Which European ski resort is right for you?

Planning a European ski holiday perfect for you can unearth a minefield of information to carefully step through. Which of the hundreds of resorts do you pick? Who has the best ski school, beginner slopes or even restaurants?

So let us attempt to ease your journey through this snowy maze and suggest some resorts and hotels perfect for your next winter adventure...

All ski holidays are provided by our partner Ski Independence.

Best ski resort for beginners

Lech, Austria

Taking your first venture in to the world of snow sports can be an unnerving experience. When to go, where to stay, even what to wear; these are just some of the many questions you’ll be asking. A perfect resort for the novice is the picturesque alpine resort of Lech. The ski school has a reputation as one of the best in Austria, with friendly instructors (all fluent English speakers) offering both group and private lessons. Also, nursery slopes are just a short walk from many hotels making that potentially dangerous first walk in ski boots a little less daunting!

Best ski resort for families

Avoriaz, France

A holiday in the snow can be an amazing family experience, but when choosing where to take your children, what are your priorities? Are you looking a village that is safe, with no cars on the roads? A ski school that caters for kids as young as 3? A town that will keep the whole family entertained? Then Avoriaz ticks all of the boxes. You can ski to and from the door of most hotels, taking the stress out of getting out onto the snow. Even when not on the slopes, there are incredible facilities for both adults and children; like a Cinema, bowling alley, and even a heated indoor waterpark.

Best ski resort for experts

Tignes, France

So you think you’ve got what it takes to take it to the next level? Are you a downhill master, off piste thrill-seeker or a snow-park freestyler? Whichever you see yourself as, Tignes is the place to be. It’s part of the ‘Espace Killy’ ski area; over 200 miles of slopes to keep the most hardcore boarder or skier occupied, including 25 black runs for the extra skillful. If you want to break through onto the open mountain, the area is classed as one of the best ‘off-piste’ resorts in France. And if jumps, rails and 360s are more of your thing, you can’t go wrong at the world famous Tignes snowpark.

Best ski resort for luxury

St Moritz, Switzerland

Since it’s opening as winter resort over 150 years ago, the town of St Moritz has developed a reputation as one of the World’s leading ski areas and THE place to be seen in the snow. Known for its 5-star hotels, elegant boutiques, and exclusive après ski bars, the main appeal of St Moritz is of course its glitz and glamour. But fear not, behind the style there is substance. Hundreds of miles of perfectly groomed pistes cover a range of terrain suitable for all ski levels, and because of its perfect south-facing location on Piz Bernina Mountain, it benefits from over 300 days of sunshine each year.

Best ski resort for young children

La Rosiere, France

The picturesque and friendly village of La Rosiere is one of the most child friendly resorts in France. There are a plethora of family activities such as an ice rink, toboggan runs and dog sledding available and the ski school specialises in kids classes designed to make lessons as fun as possible. The youngest members of your family are especially catered for in fantastic crèches that offer daycare and babysitting whilst the parents experience the excellent ski area that sits on the Italian border allowing you to ski two countries in one day.

Best for ski resort for Christmas breaks

Meribel, France

We’re all dreaming of a white Christmas, but with the UK weather being what it is, it’s not always a foregone conclusion. Head to Meribel however, with it’s high altitude and fantastic snow record, and seeing the white stuff on Christmas morning is a pretty safe bet. The Christmas lights are switched on early December, with markets, concerts and plenty of mulled wine on offer throughout the month to get you in the festive mood. On Christmas Eve, they hold a very special Carol concert and a parade led by a very familiar bearded face dressed in red.

Inspired?

So have you found your winter wonderland? 

There are plenty nore fantastic ski resorts on offer, both in Europe and further afield, and we can find one perfect for you.

Find your local ski & snowboard expert today