Where to ski this winter? The 50 best stations in Europe

Best ski resorts and winter sports

Whether you’re a beginner who prefers the calm of the green and blue slopes, or an extreme lover favoring the black and snowpark tracks, each of you will find the station it needs in this list, and whatever your budget. Are you ready to ski on the most beautiful slopes in Europe (mostly in France)? Get your bitches!

Flickr – Skistar Trysil

The stations in France

Saint-Gervais

It is one of the most underestimated ski areas in the Alps. The resort itself has 235 km of slopes including 30 km for cross-country skiing. But the advantage is in its proximity to Evasion Mont-Blanc which extends your sliding field to 445 km. St-Gervais is ideal for skiing in powder, and the resort has baths to recover.

Package : 39,50€ Domain package : 43€/day and 205€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.ski-saintgervais.com

Méribel

Méribel, who hosted the women’s alpine skiing race at the 1992 Olympics, is a charming family resort that is with Courchevel and Val Thorens, the Trois Vallées area, one of the world’s largest ski areas. The resort offers a wide range of trails for all levels, as well as a swimming pool, an indoor ice rink, and numerous bars and restaurants that will appeal to the noctambule. Méribel organize in 2015 the Alpine Ski World Cup finals men and women.

Package : 47,50€ Domain package : the Three Valleys (600km) 57€/day and 277€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.meribel.net

The Grave

This is a perfect resort for adventure enthusiasts, serious hiking skiers, and planks. This is not a ski area like the others... Here the weather conditions are quite difficult, and the majority of the tracks are not secure: it is the high-montagne. A cable car transports you in half an hour at 3200 m altitude. Attention: you must have a very good level to come skiing or surfing in the field La Grave – La Meije . The La Grave package offers access to the Alps area.

Package : 45€ Domain package : 234€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.la-grave.com

La Rosiere

The Rosière is located on the Italian border and is connected to the station of La Thuile. It is a favorite resort of families where the village Les Eucherts allows you to stay ideally with your children. Here, no lively nightlife but a surprisingly good ski area. The resort offers only 53 km of skis, but if you take an extended package at Espace San Bernardo, you can access 160 km.

Domain package : 40,60€/day and 194€/ 6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.larosiere.net

Bonneval

Bonneval-sur-Arc has not changed much since the last 150 years: houses of raw grey stones blotties at the bottom of the valley, cows penetrating in their shelters... But that’s what you like to ski authenticity, right? Its 21 tracks and 25 km of ski area seem to be little, but we come here for the quality of the snow, mellow, and powdery in places, which encourages to ski several (those who prefer the safety of the marked track, and those who prefer the action of the off-piste), to find themselves at the bottom of the slopes. A package offers access to an extended domain (300 km of slopes).

Package : 24€ Domain package : 131€/6 days Additional information and discounts on www.bonneval-sur-arc.com

Val Thorens

The resort has nothing to prove, in terms of the quality of its ski area, and its direct access to 600 km of slopes on the 3 Vallées. The resort essentially attracts a wealthy clientele, thanks to its starred restaurants, unusual and innovative hotels, and its vibrant nightlife. Benefits that attract skiers from all over the world. All facilities on the slopes (mechanical lifts, snowparks, children, etc.) allow an exceptional stay, with a good budget.

Package : 222€/6 days and per person Domain package : 277€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.valthorens.com

The Arcs

The Paradiski area, which is the Arcs resort in Peisey-Vallandry and the Plagne, offers 425 km of skiing. Perhaps the best thing is to stay at the Arcs 1950, where the trail passes through the village. You get out of your accommodation, sock your skis and slip!

Package : 46€ Paradiski domain package : 277€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.lesarcs.com

Courchevel

Last of the 3 resorts in the 3 Valleys, Courchevel is certainly the most famous, and most famous, because of its 5-star hotels, its restaurants with starry chefs, and its animation as much at night as the day. The domain allows access to beautiful trails, even off-piste. There too, you have to plan a good budget to come and stay for a few days.

