Winter in Europe has its own kind of magic. Mountains dusted with snow, villages glowing with lantern light, and some of the best ski resorts in the world. From the chic slopes of St. Moritz to the sunlit peaks of Sierra Nevada near Granada, Europe offers skiing that blends sport with culture, gastronomy, and history. Whether you dream of carving down the Alps, sipping hot chocolate in a medieval town, or skiing by day and strolling Spanish courtyards by night, these are the best ski resorts in Europe—and the perfect places to stay in each.
Chamonix, France: The Birthplace of Alpine Skiing
Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, is where European skiing began. The resort rose to fame in 1924 as the site of the very first Winter Olympics, cementing its status as the birthplace of alpine sports. Its dramatic peaks, including the legendary Aiguille du Midi, and its challenging descents—such as the 20-kilometer Vallée Blanche—make it a bucket-list destination for skiers worldwide.
But Chamonix is not only about skiing. The town itself brims with alpine charm: cobbled streets lined with patisseries, lively après-ski bars, and cozy cafés that invite you in from the cold. Visitors also come for the breathtaking views—cable cars and cog railways carry you above glaciers and into landscapes that feel untouched by time.
Where to Stay in Chamonix: Hameau Albert 1er
Address: 38 route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 50 53 05 09
Did You Know?
Chamonix hosted the very first Winter Olympics in 1924. Also, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, built in 1955, was once the highest in the world and still carries visitors up to 3,842 meters.
St. Moritz, Switzerland – The Glamour Capital of Skiing
St. Moritz is synonymous with glamour, style, and the very concept of winter holidays. Set in the Engadin Valley, it has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and remains one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world. Its wide, sunlit slopes attract royals, celebrities, and serious skiers alike.
Beyond the slopes, St. Moritz is a world of indulgence: luxury shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and the famous frozen lake where polo and horse races are held on ice. The town is not just about skiing—it’s about being part of a glittering alpine tradition.
Where to Stay: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Address: Via Serlas 27, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland
Phone: +41 81 837 1000
Did You Know?
St. Moritz is considered the birthplace of winter tourism thanks to Johannes Badrutt, owner of the Kulm Hotel. In 1864, he invited British summer guests to return in winter, betting they’d love the sunshine and snow. They did—and the rest is history.
Val d’Isère, France – Alpine Adventure at Its Finest
Val d’Isère, linked with Tignes to form the Espace Killy ski area, offers some of the best skiing in Europe. With more than 300 kilometers of pistes and endless off-piste terrain, it’s a dream for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort also has an electric après-ski scene, with lively bars like La Folie Douce.
The village retains its Savoyard charm with stone chalets and alpine architecture, balancing high-altitude adventure with traditional mountain warmth. Whether you’re carving down Olympic slopes or enjoying fondue by the fire, Val d’Isère is pure alpine magic.
Where to Stay: The Omnia
Address: Auf dem Fels, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Did You Know?
Val d’Isère’s transformation into a ski mecca started in the 1930s, when local visionary Charles Diebold built the first drag lift. Decades later, the resort became famous for hosting World Cup races and the 1992 Albertville Olympics.
Zermatt, Switzerland – Skiing in the Shadow of the Matterhorn
Zermatt is one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, thanks to its unbeatable backdrop: the Matterhorn. Its car-free village adds to its charm, creating a serene atmosphere beneath the dramatic Alpine skyline. With year-round skiing available on the glacier, Zermatt attracts skiers even in summer.
The slopes are varied, with terrain suitable for all levels, and the resort is renowned for its excellent mountain restaurants. Visitors also love exploring the Gornergrat Railway, which offers panoramic views of the Alps.
Where to Stay:
- Airelles Val d’Isère
Did You Know?
Zermatt’s fame grew after Edward Whymper’s first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, a climb that ended tragically but placed the village firmly on the map of alpine adventurers.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Queen of the Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” combines stunning UNESCO-protected scenery with a touch of Italian elegance. Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics (and future host in 2026), Cortina remains Italy’s most fashionable ski resort.
The town blends high-end boutiques and glamorous cafés with spectacular skiing across the Dolomiti Superski area. Its pink-tinged Dolomite peaks at sunset are reason enough to visit, even for non-skiers.
Where to Stay:
- Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Did You Know?
Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, Italy’s first. The event was broadcast worldwide on television, helping to make the Dolomites internationally famous. The town will host again in 2026, marking 70 years of Olympic history.
Sierra Nevada, Spain – Sunshine and Snow Above Granada
Sierra Nevada is Europe’s southernmost ski resort and one of its sunniest. Located just 40 minutes from Granada, it combines Mediterranean sunshine with excellent skiing on the highest peaks of mainland Spain. Its elevation and advanced snow-making system ensure reliable snow from late November to early May.
The resort is family-friendly, with modern lifts, ski schools, and a lively village at Pradollano. Best of all, you can ski in the morning and stroll the Alhambra or the streets of Granada in the afternoon—a combination no other European resort offers.
READ MORE ABOUT SKIING IN SPAIN
Where to Stay:
- La Esperanza Granada (Perfect ski & culture base)
Address: Ctra. Nacional 323, Salida km 153, 18658 Lecrín, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 617 776 949
