The Best Ski Resorts in Europe: 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards
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Dec 07
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or our 33rd annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey—yes, more than three decades—registered voters weighed in on their favorite places around the globe. When it comes to the best ski resorts in Europe, Condé Nast Traveler readers are eclectic, picky snow bunnies: They rated these their 20 favorite spots for ski and après-ski—a mix of high-profile winter hangouts and remote, high-altitude destinations made for the serious downhiller. Even in an off year for travel, here are the ski resorts in Europe that you loved most this year.
Every place featured in this story was voted on independently by Condé Nast Traveler readers. However, if you make a booking through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Getty20. Les Arcs La Plagne, France
The two-way, double-decker Vanoise Express cable car links the two resort areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne, both part of the massive Paradiski area. Les Arcs has 124 miles of slopes both above and below the treeline that will satisfy every kind of skier. You can find designated areas for beginners, a 4.3-mile-long run with red and black pistes, and many off-piste opportunities. For more challenging runs, connect to La Plagne and check out the black diamond and off-piste offerings on the Bellecôte Glacier. Time your final run to end up at popular après spots such as Le Bonnet in Plagne and Bellcôte, l’Arpette, and La Folie Douce in Arc 1800.
Where to Stay: The new Club Med Les Arcs Panorama opened in 2018 on the slopes of Arcs 1600. Suites in the 5 Trident section come with concierge service, a bar and lounge area, and a terrace.
Stats: Part of the Paradiski area, the second largest linked ski area in the world, with 261 pistes, plus two skiable glaciers and two snowparks. One-day lift ticket $60..jpg)
Courtesy Avoriaz 180019. Avoriaz 1800, France
Set at just over 5,900 feet, Avoriaz is the highest and most snow sure of the Portes du Soliel ski region’s 12 resorts. It is the brainchild of France’s 1960 Olympic Downhill Champion Jean Vuarnet, who grew up just below in Morzine. Visitors leave cars at the village entrance and are transported via sleighs and snowcats. The mountain is known for its extensive beginner areas and is considered the snowboard capital of Europe, home to four challenging terrain parks.
Where to Stay: You’ll find far more apartments than hotels here. Year-old Hotel Mil8 has a ski-in/ski-out location in the heart of town. An entirely glass-fronted design frames perfect mountain views and most of the hotel’s 42 spacious rooms and suites interconnect, making it the ideal stay for friends or groups.
Stats: Avoriaz has 35 lifts and 57 slopes and connects to the massive, cross-border Portes du Soleil area. Avoriaz one-day lift ticket $57.
Courtesy Chamonix-MontBlanc18. Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
Chamonix’s expansive backcountry and gnarly terrain make it a bucket-list destination for serious skiers. Host to the first winter Olympics in 1924, the pedestrian-friendly town oozes alpine charm and despite the mountain’s extreme reputation, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Riding the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in Western Europe, is a must simply for the views. From the top, experienced skiers can hire a guide (Chamonix has the world’s oldest and largest guiding organization) and schuss down the legendary Vallée Blanche, 12.4-mile glacier descent in the heart of Mont-Blanc Massif.
Where to stay: La Folie Douce Hotel has a hip vibe, a lively après scene and an unbeatable location in the heart of Chamonix, with a ski lift steps from the front door. For over-the-top luxury, book a stay at Hameau Albert 1er. The five-star hotel has 33 rooms, two suites and two stand-alone chalets and a Michelin-star restaurant.
Stats: One-day lift ticket from $68. There are 67 lifts for 115 runs.
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17. Les Menuires, France
Les Menuires may not have the cachet of neighboring Trois Vallées resorts like Courchevel and Méribel, but the resort owns bragging rights to having some of the best intermediate runs in the region. Family-friendly options can be found both on and off the slopes. Adults and kids will get a thrill tackling Roc ‘n Bob, a 2.5-mile, floodlit sled track with 22 banked beds. For a traditional Savoyard meal, book a table at Chalet du Sunny. The snow groomer ride to and from the piste-side restaurant makes dinner a true experience.
Where to stay: The two- to six-bedroom apartments at the Résidence Club MMV Le Coeur des Loges come with ski lockers and are conveniently located steps from the cable car and chairlift. Set at the top of Reberty 2000, stylish Chalet Hotel Chaya boasts an in-house ski shop, indoor pool and spa.
Stats: One-day lift ticket from $69. There are 33 lifts for 83 runs.
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16. Cervinia, Italy
Located on the Italian side of the Matterhorn massif, the high-altitude ski resort of Cervinia is linked with the Swiss resort of Zermatt. The combined terrain is vast, making it possible to log serious mileage without repeating a run all day. The majority of slopes are geared toward beginners and intermediates and the on-piste dining options are exceptional. Many skiers cross the border just to lunch on pasta all’Amatriciana and sip Bombardinos (an Italian riff on eggnog).
