Your ultimate guide to Europe

In my two decades of skiing, I’ve come to appreciate that while the basic concept remains the same (ski, drink, sleep, repeat), every resort has its own character. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and where you should go depends entirely on what you’re looking for.  And sure, there’s a hell of a lot of ski resorts in Europe. But we’ve got to start somewhere. Below, you’ll find my top picks for every kind of skiing holiday – from the most affordable to the bougiest, from beginner-friendly to off-piste havens, and from the best après ski spots to the best food in the Alps. Whatever kind of skiier you are, you’ll find your perfect spot on this list. Enjoy the slopes! RECOMMENDED:⛷️ The most affordable ski holidays in Europe🇦🇹 The best ski resorts in Austria🇮🇹 The best ski resorts in Italy🇨🇭 The best ski resorts in Switzerland Laura Sanders is an experienced travel writer who has skied regularly since she was a child. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Donning your skis and hitting the slopes has always had an expensive reputation, usually associated with kinda crowd who don’t blink twice at the prices of lift passes and luxe lodgings in the Dolomites, the Pyrenees or the Alps. However, while parts of Europe (we’re looking at you, Switzerland) are particularly expensive, there are cheap pockets for 2025 dotted about the place, too.  What’s the cheapest place to ski in Europe? We’ve done some digging and found the cheapest places to go skiing include central and eastern European destinations like Austria, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Oh, and – whisper it – there are a handful of reasonably priced spots in Italy, too. Read on to find out where. RECOMMENDED: 🏔️ The best ski resorts in Austria❄️ The best ski resorts in Italy⛷️ The best ski resorts in Switzerland🚞 The ultimate three-week Europe train itinerary All prices used reflect the 2025 ski season at the time of writing and may be subject to change.  India-Jayne Trainor is a British-Australian travel writer based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Growing up, I’ve been lucky enough to ski in some of Europe’s most sought-after resorts – St Anton, Saalbach and Chamonix, a family favourite. Driving to the Alps afforded us the luxury of packing up our skis and exploring what’s nearby and I’ve found that some of the most underrated resorts are often just around the corner from the big names, offering skiing on the same slopes without the premium price tags or crowds.  In other instances great skiing is where you’d least expect it, such as in southern Spain or high in the Bulgarian Dinaric Alps. Here are the off-the-radar ski resorts worth checking out. 💸 The best affordable ski resorts in Europe 📍 Ultimate guide to Europe Laura Sanders is an experienced travel writer who has skied regularly since she was a child. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

