Ski areas in Europe – The largest, highest and best ski areas

Snow lovers will know the feeling: it’s been a while since your last winter holiday, and you’re starting to long for snow-capped peaks and fresh mountain air. The sheer number of ski resorts across different countries is impressive, making it a real dilemma. Where should your next ski holiday be? Which ski resorts are best for newcomers to winter sports, and where are the best après-ski parties? Where can experienced winter sports enthusiasts find varied runs, breathtaking views or exciting off-piste routes? SnowTrex knows the ski resorts across Europe. Fortunately, there’s something to suit everyone, so nothing stands in the way of your next ski holiday.

© Veysonnaz Tourisme/webevolutions

The Les 4 Vallées ski region, with its constituent resorts such as Veysonnaz and 412 kilometres of slopes, ranks among the top three largest ski resorts in Europe.

The largest ski areas in Europe

The highest ski areas in Europe

The best ski areas in Europe

Ski areas in Austria

• With over 400 ski resorts, Austria offers an enormous variety of slopes for beginners, families, experienced skiers and freeriders alike.
• Reliable snow conditions, perfectly groomed slopes, deep snow and modern snow parks such as the “Absolut Park” in Flachauwinkl also attract freestyle and snowboard enthusiasts to Austria.
• All-year-round ski resorts such as the Hintertux Glacier and the legendary après-ski in places like Ischgl, St. Anton and Sölden round off the winter sports experience.

Austria has been the most popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over Europe for years, and for good reason. After all, this Alpine nation offers a unique blend of traditional cosiness, modern lift infrastructure and an enormous variety of slopes. With over 400 ski resorts, there are suitable conditions for everyone in winter, from beginners and families to experienced skiers and freeriders. Regions with plenty of blue runs are particularly family- and beginner-friendly, such as Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Warth-Schröcken, Montafon or Gargellen ski areas at Vorarlberg Mountain. And even more experienced skiers will find challenging World Cup runs and varied freeride routes here in these and many other ski resorts.

Another major advantage for winter sports enthusiasts in Austria is that skiers can rely on the snow conditions here. The slopes are excellently groomed, whilst off-piste you’ll find pristine powder snow. The conditions for enjoyable carving are therefore ideal throughout the winter season across Tyrol, the Salzburg region, Carinthia and beyond. And snowboarders and freestylers benefit from this too, with a wide selection of modern snow parks to enjoy in Austria. Particularly popular is the “Absolut Park Flachauwinkl” in the Snow Space – Salzburger Sportwelt ski area, featuring a kickline, rail line, halfpipe and more.

For those in a particular hurry, or who even want to enjoy the ski season all year round, the Hintertux Glacier ski resort is just the ticket. After all, it is actually the only year-round ski resort and one of the highest in Austria! However, it is not the only glacier ski resort in Austria, as there are numerous other glacier ski resorts in the Alpine republic that almost guarantee snow.

And as if that weren’t enough in terms of skiing, there’s also the legendary après-ski scene to look forward to. Ski resorts such as Ischgl, St. Anton and Sölden are renowned throughout Europe for their lively party scene and play a major role in making Austria such an attractive winter sports destination.

→ Plan your Alpine getaway and find the best deals in Austria with SnowTrex.

Ski areas in France

• France combines world-class winter sports with culinary diversity, excellent snow conditions and spectacular panoramic views, such as those of Mont Blanc.
• Huge ski regions such as Les 3 Vallées and Portes du Soleil, as well as high-altitude resorts like Les 2 Alpes, offer a vast variety of slopes and excellent snow reliability.
• Modern snow parks for freestylers and numerous affordable ski-in/ski-out accommodation options make France particularly attractive for sporty and budget-conscious winter holidaymakers.

France is also an extremely attractive destination when it comes to a successful ski holiday. After all, it combines winter sports of the highest standard with culinary delights and cultural diversity. What’s more, with excellent snow conditions throughout the winter, perfectly groomed slopes are on offer, alongside pristine powder snow that delights skiers and snowboarders alike. In many ski resorts, visitors can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views of hundreds of Alpine peaks, including world-famous vistas such as Mont Blanc (4,805 m), the highest mountain in the Alps, for example in the Chamonix ski resort.