Where to stay: Stylish apartments at Saint Hubertus Resort have modern kitchens, marble bathrooms, and stone living rooms with fireplaces. The team at five-star Hermitage Hotel & Spa can arrange adventures ranging from snowshoeing to heliskiing.
Stats: One-day lift ticket from $52; there are 19 lifts for 72 runs.
15. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier cemented its reputation as one of the Alps’ most glam resorts back in 2008, with high-profile openings including Richard Branson’s luxury chalet The Lodge, and Coco Club—the first VIP club in the Alps. The mountain’s mix of novice and expert pistes, as well as backcountry terrain and nearly 14 miles of groomed Nordic trails attracts a youthful, sporty clientele to the Four Valleys.
Where to stay: There are the luxe chalets mentioned above, but the W Verbier has the best location in town, close to ski school meeting spots and opposite the Médran gondola.
Stats: One-day lift ticket from $74; on the Epic Pass. There are 45 lifts for 70 runs.
Getty14. Lech, Austria
Lech may lack the bling of areas like St. Moritz and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but that’s part of its charm. Behind traditional farmhouse facades you’ll find chic boutiques, art galleries, and stylish hotels. The village of 1,500 may be tiny, but it boasts the highest density of award-winning restaurants in Austria. And of course there’s the draw of its excellent snowfall and the famed White Ring, a circuit of nearly 14 miles that links Lech, Zürs, and Zug.
Where to Stay: Five-star, family-run Hotel Almhof Schnedier is the epitome of alpine elegance, with a serious art collection, serene spa, and a 25,000-bottle wine cellar. Boutique stay Kristiania was originally established by Olympic skier Othmar Schneider, and his family continues the hotel’s legacy of hospitality.
Stats: Part of the Arlberg, Austria’s largest inter-linked ski area, 88 lifts and cable cars can access nearly 190 miles of marked slopes and 124 miles of backcountry runs. Price of a one-day lift ticket $70; on the Epic Pass.
Buzz Pictures/Alamy13. Courchevel, France
Within the largest ski area in the world, the Three Valleys, Courchevel and its six interconnected villages form a glittering, multi-level resort, where celebs and well-to-do merrymakers come to ski, unwind, and shop at more than 100 upscale boutiques. A dedicated kids ski area, the Children’s Village, features nine beginner-friendly ski lifts so young ones can easily progress. The region is known for its exceptional snowfall and Courchevel 1850 is so high there are still loads of snow in April. Be warned, it’s hard to go elsewhere one you’ve gotten a taste for Courchevel’s heated pavements and impressive, Michelin-starred dining scene.
Where to stay: Of the 50 five-star hotels in France, 15 of them are here—including the extremely elegant L’Apogée Courchevel, located in Courchevel 1850. Cheval Blanc Courchevel debuts this season with a new slopeside terrace featuring a menu by Michelin-decorated chef, Yannik Alléno.
Stats: One-day lift ticket for Courchevel $68.50; for the Three Valleys $77. Courchevel has 55 lifts for 102 runs.
Ingolf Pompe 14/Alamy12. Kitzbühel, Austria
Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a lively après-ski scene along quaint, cobblestone streets; and unsurpassed skiing that includes eight renowned ski schools and some of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit. With more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants, there are plenty of delicious options to refuel, or lounge leisurely over lunch on the slopes.
Where to stay: Choose Hotel Schloss Lebenberg, a medieval hillside castle overlooking the village that earns high marks for its stellar service, dining room, and ornate, Gothic-style décor.
Stats: One-day lift tickets range from $59; there are 57 lifts for 92 runs.
11. Val d’Isère, France
Though some bemoan the crowds and prices at this mega resort, Val d’Isère remains an experienced skier’s paradise. The area is home to exciting, high-quality, snow-sure slopes (and as backup, the largest artificial snowmaking plant in Europe) that are easily linked to neighboring Tignes, forming one of the biggest ski areas in France. An excellent dining scene and hard-partying nightlife makes a stay here a true holiday in every sense of the word. New this season: La Cucúcina, a new Italian spot from the team behind legendary après bar, Folie Duce.
Where to stay: First-timers should stick to the central resort area, close to the action. We like the chic atmosphere at Le Savoie, Airelles Val d’Isère, Mademoiselle (sister hotel to La Bastide de Gordes in Southern France) and Le Refuge de Solaise, the highest hotel in France. New this season, 21-room Hotel Le K2 Chogori promises to deliver five-star service in the heart of the village.
Stats: One-day lift tickets are $67; for Tignes-Val d’ Isère $74. The linked Tignes- Val d’ Isère ski area has 158 runs connected by 75 lifts, plus two skiable glaciers and two snowparks.
