Top 10 ski resorts in the Alps

As a holiday destination, the Alps need no introduction. Home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, every year they draw thrill-seeking enthusiasts, reclusive mountaineers, and those who simply enjoy a fireside fondue in a timber-clad chalet. Whether you’re after steep gradients, breathtaking landscapes, or a lively après-ski scene, here are the 10 resorts to have on your radar.

Chamonix, France

📍 Latitude: 45.9237° N | Longitude: 6.8694° E

Chamonix is a legendary destination that has been attracting skiers, mountaineers, and adventure seekers for over a century. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, this resort is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and challenging terrain. It’s a paradise for experienced skiers who crave technical descents and off-piste adventures. The Grands Montets sector offers high-altitude slopes with long vertical drops, while the Vallée Blanche, a 20 km glacier run, is one of the most famous off-piste routes in the world.

Chamonix isn’t just for experts. The Brévent-Flégère area provides intermediate-level pistes with spectacular views of the valley, and beginner-friendly areas like Les Planards offer gentle slopes for those just starting out. When you’re not on the slopes, the town of Chamonix offers a vibrant après-ski scene with stylish bars, traditional Savoyard restaurants, and cozy mountain lodges where you can unwind after a day in the snow.

Zermatt, Switzerland

📍 Latitude: 46.0207° N | Longitude: 7.7491° E

Dominated by the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the Alps. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but Zermatt also delivers exceptional skiing. With Switzerland’s sharpest vertical drop and skiable terrain as high as 3,900 meters, it guarantees reliable snow conditions from early November to late April. Its connection to Cervinia in Italy creates an extensive international ski area, so you can enjoy both Swiss and Italian slopes in one day.

The resort’s car-free policy preserves the peaceful and pristine environment. The only way to reach Zermatt is by train, and once you arrive, the streets are filled with electric taxis, horse-drawn carriages, and skiers strolling through the charming village. The ski terrain is diverse, with long cruising runs, technical descents, and excellent off-piste options. If you want to take a break from skiing, the Gornergrat railway offers one of the most scenic train rides in the Alps, taking you to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Matterhorn.

St. Anton, Austria

📍 Latitude: 47.1286° N | Longitude: 10.2641° E

St. Anton is a dream destination for skiers who love deep powder and high-energy après-ski. Located in the Arlberg region, this resort offers over 300 km of pistes and 200 km of off-piste terrain, making it one of the best spots in the world for freeriding. Snowfall here is some of the most consistent in the Alps, and areas like Rendl and Schindlerkar provide incredible off-piste opportunities. The Valluga North Face, accessible only with a guide, is one of the most thrilling descents in the region.

But skiing is only part of what makes St. Anton special. The resort is famous for its après-ski scene, with bars like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh filling up with skiers as early as 3 p.m. If you’d rather relax at the end of the day, the Arlberg WellCom Center offers saunas, steam baths, and heated pools to help you recover before another day on the slopes.

Courchevel, France

📍 Latitude: 45.4154° N | Longitude: 6.6346° E

Courchevel is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world, known for its luxury accommodations, perfectly groomed slopes, and access to the famously sprawling Three Valleys ski area. With over 600 km of interconnected slopes, it’s the largest ski domain on the planet, offering terrain for all levels, from gentle beginner runs to exhilarating off-piste descents.

The resort encompasses six different villages scattered across varying altitudes. Courchevel 1850 is the most exclusive, attracting celebrities and high-profile visitors with its five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end boutiques. If you’re looking for a more traditional Alpine experience, Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650 offer a more relaxed, family-friendly setting while still providing direct access to the world-class slopes.

For expert skiers, the couloirs of the Saulire sector are among the most challenging in the Alps. Meanwhile, those looking for breathtaking scenery can enjoy the Combe de la Saulire, one of the most famous red runs in France. Thanks to its state-of-the-art lift system, Courchevel ensures minimal wait times, allowing visitors to maximize their time on the slopes.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

📍 Latitude: 46.5389° N | Longitude: 12.1359° E

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is Italy’s most glamorous ski resort. Surrounded by the stunning limestone peaks of the Dolomites, this resort is as much about its scenery as it is about its skiing. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cortina’s landscapes are breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset when the mountains take on a pinkish glow known as “enrosadira.”

The ski area, part of the Dolomiti Superski region, offers 120 km of well-maintained slopes. The runs here are known for their wide, open nature, making them perfect for carving and high-speed descents. The famous Tofana slope, used for World Cup races, is a must for advanced skiers. Those who prefer a more leisurely experience can enjoy the Lagazuoi circuit, which offers a scenic tour through historical sites from World War I, including a spectacular ski route that winds through mountain passes and frozen waterfalls.

Cortina is also known for its vibrant après-ski and elegant town center. Designer boutiques, high-end cafés, and stylish wine bars make it a favorite destination for those who appreciate a touch of sophistication with their skiing. If you want to combine sport and leisure in an unforgettable setting, Cortina d’Ampezzo is hard to beat.

