Where to go on your next skiing holiday

By Imogen Cox

Ahead of the winter season, ski enthusiasts around the world start planning their next snow-covered escapades. With a multitude of ski resorts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect destination for your winter getaway. Fear not, as we’ve compiled a comprehensive review of some of the finest ski resorts across the Alps, including some under-the-radar gems, highlighting their unique features, suitable activities, and our favourite places to stay in each. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping slopes, tranquil surroundings, a family-friendly atmosphere, luxurious amenities, or a lively après scene – we can guarantee there’s a ski resort that will suit you just right. Read on to find out where to go skiing in the Alps!

Average Snowfall:
328cm

Number of Runs:
72

Total skiable terrain:
117km

Châtel

Châtel, a little further into the mountains in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, is a family-friendly resort with a village atmosphere, traditional chalets and stunning views. There’s a variety of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers, and families. The Portes du Soleil offers 650km of skiing on one very well-priced pass. Well-groomed runs wind through picturesque forests: a more serene and scenic experience than nearby resorts. Châtel is one of the quieter villages in The Portes Du Soleil, but the atmosphere is welcoming, with plenty of cosy mountain restaurants and après-ski spots, plus you’re also only a very short drive from Morzine-Les Gets, which has a great foodie & après scene. If you need a little pampering, head to Lavey-Les-Bains for a blissful dip in the natural thermal pool, with the warmest water in Switzerland.

Average Snowfall:
285cm

Number of Runs:
62

Total skiable terrain:
64km

Megève

Nearby Megève is the original French Alpine resort: a picture-perfect mountain village with old-money glitz & glamour mixed in. Think cobbled streets, charming farmhouse, a historic church – and a paradise for food lovers. There’s an array of gourmet restaurants and cosy mountain bistros; for some, these are as much of an attraction as the winter sports themselves. If you’re looking for après ski, head to Club de Jazz Les Cinq Rues. It’s one of France’s oldest and best jazz clubs, offering regular live music, cocktails and a glitzy atmosphere. For the best hot chocolate in town look no further than the Chocolaterie at the Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or. Try the fondue at Le Restaurant Alpin or soak up the views of Megève and Mont Blanc from Face au Mont Blanc. We loved Le Hibout Blanc, a buzzing bistro with fabulous service and the largest chocolate mousses we’ve ever seen, and Le Refuge for the caramelised veal sweetbreads and Grand Marnier soufflé. For top-end dining, splash out at three Michelin-starred Le Flocon de Sel.

Average Snowfall:
281cm

Number of Runs:
185

Total skiable terrain:
400km

Chamonix

Also nearby is Chamonix, a legendary Alpine resort known as the “Mecca of mountaineering.” With its extensive network of slopes, including renowned off-piste and glacier skiing areas, Chamonix attracts adventurers seeking adrenaline-fueled descents. Be warned: these slopes suit expert skiers better than average ones! The incredible Aiguille du Midi cable car sweeps you up to a giddy 3800m altitude (one of the highest in Europe): if you do nothing else in Chamonix, do this. It passes over the Pelerin Glacier and in summer you’ll spot climbers ascending the north face of Mont Blanc. The view from the top is one of the best in the Alps. Chamonix has a great reputation for après-ski, full of lively places to unwind after a day on the slopes. One of the best is Elevation 1904 – it’s well-priced (by alpine ski resort standards…) and is where the locals drink. Be wary, long lift queues are common at Chamonix. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Average Snowfall:
360cm

Number of Runs:
119

Total skiable terrain:
119km

Courchevel

An hour further south, Courchevel is synonymous with luxury: Louis Vuitton opened a pop-up shop mid-slope, which gives an insight into the clientele here! Part of the vast interconnected ski area Les Trois Vallées, Courchevel is also renowned for its exceptional restaurants, boasting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Alps. Courchevel 1650’s nightlife and overall vibe is more low-key than its higher altitude sister resort Courchevel 1850, whose swish bars are just 10 minutes away by lift. Courchevel 1650’s predominantly blue and green runs are wider, longer and less crowded than others in the Trois Vallées – ideal for beginners and children. For après ski, we loved the alfresco bar, Fire & Ice, on the south-facing terrace: flaming torches, heated seats, firepits. The view is beautiful, so grab a Vin Chaud or a shot of Kahlua and Grey Goose vodka and snuggle under a faux-fur blanket to watch the sun dip behind the mountains. You also can’t miss out on an afternoon of après and table-top dancing at La Folie Douce in Méribel!

