The 7 best ski resorts in Europe for 2025

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.

Stay here: Elevation Alps offers luxury self-catered chalets in the heart of Morzine to suit all group sizes and needs. 

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. 

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: 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.

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. 

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: 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.