Package : 48€ 3 Vallées domain package : 57€/day and 277€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.courchevel.com

Val d’Isère

The resort attracts many regulars who dream of skiing only in Val d’Isère. Val shares its estate with the nearby Tignes station, to form the Killy Space (300 km). It is, like some other "luxury" stations, a "big budget" destination, but here is a very good ski school, new generation, and excellent animation.

Package : 48,50€ Killy domain package : 50,50€/day and 252,50€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.valdisere.com

Holy Foy

The ski area of Sainte Foy is perhaps smaller (15 tracks only) than its most famous neighbors, but who complains? The trails are quiet, so you can take your time and enjoy, and the off-track domain is huge. This place proves that quality prevails over quantity.

Package : 29€/day and 156,50€/6 days The resort is not so far from the Killy Space, Paradiski Space, San Bernardo Space, or La Plagne. Think about it, maybe to go there for a day. Additional information and discount rates on www.saintefoy-tarentaise.com

Chamonix

You cannot ignore Chamonix, despite its position surrounded by threatening mountains. It is a true city in the middle of the mountains where animation lasts all year. Many trails are difficult, but the whole area offers a great diversity. It comes above all to admire Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, and the Drus.

Package : 46€/day and 230€/ 6 days Domain package : 56,50€/day and 282€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.chamonix.com

La Tania

For a cheap stay in skiing, La Tania is really perfect, especially since it is linked to the 3 Vallées estate. A family station with an area for children and access to the more demanding slopes of Courchevel. The village offers some bars, cafes and restaurants, but it is best known for its chalets and its warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Package : 40,50€/day Domain package with 3 Vallées : 57€/day and 277€/6 days Additional information and discounts on www.latania.com

Le Grand Bornand

One of the most authentic villages in the Alps that has a local market filled with regional specialities, and the ski area, shared with La Clusaz, is a delight. The structures are very suitable for families.

Package 32,50/day and 163/6 days Aravis domain package : 195,50€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.legrandbornand.com

La Clusaz

The biggest advantage of La Clusaz is its proximity to the Geneva Airport, located 60min, which is convenient for a weekend and smart for families. The traditional village has a relaxed and warm atmosphere, and you can also ski in the Grand Bornand resort, 10 minutes away.

Package : 34,80€/day and 184,50€/6 days Aravis domain package : 195,50€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.laclusaz.com

The Gets

In the vast estate (650km) of the Portes du Soleil, Les Gets is a great resort to choose because of its access to Mount Chery, a mountain that remains to your greatest tranquil happiness because of its remote position from the main circuit. The station pays special attention to families with children.

Package : 35€/day and 172€/6 days domain package Portes du Soleil : 47,50€/day and 237,50€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.lesgets.com

Tignes

At an altitude between 2100 m and 3500 m, Tignes is unbeatable for snow quality and throughout the season. The latter spans nine months (!) and offers an incredible field of off-piste skiing, large parks, and 300 km of fabulous trails. If sport is what you are looking for, Tignes is the place to be , with ice diving, ice climbing, an impressive swimming pool and a new high-altitude training center. This is where the X-Games and many night events take place.

Area package Killy : 50,50€/day and 252,50€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.tignes.net

Montgenevre

The Montgenevre resort is ideal for families and to learn to ski when you see that many of the slopes are blue and some red ones, and that a large area for beginners has been arranged ready from the village. The area that extends to the Milky Way offers 400 km, including some in Italy.

Package : 37€/day and 172€/6 days Forfait domaine Voie Lactée : 47€/day and 240€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.montgenevre.com

Châtel

It is the gateway to one of the world’s largest ski areas, Portes du Soleil. Fourteen villages connect from France to Switzerland. The tracks are curved, there are many turns and naturally wind along the tops. Each track is unique. The resorts being lower, you would ski regularly in the forest, but you can always get from the height to Avoriaz , and there are so many trails that you would never ski on the same twice.

Package : 37€/day domain package Portes du Soleil : 47,50 €/day and 237,50 €/6 days Additional information and discount rates on skipass.chatel.com

Valmeinier

A priority destination for families. The domain is essentially above the 2000 m, so a guaranteed snow. But the unique advantage in Valmeinier mountain is that beginners can ski everywhere from the top of the mountain to the village on green slopes. This is certainly not available in all stations. It is also a rather cheap destination.

