I’ve skied at Europe’s top resorts – these are the most underrated I’ve found

This quiet village just a stone’s throw from buzzing Verbier was put on the map last year by the installation of the new La Châble gondola, connecting to the 4 Valées ski area. Bruson itself boasts 26km of snow-sure pistes (most beginner-friendly) and when you’re ready for more there’s a further 410km to explore in the 4 Valées. Come 4pm, party in Verbier or retreat gracefully to Bruson where locally renowned raclette cheese will warm your cockles. 

Stay here: Hôtel A Lârze (3 stars) is a small, family-run hotel with just 10 double rooms. This cosy chalet-style bolthole is conveniently located near the shops, bars and ski lifts. Return after a day’s skiing to a traditional sauna and homemade cake. 

Price: Standard annual passes for adults from 1 Oct start at CHF 1449. There are also multiple day passes ranging from CHF 146 for 3 days, CHF 184 for 4 days, CHF 221 for 5 days and CHF 259 for 6 days.

Les Houches is one of five resort towns making up the Mont Blanc ski area and a hop, skip and a jump from world-renowned Chamonix. It has 55km of crowd-free blue, red and black runs and connects seamlessly to a further 100km of pistes in the Mont-Blanc valley. The wide, uncrowded Aillouds blue run off the Maison Nueve lift is a dream for perfecting your style on. Be sure to ride the Tramway du Mont Blanc, one of France’s last mountain rack-rail trains.

Stay here: RockyPop is a trendy hotel in the heart of Les Houches with a cocktail bar, brasserie, games area, and live music. Don’t be fooled by its hipster vibe, it’s very family-friendly.  

Price: Adult ski passes at Les Houches cost around €195 for four days,  €236 for five days,  €270 for six days. One-day adult passes cost around €57.

St Christoph is St Anton’s calmer alter ego where chilled drinks prevail over raucous bars. It’s among the highest Alpine resorts meaning guaranteed snow and most accommodation sits right on the slopes—ideal for families. The resort connects to the entire Arlberg ski area which boasts 305km of green, blue, red and black runs. There’s also some fantastic off-piste terrain for thrill seekers. St Anton is a quick bus or taxi ride away. 

Stay here: Hotel Maiensee is a warm, chalet-style retreat right on the slopes, boasting a spa, three restaurants, indoor car park and rooms and suites to suit all needs. 

Price: Ski passes for adults at St. Christoph range from €78 for the day, €155 for two days, €230 for three days and €301 for four days.

Just around the mountain from Zermatt and Verbier lies a chain of five villages which make up the Val d'Anniviers ski area. You’ll have 220km of unblemished ski runs to play with, a low-key après scene and accommodation options ranging from simple gîtes to luxury hotels. Easy train connections from Geneva will have you there in two hours, or the same by car, and Verbier’s après bars are less than 30 minutes away by train.

Stay here: Hotel Grand Chalet Favre is a historic chalet-turned-boutique hotel at the heart of St Luc, Val d’Anniviers. Enjoy winding down after a day on the slopes in modern rustic charm or explore the shops and bars on your doorstep.

Price: Adult ski passes for Val d’Anniviers range from €73 for one day per person up to €552 for the full week. 

If you’re looking for a family-friendly resort that’s not thronging during February half-term, the Norwegian town of Geilo awaits with enchanting forest trails, dog sledding, traditional saunas and potential Northern Lights sightings. Geilo has just 34km of pistes but it packs a lot in—there’s a good mix of green and blue runs for beginners while intermediates can whoosh down reds or take it off-piste. Not to mention, it’s home to Norway’s longest toboggan run. 

Stay here: The ski-in ski-out Vestlia Resort in the heart of town exudes modern nordic charm. Amenities include a spa, swimming pool with water slides, restaurant, cafe-bar and some excellent kids facilities.  

Price: Early bird season passes go from 6,495.00 NOK per adult, 5,245.00 NOK for ages 7-17, 5,245.00 NOK for seniors ages 65 and up, and free for kids ages six and under. 

Located in Rila, Bulgaria’s highest mountain range, Borovets is a trio of ski resorts with guaranteed snow on its 58km of pistes. It’s ideal for beginners and very budget-friendly with accommodation, gear rental and ski schools at a fraction of the price of the likes of St Anton or Val D’Isere. Borovets is reachable from the capital of Sofia in an hour and a half.

Stay here: The alpine-inspired Hotel Rila is a ski-in, ski-out resort overlooking ancient forests and the mighty Rila Mountain. Find everything you need on-site including five restaurants, a spa, kids club and ski rental.

Price: Season lift passes go from 1900 BGN for adults and 1300 BGN for children. You can also buy passes for one to five consecutive days or six non-consecutive days. You can try night skiing here for 60 BGN per adult, too.

Nobody would suspect that just a short hop from the beaches of Malaga lie 110km of buttery pistes. The Sierra Nevada (Spanish for ‘snowy mountains’) is Europe’s most southerly ski resort and has 131 runs to play on—a mixture of blue, red and black. When you’re ready to refuel, trade fondue for tapas and fresh seafood. As for après? In true Spanish style, the fiestas continue well into the night.

Stay here: The Mountains Hotel blends modern design with Andalusian aesthetics. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the lifts and amenities include two terraced bars, a swimming pool, spa and live music.

Price: You can still get early bird ski passes ranging from €1080 per adult, €810.40 for ages 6-15 and €864 for seniors 65 and up.