© Méribel Tourisme/Sylvain Aymoz

The glamorous resort of Méribel is part of the Les 3 Vallées ski region, which, with 600 kilometres of slopes, is the world’s largest interconnected ski area.

Also worthy of special mention in the mountains of France are its vast ski areas, such as the Les 3 Vallées ski region, which, with around 600 kilometres of slopes, is the world’s largest interconnected ski area. The Portes du Soleil ski region, with 580 kilometres of slopes, and the cross-border Les 4 Vallées ski region, with 412 kilometres of slopes, are also among the absolute top destinations for winter sports enthusiasts in terms of total slope length. In addition, some of France’s most affordable ski resorts can be found here. Furthermore, the country boasts exceptionally high-altitude ski resorts; for instance, at up to 3,600 m, the Les 2 Alpes ski resort (200 km of slopes) with its glacier is one of the highest ski regions in Europe, thereby guaranteeing particularly reliable snow conditions.

In France, freestyle skiers and snowboarders can enjoy modern, varied snow parks in the Alps. Particularly well-known is the “2 Alpes Freestyle Land”, featuring a big air zone, halfpipe, kicker lines, rails and boxes, which offers ideal conditions for both beginners and professionals. What’s more, budget-conscious winter holidaymakers benefit from accommodation right on the slopes and excellent value for money overall. There, it’s simply a case of taking off your skis, heading straight to a restaurant and enjoying your holiday. That is why, according to the SnowTrex ranking, the Les Sybelles ski resort (275 km of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,620 m) is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Europe.

→ Book unforgettable skiing experiences in France with SnowTrex now.

Ski areas in Italy

• Italy combines a ski holiday with a Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent cuisine and the spectacular mountain scenery of the Dolomites.
• Ski resorts such as Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi and the Dolomiti Superski ski area offer a huge variety of slopes for beginners, families and ambitious skiers.
• Relaxed days on the slopes, plenty of sunshine, cosy mountain huts and the ‘Dolce Vita’ make ski holidays in Italy particularly attractive for those who enjoy life’s pleasures and for families.

Culinary delights, a Mediterranean lifestyle and stunning mountains: that’s what a ski holiday in Italy is all about. Here, cappuccino, pasta, fine wines and antipasti are just as much a part of the winter experience as perfectly groomed slopes. However, it is not just the cuisine that makes the “boot-shaped nation” an attractive skiing destination, but above all the impressive mountain peaks of the Dolomites in the north of the country. After all, they are among the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe and are home to many Italian ski resorts.

© wishtaler/dolomitisuperski

Skiing against a breathtaking mountain backdrop is best experienced in Italy in the Dolomiti Superski ski area, where 1,200 kilometres of slopes await!

The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area offers 181 kilometres of slopes up to an altitude of 2,518 metres for beginners, families and advanced skiers. Wide, predominantly blue runs ensure a relaxed skiing experience, whilst the World Cup run “Saslong” presents a particular challenge for ambitious skiers. Those who love pure variety, on the other hand, are in excellent hands in the Dolomiti Superski ski region. The ski association comprises a total of 12 ski areas with 1,200 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,269 metres, making it the largest of its kind in the world. The 3 Zinnen Dolomiten ski area is also part of this network, delighting visitors with spectacular views of striking rock formations.

Ultimately, these ski regions – which are home to all of Italy’s largest ski resorts – are particularly popular with families and those who enjoy life, who appreciate relaxed days on the slopes, sunny slopes and cosy mountain huts. Here, in regions such as South Tyrol, the focus is not only on sport but also on relaxation, good food and the typical Italian ‘dolce vita’, which ultimately makes a ski holiday a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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Ski areas in Switzerland

• Switzerland offers winter sports of the highest standard: vast ski resorts, majestic mountains, excellent cuisine and stylish accommodation for beginners and experts alike.
• High-altitude ski resorts such as Zermatt and Saas-Fee guarantee reliable snow, modern lifts, varied slopes and impressive mountain panoramas.
• Freestylers benefit from first-class snow parks such as those in Laax, whilst exclusive destinations such as St. Moritz, Davos or Lenzerheide combine luxury, charm and mountain scenery.

