Discover The 10 Best Ski Resorts In Europe

The world is full of superb ski resorts, ideal for experienced skiers or beginners in the world of winter sports. However, it can be argued that some of the best are found in Europe itself. There are many great Italian, German, Austrian, Swiss and French ski resorts which are the perfect place to hit the slopes. If you're wondering which are the best in Europe, read on for our list of the best.

The 10 best ski resorts in Europe: Courchevel - France

This ski resort is the largest and best known of several connected ski resorts called the Three Valleys (Les Trois Valles) which together form the largest European ski area. There are 150 km of alpine slopes accessible by 60 ski lifts, but over 600 km of other interconnected ski slopes as well as 4 glaciers are also accessible.

With four meters of snow each year and incredible off-piste skiing opportunities, this is the perfect place for beginners and experienced skiers. It is also ideal for families with free chairlifts serving beginner areas as well as magnetic protective vests for children on the lifts. There is also a glamorous après-ski scene as well as luxury accommodation.

Zermatt - Switzerland

Zermatt is the highest winter sports area in the Alps with altitudes up to 3,900 meters. It is also set against the backdrop of the magnificent Matterhorn, making it one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the world. This resort is renowned for its long slopes which allow you to ski home at the end of the day.

It is also home to the world's highest 3S cable car - the Matterhorn Glacier Ride - while the glacier offers year-round skiing. Beginner skiers are also well catered for, with Wolli's Park providing gentle terrain without compromising the impressive views.

Val d'Isère - France

Val D'Isere and its neighbor, Tignes, offer 300 km of land suitable for skiing. Beginners and children alike are well catered for here with youngsters being able to ride on a covered treadmill leading to the gentler slopes. The ski instructors here are also noteworthy. This pedestrianized town is famous for its lively restaurants and après-ski possibilities, which makes it a wonderful place to have a great vacation.

Cortina D'Ampezzo - Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo, located in the Italian Dolomites, offers a truly impressive setting and excellent ski terrain. After the 1956 Winter Olympics were staged, Cortina became a popular winter sports resort for pretty people and jets. Although it now attracts a wide range of people, it is still full of entertainment venues and chic boutiques.

Chamonix - France

Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, makes Chamonix a particularly good place for skiing, located at the foot of the mountain. Famous as the first venue for the Winter Olympics, this resort is home to some of the toughest ski terrain in the world. This is perfect for advanced skiers, but beginners will also find places to suit them, with panoramic views.

St Anton am Arlberg - Austria

The Arlberg region is ideal for advanced skiers looking for challenging skiing opportunities. The longest track here is the Valluga St Anton, which reaches 10 km and with an altitude differential of 1347 meters. Advanced skiers will also appreciate the 200 off-piste skiing options available, although a guide is required for many of them. For added convenience, you can board the chair lifts in the heart of the village itself - a beautiful cluster of Tyrolean inns and cottages that are famous for their lively après-ski scene.

Kitzbühel - Austria

If you're looking for romance on your ski vacation, it's hard to beat Kitzbühel, in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Its colorful and frescoed buildings are beautiful to look at, but the real attraction is the 170 km of slopes. The Hahnenkamm, the toughest alpine ski race, is held here every year, with 85% vertical terrain in some spots.

St. Moritz - Switzerland

The town of St Moritz has been host to many world ski competitions, and it's no surprise if you see the magnificent ski terrain here. There are a lot of intermediate trails here, either for skiing or mountain biking, but if you want to do other winter sports there are plenty such as bobsleigh, kite-ski, toboggan and skating..