Bucket List Ski Regions in Europe

February 23, 2021

The European ski season falls from late November to late April with the exception of some nordic counties finishing as late a June due to their artic temperatures. 

Vacationing at a Ski Resort has to be on everyone’s bucket list. Think snowy capped mountains, awe-inspiring panoramic views, icy weather and  everything in your surroundings covered in powdery white snow – one of the most magical sights to ever experience.

So if you’ve always wanted to ski and simply curious to learn more with the European vibes, be sure to read on. 

Here’s a list of Buck List-Worthy Ski Regions across Europe that you simply have to explore in your lifetime!

Ski Escapades in the France Alps of Tignes – Val d'Isère.
Ski Escapades in the France Alps of Tignes – Val d'Isère.

SWITZERLAND

Photo Credit: Christian Buergi

Zermatt

Known as Europe’s highest skiing slope at almost 4000 metres of altitude, skiing enthusiasts from all over the world come to experience Zermatt’s exhilarating slopes and snow.

If Skiing is not the only adventure you have in mind, you’d be pleasantly surprised to know that Zermatt offers unique Winter experiences, apart from skiing.

Skiing in Zermatt is split up into four areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee. Experience a mountain dinner night, go on a snowshoe tour or even tobogganing in the snow!

Snow can begin as early as September and October in this region so the best time to go for the winter ski season is usually around the end of November.

A week’s pass in Zermatt can cost anywhere from £369, depending on the time of year.

St Moritz

Located in Engadin St. Moritz, St Moritz is a popular skiing and snowboarding region in Europe. It boasts magnificent slopes which are between 1700 – 3000 metres in altitude.

There are various access points to this ski region in in St. Moritz Dorf, St. Moritz Bad, Suvretta (community of St. Moritz) and Celerina.

Visitors from all over the world travel to this “glamourous” region which is known for its “champagne atmosphere”.

An interesting fact about St. Moritz is that they hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and 1948.

Photo Credit: Alexandru Magureanu

FRANCE

Photo Credit: Me, taken on the day en route to my very first ski lesson.

Chamonix

Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. With its 5 ski resorts: Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent, you are sure to have the perfect ski holiday.

You’ll hear the languages from all over the world at the slopes.

There’s so much to do in Chamonix from taking the famous little train from Le Montenvers to the glacier and cave cut out of the Mer de Glace to the reaching the top of Europe at the Mont Blanc which towers 4810 metres high!

You’ll be pleased to know that there is also life outside of skiing at Chamonix. With bars, museums, shops and restaurants, there’s more excitement and adventure to immerse yourself in.

You can bag a good deal for a stay at Chamonix for just £70 a night per room at a three star hotel.

Val-d'Isère

Established in 1934, Val’d sere is home to Olympic medallists Marielle and Christine Goitschel who learned to ski here.

The resort has hosted championships including 1992 Olympics, the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2009 and World Cup events every December.

Featuring two nursery slopes at La Daille and two “Slow Zones”, Val’d sere caters for both beginner and intermediate skiers.

The ski area also boasts its own snow park, the Oakley Valpark, at a soaring altitude of 2500m.

The snow park has its own sound system and chill zone with a BBQ for visitors to relax, after a thrilling day of skiing the icy slopes.

Photo Credit: Bert Christiaens

ITALY

Photo Credit: Gianluca Grisenti

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

An uncommon but equally rewarding skiing region is Italy. Nestled in the Italian mountains is Cortina d’Ampezzo – Queen of the Dolomites skiing resort.

Located in a small town in Northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a long tradition of skiing.

Cortina d’Ampezzo has welcomed its skiing slopes to some elite visitors over the years so don’t be surprised if you bump into a VIP guest.

The most beautiful sights in this town are Lagazuoi (2,800 metres), Tofana di Rozes (3,225 metres), and Monte Cristallo (3,221 metres).

Cortina is also popular in the World Cup World, bringing in its fifth Alpine Ski World Cup to Belluno this year.

VAL GARDENA

Skiing enthusiasts are sure to enjoy this magical snowland, featuring 178 slopes. Val Gardena is home to the longest ski slope in South Tyrol, the “La Longia”, which is more than 10 km long, features 1,273 m of elevation gain and stretches from mount Seceda to Ortisei.

Val Gardena also has 79 lifts to transport guests and it’s a popular choice for skiers.

If you planning to spend the entire day at this resort, you can complete a 40km circuit, thanks to cable cars peppering the route.

Val Gardena slopes are so diverse, you will have an absolute blast skiing the slopes! I know for sure where I’m headed on my next skiing vacation and it definitely has to be Val Gardena!

Photo Credit: Ciprian Tibucla

AUSTRIA

Photo Credit: Ben Dunster

ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG

Set in a village in Austria, St. Anton am Arlberg is considered a destination for cross-country skiers.

This cozy town only has 2 470 inhabitants, making it a perfect winter getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With a 1300 km elevation, you can enjoy the crisp, white slopes and trek off into the village for a stroll during the day.

St. Anton am Arlberg charming, relaxing, with a taste of adventure for ski lovers.

KITZBÜHEL

The home of spring skiing, Kitzbühel invites guests until 3 May to experience a wonderful, spring skiing with corn snow and traditional mountain huts.

Kitzbühel features a diverse range of terrains, suited for beginner to advanced skiers.

Featuring 57 state of the art lifts, gondolas and cable cars and more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants, Kitzbühel is a popular skiing destination during Spring.

While Kitzbühel is currently closed until April, due to safety concerns, very soon you should be able to visit this amazing ski region in Europe.

Photo Credit: Andreas Bucher

GERMANY

Photo Credit: Eimantas Juskevicius

ZUGSPITZE

A famous winter sports destination, Zugspitze features a diverse ski resort with 40 kilometres of slopes and four downhill runs covered by snowmaking facilities between the three ski mountains Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze.

As one of Germany’s snowiest ski resorts, Zugspitze boasts legendary slopes and modern infrastructure.

Enjoy slopes from 12km, 10km and 18km graded difficulty, a slope for all levels of skiing enthusiasts.

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers skiing enjoyment for the whole family. There are three ski mountains – the Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze – joined together in the Garmisch-Classic ski resort.

You can enjoy the family-friendly slopes on the Hausberg to the world-famous Kandahar black slope.

The general skiing season at Garmisch-Partenkirchen is between early December and late March.

There are also a host of four-star hotels to choose from to make your stay at Garmisch-Partenkirchen even more luxurious.

Photo Credit: Dieter Meyrl
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