Although skiing originated in Sweden and Norway, it’s the ski spots in the south that have truly made their mark in history. From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s to James Bond in the 1980s and today’s snowboarders, the Alps provide an iconic stage for skiing in France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Here are some classic ski resorts in Europe:
Val d’Isere, located in eastern France near the Italian border, gained popularity for skiing in the mid-1930s. It might not be France’s largest ski resort, but partnering with Tignes to create the Espace Killy Ski Domain gives you access to 300 km of lift-served runs, ranging from 1,850 to 3,456 vertical meters. This area is ideal for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders, though it can be quite pricey.
St. Moritz, in eastern Switzerland, claims to be where winter tourism began in 1864. It has hosted a couple of Winter Olympics and several Alpine Skiing World Championships, so they know what they’re doing! With over 300 days of sunshine each year and 350 km of prepared pistes, it’s perfect for medium to advanced skiers and bobsleigh lovers.
St. Anton is probably the most down-to-earth spot among our picks, though some might call it provincial. It’s definitely cheaper than the others and offers a variety of terrain for adventurous intermediates with 280 km of groomed slopes. The town is also infamous for its lively après-ski scene, making it great for both skiing and parties.
Chamonix, or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc as it’s officially known, offers breathtaking views and is very close to both Switzerland and Italy. Rich in alpine traditions, the Chamonix Le Pass ski pass gives you access to 110 km of pistes. If you opt for the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass, you can explore a whopping 410 km of slopes spanning three countries (France, Switzerland, and Italy).
Cortina d’Ampezzo is undoubtedly the most chic of our picks, which isn’t surprising—it’s Italian! While the locals may prefer to strut down the main street with their furs, phones, and tiny dogs, the slopes are waiting for ski enthusiasts. The picturesque town with a car-free city center is filled with high-end shops. Skiing options are premium too, with the Valley ski pass covering 140 km of nearby slopes and the Dolomiti Superski ski pass providing access to 1,200 km of ski runs across 12 resorts. There’s something for every skill level, but the town can get quite crowded during holidays.
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