Average Snowfall:
320cm

Number of Runs:
109

Total skiable terrain:
150km

Les Arcs

Tucked away in the Tarentaise Valley near the Italian border, Les Arcs is an excellent choice for those who want to explore different ski resorts in one holiday, with reliable snow. Les Arcs and Paradiski give access to 425km of pistes, with runs to suit all ages and abilities. Due to its glacier and high elevation slopes, the resort is very snow-sure all season long. Though this resort is very beginner-friendly, there’s plenty of hardcore off-piste skiing for experts. The resort also has a maze of woodland runs – ideal for bad weather days. One run to avoid is the “Traversee” route to 1600 from 1800 – you will be walking the whole way! If you want a change of scene, you are within easy reach of Val d’Isère, Tignes and Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise; you can even ski at La Thuile in Italy, which is just 20km away, while the hidden gem of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (a little-known resort with quiet runs and excellent off-piste skiing) is only 10km away.

Average Snowfall:
296cm

Number of Runs:
98

Total skiable terrain:
200km

Average Snowfall:
153cm

Number of Runs:
9

Total skiable terrain:
18km

Leogang

Leogang, an hour southwest of Salzburg, is a more peaceful retreat, surrounded by lower but still stunning peaks: perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The Saalbach ski area has 270km of slopes and one of the top high-speed lift systems in the world – it only takes 12 minutes to get from Leogang to the 1800m summits! The north-facing slopes are much better at preserving the powder, while the south-facing slopes are perfect for sun-seekers. If you want to push yourself, try the aptly named ‘The Challenge’, which covers a staggering 65km of piste, 32 lifts and 12,400m of altitude. The whole tour is a 7-hour skiathon, so you’ll be grateful for a spa day afterwards. More of a park rat? Practise your frontside grabs in the nearby Nitro Snowpark, with its half pipes, learning slopes and annual competitions. Or give night skiing a go at the Hinterglemm Night Park. Be aware that the valley roads get congested during the peak season; allow plenty of travel time.

Average Snowfall:
474cm

Number of Runs:
156

Total skiable terrain:
270km

St Anton

St Anton, in the western tip of Austria near the Swiss borders, is another world renowned ski resort,  which has not forgotten its Austrian roots despite the recent surge in posh ski tourism. With access to the extensive ski area of the Arlberg, it’s great for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, and particularly popular among advanced skiers thanks to challenging off-piste routes and exhilarating backcountry opportunities. It tends to have excellent snow late in the season, with plenty of fresh-fallen powder as late as mid-April. Prices and availability are also better at that time. St Anton’s bustling village centre is filled with lively bars, stylish boutiques, and top-notch restaurants, ensuring that the après-ski scene is just as exciting as the skiing itself.

Average Snowfall:
358cm

Number of Runs:
141

Total skiable terrain:
301km

Swiss Alps

Zermatt

Tucked below the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the world’s most famous and exclusive ski resorts, boasting snow reliability, a long winter season, perfectly groomed slopes, challenging off-piste runs, and extensive glacier skiing opportunities. Catch the ‘first tracks’ gondola up the Klein Matterhorn early in the morning to see the glittering sunrise and ski virgin slopes. Don’t miss lunch at Chez Vrony, one of Zermatt’s celebrated mountain restaurants; a favourite hang-out spot of the rich and beautiful. Try heli-skiing – expensive but utterly worth it for the jaw-dropping scenery and circuit of the Matterhorn itself. Take a guided hike up to the solar-panelled Monte Rosa hut – a sustainable crystal-shaped base camp for mountaineers. Intermediates can enjoy sweeping long red runs in the Rothorn sector; the Triftji mogul run will test even the most expert skiers – it’s one of the world’s toughest and longest runs. The famous Gravity Park for snowboarders includes a 200m superpipe. If you’re looking for a more sustainable escape, come by train from Geneva, especially in winter. Not only is the journey stunning, but it makes sense as Zermatt is car-free.