Switzerland ranks among Europe’s most exclusive winter sports destinations, offering ski holidays of the very highest standard. The country boasts vast ski resorts, majestic mountains, excellent cuisine and stylish accommodation, making it particularly appealing to discerning winter holidaymakers. However, both beginners and experts, families and singles alike will find ideal conditions here for a varied ski holiday.

© Pascal Gertschen

If you want to ski against the backdrop of the majestic Matterhorn in Switzerland, the Zermatt ski resort offers 200 kilometres of slopes.

Switzerland is characterised by high-altitude ski resorts with exceptional snow reliability. This is because many regions lie at altitudes of over 2,500 metres and are complemented by numerous glaciers. Particularly impressive is the Zermatt ski resort, part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region (322 km of slopes) and the highest ski resort in Switzerland, reaching altitudes of up to 3,883 m! There, visitors can enjoy 200 kilometres of slopes, state-of-the-art lifts and cable cars, challenging routes for experts and freeriders, and an impressive view of the spectacular Matterhorn (4,478 m). And just a few valleys further on in the Valais, Saas-Fee is another of Europe’s highest-altitude ski resorts. Situated at an altitude of almost 3,600 m, it captivates visitors with its idyllic setting and a glacier in the Valais Alps, offering 100 kilometres of slopes.

As well as alpine skiers, freestylers will also find plenty to enjoy on Switzerland’s slopes. Switzerland’s modern snowparks offer challenges to suit every ability, particularly the “Snowpark LAAX” in the Flims-Laax-Falera ski area, which boasts the world’s longest halfpipe and challenging kicker lines. Exclusive winter sports resorts such as St. Moritz, Davos and Lenzerheide also delight visitors with their luxury, charm and impressive mountain scenery.

→ Plan your Alpine getaway and find the best deals for Switzerland at SnowTrex.

Ski areas in Germany

• Germany offers short travel distances for people on a ski holiday. Around the Zugspitze, there are 60 kilometres of slopes for beginners and experts alike, including the World Cup run “Kandahar”.
• Other ski regions in the Black Forest, the Sauerland, the Ore Mountains and the Harz combine skiing with activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

In Central Europe, Germany is just one of many options for enjoying a ski holiday. The short travel times make weekend trips to the snow with family or friends particularly appealing. Around the Zugspitze, the Garmisch-Classic ski resort offers 60 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,720 metres from December to May. The slopes are particularly suitable for beginners and families, whilst the ‘Kandahar’ World Cup run also delights experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

Other popular ski regions, home to some of Germany’s largest ski resorts, include the Sauerland, the Ore Mountains, the Harz Mountains and the Black Forest. The Skilifte Hochschwarzwald ski resort on the Feldberg offers 10.9 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 1,250 metres and is one of the largest ski resorts in the Black Forest. As well as skiing, visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of winter activities such as tobogganing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. This means that even those who don’t wish to spend so much time on the slopes can get their money’s worth here, enjoying a varied and relaxing winter holiday in Germany.

→ Book unforgettable skiing moments in Germany with SnowTrex now.

Ski areas in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers many attractive ski resorts in regions of stunning natural beauty, such as the Ore Mountains, the Krkonoše Mountains and the Bohemian Forest. The country is particularly appealing to German skiers from the eastern federal states, as the journey is short and prices are reasonable. Popular ski resorts such as Spindler’s Mill (Špindlerův Mlýn) on the Polish border boast 28 kilometres of slopes, most of which can be covered with artificial snow in winter. Just like in the Alps, there are blue runs for beginners and families, as well as black runs for experts.

In addition, the ski resorts of Kašperské Hory in the Bohemian Forest and Pec pod Sněžkou in the Krkonoše Mountains, with 14 kilometres of slopes, attract winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world with a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding experiences.

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Ski areas in Poland

Poland boasts charming ski resorts with guaranteed snow, affordable prices and uncrowded slopes. Zakopane, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, is the country’s best-known winter sports destination. The local Kasprowy Wierch ski resort, at an altitude of up to 1,987 metres, offers a total of 15 kilometres of slopes, snow parks and a variety of runs, making it the largest in Poland. Another popular ski destination, particularly for visitors from neighbouring Germany and the Czech Republic, is the Giant Mountains. There are many small ski resorts there with family-friendly slopes, floodlit runs and good snow conditions. These include the Świeradów Zdrój (Bad Flinsberg) ski resort and the Winterpol Karpacz ski resort, both ideal for leisure skiers. Those wishing to combine skiing with culture in Poland can take day trips to cities such as Kraków or Wrocław.

