The 7 Best Ski Resorts in Europe With Deep Powder, Upscale Amenities, and Scenic Views

From Switzerland to France to Italy, here's where you'll want to ski when you journey across the pond.

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Updated on November 6, 2023

Snowy Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background — Photo: Pascal Gertschen/Courtesy of Zermatt Tourismus

Deciding where to ski in Europe can be a dizzying experience — the act of descending down mountains on two planks is both a beloved pastime and a lifestyle around the continent. However, while ski areas can be found all over, the countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy are particularly renowned for their ski-friendly climates, terrain, and infrastructure. Villages like St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, have welcomed snow-seeking travelers for decades (or centuries, in many cases). In addition to powdery pistes, you'll find lively après-ski scenes, fine-dining restaurants set in wildly scenic locales, and lodging that's luxurious yet unpretentious.

When you're ready to make that European ski vacation a reality, take a moment to match your expectations with a resort that delivers. Should you head to the Alps or the Dolomites? Opt for a luxe, glitzy resort or book a stay in a low-key alpine village? Read on to find a European ski resort that has everything you're looking for (and then some).

Courchevel, France

Skiers at Courchevel resort with gondola and mountains in background — raeva/Getty Images

Courchevel is a dream European ski destination. Here, you have access to Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), the largest linked ski area in the world. And when it comes to post-skiing fun, the resort's six interconnected villages offer a little something for everyone. In Courchevel, you'll find Michelin-starred restaurants, a dedicated children's ski area, a multitude of upscale boutiques, and — most importantly — snow. The resort's natural high elevation and expansive snowmaking system practically guarantee good powder.

Access to Courchevel is easiest via Chambéry Airport (a 1.5-hour drive) or Geneva Airport (a 2.5-hour drive).

Zermatt, Switzerland

The village at Zermatt lit up at dusk — Leander Wenger/Courtesy of Zermatt Tourismus

You've probably heard of Zermatt because of its iconic location at the base of the Matterhorn peak, but the ski area is just as impressive, with about 200 miles of skiable terrain and perpetual snow.

In Zermatt, you won't have to worry about parking. It's completely car-free, so you'll just park your vehicle outside the destination and take a train, taxi, or helicopter into the village. If you're flying into the Zurich or Geneva airport, you can take the train directly to the resort — the ride is long (about eight hours), but you won't have to worry about renting a car or driving in Europe.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Skiers on the snow in Cortina d'Ampezzo — Diego Gaspari Bandion/Courtesy of Cortina d'Ampezzo

Set among some of the highest peaks in the Dolomites is Cortina d'Ampezzo. Italy's most sophisticated ski town is conveniently linked to Dolomiti Superski, 12 ski areas that operate under one pass. If the easy ticket system and 75 miles of terrain at Cortina d'Ampezzo aren't enough to entice you, perhaps the resort's appointment as the 2026 Winter Olympics host will.

Access to the resort is easiest via Venice Marco Polo Airport, a two-hour drive from the resort.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Snowy town with white mountains in background — Gian Andri Giovanoli/Courtesy of St. Moritz Tourismus AG

It doesn't get much more luxe than St. Moritz, a Swiss town heralded as "the birthplace of alpine winter tourism." There's a reason die-hard skiers flock to the glamorous resort: its high elevation and impressive number of sunny days result in a light powder that blankets the ski area's 87 pistes.

The nearest airport, Engadin Airport, is only about five miles from St. Moritz, or you can fly into Zurich (three hours by car), Milan (three hours), or Munich (4.5 hours). Not interested in renting a car? Hop on the wildly scenic Glacier Express or Bernina Express trains.

Chamonix, France

People skiing in the shadow of large mountains in Chamonix — Courtesy of Chamonix

In addition to fantastic managed slopes, Chamonix boasts legendary off-piste skiing in the dramatic scenery of the French Alps. While it does have family-friendly and beginner runs, the resort is better known for its expert terrain, which spans several separate ski areas linked by bus. Access to Chamonix is easiest from Geneva Airport (just over an hour by car).

St. Anton, Austria

Lift ascending mountain above town of St. Anton am Arlberg — Patrick Bätz/Courtesy of Tourismusverband St. Anton am Arlberg

Austria's largest interconnected ski area, Ski Arlberg, is made up of three resorts together offering almost 200 miles of on-piste skiing (plus another 120 miles of off-piste terrain). But there's a lot more going on here than world-class skiing — St. Anton has an impressive dining scene and great nightlife, too.

To get there, fly into Innsbruck Airport (about an hour's drive), St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (just under 1.5 hours), or the much larger Zurich Airport (about 2.5 hours).

Courmayeur, Italy

Town in Courmayeur Mont Blanc — Giuseppe Geppo Di Mauro/Courtesy of Courmayeur Mont Blanc

On the other side of Mont Blanc from Chamonix is the Italian ski town of Courmayeur. When Chamonix is experiencing white-out conditions, the sun tends to shine on Courmayeur thanks to Mont Blanc's protection. Even non-skiers flock to this resort town to ride the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which has views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, and enjoy fine dining and a lively après scene.

To access Courmayeur, fly into Geneva Airport or Turin Airport (both around an hour, 45 minutes by car).