Average Snowfall:
341cm

Number of Runs:
145

Total skiable terrain:
322km

Gstaad

Gstaad is a prestigious but laid-back Swiss village in the Bernese Oberland, known for its five-star hotels and wide range of skiing (and other) adventures. It is popular with international jetsetters and celebs, reputedly being one of the 3 most expensive ski resorts in the world (pro or con, you decide!). The Gstaad-Saanenland ski area has 250km of pistes suitable for all levels, from 1,000m to 3,000m altitude. But there are plenty of non-winter-sports activities to enjoy here too; float above the mountains in a hot-air balloon, shop in the ritzy boutiques of Gstaad, or book a horse and carriage ride to the Lauenensee. If you have time the 3-4 hour train journey from Geneva, which snakes alongside the lake and then up through mountainous peaks, is one of the most scenic rides we’ve ever experienced. It’s worth noting that Gstaad is quite low, so it’s not the most snow-sure ski resort.

Average Snowfall:
386cm

Number of Runs:
75

Total skiable terrain:
200km

Adelboden

Just east of Gstaad, we think Adelboden is a hidden gem. Surrounded by majestic mountains and peaceful valleys, it’s a tranquil escape for nature lovers and those seeking a serene ski holiday. The resort’s well-maintained slopes cater to all abilities, from gentle blue runs for beginners to thrilling red and black runs for more experienced skiers. Adelboden’s charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty, with picturesque trails winding through snow-covered forests. After a day on the slopes, you can relax in the village, exploring its charming streets or indulging in a warm cup of Swiss hot chocolate. Or for something romantic and a little different, head up the mountain one evening for a candlelit fondue dinner in an igloo. In town, you can go skating, try your hand at curling, or watch ice hockey. If you want to see the FIS World Cup, come in the second week in January, though be warned – the population of Adelboden inflates from 4,000 to nearer 40,000.

Average Snowfall:
367cm

Number of Runs:
85

Total skiable terrain:
210km

Italian Alps

La Thuile

Friendly and affordable La Thuile is another hidden gem – where, with one lift pass you can ski in both France and Italy, enjoying the different foodie options of each. It was once a mining town but has now been transformed into a purpose-built ski resort, with a contemporary complex built near the lifts, and the historic village across the river. It’s part of the cross-border Espace San Bernardo, which also includes La Rosière in France, and has a combined total of 160 km of slopes and 38 ski lifts. There are cross-country ski routes and heli-skiing on the Rutor and Miravidi glaciers. La Thuile is especially suitable for families thanks to its gentle slopes and free childcare. The slopes are never busy, so queues for lifts are rare: it’s just you and the mountains. Many visitors become loyal returners due to the quiet uncrowded slopes, excellent pistes, and value for money.

Average Snowfall:
203cm

Number of Runs:
38

Total skiable terrain:
70km

Meran

Meran 2000, in the German-speaking South Tyrol region of northern Italy, is renowned for its cross-country skiing and wellness offerings. This combo makes for a gorgeous winter getaway – with the benefit of 300 days of sunshine a year, ideal for that bluebird skiing feeling. In just seven minutes you’ll whoosh up to the top of the mountain, a mile above the Adige Valley, where the air is crisp, clean and pine-scented, and the views of ice-capped Dolomites. Sensational. If you are expecting a typical Italian ambience, you may be surprised: South Tyrol is bilingual Italian-German, with scenery more reminiscent of Austria. This is the place for a sun-soaked spa escape with a relaxed and refined village feel – but not if you’re after a lively après scene.

Average Snowfall:
98cm

Number of Runs:
10

Total skiable terrain:
41.5km