Top 10 Ski Resorts in Europe
10. Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a top ski destination with great backcountry and challenging terrain. The town is pedestrian-friendly and oozes alpine charm. Despite the mountain’s extreme reputation, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car is a must for the views. From the top, experienced skiers can hire a guide and schuss down the legendary Vallée Blanche glacier.
Stats: 67 lifts for 115 runs. One-day lift ticket from $72.
9. Méribel, France
Méribel is a central resort in the Three Valleys, the largest ski area in the world. It offers pretty chalets, designer shopping, and stylish stays. The slopes are for intermediate skiers. This year, the old Bouquetin slope will be replaced by the IBEX black diamond run, aka the Vertical Experience. Hardcore skiers can also easily connect to the challenging terrain in Val Thorens. The après scene is strong. Go to Rond Point and Folie Douce. Wine lovers should try Parâjo, a new on-mountain Savoyard restaurant with a big wine cellar.
Stats: There are 46 lifts and 76 pistes in Méribel. A one-day lift ticket costs from $47, and a ticket for the 372+ miles of pistes in the Three Valleys costs from $63.
8. Lech Zürs, Austria
Lech Zürs is less glamorous than St. Moritz and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but that’s part of its charm. Traditional farmhouses hide chic boutiques, art galleries, and stylish hotels and chalets. The village of 1,600 has the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world (Rote Wand Chef’s Table at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel is a must). The area gets great snow and has a famous 14-mile ski circuit. Two new cable cars make the slopes more accessible this season.
Stats: Part of the Arlberg, Austria’s largest ski area. 85 lifts and cable cars can access more than 180 miles of slopes and 120+ miles of backcountry runs. One-day lift ticket from $80.
7. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
This historic town became a popular ski destination after the 1956 Winter Olympics and will host the Games again in 2026. Just two hours from Venice, the town isn’t too remote, though the Dolomites might make it feel otherwise. Its low-key vibe attracts celebrities like George Clooney. Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski, which connects skiers and riders to nearly 750 miles of slopes. Nordic fans can access Europe’s biggest network of cross-country trails.
Stats: One-day Dolomiti Superski pass: $78. There are 33 lifts for 83 runs.
6. Courchevel, France
The largest ski area in the world, the Three Valleys, includes Courchevel and its six villages. It is a resort where celebrities and wealthy people come to ski, relax, and shop at more than 100 upscale boutiques. The Children’s Village has more than seven acres of terrain for kids to progress on. The region gets a lot of snow, and Courchevel 1850 is so high there’s still a lot in April. Once you’ve been to Courchevel, you’ll want to go back.
One-day lift ticket for 372+ miles of pistes in the Three Valleys: $63. Courchevel has 46 lifts for 102 runs.
5. Kitzbühel, Austria
Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has everything: fancy hotels; a beautiful, old city center; a lively après-ski scene; and the best skiing, with 11 ski schools and the most challenging course on the World Cup circuit. There are more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants, so you can refuel or have lunch on the slopes.
Stats: 58 lifts for 96 runs covering 145 miles. One-day lift tickets from $59.
4. Val d’Isère, France
Some people don’t like the crowds and prices at this big resort, but Val d’Isère is still a great place for experienced skiers. The area has great, safe slopes (and a big snow-making plant) that are linked to Tignes. This is one of France’s biggest ski areas. There’s great food and nightlife, so it’s a holiday in every sense. This season, skiers have new dining options on and off the slopes. These include L’Alpin in the village and three new eateries atop the Bellevarde. These include a brasserie, café, and Cocotte, an intimate 55-seat dining room specializing in traditional fare. Airelles Val d’Isère is the hot spot for après ski.
Stats: One-day lift tickets are $70 for Tignes and Val d’Isère. The linked Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area has 163 runs and two skiable glaciers. Ski passes are free for children under age 8.
3. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is one of the Alps’ most glamorous resorts. It has hosted high-profile guests like Richard Branson. The mountain has pistes for all levels, as well as backcountry terrain and nearly 14 miles of groomed Nordic trails. This season, Chalet Carlsberg is being reinvented as L’Inkontro, a Bagnard region-inspired restaurant with a six-seat A Table in a former sheepfold. Verbier’s nightlife is as popular as its pistes. Dance the night away at the Farm Club or Farinet.
Stats: One-day lift tickets start at $82 on the Epic Pass. There are 80 lifts across the 4 Vallées ski area, with more than 250 miles of runs.
2. St. Moritz, Switzerland
The oldest winter resort is elegant and exclusive. St. Moritz is blessed with sunshine 322 days a year, creating a “Champagne climate.” But it’s the hotels, restaurants, shopping, and skiing that draw celebrities and royalty. The city is also known for events on the frozen lake: the Snow Polo World Cup, horse racing, and the ICE car show. Make a reservation at Amaru. Acclaimed artist Luke Edward Hall and chef Claudia Canessa are opening a Peruvian restaurant at Kulm Hotel this winter.
Lift tickets cost between $45 and $100, and there are 58 lifts on 88 runs.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks. It has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas—some at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. Snow here lingers well beyond the winter season. This alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain. It has a modern lift system and après-ski activities. Horse-drawn sleighs are the main way to get around the car-free village. On the slopes, stop for a burger at Chez Vrony and a glass of champagne at the Champagne bar at the end of the Sunnega run. The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II now links Zermatt and Cervinia by cable car.
Stats: There are 55 lifts for 147 runs. Lift tickets: $87 or less.
