While skiing might have started in Sweden and Norway, it’s the iconic southern ski destinations that have truly made their mark over time. From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s and James Bond in the 1980s to today’s snowboarders, the magnificent Alps have been the stage for skiing in France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Here are some of the classic ski resorts in Europe:
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere is nestled in the eastern part of France, near the Italian border. Skiing here took off in the mid-1930s. Although it’s not France’s biggest ski resort, its partnership with nearby Tignes to form the Espace Killy Ski Domain offers 300 km of lift-served runs, with slopes ranging from 1,850 to 3,456 meters in altitude. This area is perfect for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders, but be prepared for steep prices.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Found in the eastern part of Switzerland, St. Moritz claims to be the birthplace of winter tourism, dating back to 1864. It has hosted two Winter Olympics and numerous Alpine Skiing World Championships, making it a pro in the field. The resort enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year and features 350 km of groomed pistes, catering to medium to advanced skiers and bobsleigh fans.
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is probably the coziest and most affordable of our top picks. Often described as quaint, it offers varied terrain for adventurous intermediate skiers and 280 km of meticulously maintained slopes. The town is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene, making it a great spot for both skiing and socializing.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix, also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, offers some of the most stunning views, thanks to its proximity to Switzerland and Italy. Steeped in alpine traditions, the area offers 110 km of pistes with the Chamonix Le Pass ski pass, and an impressive 410 km of slopes across three countries (France, Switzerland, and Italy) with the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Without a doubt, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most fashionable of our selections. Known for its stylish setting, Cortina features picturesque streets and a car-free city center filled with high-end shops. This Italian gem offers 140 km of nearby slopes with the Valley ski pass and access to 1,200 km of ski runs in 12 ski resorts with the Dolomiti Superski pass. Suitable for all skill levels, the town can get quite crowded during the holidays, especially at the upscale restaurants and shops.
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