It is not easy to pick the ten best European ski resorts. There are just too many great ones.

The list below consists of only ten excellent resorts and it is important to know that there are in fact many, many more. Some destinations cater to families or beginners, while others focus on nightlife or fine-dining. This top 10 is a combination of all of them and isn’t limited to one particular category.

There are numerous top ski resorts in Europe. Most of them are located in the Alps, a few can be found in Scandinavia and in the Pyrenees. The Alps are located in five countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Slovenia) and consist of huge mountain peaks. In winter you can ski pretty much anywhere – you can ski from village to village and in certain places even from one country to another.

10 Best European Ski Resorts

Sölden, Austria

• Located in Ötztal and close to the Tiefenbach and Rettenbach glaciers, Sölden boasts one of the largest glacier ski regions in Austria.
• The highest panoramic road in the eastern part of the Alps is a short distance away and offers spectacular mountain views.
• Three nearby 3,000-meter peaks are easily accessed on skis and skiers can do a tour of all three in a day.

Val Thorens, France

• Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens is located in the largest ski area on the planet: the Three Valleys (Trois Vallées).
• The area boasts more than 600 kilometers of slopes, all interconnected, and has an excellent combination of gastronomy, entertainment and winter sports.
• It is a modern resort where cars are not allowed.

Chamonix, France

• Chamonix is one of the most epic ski destinations in Europe, maybe even in the world.
• The area consists of a lively town and five ski areas, all set in a fifteen-kilometer-long valley.
• The slopes of the Mont Blanc (the Vallée Blanche) are at its doorstep.

St Anton, Austria

• St Anton is a traditional ski destination located on a slope.
• There are 320 kilometers of ski runs and the area and no less than 700 kilometers of side slopes.
• The après-ski atmosphere is legendary – parties start as early as 4pm.

Verbier, Switzerland

• In Verbier visitors will find great nightlife, world-class accommodation and food, and a stunning 410 kilometers of slopes.
• Several fast and convenient ski lifts offer access to pretty much any slope.

Ischgl, Austria

• Ischgl combines both winter sports and entertainment and does it well.
• The ski resort in Ischgl has been around for decades. The resort has a famous entertainment calendar, including concerts and competitions.
• Its slopes are perfect and there are several amusement parks.

Are, Sweden

• As the biggest alpine sports destination in northern Europe, and one of the best European Ski resorts, Are has a vast selection of winter sports to choose from, for all levels and ages.
• There are black slopes, but also very easy runs for children and inexperienced skiers.
• Adults can enjoy themselves on the slopes, but off the slopes as well: the nightlife in Are is legendary.

Andermatt, Switzerland

• Andermatt is one of the up and coming ski destinations in Europe.
• It is still quite a small alpine town, but the hotels are coming.
• It is one of the best European ski resorts if you are looking for freeriding or off-piste skiing.

La Pagne, France

• La Pagne is both a winter and summer destination.
• In summer you can go hiking in the mountains; in winter the place is overrun by winter sports enthusiasts.
• The skiable area consists of more than 200 kilometers of slopes.
• Additionally, one of Europe’s seven bobsleigh slopes is located in La Plagne.

Zermatt, Switzerland

• The town of Zermatt is located on a slope and has no less than sixty restaurants and après-ski establishments. There is a five-star restaurant and a champagne bar.
• Zermatt is spread out across three mountains and has almost 250 kilometers of slopes.

Ski and snowboard holidays are hugely popular in Europe and it would be good to keep in mind that this is only a small selection of what’s out there. There are many, many more great resorts in the Alps, Pyrenees and Scandinavia. These are just ten of the best European ski resorts. If you’d like more information about some of the best ski resorts in the Alps, click here.

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