The best ski resorts in Europe for 2026, from budget to luxury

Best for: families and kids

Forming part of the 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is popular with British families for its affordable lodgings, miles of beginner-friendly runs and lively vibe. The snow-locked village of Avoriaz is easily accessible by bus (cable car the rest of the way) too. 

While there are some upmarket restaurants, most of Morzine’s eateries have something for even the fussiest of eaters – there’s even an English pub, while charming artisanal shops, walks and other recreational activities will entertain non-skiers.

Total pistes: 120 km

Stay here: Elevation Alps offers luxury self-catered chalets in the heart of Morzine to suit all group sizes and needs. 

Best for: après ski

In St Anton, you ski hard, but you party harder as the resort first earned its rep for après ski antics in the 1960s, when the iconic Krazy Kanguruh opened its doors. The other must-do party venue there is MooserWirt and afterwards, sports bars like Bar Cuba and Bobo’s bring the après-après-ski. Pair that with around 300 km of runs, and we see why it’s a favourite for grown up ski holidays. 

Stay here: roll out of Mooserwirt après bar and up to bed in the adjoining Mooser Hotel in the heart of town. Despite being in the heart of the action, soundproofing ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

📍 Discover more of the best ski resorts in Austria

Best for: luxury skiiers 

Crowning Europe’s most luxurious ski resort was a toss up between Zermatt and Verbier, but Zermatt’s wider selection of swish hotels and five-star serviced chalets ultimately decided it. This chocolate box village sits at the foot of the Matterhorn and boasts 322 km of skiable terrain, the majority intermediate, with further off-piste areas for a challenge.

Its streets are lined with designer shops, world class restaurants and sophisticated bars. As if this resort couldn’t be any more charming, it’s car-free and reached by train. 

Total pistes: 322 km

Stay here: The Omnia is an exclusive mountain retreat suspended above central Zermatt. Furnished to perfection, it boasts a Michelin Guide restaurant and unrivalled Matterhorn views.

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Best for: classic Alpine glitz and glamour

Skiing in Austria is a big deal, and Kitzbühel is the sort of destination that leaves you in no doubt as to why that is. The medieval town and mountains that surround it are ludicrously beautiful, and there are more than enough pistes here to keep even the most enthusiastic skier busy for days on end. The infamous Streif downhill at the Hahnenkamm is one of the most challenging race courses on the planet, but there are heaps of less terrifying options for those who just want to enjoy themselves. Kitzbühel has a well-earned glamorous reputation (check out the designer shops and luxury hotels), but there is a cosy charm in its rustic mountain huts and vibrant atmosphere. In many ways, Kitzbühel is skiing as many imagine it to be.

Total pistes: 181 km, plus marked ski routes

Stay here: The Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort is an impossibly stylish four-star accommodation just outside the medieval town, offering buckets of Alpine charm without overdoing it. There is a spa, indoor pool, restaurant, and fabulously comfortable beds.

Best for: Easter skiing

As one of the highest resorts in the Alps, Cervinia is a snow-sure and sunny choice for an Easter skiing holiday. Its high altitude nursery slopes are ideal for families and more experienced skiers have a range of red and black runs to play on. An international lift pass also covers neighbouring Zermatt—what better Easter treat than some Swiss chocolate? As for Aprés, soak up the late afternoon sun with a bombardino (Italy’s signature mountain tipple) from a choice of chilled sun terraces.

Total pistes: 150 km

Stay here: Hotel Al Piolet is steps away from the main lift, something to consider as snow conditions might make skiing back to the village difficult in April. Amenities include a restaurant, bar & terrace, lounge, spa and outdoor pool.

📍 Discover more of the best ski resorts in Italy

Best for: true budget skiing

If you’re desperate to ski but the budget is looking a little slim, get yourself to Montenegro. Kolašin 1450 is the country’s premier ski resort, and an adult day pass costs just €15. Yes, fifteen. Now, that would be mighty impressive for a local ski hill, but there is considerably more on offer in this little slice of sumptuousness in northern Montenegro. The Kolašin 1450 and 1600 areas are linked to create around 45km of pistes, some of which reach more than 2,000 metres above sea level. There are options for beginners, intermediates, and experienced skiers, and the scenery is spellbinding, while nearby Biogradska Gora National Park adds even more reason to stick around. Sure, it might not be the most spectacular ski resort in Europe, but you won’t find better value on the pistes than in Kolašin.

Total pistes: 45 km

Stay here: Swissôtel Resort Kolašin is Montenegro's first ski-in, ski-out resort, set at 1,600 metres and offering 116 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a spa, a gym, and an après-ski terrace.

Best for: bougie foodies

Courchevel is one of Europe’s finest resorts, rivalled only by Zermatt and Verbier. But if posh nosh is your thing, this is the luxury ski resort for you. Trade the würst and frites at slope canteens for high altitude fine dining with no less than eight Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. Meanwhile, work up your appetite as you shoop-shoop down 150km of perfectly primed pistes, where there are runs to suit all abilities. 

Total pistes: 150 km

Stay here: The palatial Cheval Blanc is steps from the slopes and houses Courchevel’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant, Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc. 

Best for: Christmas skiing

Levi is the embodiment of Christmas with its festive market, the chance to see the Northern Lights, sleigh rides and Santa’s official home just 170km away in Rovaniemi. Located in Finnish Lapland, snow is a sure thing in December and while the slopes here can’t rival those in the Alps, there’s still a good mix of blue, red and black runs, plus an extensive cross-country skiing network. Combine ski days with a whole host of Lappish winter activities and embrace the local culture in one of its 2,000 saunas.

Total pistes: 45 km

Stay here: Spot the northern lights from your cosy bed in one of Hotel Levi Panorama’s glass-roofed sky suites. Celebrate Christmas or New Year in style with a carefully crafted festive buffet.

Best for: non-skiers

If skiing isn’t your thing or you fancy a day off from the slopes, Seefeld has plenty on offer to keep you busy. It’s the place to try snow shoeing or cross-country skiing with 140 km of scenic winter hiking trails linking it to nearby villages through charming forests and fields. If you want to rest your legs altogether, the town has shops, cafes and public swimming pools if your hotel doesn’t have one.

Total pistes: 37km downhill slopes and 245km cross-country trails

Stay here: Whilst others head down to the boot room, make a beeline for Krumers Alpin Hotel’s luxurious wellness centre for an all-day pampering with mountain views to gaze upon. There are walking trails on your doorstep and the shops are a short walk away.

Best for: guaranteed snow

Val Thorens is the highest point in France’s Three Valleys range, which collectively offers 600km of skiable terrain. It’s officially the ski resort with the highest village and 99% of the runs are more than 2,000m above sea level, meaning they’re high enough for a healthy dumping of the white stuff. The ski season here extends to May, meaning it’s a safe bet for skiing in March or April while other resorts begin to thaw out.

Total pistes: 150 km

Stay here: the Koh-I Nor is the highest five-star hotel in Europe and offers ski-to-door access in a contemporary designer hotel with uninterrupted views.