Package : 36€/day and 180€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.valmeinier.com

---

Stations in Italy

Alagna

A beautiful city with sinuous streets. The mountains seem to fall like a funnel to the village, blotti in a valley. The ski area is part of Monte Rosa, with access to 185 km of track. This is one of the few places in Europe where you can practice heliski, and the hinterland here is amazing. If you want miles off track, Alagna is perfect.

Package : 39€/day and 204€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.alagna.it

Cervinia

It is the less attractive neighbor of Zermatt in Switzerland, but it allows skiing in the same region and eating in restaurants that are just as delicious as those beyond the border, but at much more affordable prices. The 360 km of slopes and high altitude make it a privileged destination for Easter.

Domain package : 40€/day and 210€/6 days Additional information and discount rates on www.cervinia.it

Sauze d’Oulx

You will quickly fall under the charm of mountain restaurants in Sauze that you will discover between two sticks planted. Apart from the Italian holiday, the trails are so silent that you will have the impression that we have opened the ski lifts for you only. With the Domaine de la Voie Lactée (Via Lattea), you will have access to 400 km of slopes.

Domain package : 34€/day Additional information and discount rates on Informations Sauze d’Oulx

Gressoney

An authentic and preserved region, located at the foot of the Monte Rosa peak, with an incredible out-of-piste domain. The descent of 2,000 m from the top of the Punta Indren to Alagna is unforgettable and there are not many ski areas like this one where you can be alone on all the trail either on or off-piste. Prices are really reasonable and you can take one of the best coffee in the Alps for only 1 euro.

Monterosa domain package : 44€/day Additional information and discounts on Information Gressoney

La Villa

It is a destination where you can combine skiing and quality food, especially when you know that 18 restaurants are starred. However, you can find excellent cuisine in small mountain chalets at much more affordable prices.

Additional information and flat rates La Villa

Madesimo

It is the unknown resort of the year, an attractive old village with its narrow streets. It is popular with Italians, but still few among other nationalities. The trails (mainly intermediate) are perfectly deserted in the middle of a week, the prices are very reasonable, and there are some good places to eat. It would seem like a good destination to be quiet and enjoy.

Package : 31€/day Additional information on Information Madesimo

Cortina d’Ampezzo

This chic and very relaxed resort in the Dolomites is home to some of the most beautiful alpine landscapes. Take the trail of the "hidden valley" and pass frozen waterfalls. A very good experience to do. The natural setting makes it one of the most renowned stations.

Package : 44€/day Additional information on Information Cortina d’Ampezzo

Courmayeur

All the good things in Italian cuisine, with premium restaurants, bars, shops, etc.... This is what you can find in the station. The skis, you can head to a paradise on the outskirts, where the slopes don’t seem to stop. In the White Valley, try the longest and most picturesque out-of-people in the world, which you must do at least once in your life.

Package : 44€/day Additional information on Courmayeur Information

---

The stations in Switzerland

Verbier

Verbier is cool for one reason: the resort has hotels and bars whose addresses are in competition with cities such as London. Here we appreciate the kilometres of slopes and the quality of the snow.

Package : 64CHF/day Additional information on Informations Verbier

Klosters

A traditional village that successfully combines tourism with the rural community. The station is divided into two: Klosters Platz has most hotels, shops, restaurants and a cable car for the Parsenn ski area, which is linked to Davos. And Klosters Dorf, where we find the trails for beginners. The off-piste is surprisingly good, with a beautiful descent to Arosa, and another to Gargellen in Austria.

Package : 69CHF/day Additional information on Information Klosters

Savognin

In the same region as Saint Moritz and Laax, this resort is really ideal for families: an affordable price and the domain is still little known. It has soft slopes where you can ski quietly with a breathtaking view of the valley. There are snow bikes, snowtubing (a snow mud spring), there is a toboggan-shaped toboggan sledge. The whole is quite original.

