Top 10 Ski Resorts in Europe
There’s nothing like relaxation in a mountain resort during the winter season. When you can feel all the fun and excitement connected with winter sports on your own skin. All this enriched by snowy weather, beautiful tree-lined slopes and magnificent mountain views.
Join us on a trip across Europe and discover the best locations.
- Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Vogel Ski Center, Slovenia
- Zakopane, Poland
- Sierra Nevada, Spain
- Vitosha, Bulgaria
- Black Forest, Germany
- Riksgränsen, Sweden
- Livigno Ski Resort, Italy
- Spindleruv Mlyn Czech Republic
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a charming French town at the foot of the Alps. The resort is surrounded by mighty mountain peaks, the highest of which is Mont Blanc (4,807.81 m or 15,774 ft above sea level). The place is full of magnificent views and extreme attractions adding a generous dose of adrenaline. You will find there an unrivalled cable car that will take you to the summit of the 3,842-metre-tall (12,605 ft) Aiguille du Midi. At the top, there is a restaurant and an open-air viewing terrace, which, in sunny weather, guarantees unforgettable views and priceless memories. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc there are ideal conditions for skiing, winter hiking, ice climbing, sledging, paragliding or even canoeing. One may also find numerous down-to-earth attractions like cinemas, bars, a casino, spas and many satisfying craft, art or clothing shops. The resort of Chamonix-Mont Blanc is considered one of the best in the world and is definitely worth paying a visit.
Visit website: https://www.chamonix.com/
When you think of Switzerland you probably see an image of a wonderful town nestled at the foot of the Alpine mountains near a stunning lake. This is certainly the resort of Sankt Moritz, the undisputed showpiece of this country. This well-known winter sports center is located in the south of Switzerland, close to the Italian border, in the Engadin valley (1,800 m or 5,910 ft above sea level). Beautiful ski slopes, breathtaking views, clean air and good sunny weather for over 300 days a year. Every winter sports enthusiast will agree that these are ideal conditions not only for skiing on the mountain slopes but also for hiking or simply to enjoy the atmosphere of St. Moritz and relax. It is home to the historic five-star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opened in 1896. This unique place offers many luxurious attractions at the highest level, from exquisite restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, to a spa and wellness centre.
- Vogel Ski Center, Slovenia
Skiing, winter, snow, skiers, sun and fun – family enjoying winter vacations
Vogel Ski Resort is situated above the Bohinj Valley, offering a delightful panoramic view of Lake Bohinj. The main advantages of this place are the natural snow and many ski trails, not only for advanced skiers, but also for novices. In Finžgar School you will find professional ski and snowboard instructors, who will help the most stubborn trainees. Air boarding, snow tubing or walking tours at sunset and night are also interesting options to consider.
Zakopane is a very beautiful town situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Often called the winter capital of Poland, which attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad. In the place you may feel the idyllic atmosphere, full of Slavic folklore and picturesque streets filled with old highlanders’ cottages. Some of them date back to the end of the 19th century. In contrast, other contemporary residences and apartments are more luxurious, but still finished in a traditional style with numerous wooden patterns. Zakopane is a great place for skiing on the slopes, long hikes and admiring the phenomenal landscapes. The most popular trail leads to the Morskie Oko Lake (Eng. Eye of the Sea), a stunning oval-shaped lake hidden among mountain peaks. In this winter resort you may also find many ways to relax and de-stress. In the village of Chocholow, not far from Zakopane, there are excellent thermal pools.
Visit website: Zakopane
The Sierra Nevada is the pride of Andalusia. This mountain range, with the length of about 120 km, stretches across the province of Granada, in the south of Spain. This winter resort is an outstanding ski and snowboard centre. Its advantage is a large selection of slopes for different skill levels, as well as many equipment rental shops. Furthermore, the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort has much more to offer for visiting tourists. You can go on guided snowshoe walks, ski cross with jumps and obstacles or watch the sunset from the very top. Night skiing or snowboarding trips with a guide or snowmobile rides (also available for children) are excellent options for spending time.
A holiday in Vitosha Ski Resort is undoubtedly a great option for families with children. There are ski schools and ski slopes for the youngest ones. The beginning of the winter season is heralded by heavy snowfalls in December. This is when 120 days period of comfortable conditions for practicing winter sports starts. Cross-country skiers and slalom enthusiasts will enjoy the good weather. The Vitosha mountain massif’s highest peak is Cherni Vrah (Black Peak) with 2290 m. What makes it stand out from other ski resorts? It is the location and accessibility. It is only 10 km away from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. However, you will not find extravagant and luxurious entertainment here. On the other hand, it is an asset that allows you to concentrate fully on winter sports.
The Black Forest (Ger. Schwarzwald) is both a wild, somewhat mysterious and definitely magical place. This forest-covered mountain range is not only full of stunning views, but is also ski-friendly. There are more than 170 lifts, 250 km of groomed slopes, toboggan runs, extensive cross-country trails, ice rinks and several ski jumps. What’s more, there are special winter hiking trails. Furthermore, after spending time outdoors actively, you can dine in exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants or simply relax in the thermal baths.
Northern Europe is a superb destination for skiing or snowboarding. There is a certain reason why Scandinavians dominate in many winter sports. A large part of the Scandinavian Peninsula is formed by the mountain range called the Scandinavian Mountains. Among which, the Riksgränsen Ski Resort is considered the best place to practice skiing and to improve technique. If you want to feel free on the slopes, this is the perfect place. You can ski here off-piste and of course admire the thrilling views.
Livigno Ski Resort is a popular tourist destination, especially in the winter season. The slopes are adapted to the level of skiing skills. There are various schools here with more than 150 skiing and snowboarding instructors. What’s more it should be noted that this mountain town – Livigno, has a really idyllic atmosphere. In winter the roofs of the houses are covered with snow and the stunning horizon of white massive mountains creates a fabulous view.
- Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic
PEC POD SNEZKOU, CZECH REPUBLIC – JAN 20, 2013: winter landscape near Snezka mount, Krkonose (Giant) mountains, Czech republic
Spindleruv Mlyn is the perfect place for a winter vacation. In this exceptional spot you can both have fun and simply relax, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Karkonosze Mountains. There are 14 ski lifts, cable cars and ski slopes for different levels of skills. Spindleruv Mlyn Ski Resort also includes a water park, hotel swimming pools, squash, tennis courts and a fitness centre. Children can be amused by exciting rides on the bobsleigh track, toboggan or snow tube.
To put it in the nutshell, one may find it hard to decide which European Ski Resort to choose if you have so many wonderful options. We hope we could be of some help to shorten the list for you. There is definitely a place for everyone so read, choose, decide and go.