Guide: Best Ski Resorts in Europe For 2024
Our comprehensive guide highlights the top destinations for families, beginners, snow enthusiasts, and more.
Embarking on a ski trip in Europe is a thrilling adventure, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, and choosing the right resort can make all the difference. Picture yourself gliding down the pristine slopes of Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, offering guaranteed snow for a long ski season. Or imagine a more budget-conscious trip to Serre-Chevalier-Briançon in France, where affordability meets breathtaking alpine vistas. If you're pressed for time, consider a short trip to Morzine, France, just over an hour's drive from Geneva Airport, perfect for a weekend getaway.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the best ski resorts in Europe for 2024, from the best ski resorts for families to snow sure ski resorts, highlighting their unique features and ensuring you find the perfect match for your skiing desires and needs.
Best Family Ski Resorts in Europe
Europe offers enchanting family-friendly ski resorts, mixing kid-appropriate slopes with engaging activities and suitable amenities for all ages. These resorts create the perfect environment for family ski holidays, complete with excellent ski schools, entertaining options, and safe surroundings. Take a closer look at three of the best family ski resorts in Europe: La Plagne in France, Geilo in Norway, and Levi in Finland.
La Plagne, France
La Plagne, part of the vast Paradiski ski area, is celebrated for its extensive range of slopes and family-centric amenities. La Plagne is a top choice for families, offering a diverse array of activities and ski schools. Accommodations cater to families, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
La Plagne, France
Geilo, Norway
Geilo is a preferred family ski resort in Norway, known for its peaceful setting and facilities designed for families. The resort offers a serene skiing experience with family-oriented slopes, dog sledding, tobogganing, and suitable accommodations for families. They even have a creche at the bottom of the slope that take babies from six-months old.
Geilo, Norway
Levi, Finland
Levi, located within the Arctic Circle, offers a unique family ski experience with reliable snow conditions and a variety of activities. Levi is known for its beginner-friendly slopes and the opportunity to experience skiing under the Northern Lights. The resort provides a range of family accommodations and activities, making it an unforgettable destination for a family ski trip.
- Nearest Airports: Kittilä Airport, Rovaniemi Airport
- Transfer Time: 15 minutes (Kittilä), about 2 hours (Rovaniemi)
- Ski Runs: 43 km
- Breakdown of Runs: 44% green/blue, 46% red, 10% black
- Ski Season Length: Early October to early June
- Piste map: Map
- Resort Website: Levi
Best Ski Resorts in Europe for Beginners
If you're just starting with skiing, it can be daunting to choose the right ski resort that caters to your skill level. However, we've done the research for you and created a list of ski resorts that are perfect for beginners. These resorts have some of the best areas for novice skiers to kick off and build their confidence as they begin their journey on the slopes. So, you can rest assured that you'll have a great time and make the most of your ski holiday experience.
Les Menuires, France
Les Menuires, part of the Three Valleys ski area, offers a range of gentle slopes ideal for beginners. The resort is known for its excellent ski schools and family-friendly facilities.
- Nearest Airport: Chambéry Airport
- Transfer Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Ski Runs: 160 km (Les Menuires area), 600 km (Three Valleys)
- Breakdown of Runs: 42% easy (Green/Blues), 40% medium (Reds), 18% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Early December to late April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Les Menuires
Les Menuires, France
Soldeu, Andorra
Soldeu is a great choice for beginners, with a large ski school and gentle slopes perfect for learning. Nestled in the Grandvalira ski area, it provides ample progression opportunities.
Soldeu, Andorra
Lech, Austria
Lech is a world-class resort known for its charm and exclusivity. It offers a range of beginner-friendly slopes and top-notch ski schools, making it a great place to learn skiing in a luxurious setting.
Lech, Austria
Cheap Ski Resorts in Europe
It's not always necessary to spend a large amount of money to go skiing. Many areas and resorts offer good value for your money. Whether you book in advance or purchase your meals or apres ski activities while on the slopes, you'll find that your money stretches further at these locations.
Serre-Chevalier-Briançon, France
This resort offers affordability without compromising on quality. Serre-Chevalier has over 250 kilometres of slopes and is known for its charming villages and scenic beauty.
- Nearest Airport: Turin Airport
- Transfer Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Ski Runs: 250 km
- Breakdown of Runs: 59% easy (Green/Blues), 35% medium (Reds), 6% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Mid-December to late April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Serre-Chevalier-Briançon
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko provides an excellent value-for-money skiing experience. With modern facilities, a charming old town, and a range of slopes, it's a great choice for budget-conscious skiers.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Located in the Pyrenees, Pas de la Casa is part of the Grandvalira ski area. It's known for its affordable accommodation and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular choice among younger skiers.