‘Schifoan ist des leiwandste,’ as they say in Austria (that’s ‘skiing is the coolest’ to the uninitiated). Given that about 60 percent of the country is covered in mountains, it’s hardly surprising that skiing runs in our blood in Austria – a lifelong love affair for those of us who have been lucky enough to call this place home. I was first put on skis near Zell Am See at the age of four and decades later, I’m still making an annual pilgrimage to the Austrian Alps. In that time, I’ve been skiing as a child, as a teenager when I briefly dabbled with snowboarding, as an overconfident 20-plus year-old and as a more cautious middle-ager. Nowadays I also join my school friends and watch their kids having as much fun as we did.  Skiing is undeniably a privilege but the beautiful scenery, the fresh air and the sheer unbridled fun of it makes it worth every euro cent – be it on one of the panoramic glacial resorts or from one of the traditional small villages Austria is famed for. ‘Gemütlichkeit’ is a term often associated with Austria and, while there’s no direct English translation, the sense of cosiness it conveys is still what I feel whenever I come ‘home’. For there is nothing better than warming up with a Glühwein and tucking into a hearty plate of Kaiserschmarrn for those with a sweet tooth – or a Tiroler Gröstl for those who prefer savoury, like me – in a rustic mountain hut at the end of a hard day’s skiing.  ⛷️ Discover the most affordable ski holidays in Europe Everything you need to know about skiing in Austria  With more than 400 ski resorts, Austria punches above its weight on winter holiday options compared to its European rivals. Skiing is an integral part of local life here, and the majority of its top resorts are super easy to get to, less than two hours from Salzburg or Innsbruck airports (and you mostly don’t need a car either). So if you’re looking for a quick weekend ski trip, Austria is the place. Most Austrian ski resorts open in December, although some higher ones will open in November depending on snow. The end of the season is generally late March or April, with higher resorts staying open later – at Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn, skiing is available pretty much year-round.  Peak season runs from late December to early March, and February is particularly busy with locals and tourists.  Accommodation varies from self-catering to guest houses and five-star spa hotels, but all of them are operating at a pretty high standard. If you’re looking for a package deal from the UK, Inghams and Crystal Ski are two of the longest-running providers, although bear in mind that many hotels also offer deals on ski passes, equipment rental and transfers if you want to book yourself.   Photograph: ShutterstockSerfaus Fiss Ladis ski resort   Where to go skiing in Austria 1. Kitzbühel The medieval Tyrolean town of Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most exclusive resorts, home to 233km of pistes and the world’s longest ski circuit, the KitzSkiWelt Tour. ‘Kitz’ is particularly popular with luxury travellers – it’s sometimes called the ‘Crown Jewel of the Alps’ – although there’s a range of accommodation options available.  Stay here: Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort 2. Obertauern Austria’s ‘snowiest’ ski resort, and the highest in Salzburgerland, is great for intermediate skiers with more than 100km of pistes on the doorstep of what is known as the ‘snow bowl’. Obertauern resort successfully caters to both families and party animals, and music fans will appreciate its links to the Beatles, who filmed Help! here in 1965.  Stay here: Alpenhotel Perner 3. Neustift im Stubaital An easy hour-long transfer from Innsbruck, this traditional Tyrolean village is just one of several in the valley up to the Stubai Gletscher, Austria’s biggest glacial ski area and one of the world’s highest at 3,210m, with 65km of pistes and accessed by ski bus. Real enthusiasts can upgrade their ski pass to cover 12 ski regions and a whopping 265km of Neustift im Stubaital’s pistes.  Stay here: Hotel Bergjuwel 4. Flachau The key benefit of the lively resort of Flachau is being in the heart of Snow Space Salzburg, where you can easily ski over to other villages via 120km of pistes, and be connected directly to the wider Ski Amadé area. There’s also plenty to do here for snowboarders, cross country skiers and even non-skiers, including the thermal baths in nearby Altenmarkt.  Stay here: Almdorf Almlust 5. St Anton Known as the ‘cradle of alpine skiing’ due to the ski technique developed here, guests have access to the largest ski area in Austria, with 300km of pistes in the Arlberg region. St Anton is great for advanced skiers and popular for its lively apres-ski scene. My top tip? Book a hotel in one of the nearby villages and use the free ski bus – it’ll save you a load of cash.  Stay here: ALPtyrol Appartements Photograph: ShutterstockMaria Alm ski resort 6. Saalbach-Hinterglemm The Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrenn is one of Europe’s finest, with 70 lifts and 270km of pistes – and now even connects all the way to Zell Am See-Kaprun ski area thanks to a new lift. Saalbach is also known for being one of Austria’s prettiest ski villages, with its onion-domed church surrounded by timber houses. Stay here: Hotel DIE SONNE 7. Sölden Film fans may recognise Sölden from James Bond movie Spectre where it featured as a wintry lair, something celebrated at 3,050m with the 007 Elements exhibition and ice Q restaurant. The resort is great for skiing too, with 144km of pistes and access to two glaciers, but mark my words – the food served on the mountain is some of the finest ski fodder in Austria.  Stay here: The Secret Sölden 8. Maria Alm Maria Alm is an entry point to Salzburgerland’s Hochkönig ski region, covering 120km of pistes including the 35km Königstour panoramic route that runs from one end to the other and back again. Somewhat off the beaten track for Brits, the picture-perfect village has plenty of interesting accommodation options and restaurants to choose from.  Stay here: Jufenalm BOHO Hotel & Restaurant 9. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Serfaus and its neighbouring villages of Fiss and Ladis make it one of Tyrol’s greatest family-friendly resorts, with three-quarters of its 161km of pistes aimed at beginner and intermediate skiers. The linked area is known for its child-friendly hotels and excellent ski schools, with a new 10-person lift able to carry 3,500 passengers an hour.  Stay here: Nagalu 10. Seefeld Just half an hour away from Innsbruck, the small resort of Seefeld is popular with people who want to travel by train. The pace of life tends to be a lot slower here and many skiers come here to enjoy the cosy mountain huts as well as the 26km of skiing on the high plateau at 2,000m above sea level. Free ski buses connect to other nearby ski areas. Stay here: Alte Schmiede Hiltpolt Photograph: ShutterstockNeustift ski resort Ready for the slopes? With its top-class pistes, excellent infrastructure and great variety of accommodation options, Austria genuinely does have something for skiers of every ability.  There’s more than just skiing too. Many hotels are equipped with wellness areas to relax in after a hard day’s skiing, and lots of the resorts also have thermal spas for a dip. However, please note that Austrian saunas tend to be strictly swimsuit free. You’ve been warned! Just remember, the best way to warm up after a day’s skiing is in one of the rustic huts Austria is renowned for with a hot chocolate and an apfelstrüdel. You’ve earned it, after all.  📍 Looking to extend your stay in Austria? Check out our lists of the best hotels in Vienna, the best restaurants in Vienna and the best things to do in Salzburg. 