→ Plan your skiing break and find the best deals for Poland at SnowTrex.

Ski areas in Slovenia

© Turizem Kranjska Gora

In the Kranjska Gora ski resort, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a total of 20 kilometres of slopes and a challenging World Cup run.

Slovenia is an often-overlooked ski destination in Europe, offering a surprisingly diverse range of slopes. This country in the eastern Alps offers over 40 small to medium-sized ski resorts with around 270 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres. The main ski regions are located in northern Slovenia, in Triglav National Park and in the Pohorje Mountains. Particularly well-known is the Kranjska Gora ski resort with 20 kilometres of slopes, which also hosts Alpine Skiing World Cup races every year. Consequently, modern lift facilities, almost comprehensive snow-making coverage and a good range of dining options ensure comfortable skiing days of international standard. The same applies to the Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort, the home ski resort of the university city of Maribor. With 42 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 1,327 metres and another World Cup slope, it is Slovenia’s largest ski resort.

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Ski areas in Slovakia

The High Tatras are Slovakia’s main winter sports destination. There are numerous small to medium-sized ski resorts suitable for all ability levels. The Tatranská Lomnica ski resort boasts 11.8 kilometres of slopes, reaching an altitude of 2,190 metres. You can also enjoy après-ski at the Humno bar and restaurant. Another highlight is the Low Tatras with the Demänovská Valley, popular with freeriders for skiing and snowboarding.

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Ski areas in Andorra

Situated in the heart of the Pyrenees, Andorra is an increasingly popular winter sports destination between France and Spain. At altitudes of up to 2,640 metres, skiers can look forward to a variety of ski resorts. With 215 kilometres of slopes, the Grandvalira ski resort is the largest of its kind in Europe outside the Alps and boasts snow parks as well as freeride and off-piste opportunities. In addition, the modern and award-winning lift infrastructure is ideal for families, beginners and professionals alike. High above the capital, Andorra la Vella, parents with children will also find facilities such as childcare, ski schools and themed ski parks for the little ones. And away from the slopes, there are snowshoe hikes, dog sled rides, shopping and relaxation with wellness in spas, as well as après-ski in cool bars.

→ Plan your skiing break and find the best Andorra deals at SnowTrex.

FAQ’s on the ski areas in Europe

Where are the best places for winter sports enthusiasts to go skiing in Europe?

Where winter sports enthusiasts in Europe can enjoy the best skiing depends largely on individual priorities – such as whether the focus is on as many kilometres of slopes as possible, guaranteed snow, family-friendly facilities, good value for money, or a vibrant après-ski scene. Large ski resorts in the Alps are considered particularly highly recommended, but regions such as the Pyrenees or the Krkonoše Mountains also offer attractive winter sports opportunities. The comprehensive SnowTrex ranking of the best ski resorts in the Alps provides a detailed overview of the top Alpine ski resorts, with ratings based on criteria such as the range of slopes, guaranteed snow, infrastructure, costs and popularity.

How many ski resorts are there in Europe?

According to expert estimates, winter sports enthusiasts across Europe can find a total of just under 4,000 ski resorts and over 38,000 kilometres of slopes.

What is the largest ski resort in Europe?

The Les 3 Vallées ski region in France has around 600 kilometres of slopes. This makes it the world’s largest interconnected ski resort and, at the same time, the largest in Europe.

Which is the largest glacier ski resort in Europe?

The Stubai Glacier in Austria has 47 kilometres of slopes and reaches an altitude of up to 3,210 metres. It is considered the largest pure glacier ski resort in Europe. Les 2 Alpes in France offers 200 kilometres of slopes and altitudes of up to 3,600 metres. It boasts the largest skiable glacier in Europe.

How many ski pistes are there in Europe?

There is no exact official count of individual ski runs in Europe. However, according to experts, the European ski network covers a total of more than 30,000 kilometres of slopes!