Val d’Isère, France

📍 Latitude: 45.4484° N | Longitude: 6.9803° E

Val d’Isère, together with Tignes, forms the Espace Killy ski area, offering over 300 km of slopes and some of the best skiing in the Alps. Famous for its challenging terrain, this resort attracts serious skiers and snowboarders looking for technical runs and vast off-piste opportunities.

One of the highlights of Val d’Isère is La Face de Bellevarde, a legendary black run that was used in the 1992 Winter Olympics. With its steep pitch and icy conditions, it’s a true test for even the most skilled skiers. The Solaise area, on the other hand, offers a mix of intermediate and beginner-friendly runs with stunning mountain views.

The village of Val d’Isère has managed to maintain its traditional Alpine charm while offering modern amenities. Cozy wooden chalets line the streets, alongside lively bars, excellent restaurants, and stylish boutiques. The après-ski scene here is among the best in France, with popular spots like La Folie Douce transforming into an open-air dance party every afternoon.

Verbier, Switzerland

📍 Latitude: 46.0961° N | Longitude: 7.2269° E

Verbier is the ultimate playground for advanced skiers and freeride enthusiasts. As part of the vast 4 Vallées ski area, it offers over 400 km of slopes and some of the most challenging off-piste terrain in the Alps. The resort is particularly famous for its extreme descents, including the Tortin, Mont Gelé, and the Bec des Rosses, which hosts the final of the Freeride World Tour.

Despite its reputation for expert terrain, Verbier also caters to intermediates with long, well-groomed runs and spectacular panoramic views. The Bruson area, located just across the valley, offers gentler slopes with excellent snow conditions. The modern lift system ensures efficient connections across the ski area, allowing visitors to maximize their time on the slopes.

Aside from the great skiing, Verbier is known for its animated social scene. The après-ski here is legendary, starting with venues like Le Rouge, Farinet, and the Carve Club that draw record crowds every evening. If you’re looking to combine world-class skiing with pulsating nightlife energy, Verbier is the proverbial “place to be.”

Kitzbühel, Austria

📍 Latitude: 47.4464° N | Longitude: 12.3929° E

Kitzbühel is one of the most iconic ski resorts in Austria, famous for hosting the Hahnenkamm downhill race, the most challenging event on the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. While the Streif racecourse is reserved for professionals and daredevils, the resort offers a variety of terrain suitable for skiers of all levels. The area features 233 km of pistes, including gentle beginner runs, rolling intermediate slopes, and thrilling black-rated descents.

Unlike some high-altitude resorts, Kitzbühel sits at a relatively low elevation, but its modern snowmaking system guarantees great skiing conditions throughout the season. The charm of this resort extends beyond the slopes, as the medieval town center is filled with cobbled streets, luxury boutiques, and traditional Austrian cafés.

Kitzbühel is also a fantastic destination for non-skiers. The region offers winter hiking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and scenic cable car rides with dazzling views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. Whether you’re here for the skiing or the atmosphere, Kitzbühel delivers a truly authentic Austrian Alpine experience.

La Plagne, France

📍 Latitude: 45.5064° N | Longitude: 6.6770° E

La Plagne is part of the massive Paradiski ski area, linked with Les Arcs, that covers more than 425 km of slopes. Known for its wide, cruisy runs and excellent snow conditions, it’s one of the most popular ski destinations in France, particularly for families and intermediate skiers.

The resort is a constellation of eleven unique villages, each radiating a different style and character. Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte offer lively atmospheres, while Plagne 1800 and Plagne Montalbert provide a more traditional, chalet-style setting. The carefully curated selection of slopes ensures that beginners and intermediates have plenty of space to progress, while advanced skiers can tackle the Bellecôte Glacier and the challenging north face descents.

La Plagne is also home to one of the few Olympic bobsleigh tracks in the world, where visitors can experience a high-speed ride down the icy course. The resort’s family-friendly reputation is further enhanced by excellent ski schools, kids’ play areas, and a range of après-ski activities.

Livigno, Italy

📍 Latitude: 46.5386° N | Longitude: 10.1356° E

Livigno is often called “Little Tibet” due to its remote location and high-altitude setting. Nestled in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border, it boasts 115 km of slopes with reliable snow conditions from November to May. The ski area is split between two mountains, Carosello and Mottolino, offering a mix of beginner-friendly pistes, long carving runs, and fantastic snow parks for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Incidentally, it’s a particularly attractive destination due to its duty-free status, which makes shopping and dining more affordable than in many other Alpine resorts. The town has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants serving hearty Italian cuisine, traditional mountain huts, and vibrant après-ski spots.

Beyond skiing, Livigno offers snowmobiling, ice karting, and one of the best cross-country ski networks in the Alps, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts looking for variety.

Planning your Alpine ski trip?

With so many incredible ski resorts in the Alps, choosing just one can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for off-piste thrills, luxury experiences, or family-friendly fun, there’s a resort that fits your needs.

And if you can’t settle on just one, renting a car with Europcar gives you the flexibility to explore multiple destinations during your trip. Drive through stunning mountain landscapes, chase the best snow conditions, and experience the unique charms of different Alpine resorts—one snowy hotspot at a time.

Where will your next ski adventure take you?