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Best ski resorts in Europe 2023

During the past twelve months you have been more than 1,200,000 travellers from around the world to select your favourite ski resort in Europe for 2023. Europe is the leading ski holiday destination in the world and these 10 ski resorts are the best in their respective countries.

 

For 10 years millions have voted for their favourite ski resorts in Europe but also the most beautiful ski resorts in France, the best ski resorts in Italy or the best ski resorts for families, for luxury holidays, the best ski resorts for New Year's Eve and the cheapest ski resorts in Europe.

 

It's time to have some fun! Here is a list of your favourite resorts, those popular with travellers from all over the world (the most visited ski resorts on our site during the last 12 months by travellers from 184 countries). 

  

We wish you wonderful skiing holidays in the best ski resorts in Europe!

 

       


 Val Thorens - European Best Ski Resorts 2022-2023
Copyright Thibault Loubere - OT Val Thorens

1. Val Thorens - France

For the sixth time you have elected Val Thorens the title of Best Ski Resort in Europe. The youngest of all the big ski resorts in Europe is celebrating this year this title as well as its 50th anniversary and will welcome you from November 19, 2022 to May 8, 2023 in the best ski resort in Europe - also rewarded 7 times with the prestigious title "World's Best Ski Resort".

 

Every winter, Val Thorens and its teams of  professional and passionate people, do their utmost to provide holiday-makers with magical experiences. By sharing these moments they transmit their values, passions and their know-how. A common vision, "LIVE UNITED" which has been written for 50 years, and which has only one goal: create together unique, festive, and sporting experiences. At 2300 metres above sea level, Val Thorens is commited to innovate and create unique memories. You won't find "traditional" here, because Val Thorens has never done things like the others.

 

Val Thorens owes this exceptional reputation above all to its location: "Val Thorens has achieved the impossible by becoming the highest ski resort in Europe, and the largest ski area in the world with over 600 kilometres of runs. The resort was essentially created for one reason and one reason only: to offer the best skiing which you can't find anywhere else". Vincent Lalanne, director of Val Thorens

 

Over 50 years, the ski area has evolved a lot. Big projects, such as the Cime Caron cable car have highlighted the human and technical skills of the pioneers. Thanks to their mountain experience, they managed to develop this natural playground wisely, all the while respecting it.

 

True "smart ski resort", Val Tho is always the most connected. The resort has always been innovative and sought to develop new technology that will improv the safety, comfort and wellbeing of its holidaymakers.

 

First to open, last to close, the resort is the only one that can claim a six-month season without breaks.

The most awarded ski resort awaits you this winter for a safe and fun holiday!

 

Open & close dates: 19th November 2022 to 8th May 2023.

   

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Chambéry (1h30), Lyon (2h), Geneva (2h30).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge" which deserves the award of best ski resort hotel in Europe. Health & Safety measures taken. 

 

 


Best ski resorts in Europe -  Val Gardena Dolomites copyright Valgardena.it
Copyright Valgardena.it

2. Val Gardena - Italy

 

Val Gardena and the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva are well-known names on the international skiing stage, making them the perfect destination for people wanting to spend a winter holiday with plenty of outdoor leisure activities.

 

The Sellaronda, the legendary skiing carousel around the Sella, and the connection to Alpe di Siusi and Dolomiti Superski (12 skiing areas and 1,200 km of slopes) can satisfy the needs of every skier, from beginners to pros.

 

Five Alpine skiing schools and two mountaineering schools welcome enthusiasts of all ages every year and offer fun activities both on and off the slopes. Val Gardena also stands for high-quality food as well as art and culture.

 

Local cuisine, from starred restaurants to the local fare prepared in mountain huts and farms, is based on ancient recipes interpreted by creative chefs who always exclusively use local ingredients.

 

Open & close dates: 3rd December 2022 to 11th April 2023. 

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Innsbruck Airport in Austria (1h30 by car).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Miravalle" located directly on the ski slopes.

 


Zermatt - European Best Ski Resorts
©Andrew Angelov

3. Zermatt - Switzerland

 

Every year you rank Zermatt among the best ski resorts in Europe but it the first time that the Best ski resorts in Switzerland is on this European podium. You have also ranked it among the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe, best destinations to visit by train and among the most luxurious ski resorts.

