24 Nov The best ski resorts in Europe

Where are the best ski resorts in Europe? Not every European ski resort is created equal and our guests are highly discerning snow bunnies.

Critical criteria

People choose ski resorts for many different reasons. It may be where your friends are skiing or where rumours say the best snow is. Perhaps après ski is your priority or you’re looking for steep/tree-lined/quiet descents.  Each ski resort will have its advantages and disadvantages, so you need to work out your criteria.

The prettiest ski resorts in Europe

To help you begin, we have created a summary of the prettiest ski resort in Europe. We believe charm and atmosphere belong high on the list for the best ski resorts in Europe. Especially around Christmas and New Year.

When you think of Europe, imagine quaint cobblestoned villages and snow-covered church spires in the middle of winding, twinkling streets. This is exactly what your European ski vacation should look like.

Those with European ski experience will know how much each country differs from the others. Of course, the best ski resorts in Europe are spread throughout the Alpine domains, but we have a certain penchant for Swiss ski resorts. They are beautiful, and for good reason.

Swiss charm

Resorts such as Saas Fee and Zermatt have gone to great lengths to preserve their local architecture and regional authenticity. Very early on the decision was made to place controls on the building codes and not allow cars to circulate in the village. You’ll find large parking facilities at the entrance to these resorts. Electric taxis take you into the village centre, where the hotels and ski lifts are found.  

French convenience

Compare this strategy to places like Courchevel in France. While offering incredible hotels and restaurants, the actual resort here is not attractive. Courchevel was a purpose-built ski resort for the masses back at its conception in 1942. Except for one small street by the church, it does not provide the quaint European village feel.

Back in time

Another resort that has tried hard to preserve its charm and authenticity is St Moritz.  And they have done well. St Moritz dates back to 1864, around the beginning of winter tourism. It has a beautiful lake that freezes over in the winter providing a dazzling playground for polo, marathon races, ice hockey and cross country skiing. Smaller villages on the train line close to St Moritz also add to this areas’ ambiance.

It would be hard not to mention Verbier, which offers fabulous skiing and an attractive, bustling village. The mountains that encase this ski resort definitely add to its aesthetic impact.

The ultimate combination

We could go on and on, but we want to give you the highlights. Perhaps one of the prettiest ski stations is Italy’s Courmayeur. This chocolate box village has retained it’s one cobblestoned main street. Walking along this takes you from the top to the bottom of the village, under the gaze of the majestic Mont Blanc mountain. This breath-taking resort never gets old and we love it. But finally, and crucially, what we love the most is to combine a few of these resorts in your tailor made trip. Creating a unique combination specifically for you is the ultimate way to discover the best ski resorts in Europe with Swisskisafari.

If you are feeling like a dose of soothing, charming mountain villages, beautiful gastronomy, wine and skiing this winter, give us a call. We will get to work on your next heavenly getaway this winter.

Warm regards from the mountains,

Danielle