Northern Italy offers an extraordinary variety of terrain and landscapes that will appeal to all levels of skiers. This is also one of Europe’s top heliskiing destinations (it’s banned in France) while the country’s alpine huts serve what is arguably Europe’s best mountain fare – all at a fraction of the cost of neighbouring Switzerland and France. I was brought up in Turin – the jumping off point for resorts in the northwest – and spent much of my childhood on the slopes, a constant thrill of cruising down well-groomed runs and trails through pinewood forests. The smart villages of Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina in the Dolomites are among Italy’s best-known resorts, but there are plenty of lesser known (and more affordable) spots around if you know where to look. With Italy now gearing up to host the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, skiing here is only going to get even better. Here are my top picks.  RECOMMENDED:💰 The most affordable ski holidays in Europe⛷️ The best ski resorts in Switzerland🇮🇹 The best places to visit in Italy🏨 The best hotels in Italy Brought up in Turin, Italy, travel writer and lakes expert Kiki Deere has been skiing in the country for most of her life. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Sure, the Austrian alps are pretty well known for skiing. And so they should be: this impressive section of Europe’s mighty mountains sweeps across much of Austria from west to east, characterised by rugged granite outcrops, spectacular glaciers and summits over 3000m (9,843 feet).  But it’s not just skiing you should venture to this magical wonderland for. Find winter sports in abundance, and in the summer, plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking, and twirling round meadows à la Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. On our list of the best places to visit in the Austrian Alps, we’ve got everything from national parks and beautiful lakes to charming old towns and winding alleyways. And yes, lots and lots of skiing too. Here are its can’t-miss spots.  RECOMMENDED:🇦🇹 The best things to do in Vienna🏨 The best hotels in Vienna📍 The best things to do in Salzburg⛷️ The most affordable ski holidays in Europe Kate Mann is a travel writer who has travelled extensively in Austria. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

I didn’t grow up on skis. It took a move to Switzerland as an adult for me to face my considerable fears and give it a go – and after many falls, frustrations and restorative fondues, I’m a pretty competent skier these days. Why did I persist? Because the Swiss mountains are drop-dead gorgeous, and I was determined to be able to ride the highest ski lift and see the most glorious views. And it turns out they were worth every single wipe out. If you want to follow my tracks, you’re in the right place: here are some of my favourite places to ski in Switzerland. RECOMMENDED:⛷️ The best affordable ski holidays in Europe🇨🇭 The best things to do in Switzerland⛰️ The most beautiful places in Europe Caroline Bishop has been based in Switzerland for 10 years, and skiing there for most of it. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

If any city in the world were oversaturated with hotels, it’d be Paris.

