Best ski resorts in Europe 2024
European ski resorts are a combination of not only excellent skiing conditions, but also incredible natural beauty, luxurious 5* hotels, gastronomic delights and unique atmosphere. Here everyone will find something for themselves: from snow slopes for professionals to cozy places for family recreation. This list presents the best resorts that provide everything you need for a perfect winter vacation.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
A ski resort set amidst the majestic Alps, with 360 km of pistes in four major ski areas, some of which are at an altitude of over 3000 meters. This ensures that the snow remains even after the winter season is over. This picturesque alpine town, located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain, combines modern infrastructure with excellent after-ski entertainment.
2. Courchevel, France
Courchevel, located in the heart of the world’s largest ski area, the Three Valleys, is a true gem for winter sports enthusiasts and luxury vacationers. Composed of six interconnected villages, this resort offers more than 100 exclusive boutiques and an amazing high-end atmosphere. Courchevel is famous for its perfect slopes, and after skiing, vacationers can enjoy privacy on heated sidewalks and delicious cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants.
3. St. Moritz, Switzerland
One of the most prestigious winter resorts in the world, which attracts celebrities and aristocrats for its elegance and exclusivity. At an altitude of 1800 meters and with 322 days of sunshine a year, it is famous for its unique “Champagne climate”, a combination of clean air and sunshine. St. Moritz is also known for its luxury shopping, first-class restaurants and excellent skiing conditions, both on and off the groomed slopes. The resort is home to such unique events as the Snow Polo World Cup, White Turf races and the ICE car show on the frozen lake.
4. Kitzbühel, Austria
One of the country’s most popular ski resorts, located just two hours from Munich. It combines luxury hotels, a historic 750-year-old town center and après-ski scenic atmosphere to create a special charm. The resort is renowned for its challenging slopes, including the famous World Cup course, as well as its 11 ski schools, ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike. More than 60 mountain huts and restaurants await you on the slopes, offering a variety of delicious meals to relax and enjoy the alpine scenery.
5. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The historic town, located in the Boite Valley, gained worldwide fame after the 1956 Winter Olympics and will host them again in 2026. Located just two hours from Venice, the resort, surrounded by the majestic Dolomite Alps, has a unique atmosphere far removed from the noisy and colorful ski resorts. Its understated style attracts celebrities such as George Clooney. As part of the huge Dolomiti Superski region, Cortina offers skiers access to nearly 1,207 kilometers of slopes, while cross-country skiers enjoy Europe’s largest piste network.
6. Verbier, Switzerland
A glamorous resort in the Alps that attracts the elite with its luxury chalets, such as Richard Branson’s The Lodge. There are pistes for skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and the resort’s remote location and nearly 23 kilometers of groomed northern slopes make Verbier appealing to a sporty youth audience. This season the famous Carlsberg chalet is being transformed into L’Inkontro, a restaurant inspired by Banyar culture, and chef David Adam is opening a new restaurant, A Table, in an old sheepfold. Verbier’s nightlife is no less famous: dancing until morning at the iconic Farm Club or at Farinet, frequented by royalty.
6.Verbier, Switzerland
A glamorous resort in the Alps that attracts the elite with its luxury chalets, such as Richard Branson’s The Lodge. There are pistes for skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and the resort’s remote location and nearly 23 kilometers of groomed northern slopes make Verbier appealing to a sporty youth audience. This season the famous Carlsberg chalet is being transformed into L’Inkontro, a restaurant inspired by Banyar culture, and chef David Adam is opening a new restaurant, A Table, in an old sheepfold. Verbier’s nightlife is no less famous: dancing until morning at the iconic Farm Club or at Farinet, frequented by royalty.
8.Saalbach, Austria
The heart of one of the most extensive and prestigious ski resorts in the world, linked by elevators to other magnificent mountain villages in Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The resort not only captivates with its historic Tyrolean atmosphere, but also provides thrills on slopes of every difficulty level, from elite runs that have hosted the Freeride World Tour to family-friendly beginner routes. The legendary “the Challenge” – 64 kilometers of slopes with 32 elevators and a vertical of 12,400 meters – is rightly considered a true test for the most ambitious skiers.
9. Lech, Austria
Although the resort doesn’t have the glamor of St. Moritz or Cortina d’Ampezzo, its charming appearance attracts connoisseurs of a relaxed and sophisticated vacation. Surrounded by traditional Alpine houses hide luxury boutiques, galleries and elegant hotels that combine old-world ambience with modern comforts. With a population of just 1,600, the village boasts the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world, including the famous Rote Wand Chef’s Table, which has become a must-visit destination for foodies. In winter, Lech Zürs offers the best skiing conditions, including the famous White Ring, a nearly 22-kilometer-long piste connecting Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech.
10. Innsbruck, Austria
The capital of Tyrol, twice host of the Olympic Games, attracts travelers not only by the opportunity to conquer mountain peaks, but also by the unique atmosphere of city life, where tradition intertwines with modernity. There are 13 ski resorts around the city, each with its own character: from the famous Stubai Glacier, open until May, to Schlick 2000, ideal for families with children. With a single Ski Plus City Pass, you can explore not only the ski slopes, but also enjoy Innsbruck’s cultural attractions, such as sledding, visits to the Olympic venues and festive Christmas markets.
11. Gstaad, Switzerland
12. Megeve, France
13. Zell am See, Austria
14. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
15. Alta Badia, Italy
16. Levi, Finland
17. Crans-Montana, Switzerland
18. Val Gardena, Italy
19. Andermatt, Switzerland
20. Bormio Ski, Italy
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
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