There are few places that do winter like Europe. Picture snow-capped mountains towering over alpine villages; cozy fireplaces roaring and mulled wine, hot chocolate, and a bevy of delectable pastries, chocolates, and cheeses to partake of. No doubt, the main draw is the skiing and the ski resorts, so read our list of the best European ski resorts to find your winter wonderland.
Related post: Best Winter Destinations in the US
Zermatt, Switzerland
Perhaps best known as the town at the base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a winter haven for hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing. The town also has a wonderful social scene as well as beautiful streets, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spaces.
Where to stay in Zermatt
THE OMNIA and Hotel Alpenhof, CERVO Zermatt are three of many incredible, luxury resorts to choose from. Each represents contemporary versions of the traditional mountain lodge.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, St. Moritz is the premier place for active winter vacations. In addition to top-notch skiing and snowboarding facilities, the town also has numerous facilities for winter sports, including bobsledding and even horse racing on ice.
Where to stay
For the ultimate in luxury, stay at the five-star Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski or the adjacent Kempinski Residences St. Moritz.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Due to its panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, known as just Chamonix, attracts year-round travelers from around the world, especially from nearby Switzerland and Italy. It’s also one of the most renowned destinations for ski and après-ski with venues such as Chambre Neuf and La Terrasse.
Where to stay
Grand Hotel des Alpes and Hotel Les Grands Montets are two of the best places to stay in the city, the latter being only steps away from Grands-Montets ski area.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Kitzbuhel is a year-round destination with beautiful open meadows and pine forests and has a ton of outdoor activities from hiking to mountain biking.
Sure you’ve heard of the Winter Olympics, but have you heard of the Hahnenkamm downhill race? The charming alpine town of Kitzbuhel hosts the famous ski race every year. It’s one of the first places where skiing began. During winter, not only can you go skiing, you can also go snowshoeing and go for a winter sleigh ride.
Where to stay in Kitzbuhel
Hotel Kaiserhof and Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort both offer modern chalets with great locations near the heart of town and not far from several slopes.
Les Trois Vallees
Comprised of a group of interlinked ski resorts, Les Trois Vallees (Three Valleys) is the world’s largest ski resort area. Located in the alpine region of France, the resort area has give separate villages with Courchevel being the largest and most famous. With numerous trails and altitudes, it’s a great choice for skiers of all levels.
Where to stay in Les Trois Vallees
Cheval Blanc Courchevel is one of the most luxurious of alpine addresses. So much so that you might just want to sleep in!
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Located in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the scenery in the Italian town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is incredible. Host of the 1956 and 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s a premier ski destination and one of the first destinations for mountain tourism.
Where to stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Nestled within a beautiful valley, Cristallo, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa is a five-star resort offering a variety of year-round activities and the Cristallo Ultimate SPA, a world-renowned spa with a Turkish bath, sauna, and Transvital ritual treatments.
Have you visited any of these European ski resorts? Tell us in the comments.
