Some of the world’s best ski resorts await skiers and snowboarders in the Alps. Whether in Austria, France, Switzerland or Italy – Europe’s number one high mountain range offers thousands of kilometres of slopes in the shadow of breathtaking peaks. But where can winter sports enthusiasts find the most popular ski resorts amid impressive glaciers and expansive valley runs? SnowTrex has the answer with a new ranking.
SnowTrex presents the 10 most popular ski resorts in the Alps
1. Ski resort Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi
With 118,000 Instagram followers and the best Google rating of all ski resorts in the ranking at 4.8 stars, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi takes the top spot in terms of popularity – not only in Italy but overall! SnowTrex customers also appreciate this, praising the ski resort in South Tyrol, which is part of the vast Dolomiti Superski region (1,200 kilometres of slopes), for its outstanding quality both on and off the slopes. It’s no surprise that the resort was also honoured with a SnowTrex Award in 2024!
One reason for this is certainly the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites, which provide a breathtaking mountain backdrop for 175 kilometres of slopes catering to all skill levels. With 83 modern lifts reaching altitudes of up to 2,518 m, the resort also offers top-class comfort for ski fans. Highlights on the slopes include the world-famous Sellaronda – a 40-kilometre ski circuit around the iconic Sella Massif – and the legendary Saslong World Cup downhill run in Val Gardena. Europe’s largest high alpine pasture, the Seiser Alm, is particularly suitable for families and beginners, who – like all winter sports enthusiasts – can enjoy 60 cosy huts and mountain restaurants serving regional cuisine.
2. Ski region Les 3 Vallées
With 147,000 Instagram followers and a Google rating of 4.6 stars, the French mega ski region Les 3 Vallées ranks second among the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. The largest interconnected ski area in the world impresses with 600 kilometres of slopes and 183 modern lifts. Thanks to its snow reliability and mountain villages such as Val Thorens – Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300 m – as well as the chic Méribel and Les Menuires, the ski region once again earned the SnowTrex Award in 2024. With altitudes of up to 3,230 m, Les 3 Vallées guarantees excellent snow conditions from November to May. On top of that, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a spectacular Alpine panorama, including views of Mont Blanc (4,806 m) in good weather, as well as first-class gastronomy off the slopes with more than 150 restaurants and mountain huts.
3. Silvretta Arena Ski Resort
The Silvretta Arena boasts 146,000 Instagram followers and a Google rating of 4.6 stars. The SnowTrex Award 2024 further underlines the outstanding quality of this ski resort. Spread over 239 kilometres of slopes, winter sports enthusiasts in the mountains of the Paznaun Valley will find perfectly groomed runs for all ability levels. A must for skiers is the 11-kilometre valley descent to the après-ski hotspot Ischgl, as well as the cross-border slopes to Samnaun in Switzerland, where there’s even the opportunity for duty-free shopping! With 45 state-of-the-art lifts reaching altitudes of up to 2,872 m and the capability to cover 80% of the slopes with artificial snow, the ski season in the Silvretta Arena runs from late autumn well into spring. This is especially enjoyed by freeriders, who can choose from six top ski routes, including the historic “Smuggler’s Run.”
4. Chamonix Ski Resort
An impressive 231,000 Instagram followers – unmatched in the ranking of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps – combined with a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 speak for themselves. There are many reasons for this top score, such as the challenging freeride opportunities or the legendary 20 km Vallée Blanche descent. The Chamonix ski area is divided into three distinct sectors: Brévent-Flégère with sunny south-facing slopes, Les Grands Montets with steep runs and deep powder, and Le Tour-Vallorcine, perfect for families and leisure skiers. With altitudes of up to 3,842 m and cutting-edge snowmaking technology, Chamonix offers excellent snow conditions throughout the ski season. Rounding off the experience are lively après-ski options and the authentic atmosphere of this historic mountain town.
5. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Ski Resort
With 102,000 Instagram followers and a Google rating of 4.7 stars, the popularity of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis speaks for itself. The SnowTrex Award 2024 also confirms the outstanding quality of this ski resort. Across 214 kilometres of slopes for all ability levels, with 68 modern lifts, altitudes of up to 2,820 m and snow coverage on 80% of the runs, skiers can enjoy consistently excellent conditions throughout the winter. Ski fans in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis should not miss the sundowner slopes, three snow parks with a superpipe, and the “From Peak to Peak” viewing platform offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Tyrolean mountains. For culinary variety, 25 mountain restaurants and huts ensure there’s plenty of choice.
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6. Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun Ski Resort
A major reason for the popularity of the Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun ski area, with 73,800 Instagram followers and a Google rating of 4.7 stars, is undoubtedly the glacier. The eternal ice of the Kitzsteinhorn (3,203 m) offers skiing almost all year round, which is also one of the reasons it received the SnowTrex Award 2024. The ski area reaches altitudes of up to 3,029 m and is directly connected to the centre of Kaprun via the ultra-modern K-onnection cable car. On its 61 kilometres of slopes in the Salzburger Land region, visitors can look forward to highlights such as the “Black Mamba” slope – one of the steepest runs in Austria – as well as freeride routes and five snow parks. The “Gipfelwelt 3000” viewing platform offers a unique panorama of 30 peaks over 3,000 metres high, while the “Ice Camp” with igloos and a cinema gallery adds an extra attraction, especially for families with children.
