It’s an ironic twist that the first post-Covid ski season last year, despite eager anticipation, was marred by inadequate snowfall, resulting in delayed openings and shortened ski seasons across Europe. Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, while snowfall remains uncertain (with climate change predictions hinting at a potentially later season start), there’s palpable excitement resonating throughout the alpine regions. Notable hotel openings are set to enrich the season’s allure – St Moritz anticipates the arrival of the highly awaited Grace La Margna, while Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites prepares to unveil Hotel Le Majun.
Easyjet has introduced new ski flight routes from Stansted to Geneva and Zurich, complemented by Italian airline Sky Alps’ launch of flights from London to Bolzano in South Tyrol. Eurostar will also run a dedicated ski train departing every Saturday throughout winter, connecting London St Pancras International to various Alpine destinations including Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains, Aime-la-Plagne, or Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
For those needing a refresher on the best ski resorts in Europe, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering everything from beloved classics to off-the-beaten-path gems, including top-notch dining and accommodation options – from lift-accessed areas to backcountry escapes via skins and snowcats.
Lech, Austria The refined royal haven
Lech, favored by several royal families including Princess Diana, exudes an authentic alpine charm free from excessive glamour. Ideal for intermediate skiers and families, its broad, snowy slopes are complemented by quaint cafes and traditional timber chalets, adorned in Austria’s signature Alpine hues. Dining experiences are cherished affairs, with the Rud-Alpe tempting with Schnitzel and warm apple strudels, while Hus Nr 8 and The Stube at the Alberg Hotel offer hearty meats and cheese fondues.
Where to stay: Accommodations in Lech range from classic family-owned hotels like the esteemed Hotel Alberg and historic Hotel Post, to modern offerings such as Severin*s Lech Hotel. For a touch of contemporary luxury, the Arula Chalets boast sleek design, indoor/outdoor pools, and new heli-skiing services.
Avoriaz, France The purposeful retro hub
Avoriaz’s distinctive cedar-clad high-rises, perched dramatically on steep cliffs, defy traditional Alpine aesthetics but boast an efficient lift-and-escalator system enabling ski-in/ski-out access throughout town. Jacques Labro’s visionary 1960s design, influenced by Le Corbusier, now garners appreciation for its eco-friendly, car-free layout. The resort’s high-altitude skiing offers reliable conditions and stunning vistas, catering to all skill levels.
Where to stay: Known for self-catered apartments like the Amara with its blonde-wood interiors, Avoriaz now welcomes architecturally sensitive hotels such as the iconic Hôtel des Dromonts and the playful Mil8, blending birch-clad charm with contemporary style.
Verbier, Switzerland The sociable ski haven
Dubbed the ‘Alpine Ibiza,’ Verbier combines legendary après-ski with challenging terrain like the famed Stairway to Heaven and off-piste powder fields. Frequented by serious skiers and celebrities alike, including Pippa Middleton and Bear Grylls, Verbier promises exhilarating skiing experiences, culminating in events like the Xtreme Verbier freeride competition every March.
Where to stay: Verbier’s ever-evolving townscape hosts modern gems such as the vibrant Experimental Chalet, home to the iconic Farm Club, frequented by stars like Bowie and Elton John.
Alta Badia, Italy The epicurean’s delight
Nestled in the Dolomites, Alta Badia charms with its rich Ladin culture, renowned cuisine featuring Michelin-starred gems like St Hubertus, and access to Dolomiti Superski’s extensive network. Rustic Ladin-style hotels such as the family-run Hotel Kolfuschgerhof contrast with the contemporary eco-resort Adler Lodge, offering outdoor thermal baths amidst minimalist Japanese-inspired interiors.
Where to stay: The wood-centric Hotel Kolfuschgerhof provides a traditional Ladin atmosphere, while the Adler Lodge merges sustainability with modern luxury.
Riksgränsen, Sweden The heli-skiing paradise
Renowned among powder enthusiasts, Riksgränsen beckons with its freeride terrain and heli-skiing opportunities, set against a backdrop of red barns overlooking frozen Vassijaure Lake. Hotell Riksgränsen offers functional comfort, while Niehku Mountain Villa stands out with its heli-oriented lodge in a converted industrial train building.
Where to stay: Hotell Riksgränsen provides essential comforts, while Niehku Mountain Villa offers a unique heli-skiing experience amidst stylish accommodations.
Bad Gastein, Austria The whimsical Wes Anderson setting
This Belle Epoque town, nestled in the Hohe Tauern mountains, has undergone a revival thanks to creatives flocking from Berlin. Festivals like the sommer.frische.kunst celebrate its heritage, while skiing opportunities abound, particularly around Kreuzkogel peak.
Where to stay: Options range from the opulent Salzburger Hof to the design-forward Miramonte, housed in a renovated 1950s bank building. The Comodo offers crisp lines and mid-century touches, marking a notable addition to Bad Gastein’s accommodation scene.
St Moritz, Switzerland The timeless classic
St Moritz, synonymous with glamour and winter sports, boasts breathtaking vistas and varied skiing terrain. New additions like Grace La Margna complement historic icons such as Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel, promising unparalleled luxury amidst the Engadin valley’s natural beauty.
Where to stay: Grace La Margna, opening after five decades, offers modern boutique elegance within the Art Nouveau La Margna. Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel continue to epitomize Alpine grandeur.
Kitzbühel, Austria The proudly traditionalist hub
With its medieval charm and storied ski racing history, Kitzbühel charms visitors with frescoed facades and pastel townhouses. While retaining its timeless allure at places like Schloss Lebenberg and Tennerhof, modern offerings like the Six Senses Residences hint at a changing landscape.
Where to stay: The historic Schloss Lebenberg and Tennerhof reflect Kitzbühel’s enduring appeal, while Six Senses Residences offers contemporary villas amid pine forest serenity.
Sunnmøre Alps, Norway The fjord-side ski-touring gem
Norway’s Sunnmøre Alps offer unparalleled ski-touring adventures amidst majestic fjords, where hikes culminate in breathtaking descents to the water’s edge. Stylish retreats like Juvet Landscape Hotel and Hotel Union Øye blend modernist aesthetics with historic charm, providing serene respites amid dramatic natural scenery.
Where to stay: Juvet Landscape Hotel, featured in Ex Machina, offers minimalist luxury, while Hotel Union Øye preserves fairytale charm with historic grandeur.
Val Gardena, Italy The versatile alpine sanctuary
At the heart of Dolomiti Superski, Val Gardena entices with extensive pistes and heli-skiing possibilities, set against the backdrop of Sella Ronda’s craggy peaks. Contemporary refuges like Adler Spa Resort and Lefay Dolomiti showcase sustainability in luxury, framing Italy’s scenic South Tyrol with sleek, eco-conscious designs.
Where to stay: Adler Spa Resort offers panoramic views, while Lefay Dolomiti combines wellness with modern Alpine elegance.
Pradollano, Spain The coastal gateway to the slopes
Europe’s southernmost ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Pradollano provides surprising snow reliability and 70 miles of slopes, complemented by proximity to Granada’s cultural riches and Costa Tropical beaches. El Lodge epitomizes chalet-style luxury, serving as the region’s premier accommodation choice.
Where to stay: El Lodge offers elegant chalet-style accommodations, perfect for enjoying both the slopes and the nearby cultural treasures of Granada.
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