British skiers book over ninety percent of their ski holidays in Europe because the best European ski resorts are truly superlative. You can ski the most famous mountains in Europe with very short flights from the UK (under 2 hours to all airports in the Alps) with find slopeside hotel and chalet accommodation for every taste and budget.
The Europe's best ski destinations come in literally every different type and flavour, from the toney Swiss mecca of Verbier to the French chic of Val d'Isere (SNOman's favourite) and many argue that the top ski resorts in Europe are also the best ski resorts in the world... and who are we to argue with them? Here's the best skiing in Europe.
Meribel has a special place in many Brit's hearts – not simply because it’s right in the middle of the biggest ski area on Earth. A resort for long ski days, ski-boot-stomping après and cosy chalets, there’s a great deal to do and ski here, which is why many of us have been coming back for decades.
Morzine ski holidays ooze traditional Savoyard charm. With a variety of terrain in the huge 650km Portes du Soleil area, Morzine is a ski resort that pairs modern snow sports with authentic character. Famous for its' warm welcome to families and groups, traditional wood and slate Morzine chalets nestle snugly into the beautiful Portes du Soleil mountainside.
As the global capital of winter sports, Chamonix’s history, skiing and scenery make it a true alpine legend. Every seasoned snow lover should come here at least once; skiing the awesome terrain from a proper mountain town with the Mont Blanc massif as your backdrop will make for a week to remember.
The Côte d’Azur of winter resorts with some of the best off piste in the Alps. As the favourite ski destination of royals and celebs as well as top skiers and boarders from around the world, Verbier is the place to combine world class skiing with a posh party atmosphere back in town.
Ski never-ending pistes and powder, ogle at colossal peaks and cosy Savoie architecture, then end the day with some of the world's most wild and wonderful après ski. Val d'Isere is considered by many to be the best ski resort on earth, and we’re inclined to agree.
A fabulous all-rounder: ski the Paradiski’s wonderful mix of tree-lined trails, knee-deep off piste and wide open cruisers. La Plagne’s easily one of Europe’s best ski resorts and one we visit again and again.
Surrounded by the beautiful Kitzbühel Alps, Kitzbuhel in the Tyrol is a romantic medieval town with heaps of Austrian character and a great snow sports experience. Internationally famed for its après ski and the presence of the legendary Streif, it’s a holiday destination for the fashionable and fearless, and features on many a skier’s bucket list.
Attractive, traditional and oozing style, Courchevel ticks all the boxes for a first class ski holiday. With masses of amenities and a quality area that’s well linked within the rest of the Three Valleys - not to mention an infectiously glam atmosphere - it’s no wonder Courchevel’s one of the most popular ski resorts in the world.
Stay in the world capital of alpinism and ski in sight of the Matterhorn: the greatest mountain destination in Switzerland and quite possibly the world, Zermatt has an unbeatable mix of dizzyingly snow sure slopes, a delightful old mountain town and some of the most jaw-dropping surroundings you'll ever set sight upon.
Austria's snowsport capital, St Anton in the extensive Arlberg circus of the Tyrolean Alps has every level of ability covered (including the most exhilarating white-knuckle terrain). Stunning alpine scenery and world famous après ski make St Anton an international "top ten" destination for its' immense skiing, incredible views and intense partying.