The best ski resorts in Europe, 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 less than 10 minutes 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 340 km of runs – 34 black, 129 red, 77 blue and eight green –  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.

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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 only accessible 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: affordable ski trips

Perched above Lake Bohinj in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Vogel is Europe’s best kept skiing secret. With a humble 22 km of slopes, it isn’t the biggest resort – or liveliest for that matter, but it’s got all of the fundamentals: ski-in, ski-out stays, heartwarming Balkan food, a chilled après scene and ski schools – all at relatively cheap prices. Plus, a free ski bus to get around. Be sure to grab lunch at Viharnik Café at the top of the cable car, it offers unrivalled views over Lake Bohinj. 

Total pistes: 22km

Stay here: Eco Hotel Bohinj is a four-star resort with a waterpark, pool & leisure facilities, on-site restaurant and a ski bus stop right outside.

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. The 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 the village might not be skiable in April. Amenities include a restaurant, bar & terrace, lounge, spa and outdoor pool.

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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 14 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, aurora illuminated skies, sleigh rides and Santa’s official home nearby 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 walking 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: 300 km

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 90% 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.

Best for: advanced skiers

Chamonix on Mont Blanc is renowned for its off-piste skiing, attracting seasoned skiers from near and far to tackle the legendary Vallée Blanche, the longest off-piste ski descent in the world, from the Aiguille du Midi station at the top of Mont Blanc. With crampons and climbing ropes required to get onto the slope here, this run isn’t for the faint hearted. For some more accessible off-piste carving, aim for Les Grand Montets or Flégère ski areas.

Total pistes: 762 km

Stay here: soak those achey muscles with a glass of fizz from your own hot tub inside one of Chamonix All Year’s luxury ski chalets.