- Nearest Airport: Toulouse Airport
- Transfer Time: Around 3 hours
- Ski Runs: 210 km (Grandvalira area)
- Breakdown of Runs: 50% easy (Green/Blues), 35% medium (Reds), 15% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Early December to mid-April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Pas de la Casa
Ski Resorts Near Airports in Europe
At times we wish to take a short trip over a long weekend or with small kids in tow, or maybe we dislike long transfers and want to reach the destination within an hour of landing at the airport. To cater to this requirement, we have compiled a list of ski resorts in Europe that can be reached in around an hour from the airport. Here are some of the options:
Morzine, France
Morzine is just over an hour's drive from Geneva Airport, making it ideal for short breaks or weekend trips. Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, it offers a vast network of slopes suitable for all levels.
Morzine, France
La Clusaz, France
La Clusaz is another resort within easy reach of Geneva. Known for its picturesque village and family-friendly atmosphere, it provides a perfect setting for a short ski trip.
- Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport
- Transfer Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Ski Runs: 210 km
- Breakdown of Runs: 53% easy (Green/Blues), 29% medium (Reds), 18% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Early December to late April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: La Clusaz
Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen is about an hour's drive from Innsbruck Airport. It's famous for its lively après-ski scene and the Vans Penken Park, one of the best snow parks in the Alps.
- Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport
- Transfer Time: About 1 hour
- Ski Runs: 136 km (Zillertal 3000 area)
- Breakdown of Runs: 40% easy (Green/Blues), 50% medium (Reds), 10% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Early December to mid-April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen, Austria
Snow Sure Ski Resorts in Europe
When considering a ski trip, one typically monitors the weather forecast for the intended destination in hopes of favourable snow levels. Unfortunately, recent winters have endured some of the warmest temperatures on record, adversely impacting snow levels in the Alps and other regions. However, for those seeking a ski resort with reliable snow levels, the most viable option is to choose sites with glaciers or high altitudes. In this regard, the following are some of the best snow-sure ski resorts in Europe:
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, located at an altitude of 2,300 meters. This lofty position ensures a long ski season with reliable snow conditions. The resort is part of the Three Valleys ski area, the largest linked ski area in the world, offering a vast network of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
- Nearest Airport: Chambéry Airport
- Transfer Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Ski Runs: 600 km (within the Three Valleys)
- Breakdown of Runs: 51% easy (Green/Blues), 39% medium (Reds), 10% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Late November to early May
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Val Thorens
Val Thorens, France
Tignes/Val D’Isere, France
Tignes and Val D'Isere, together known as Espace Killy, offer one of the most exciting ski experiences in the Alps. With an extensive range of high-altitude slopes and glaciers, these resorts guarantee excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
- Nearest Airport: Chambéry Airport
- Transfer Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours
- Ski Runs: 300 km (Espace Killy area)
- Breakdown of Runs: 47% easy (Green/Blues), 40% medium (Reds), 13% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Late November to early May
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Val d'isere or Tignes
Tignes/Val D’Isere, France
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl is renowned for its reliable snow cover and lively après-ski scene. Located in the Paznaun Valley, the resort boasts over 238 kilometres of well-groomed pistes and state-of-the-art lift facilities, making it a favourite among avid skiers.
- Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport
- Transfer Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Ski Runs: 238 km
- Breakdown of Runs: 43% easy (Green/Blues), 42% medium (Reds), 15% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Late November to early May
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Ischgl
Ischgl, Austria
Warth-Schröcken, Austria
Warth-Schröcken is known as the snowiest ski area in Europe, boasting an impressive seasonal average of 10.5 meters of snow. This hidden gem offers a tranquil and pristine skiing experience.
- Nearest Airport: Innsbruck Airport
- Transfer Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Ski Runs: 305 km (Arlberg ski area)
- Breakdown of Runs: 55% easy (Green/Blues), 35% medium (Reds), 10% difficult (Blacks)
- Ski Season Length: Early December to late April
- Piste Map: Map
- Resort Website: Warth-Schröcken
Conclusion
Europe's ski resorts offer a rich tapestry of experiences, catering to skiers of all levels and preferences. From the snow-sure slopes of Val Thorens to the budget-friendly charms of Bansko, and the beginner-friendly atmosphere of Levi, each resort provides a unique and memorable skiing adventure.
Additionally, it's important to ensure your trip is safe and secure. Consider protecting your vacation with Winter Sports travel insurance from AIG Travel. Our comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind, covering unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and more, allowing you to focus on enjoying the slopes.
Remember, a well-planned ski vacation can lead to a lifetime of memories. Whether you're carving down the challenging black runs of Ischgl or taking your first turns on the gentle slopes of Soldeu, there's a European ski resort waiting to welcome you. Pack your skis, get insured, and hit the slopes!
Ski holidays tips:
- Once you have decided on the destination for your ski holiday, one of the trickiest things is figuring out what to bring skiing. Check it out: Essential Ski Packing List: How to Pack for a Ski Holiday.
- Although it may seem like a risky pursuit, with the right precautions, skiing can be an incredibly enjoyable and safe sport. So to help you stay safe on your next ski holiday, we have put together some helpful safety advice and top tips and tricks for skiing beginners and experts alike.
- Hit the slopes with confidence with AIG's Ski and Winter Sports Travel Insurance.