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10. Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl may be best known as the Ibiza of the Alps for its raucous après scene, but the resort also boasts some of Europe’s best intermediate-level skiing. The massive ski area spans two countries and is connected by a speedy, state-of-the-art lift system; free local ski buses link the resorts together. Beginners will spend their time in the Idalp area, where the ski school is based. Intermediates should seek out the long descents off of Palinkopf, including the Duty Free Run, while advanced riders and skiers can find excellent off-piste terrain off the Piz val Gronda cable car. Of course, no visit to Ischgl is complete without dancing and drinks at iconic après bars like Kuhstall and Schatzi Bar.
Where to stay: The historic Hotel Goldener Adler is just a three-minute walk from two cable cars. If you want an easy walk home from the party, minimalist Hotel Madlein is home to two of town’s hottest clubs, Pacha and Table Dance.
Stats: One-day Silvretta Skipass is $68; there are 45 cable cars and lifts for 148 miles of runs.
Getty7. Gstaad, Switzerland
A traffic-free town center, including a promenade lined with luxury boutiques, and fairy-tale Swiss architecture make this one of Europe’s most traditional winter destinations. Charming chalet villages adorn the entrances to the various ski areas. A range of superb slopes make Gstaad accessible for all and gourmands appreciate Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the Sommet.
Where to stay: We love the Alpina Gstaad, constructed of wood salvaged from old farmhouses and locally quarried limestone. With two pools, a Six Senses Spa, and movie theater, it’s become a celebrity favorite.
Stats: One-day lift tickets between $53 and $84; there are 41 lifts for 77 runs.
Pierre Jacques/Getty6. Val Thorens, France
At 7,500 feet up, this resort—not just the highest in the Three Valleys region, but in all of Europe—doesn’t skimp on the snow. Because of its altitude, the slopes are typically covered from November to May, offering a longer-than-average season that appeals to snow sport junkies. The resort’s trails aren’t just linked across the well-known Méribel and Courchevel valleys—they also eke into the neighboring Maurienne, offering intrepid travelers a little extra frontier to explore.
Where to stay: Altapura’s 61 rooms and 27 suites sport blonde wood walls and mod, spare furniture that’s more Scandinavian minimalism than alpine chic. Super hip Hôtel Le Pashmina Le Refuge has 50 rooms—many with kitchens and living rooms—plus two rooftop igloo pods where you can sleep under the stars.
Stats: One-day lift ticket for Val Thorens-Orelle from $68; for the Three Valleys from $77. Val Thorens has 30 lifts for 88 runs.
Getty4. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks, has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas—some at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, so snow here lingers beyond the winter season. This enchanting Alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain, and has plenty of modern touches, like its state-of-the-art lift system and swanky après-ski diversions.
Where to stay: The centrally located, modern Hotel Firefly is a more-than-comfortable pick, with its luxury spa, spacious accommodations, and impressive views. Note: There are no cars here. Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation.
Stats: One-day lift ticket from $87; there are 52 lifts for 143 runs.
The central resort of the Three Valleys—the largest ski area in the world—Méribel compliments its unbeatable location with pretty chalet-style architecture, designer shopping, and stylish stays. The slopes cater to intermediate skiers, with the addition last year of two new red slopes in the Roc de Fer area. Hardcore skiers can easily connect via lift to more challenging terrain in neighboring Val Thorens. The après scene is strong here: be sure to hit up institution Rond Point and legendary Folie Douce. The resort will be debuting new on and off-slope improvements in preparation for the World Ski Championships in 2023.
Where to Stay: Set in the center of the village, Le Kaïla has an elevator that delivers guests straight from the slopes to the hotel, plus family-friendly rooms and an on-site ski shop. Newcomer, Le Coucou, is a ski-in/ski-out five-star stay with three restaurants and a spa featuring Tata Harper skincare products.
Stats: One-day lift ticket for Méribel $57; for the Three Valleys from $77. Méribel has 46 lifts and 76 pistes.
Getty2. St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton forms the heart of the Arlberg region, the “cradle of alpine skiing.” The addition of the Flexenbahn gondola in 2016 links to Lech and beyond, making St. Anton the largest interconnected ski resort in Austria and the fifth largest in the world. Try to pull yourself away from the slopes to experience St. Anton’s impressive dining scene. Eight restaurants from St. Anton am Arlberg were recognized in the 2020 Gault-Milau Guide. Wine lovers shouldn’t miss Hospizalm. Located next to the St. Christoph ski slope, the restaurant’s cellar boasts 2,900 large-format bottles of Bordeaux.
Where to Stay: The exclusive Hotel Tannenhof has just seven suites and an award-winning restaurant. Raffl’s Tyrol Hotel is a more affordable option in the heart of town.
Stats: Eighty-eight lifts and cable cars can access nearly 190 miles of marked slopes and 124 miles of backcountry runs. Price of a one-day lift ticket $70; on the Epic Pass
