When you want to hit the best slopes in Europe, there are a few spots that everyone likes, such as the Alps and Dolomites.
However, what resorts are the best in these areas? Where can you find the nicest spas to go with those resorts?
This mixture of high-profile winter ski resorts and remote destinations make serious skiers go ga-ga for a snowy adventure.
With most of these resorts, you can spend all day on the slopes, visiting several mountains through the lift system. Each ski run can take a few hours, so you should begin high in the mountains and drop into the village.
However, with these locations, you won’t be repeating the same run twice. You’ll be able to go to as many as you like.
Courchevel, France
This beautiful spot is home to the Les Trois Vallées or Three Valleys. These resorts are famous in Courchevel because they have 150 kilometers of alpine runs that you can reach from over 60 lifts.
Basically, this is the skier’s dream come true. There are 10 summits found throughout these resorts with altitudes that go above 2,500 meters in some cases.
There are also areas for beginner and intermediate skiers at each of the five villages. There are also free chairlift services for the beginners, as well as superlative skiing.
The resorts are quite expansive and immaculate. You’ll have luxury accommodations in every room and a glamourous apres-ski scene. Michelin-starred restaurants also abound at these resorts.
Zermatt, Switzerland
If you love long runs, then you’ll love Zermatt, and you can’t beat that view of Matterhorn. Most skiers would kill to head to this area of the Alps simply because it has one of the most iconic, scenic settings in Europe.
The long runs here are great for advanced skiers looking to indulge. You can literally ski right into the village on some of these runs as well.
Of course, everyone wants to do the Matterhorn Glacier Ride. This can carry 2,000 skiers an hour, and it’s available for year-round skiing. If you’re not as experienced, then you’ll want to check out Wolli’s Park for beginners.
Some of the hotels we love in this area include Hotel Firefly, Hotel Mont Cervin Palance. and CERVO Zermatt. They are all luxury hotel accommodations that have tons of amenities.
Of the three, the Hotel Mont Cervin Palace has the most picturesque views and lavish accommodations. You also can’t beat the on-site gourmet dining.
Val d’Isere, France
In this gorgeous snowscape, you’ll find the vast expanse of mountain Espace Killy, which is named for Jean-Claude Killy, who was a three-time Olympic gold medalist, as well as a native of Val d’Isere.
The season lasts for a particularly long time here, due to the altitude, which goes up to 3,450 meters. You can ski here through May.
Accommodations in this area greatly depend on your budget. However, the highest-rated and well known for their luxury include Avenue Lodge Hotel, Le Samovar Hotel & Chalets, Hotel Altitude, and Chalet Skadi.
Chalet Skadi is a renown spot for celebrities due to its contemporary and attractive amenities. You’ll love the cozy yet modern atmosphere of the rooms, as well as the hot tub that comes included in most suites.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The Dolomites are calling you. These five peaks of the Cinque Torri surround the little village of Cortina D’Ampezzo. This is a gorgeous area filled with amazing ski terrain.
The Winter Olympics were held here in 1956, and ever since, it has been the preferred spot for all winter jetsetters seeking a place for private ski runs and stylish entertainment.
Want to stay in luxury? Then you’ll head to the Cristallo, which is a massive ski resort known for having a great location in the Dolomites.
Every area of this hotel is doused in glamour and luxury. You’ll be able to indulge in the ultimate spa experience, grab drinks at the lounge, or head over to the gourmet restaurant.
Chamonix, France
Here you will find Europe’s tallest peak at 4,807 meters, which is the snow-capped Mont Blanc. You might want to schedule this trip ahead according to Ski-Chamonix.
The nearby French Alpine village is everything you could want in a picturesque snow adventure. There’s shops, entertainment, bars, and of course, lots of fine dining.
Chamonix is one of the famous sites for skiing in Europe due to its Olympic heritage. It was the location of the first Winter Olympic games, and it continued to provide challenges to skiers as it is well known for having the most challenging terrain.
While less experienced skiers can still find their way to Brevent, most advanced skiers love the Grands Montets run.
If you’re planning a trip to Chamonix, there are a host of ski resorts here to welcome you. However, most highest-rated include Grand Hotel des Alpes, Hotel Mont-Blanc, and Vert et Blance.
St. Anton, Austria
Serious snow-lovers and skiers alike come to the Arlberg region for a challenge. These slopes are for the experts on St. Anton.
The longest run is a 10-kilometer slope down Valluga-St. Anton has an elevation difference of 1,347 meters. There are also 200 off-piste options for skiers who love the challenge. If you’re unfamiliar with this area, you should probably take a guide.
Visiting this area is a tad expensive, but you’ll find that the accommodations are superb for relaxation and wellness. Most of the resorts here have highly-rated spas.
Of the ones we like best, you’ll find yourself wrapped in comfort if you stay at the Alpenhotel St. Christoph or the Hotel Schwarzer Adler. However, we also like Anthony’s Life & Style Hotel for its charm and village location.
Méribel, France
One of the busiest areas to ski is in Méribel, France for families. You’ll find a lot of experienced skiers still have fun on the slopes here, but the ski terrain is much better for beginners and children.
The highest skiing runs begin at 2,952 meters, which are located on Mont Vallon. This is where even experts will have trouble descending down the 1000-meter run.
The Moon Wild trail is popular for families and kids because of the “life-sized” animals that are hidden in these woods. If you’ve got smaller kids, then you can take them to P’tit Moon, where there is a mini border and banked turns.
Méribel is its own resort as part of the Les Trois Vallées, but it’s definitely geared towards family vacations.
Zugspitze, Germany
Germany’s highest mountain Zugspitze is located here. Skiers come from all over the world to stay in the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is located just at the foot of this towering mountain.
The beauty of staying here is the 360-degree panoramic views. Advanced skiers have been known to go to the top of the glacier, which is 2,700 meters above sea level and often above the clouds.
There are a few other courses here that have been used for Alpine Skiing Championships, as well as the 1936 Winter Olympics. The local Ice Stadium is a hot spot for families to ice skate in the village.
Staying in this area depends on what you’re looking for. Many want to escape into luxury and enjoy the spa life. To experience that kind of pampering, you’ll want to check out Das Graseck, Staudacherhof, Obermuhle 4*S Boutique Resort, and Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
This area is famous for its skiing. In fact, there are so many world ski competitions held here that it is a favorite for almost all types of skiers.
The Winter Olympics were held here in 1928 and 1948. St. Moritz is also the location of the Alpine World Ski Championship.
St. Moritz is also known for being the first to have winter resorts. This distinction sets apart the villages and resorts here.
You’ll find there are more history and activities built around the snow for families, too. For example, the White Turf St. Moritz is an annual skijoring horserace.
The best resorts in this region cater to everyone with in-room dining, bars, lounges, spas, and ski lift access right from the resort.
You’ll find the best accommodations at Suvretta House or Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski. Both resorts are highly rated for their luxury accommodations.
Courmayeur, Italy
Need to plan a getaway for everyone? There’s a mix of advanced and beginner fun when it comes to skiing the slopes of Courmayeur.
This is an upscale area where people from Milan and Turin tend to go when they’re looking to hit the slopes.
The resorts are set up along the flank of Mont Blanc, which is the highest mountain in the Alps range. You’ll get to see views from “the top of Europe” using the lift system here.
Of the many resorts here, you’ll want to spend your time at Hotel Pavillon or Hotel Tavernier, which are both located close to the action and have luxury amenities such as gourmet dining and spas.