 

The snow sports resort of Zermatt - Matterhorn is one of the places you simply must have seen at least once in your life. Breath-taking Alpine panorama and 360 km of pistes attract ski fans, bon vivants and Alpinists. 

 

The village at the foot of the Matterhorn issurrounded by magnificent Alpine landscape. Covered in snow at 1,620 metres (the level of the train station), the village looks like something out of a fairy-tale. 360 kilometres of pistes, situated at heights between 1,620 and 3,883 metres both in Switzerland and in Italy, offer limitless and borderless skiing opportunities. 70 per cent of the slopes are on the glacier or can be snowed. Then there is Zermatt’s Snow Park, an absolute must for freestylers and snowboarders. 

 

Open & close dates: 3rd December 2022 to 23rd April 2023.

  

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Geneva (2h45), Milan (3h)

 

Where to stay: "The Christiania Mountain Spa Resort" 100m away from ski lifts. Health & Safety measures taken. 

 

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Kitzbühel copyright Gevision
Gevision

4. Kitzbühel - Austria

Kitzbühel is the best ski resort in Austria and it is also this year in your top 5 of the best ski resorts in Europe.

 

Travellers have also ranked Kitzbühel in first place of the best ski resorts in Europe for the New Year! Kitzbühel offers a dazzling New Year’s Eve with breathtaking fireworks. Many activities await you such as a torchlight ski downhill by instructors and "Ski & Fun parties", fireworks for three days from December 30th to January 1st!

 

Today Kitzbühel remains a place of contrasts, where rustic Tyrolean guesthouses rub shoulders with international designer boutiques. Visitors can experience Kitzbühel in many ways, from the alleyways in the medieval old town and the breathtaking pistes to the town's elegant hotels and scenic hiking trails.

 

Open & close dates: 19th November 2022 to 10th April 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Salzburg (1h10), Innsbruck (1h20), Munich (2h10).

 

Where to stay: "A-ROSA Kitzbühel" Situated in the best rated area in Kitzbühel. Health & Safety measures taken.

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Cortina d'Ampezzo copyright www.bandion.it
Copyright www.bandion.it

5. Cortina d'Ampezzo - Italy

 

Cortina d'Ampezzo is not only one of the Best Ski Resort in Italy, it is also on your podium of the Best Ski Resorts in Europe for the first time this year. 

 

It is 40 kilometres from the Austrian border; it is famous for the quality of its slopes and infrastructure and is within easy reach (highways, buses, Venice and Verona airports). Cortina d'Ampezzo -or simply Cortina- is Italy's best known mountain resort.

 

Skiing in Cortina is an all-encompassing experience: skiing on perfectly groomed slopes is even better when you know you will stop for lunch and try a local dish at one of the many delicious mountain huts. And while you ski, remember to stop from time to time to enjoy the uncomparable views on the Dolomites and beautiful valley.

 

Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites, Cortina in winter is a destination for skiers and snow lovers alike. 

 

Open & close dates: 26th November 2022 to 1st May 2023.

 

 Nearest airports: Book your flights to Treviso Airport (130km) but you can also land in Venice (150km).

 

Where to stay: "Faloria Mountain Spa Resort" 2km from the ski lifts. Health & Safety measures taken.

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Verbier copyright Verbier.ch
Copyright Verbier.ch

6. Verbier - Switzerland

 

This is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area – with nearly 100 lifts and more than 400 km of ski runs for all levels of expertise at your feet. A freeride paradise, the resort is a must for skiers from all over the world, and its après-ski are a veritable institution that welcomes a cosmopolitan clientele of all generations.

 

Verbier offers a rich variety of sports and musical events. In December, the Polaris Festival offers a Christmas gift to all fans of electro music. In March, the famed Verbier Xtreme welcomes the best freeriders in the world to the impressive slopes of Bec-des-Rosses.

 

Open & close dates: 3rd December 2022 to 23rd April 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Geneva (2h) or Turin (2h30).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel Montpellier". Centrally located in Verbier. 