Amsterdam is one of the world’s best cities, no doubt about it. 

Mykonos might be nicknamed the ‘Greek Ibiza’ (and don’t get us wrong, it’s nightlife scene is second-to-none), but it’s got far more on offer than the chance to stay up dancing until 4am. The ‘other’ side of Mykonos is chilled-out, classy, jaw-droppingly beautiful and packed full of luxury and five-star hotels. There’s a little something for everyone on this island, the only hard part is knowing where to look. So we’ve done the hard work for you: here are our top picks for hotels in Mykonos, for the party-goers, the relaxers and everyone in between.  Mykonos’s best hotels at a glance 🥂 Best luxury stay: Kalesma 🪩 Best for partying: Kove 🧘 Best for a quiet beach holiday: Anemelia 🛍️ Best mid-sized boutique: Nissaki Boutique Hotel 💸 Best budget: Petasos Beach Resort & Spa Which part of Mykonos is best to stay in? Every town in Mykonos offers something a little different – whether it’s access to clubs and parties, or having beautiful, chilled-out beaches on your doorstep. For the closest you’ll get to an all-rounder, Chora is the way to go – it’s the epicentre of it all, and has the whitewashed allies, little boutique shops and vibey beach bars you’re dreaming of. For a breakdown on all the island’s best towns and neighbourhoods, check out our full guide to where to stay in Mykonos.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe

Ireland is the land of misty mountains, emerald fields and ancient castles. Few places can beat this enigmatic island for history, culture and all-round charm, from the green landscapes of County Kerry right the way through to the pulsing heart of Dublin city. You’ll find something for every kind of trip here – old and new, fast and slow – and we’ve got the perfect hotel for each one. From budget stays to storybook castles, here are the best hotels in Ireland right now.  Ireland’s best hotels at a glance 🏞️ Best views: Parknasilla Resort & Spa, County Kerry 💸 Most affordable: Room 2, Belfast 🏙️ Best for a city break: The Leinster, Dublin 🚂 Most unique: Glenlo Abbey, Galway 🏰 Most fairytale-like: Ashford Castle, County Mayo 📍 RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Dublin How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe

Sicily is bursting with amazing things to do. And much like the region itself, the hotel scene is a diverse hub of different styles, locations, and price points. There are city gems, grand hotels, hotels with their own private beaches and humble, family-run B&Bs – in other words, there’s something for everyone here. Once you’ve decided where you want to go in Sicily, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is choose which of these beautiful spots to sleep in. We know, it’s a hard life. But if you’re ready to get booking, read on for our list of the best hotels in Sicily, from Catania and Palermo to Taormina and Syracuse.  What is the best part of Sicily to stay? That totally depends on what kind of trip you’re after. The beauty of Sicily is that each of its islands and cities are totally unique, so you could go again and again and never get bored. For a city break full of culture, food and nightlife, Palermo is your best bet. For a beach break, head to Taormina, home to the stunning beaches in Isola Bella, Mazzarò and more. Seeking adventure? Head to the Etna region, where you’ll find spots for hiking, wild swimming, trekking and more – get up close and personal with Mount Etna herself. Can’t choose? If you rent a car, you can drive through a number of Sicily’s top islands (Noto, Ragusa and Cefalù), and end in Catania.  🏖️ RECOMMENDED: The best beaches in Sicily How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🇮🇹 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Italy