Package : 56CHF/day Additional information on Information Savognin

Zermatt

This is probably the most beautiful ski resort in the Alps. The masterpiece, Mount Cervin, is the one on which Toblerone modeled its chocolate bars. We go especially for the beauty of the landscapes.

Package : 38CHF/day Additional information on www.zermatt.ch

Gryon

This station is next to that of Villars, very chic. It is a small traditional Swiss village, with only a hundred kilometers but there are many red slopes that allow to form large curves in descent, but also blue slopes in the forest. You can go skiing on the fields of Villars and Les Diablerets to increase your sliding field.

Package : 61CHF/day and 295CHF/6 days Additional information on www.tele-villars-gryon.ch

Grindelwald

It’s a great place to go skiing in a relaxing way in the most spectacular landscapes of Switzerland. Skiing under the Eiger summits and the Wetterhorn is a wonderful experience.

Package : 63CHF/day Additional information on www.grindelwald.ch

Saas-Fee

The weather seems to have stopped in Saas-Fee, where cars are not allowed and where taxis pulled by horses make you slip through the narrow streets lined with old wooden chalets. The smell of the Alps (farms and woods) can be humid in the village. The snow on the slopes is very pleasant, which is pleasant when you know that nightlife in Saas-Fee is agitated.

Package : 70CHF/day and 370CHF/6 days Additional information on www.saas-fee.ch

Leysin

With its cute little chalets and 65 km of slopes, you can focus only on your ski and nothing else. The resort is not overcrowded in the season and you will sometimes ski almost alone. You can reach the slopes of the Mosses to expand your ski area.

Package : 46CHF/day Additional information on www.leysin.ch

---

Stations in Austria

Obergurgl

It is a large station where you will not care about snow conditions. In addition to the beautiful views of the valley, you will take kilometers on the tracks sometimes empty for hours.

Package : 47€/day Additional information on www.obergurgl.com

Kühtai

Located only 40 minutes’ drive from Innsbruck Airport, Kühtai’s altitude station is a relatively unknown gem in the heart of Austrian Tyrol. The resort is rather intended for intermediate skiers, and cross-country skiers. After the day, the village is pretty quiet, but the hotels offer very good services.

Package : 33€/day Additional information on www.kuehtai.info

St Anton

The pretty little town has great trails, even off-piste. As popular as it is, St Anton has not been invaded by mass tourism and attracts mainly seasoned skiers and snowboarders. The post-ski is lively in the evening with good bars.

Package : 48€/day Additional information on www.stantonamarlberg.com

Zell am See-Kaprun

The attractive village of Zell and its lake make your stay a real pleasure. With its large ski areas, simple slopes, and the view during the descent of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier make it one of the best Austrian resorts.

Package : 46€/day Additional information on www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

Schladming

Schladming is part of the Schladming-Dachstein-Tauern region connecting four small ski resorts that offer beautifully neat and tree-lined trails. Ideal for all levels and for families. In addition, the village is very authentic.

Package : 46€/day Additional information on Informations Schladming

Kitzbühel

The city is really beautiful with its medieval style and paved streets. The resort has the toughest track in the world ski championship: Hahnenkamm. However, the facility remains accessible to all when facilities are not there.

Package : 47€/day Additional information on www.kitzbuehel.com

Söll

Söll is part of the huge ski resort SkiWelt. After the end of the day, you can use the huge sledge track of 3.8 km, guaranteed entertainment.

SkiWelt package : 44€/day Additional information on www.skiwelt.at

Hintertux

This is the only resort where you can ski 365 days in the year, and here is one of the largest glaciers in Europe. The village is quiet and offers luxurious services but a very mountainous atmosphere. A very lively afterski.

SkiWelt package : 47€/day Additional information on www.hintertuxergletscher.at

---

Other stations in Europe

• Soldeu, Andorra
• Geilo, Norway
• Jasná, Slovakia
• Riksgränsen, Sweden
• Hafjell, Norway
• Voss, Norway
• Bled, Slovenia

The best station for its atmosphere would be Chamonix , for traditions one will choose Klosters , and for post-ski animation, we prefer St Anton .