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Baqueira Beret copyright Baqueira.es
Copyright Baqueira.es

7. Baqueira-Beret - Spain

 

This winter ski in the best ski resort in SpainBaqueira Beret is a complete ski resort, divided in 3 areas: Beret, Baqueira, and Bonaigua with their respective characteristics, a network of modern installations and carefully maintained pistes, will satisfy all skiers.

 

Baqueira, the pioneer, inaugurated in 1964, has a wide range of runs suitable for all levels but it’s also the area with most black pistes. The experts will, thus, come across some greatly dis-levelled slopes, mostly on the north side, guaranteeing an excellent quality of the snow. 

 

Beret is ideal for beginners and families. You’ll have easy access, by foot from the parking, to all amenities ( restaurants, cafeteria, school, etc..). Its pistes are very wide and of moderate inclination. Although, paradoxically, it is there that the permanent Stadium hosting competitions of high level is located. Snowboarders will also be able to enjoy a snowpark in this area of the resort. 

 

 

Open & close dates: 25th November 2022 to 10th April 2023.

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Biarritz, Lourdes or Pau Airport (France - 3h by car) or Barcelona (4h).

 

Where to stay: "Hotel AC Baqueira Ski Resort" is just 50m from the ski lift.

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Gstaad - Copyright  O.Rek's
Copyright O.Rek's

8. Gstaad - Switzerland

 

These winter holidays, enjoy  chic experiences in Gstaad, one of your best ski resorts in Europe.

 

The combination of the special experiences for which Gstaad is so famous is unrivalled. It cannot be found anywhere else and makes Gstaad the ‘last paradise in a crazy world’ (quote by actress Julie Andrews, a regular visitor to Gstaad).

 

The prestige value of the brand Gstaad comes top of the list. The internationally renowned brand which is associated with luxury and high society creates a value that resonates far beyond the actual main target group. It is therefore not surprising to see Gstaad featured in the ranking of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe and luxurious ski resorts in Europe.

 

Open & close dates: 12th November 2022 to 7th May 2023 (Glacier 3000). 

 

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Zurich (2.5 hours by car) or Geneva (2h by car). 

 

Where to stay: "Le Grand Bellevue" 1 km from  ski lifts. 

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Sölden - Copyright Oetzal.com
Copyright Oetzal.com

9. Sölden - Austria

 

This winter ski in complete safety in one of the best ski resorts in Europe. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from no less than 148 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes for all levels and abilities, 35 mountain lifts with absolutely no lift lines. In Ötztal's renowned skiing paradise the winter term already has three seasons made to measure for early winter fans, passionate endurance sportsmen and après-ski aficionados.

 

Linked ski areas in the eternal ice The glacier slopes in the upper Ötztal, towering high above the skiers village, offer perfect snow conditions already from early September.

 

Of course, snow is also guaranteed between 1350 and 3340 metres above sea level from October through May - thanks to a top modern snow making system covering some 80 percent of all slopes.

 

Open & close dates: 17th November 2022 to 7th May 2023.

  

Nearest airports: Book your flights to Innsbruck Airport (1h10 by car).

 

Where to stay:  "Die Berge Lifestyle Hotel Sölden" Health & Safety measures taken

 


Best ski resorts in Europe - Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Copyright Roman Babakin

10. Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Germany

 

In addition to being a village of exceptional beauty, Garmisch Partenkirchen is one of the best ski resorts in Germany. You can stroll through the historic heart of this mountain village, go shopping or discover its many tracks including the famous Olympic descent of Kandhar.Garmisch-Partenkirschen  

 

Today the ski resort connects three mountains: Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze and offers you more than 40 kilometres of slopes. 

 

This family-friendly ski resort is perfect for professional and amateur skiers. Moreover it offers great rates.

 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Ski resorts in Germany, Best hidden Gems in Germany or the Best Castles in Germany!

 

Open & close dates: 16th December 2022 to 2nd April 2023.
Nearest airports: Book your flights to Munich (2 hours’ drive from Garmisch Partenkirchen).

 

Where to stay: “Moun10 Jugenherberge” is a perfect choice for small budgets.

 


 

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