The unruly, untamed soul of Italy is bustling, noisy and full of life, but it’s also a cultural goldmine full of art-filled churches, underground crypts, archaeological and historical wonders, and gleaming palaces. The rugged coastline dotted with tiny beaches within easy reach is pretty special too, and then there’s, well, the pizza. Naples’s accommodation is equally wide-ranging, so choose from boutique and budget to all-out luxury, and, if you can afford it, get a room with those incredible views over the Bay of Naples and smouldering Vesuvius. Here are our picks of the best hotels in Naples.  RECOMMENDED: 🛏 The best Airbnbs in Naples What are the best areas to stay in Naples? Now that Naples has firmly shaken off its slightly sketchy reputation, you can count on all of its major neighbourhoods feeling safe to roam in. Our safest bet for an all-round good time is Centro Storico, which puts you in a great position to discover the city’s top attractions and landmarks. For a more up-and-coming area, try the Spanish Quarters, where you’ll get Naples at its bustling, authentic best. Discover all of our recommendations on our list of the best areas to stay in Naples.   How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛵 Ultimate guide to Naples

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands – just pipping Fuerteventura to the post – and is firmly established as a magnet for tourists, especially the Brits. Most travellers gravitate to the south, with a favourite being Playa de las Américas, the top draw for night owls and home to some mammoth resorts. But the northern part of the island has gained steam as an alternative destination with more rustic offerings. A concerted government effort to maintain high tourism standards has resulted in an array of hotel offerings running the gamut, from the party hearty to the placid. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly, grown-up luxury or an all-inclusive resort, here are our picks of the best hotels in Tenerife.  🏝️ Where to stay in Tenerife🗻 The best things to do in Tenerife🌅 The best Canary Islands to visit How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🇪🇸 Ultimate guide to Spain

The French Riviera is Europe’s capital of cool. Also the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on this cobbled coast, Nice has long been a draw for the trendiest travellers going, especially those with enough cash to splash. The result? This city is awash with fantastic hotels. Awash, we tell you.  As you might expect, many of these are luxury hotels, found in grand Belle Époque era residences and townhouses rich in period detail. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come to Nice on a budget – on our list we’ve got a number of budget options too, from arty chains to fully equipped apartments. Whatever your taste (and whatever your spending habits), there’s a hotel for you on this list. Here are the best hotels in Nice right now.   🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Nice How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We may not have reviewed every hotel featured below, but any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in France

​​Boutique hotels have been popping up around Malta’s historic capital of Valletta in recent years, returning dilapidated palazzos to their Baroque glory. If you’re looking for independent, design-led spots to rest your head, there’s a wealth of places to choose from. That does mean that sometimes trips err on the more expensive side, but you can also discover Asti Malta for mid-range stays and Gozo if you’re confined to a budget. For old-school grandeur, check out Mdina, the former capital which is now referred to as the ‘silent city’ for its nighttime calm. Conversely, the waterfront town of St Julian’s is unrestrained with its flashy local entertainment. Get a deeper look at the best hotels in Malta with our ultimate guide to them all here. 🛏️ RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Malta Who makes the cut? Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 The best things to do in Malta

There’s a reason why Krakow is Poland’s most visited destination – and one of the most visited in central Europe, too. From the atmospheric architecture of the Old Town to the historic properties of the Jewish district of Kazimierz, the city practically oozes grandeur and intrigue. And Krakow’s accommodation is more than up to the task of matching the city’s history and culture, covering all budgets across everything from hostels and hotels to guesthouses. Read on for our picks for the Krakow’s best hotels.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We may not have reviewed every hotel featured below, but any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Krakow🌍 Our ultimate guide to Europe

Free culture, huge parks and a pub on (almost) every corner

Bistros, romance and culture everywhere you turn: it can only be Paris

Modernista architecture meets Mediterranean beaches: result!

Bikes, bars, beautiful buildings and all those canals

Ancient ruins, Renaissance art and the best food in Italy (there, we said it) 

Home to the ever-fabulous Edinburgh Fringe, the Scottish capital is worth it all year round

Italy’s most European city, Milan is a little secretive, very cool, and a joy to discover

Lose a weekend (and more) to raves and art in Europe’s hippest city

Split by the Danube river, known for its grand architecture, thermal baths and cracking nightlife scene. 

Delicious food, friendly people and 266 days of sun per year