6 of Europe's Best Ski Resorts

The first snowflakes have made their appearance for this winter in the mountains of our country! This can only remind us that the ski season will begin very soon, although in some European ski resorts it has already started or never stops!

The Alps are the epicentre of winter activities throughout Europe, which is why the French, Swiss, Austrian, and Italian mountains attract the attention of skiers from all over the world.

Some of Europe's ski resorts are in a much better position than others, competing for the best on and off-piste skiing not only in Europe but across the globe.

When looking for the best ski destinations in Europe for this winter, don't forget to consider the following top resorts.

Zermatt, Switzerland – the magnificent Matterhorn

At Matterhorn, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful and unique experiences of your life. The jagged ridge of the mountain is visible and dominates from many points of the village, which lies directly below it.

Take the cable car to the summit of Trockener Steg and enjoy skiing on this beautiful peak of Matterhorn.

Visit the underground Matterhorn Museum to discover the mountain's history. Among other exhibits, you'll see the story of the first ascent of the mountain by the Englishman Edward Whymper and his party.

If you are travelling by private charter flight, the closest airport is in Sion, from where you can arrange a helicopter transfer to Zermatt.

Commercial flights are served by Zurich Airport. From there, it's just a very beautiful and scenic 3-hour train ride until you reach Zermatt.

The icy peaks of Matterhorn are open to skiers 365 days a year.

Courchevel, France – Surprisingly, a unique aquatic centre

Don't be carried away by the luxury and glamour of this magnificent winter resort in the Trois Vallées region of France. This corner boasts the largest ski area in the world, with approximately 600 kilometres of pistes.

The demanding slopes of the region captivate experienced skiers who wish to conquer them, while beginners have endless slopes to practise on, both within and outside the forest.

Since early 2016, a huge aquatic centre has been operating in the wider Courchevel area, featuring waterslides, whirlpools, and even an indoor surf pool!

Private small aircraft and chartered flights are served by Courchevel's small – yet extremely dangerous – aerodrome, while commercial flights typically use one of the nearby airports, with Chambery being the choice for most.

The winter season in Courchevel starts on 8/12/2018 and will conclude on 22/4/2019.

Learn more about this luxurious winter resort in our article on Courchevel!

Lech, Austria – a winter sanctuary

 

Some of the most beautiful villages in the Alps are in Austria, and Lech is the most distinctive.

Despite the large number of visitors it attracts – including many famous personalities from around the world – the Arlberg resort maintains a very relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

This is its distinguishing feature compared to the neighbouring and noisier St Anton. All activities in both villages have an incredibly lively and beautiful feel.

In Arlberg, the cradle of Austrian Alpine skiing, you will also find the Lechmuseum Huber-Hus – a museum operating since 1960 with the main goal of preserving the historical elements of the region.

Innsbruck Airport, 120 km away, is the closest and serves both private and commercial flights, while there is also a railway connection to Lech.

The ski slopes in the region will open from the end of November.

St Moritz, Switzerland – the Snow Polo World Cup

Switzerland's most fashionable winter resort is experiencing particularly rapid growth. Winter sports are celebrated in this beautiful town by Lake St Moritz and the Upper Engadin Valley.

The Swiss town resembles a large winter playground, as the Snow Polo World Cup and a gourmet gastronomy festival are organised on the frozen lake.

An entire mountain, Muottas Muragl, is used exclusively for winter activities that have nothing to do with skiing, such as snowshoeing.

However, this does not diminish the available ski slopes. Especially at Corviglia and the summit of Piz Nair, at an altitude of 3057 metres, you will enjoy excellent skiing on groomed trails.

Small private jets land at Engadin Airport, just a ten-minute drive away. Within St Moritz itself, there is only a helipad.

The slopes in St Moritz open from the beginning of December.

Cortina d’ Ampezzo, Italy – luxury and history

The most welcoming winter resort is located in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range in northeastern Italy.

As in the rest of Italy, food here is a very serious business. Elegant Italian men and women arrive at restaurants and boutiques, leaving the ski slopes to the more experienced skiers!

If you are a history enthusiast, you can explore the open-air Great War Museum, which covers 80 km of trenches and tunnels where Italians fought during the First World War.

Venice Marco Polo Airport is the closest, serving both commercial and private flights. From there, you are only 3.5 hours away by train or bus from the enchanting Dolomites.

Cortina ski resort will operate from late November to early May.

Verbier, Switzerland – For off-piste skiing

In Verbier, Switzerland, you will find the most cosmopolitan and vibrant spot in the Alps. The scenery is more than stunning, offering wonderful views towards the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

Verbier ski resort is ideal for off-piste skiing, as it is considered by many to be the best of its kind!

Sion Airport is the closest, just 55 km from Verbier village.

The ski season at Verbier ski resort starts around 1/12.

Europe's best ski resorts are found in nations renowned for their culture and distinct way of life.

Make the most of this winter and enjoy a few days skiing in the mountains and slopes of the Alps.