While skiing originated in Sweden and Norway, it’s the southern ski spots that have truly made their mark in history. From Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s to James Bond in the 1980s, and even today’s snowboarders, the Alps offer a stunning backdrop for skiing in France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Here are some classic European ski resorts:
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere is located in eastern France, near the Italian border. Skiing here became popular in the mid-1930s. It’s not the biggest ski resort in France, but teaming up with nearby Tignes, they’ve formed the Espace Killy Ski Domain. This gives you access to 300 km of lift-serviced runs, with slopes ranging from 1,850 to 3,456 meters in elevation. It’s a hotspot for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders, though it can be expensive.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Situated in eastern Switzerland, St. Moritz claims to be where winter tourism started back in 1864. Having hosted multiple Winter Olympics and Alpine Skiing World Championships, they certainly know their stuff. With over 300 sunny days a year and 350 km of prepared pistes, it’s perfect for medium to advanced skiers and even bobsleigh fans.
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton offers a warm and welcoming ski experience with a distinctly local feel. It’s more budget-friendly than the others, catering to adventurous intermediate skiers with its 280 km of well-maintained slopes. Known for its lively après-ski scene, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for both great pistes and parties.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix, or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, is close to both Switzerland and Italy and offers some of the most breathtaking views. With the Chamonix Le Pass, you get access to 110 km of pistes. Opt for the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass, and you have 410 km of slopes across France, Switzerland, and Italy at your disposal.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most stylish of the bunch, true to its Italian roots. While the Italians enjoy the chic town center, filled with high-end shops and a car-free area, skiing enthusiasts can hit the slopes. The Valley ski pass gives access to 140 km of nearby slopes, while the Dolomiti Superski pass offers 1,200 km of ski runs across 12 resorts. There’s something for all skill levels, though it can get quite crowded during holidays.
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