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7. Livigno Ski Resort
The duty-free ski resort of Livigno boasts 180,000 Instagram followers and a Google rating of 4.5 stars. Its popularity is further underlined by the SnowTrex Award 2024. Spread over 115 kilometres of slopes between 1,816 m and 2,900 m in altitude, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing here well into spring. With 31 modern lifts, the Lombardy ski area is perfectly connected, while its freestyle areas and the Mottolino Snowpark rank among the best in Europe. Other highlights in Livigno include heliskiing for the adrenaline-seekers among skiers, traditional Italian cuisine served in the mountain huts, and the 150 duty-free shops in the village centre.
8. Silvretta Montafon Ski Resort
With 56,500 Instagram followers, a Google rating of 4.6 stars and the SnowTrex Award 2024, the largest ski area in Vorarlberg continues to enjoy unbroken popularity. Covering 140 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 2,430 m, Silvretta Montafon offers a variety of runs for all skiers, whether experienced or beginners. Must-do highlights include the Hochjoch Totale – at 1,700 vertical metres the longest valley run in the state – as well as the snow park with a superpipe and 13 marked freeride routes in the Nova area, ensuring plenty of variety on the slopes. Culinary delights range from a summit breakfast at the Hochjoch to the diverse gastronomy in 35 ski huts and mountain restaurants along the pistes.
9. Flims-Laax-Falera Ski Resort
Considered a freestyle mecca, Flims-Laax-Falera ranks among the most popular ski resorts not only in Switzerland but in the entire Alpine region! With 81,600 Instagram followers, a Google rating of 4.6 stars, and the SnowTrex Award 2024, the numbers speak for themselves. Living up to its reputation as an absolute hotspot for freestylers and snowboarders, Laax features four snow parks and the world’s largest halfpipe. In addition, a total of 224 kilometres of slopes at altitudes of up to 3,018 m offer diverse runs, including the 17 km route from the Vorab Glacier to Flims. The ski area is served by 28 modern lifts and cable cars, including the world’s first “FlemXpress” with its on-demand gondolas. Culinary highlights off the slopes include 25 restaurants and mountain inns.
10. Tignes – Val d’Isère Ski Resort
Rounding off the top 10 most popular ski resorts in the Alps is Tignes – Val d’Isère, boasting 154,000 Instagram followers, a Google rating of 4.6 stars, and the SnowTrex Award 2024. With 300 kilometres of slopes around the Grande Motte Glacier, skiing pleasure is guaranteed from winter well into spring. The highest mountain station in the ski area sits at 3,456 m and is served by one of the 75 lifts in total. Highlights in Val d’Isère include the Olympic Face de Bellevarde downhill run, the 8 km panoramic “Le Grand Huit” slope, and the Naturide freeride area. For freestylers, a snow park is, of course, a must, while food lovers can enjoy everything from rustic mountain huts to chic Michelin-starred restaurants in this French ski resort.
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FAQ about the most popular ski resorts
Which ski resorts received the SnowTrex Award 2024?
Eight of the top 10 ski resorts were honoured with the SnowTrex Award 2024: Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Les 3 Vallées, Silvretta Arena, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Livigno, Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel, Silvretta Montafon and Flims-Laax-Falera. The award confirms the high quality of these ski resorts in terms of slope conditions, snow reliability, infrastructure and service. This seal of quality is given particularly for the variety of slopes, modern lift infrastructure and excellent gastronomy.
Which popular ski resort has the most kilometres of slopes?
The French ski region Les 3 Vallées leads the list of the world’s largest ski areas with 600 kilometres of slopes. In second place is Tignes – Val d’Isère with 300 kilometres of slopes. Other top ski resorts such as the Silvretta Arena (239 km), Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (214 km) and Flims-Laax-Falera (224 km) also offer extensive piste networks. These large ski areas allow for multi-day skiing without repeating runs and are ideal for longer ski holidays.
Which popular ski resorts are particularly suitable for freestyle and snowboarding?
The Swiss destination Flims-Laax-Falera is regarded as the leading freestyle mecca, with the largest halfpipe in the world and four professional snow parks. Livigno impresses with its internationally renowned Mottolino Snowpark, which regularly hosts competitions. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis offers three versatile snow parks with a superpipe, while Kitzsteinhorn boasts five parks of varying difficulty levels. All these resorts also have dedicated beginner areas and snowboard schools for first freestyle attempts.
What are the special highlights of the most popular ski resorts?
Each top ski resort has its own unique attractions: Val Gardena dazzles with the 40-kilometre Sellaronda circuit around the Sella Massif and the Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest high alpine pasture. Les 3 Vallées features Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. The Silvretta Arena offers cross-border skiing with duty-free shopping in Samnaun. Chamonix is home to the legendary Vallée Blanche run on Mont Blanc. Livigno combines top slopes with 150 duty-free shops in its historic town centre.
Which popular ski resorts are especially snow-sure?
Glacier resorts offer the longest ski seasons in the Alps: Kitzsteinhorn reaches an altitude of 3,029 m and even allows for summer skiing. Tignes – Val d’Isère, with the Grande Motte Glacier, reaches 3,456 m, while Val Thorens in Les 3 Vallées sits at 3,230 m. The top ski resorts feature modern snowmaking systems covering at least 80% of the slopes. Altitudes between 1,500 m and 3,500 m guarantee snow reliability from November into late spring.