampezzo's began as a winter sports destination favoured by society’s upper echelons in the 1950s, where European elites and stars of stage and screen mingled over fizzing flutes in elegant hotels and restaurants. The 1956 Winter Olympics put Cortina D’Ampezzo firmly on the map, advertising the resort’s opportunities. The 2026 games will no doubt do so again, tempting eager skiers to this mountainous corner of Italy over their favourite French Alps resorts – so save a dime and visit before the crowds descend. Tuck into gargantuan bowls of pasta in the winter sunshine surrounded by designer-clad, espresso-sipping Italians, who feast before sparking cigarettes on sun-facing deckchairs scattered around restaurants. There are more than 100km of snow-sure runs during peak season, but there’s more to the resort than just donning ski boots, thanks to a smattering of exceptional hotels, restaurants and bars. Peel off the salopettes for a feast at Michelin-starred Tivoli, where chefs prepare spellbinding dishes with ingredients from the mountains and fresh fish sourced daily from the markets of Venice and Chioggia. Connor Sturges

Where to stay: Hotel de LEN is one of Cortina D'Ampezzo’s hottest (and newest) properties. It opened the resort to skiers unwilling to shell out on an uber-luxe chalet. The spa is one of the resort’s biggest draws, where experts design tailor-made wellness experiences for aching muscles and freeze-dried skin. Alternatively, get snug in a wooden chalet in the hills with loved ones – we love the look of this wooden penthouse, located 250 metres from the ski bus stop.

Courchevel 1850Getty Images

Courchevel 1850, France

The bling-bling foodie one

Courchevel 1850 is a quiet mountain town for much of the year, but in the first weeks of December, skiers of all abilities zoom down the glitzy Alpine peaks in chic Celine ski suits. The heart of the town offers enviable shopping opportunities thanks to designer stores such as Dior, Moncler, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The town is better for indulgent spa treatments and shopping than Champagne-spraying, but there are a handful of places to enjoy a taste of après-ski – get snug in a gondola lift at au planté de bâton or swing by The Gatekeeper pub for a pint. It is, however, a great place for foodies, thanks to a handful of destination restaurants and delicious local spots. Bagatelle is one of the most iconic establishments in town, where guests devour Alpine fare and sip Champagne while gazing out over the mountain peaks. Alternatively, settle into snug fur-backed chairs at La Ferme Saint Amour Courchevel, where the wine list causes as much indecisiveness as the food menu.

Where to stay: L’Apogée Courchevel is the most opulent address in town. Suites at the Oetker Collection hideout look towards the soaring mountain peaks beyond above the terrace restaurant in one direction and towards the heart of the resort town in the other. Service is slick, and restaurants serve exquisite dishes that look as good as they taste in the chic destination restaurants. Connor Sturges

GstaadGetty Images 

Gstaad, Switzerland

The winter sports one

Julie Andrews and Roger Moore are among a roster of stars to have fallen for Gstaad’s time-warp charms (think traditional Swiss chalets, chocolate shops and horse-drawn carriages). And with its snow-sure Glacier 3000 and 200km of slopes to explore, the skiing’s rather good too. That said, its a great ski resort for beginners and intermediates – seasoned skiers after more of a challenge can beeline for the 45-degree gradient Tiger Run on the Wasserngrat. Gstaad’s winter sports pedigree needs little introduction – cross country, snowshoeing and snow hiking remain almost as popular as the skiing. It's this curious combination of old-world glamour and Alpine farm rhythms that lends Gstaad its distinct character, as the mix of unpretentious restaurants such as Le Petit Chalet and Gstaad Palace’s legendary GreenGo disco, with its retractable dance floor and eye wateringly expensive drinks attests.

Where to stay: The fabled Gstaad Palace is as popular as ever with the high rollers (and the understated who still partake in the annual ritual of boarding the Golden Pass Panoramic for a scenic chug into the village).

KlostersGetty Images

Klosters, Switzerland

The smart but scruffy one

Klosters' royal reputation often belies its impressive 320km tangle of pistes (courtesy of its cable car link to neighbouring Davos) and a particularly exhilarating off-piste terrain waiting to be conquered. It also betrays the decidedly unpretentious style of this Prättigau Valley village. Gene Kelly may have danced on tables at ‘The Chesa’s’ cellar bar and Paul Newman and Lauren Bacall may have graced its sunny slopes, but Klosters is all about the early mornings and rattling down the Parsenn Weissfluhjoch black run (one of several) – those sniffing out a scene should hop on the next train to St Moritz. Far from overlooked, intermediates have a vast array of groomed slopes to choose from – smooth, tree-lined runs which meander home for proper Swiss hot chocolate and the link to Davos from Klosters Platz. Resort regulars head to old, unfussy favourites such as Wolf’s Den for lunch in the Hotel Kulm – one of several insider spots first-timers can quickly learn about from James Palmer Tomkinson, whose royal links and reputation as a bona fide Klosters connoisseur fuel his PT ski travel company.

Where to stay: King Charles and his boys were once regulars at Hotel Walserhof, a warm Alpine-style bolthole.