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The Best Ski Resorts in Europe

 

© Pierre Raphoz Photographie / OT Chamonix

Choosing where to book your next ski holiday can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re looking to go somewhere you haven’t been before. A resort that’s perfect for one group, may not work quite so well for another, so it’s important to make your choice based on what you want from your ski holiday.

To help make it a little easier for you, we’ve put together our recommendations of the best ski resorts in Europe to suit different requirements…

Best resort for families – Avoriaz

If you’re going skiing with young children in tow, you’ll want the experience to be as hassle free as possible. Avoriaz is a pedestrian village with mainly ski-in/ski-out accommodation, and is completely geared towards welcoming families with children. In addition to excellent ski school and childcare facilities, there are also fantastic leisure facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained, both on and off the slopes.

Ski with family in Avoriaz

© S Lerendu

Best resort for après – Val Thorens

If your ski holiday is as much about après ski and nightlife as it is time on the mountain, you won’t be disappointed with Val Thorens. Not only does it occupy a prime position in one of the best ski areas in the world, but it also has a reputation as one of the best places to party. The fun kicks off early afternoon with loud music, DJs and dancing on tables at on-mountain bar, La Folie Douce, and continues late into the night at the resort’s 40+ other bars and 3 nightclubs.

Apres ski at La Folie Douce, Val Thorens

 © OT Val Thorens

Best resort for groups with non-skiers – Morzine

While great for those who like to ski from first to last lift, a purpose built resort at 2000m is not ideal for groups with non-skiers, unless, of course, they want to spend all their time in the bar. As a large traditional town with a perennial population, there’s loads to do in Morzine besides skiing. Whether it’s wandering around the pretty streets perusing the many shops, relaxing in one of several spas, or partaking in the plethora of alternative activities available, even non-skiers will be hard pressed to get bored in Morzine.

Snowy Morzine  Village

© OT Morzine

Best resort for early or late season ski holidays – Tignes

Going skiing either early or late season can be a bit of a gamble, but it’s possible to avoid disappointment by choosing your resort wisely. With lifts reaching 3456m and a glacier that offers skiing year round, Tignes is one of the most snow sure resorts in Europe, making it ideal for an early or late season ski holiday.

Late season skiing in Tignes

© www.TristanShu.com

Best resort for off-piste skiing – Chamonix

Intrepid skiers who prefer powder to pistes should head to the backcountry mecca of Chamonix for its world-renowned off-piste terrain. The legendary Vallée Blanche and Les Grands Montets feature highly on the ‘must ski’ lists of most backcountry enthusiasts, but there are also countless other fantastic off-piste routes around the Chamonix valley to keep powder hounds happy for days. As with any off-piste skiing, just make sure you’re properly equipped, and employ the services of an experienced mountain guide, if you don’t want to end up down a crevasse.

Advanced skiing in Le Vallee Blanche, Chamonix

© Patrik Lindqvist

Best resort for exclusivity – Verbier

If you are looking for exclusivity then Verbier is an ideal choice. Offering a number of high-end restaurants, bars and accommodations, its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous is deserved. Prince Andrew bought a chalet there, reputed to be worth around £13 million, while the likes of the Beckhams, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jude Law have also been known to ski there. If celebrity spotting doesn’t hold much interest for you, it is also renowned for the extreme terrain it offers, but being part of the fantastic 4 Valleys ski area means there is a great range of runs to suit all levels.

Extreme skiing in the exclusive resort of Verbier

© Verbier St Bernard

Best resort for groups – St Anton

Located in the snowy Arlberg region, and boasting 340km of slopes and 97 lifts, St Anton is perfect for groups who need a resort that can cater to various levels and abilities. The town is also equipped with a number of great bars and restaurants, ideal for meeting up in the evening after a long day on the slopes.
 

Still searching for the perfect accommodation for your winter holiday? Browse our superb range of ski apartments and hotels using the search box at the top of this page. If you would like to speak to an expert, we'd be delighted to help - please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0131 240 3300.

 

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