For a romantic snowy getaway or a winter wonderland family vacation, destinations across the European continent offer opportunities to create holiday memories to last a lifetime.
When the ski is the topic, the European Alps is the number one destination for ski lovers in Europe. The Alps cover a vast area and span eight countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. Therefore, skiing in the Alps comes with a difference in scenery, snow, and culture by the region and resort.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort, which is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world. Courchevel also refers to the towns of Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), and Courchevel 1850, which are named for their altitudes in meters. The resort center of Courchevel is at 1,747 meters (5,732 ft). The name Courchevel 1850 was chosen for marketing reasons to compete with rival ski resort Val d’Isère. It is the Jardin Alpin area of Courchevel 1850 rather than the center which is located at 1,850 meters (6,070 ft).
Courchevel is in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie département, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Courchevel was named a joint host of the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships with Méribel.[5] It will be the first time since 2009 that France has hosted the FIS World Championships when they took place in Val d’Isère. Races in Courchevel will finish in Courchevel Le Praz. A new super-leisure center called L’Alpinium is under construction in Le Praz and will improve connections to Courchevel 1850 and provide more parking.
Courchevel has 11 luxury hotels with a 5-star ranking and seven restaurants with Michelin stars. See ski resorts in Courchevel
Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is a small Alpine town east of Innsbruck, in the western Austrian province of Tyrol. It’s a fashionable winter resort, known for the annual Hahnenkamm downhill race. Upscale shops and cafes line the streets of its medieval center. Museum Kitzbühel chronicles the history of the town and the area’s winter sports, with paintings by local artist Alfons Walde. Its rooftop terrace has sweeping town views.
Skiing in Kitzbühel is an absolute dream! With its perfectly prepared pistes, state-of-the art lift system and 230 kilometres of downhill slopes, the resort is sure to put a smile on the face of every ski fan. Alongside the world-famous Streif downhill ski race course on the Hahnenkamm mountain, the area is also home to a total of 57 ski lifts offering fun on the slopes for both beginners and more advanced skiers. You can also treat your taste buds to culinary delights surrounded by stunning panoramic mountain views at one of the area’s 60 huts and mountain restaurants, each of which is unique in its own special way. See ski resorts and hotels in Kitzbühel
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is an Alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton. Verbier is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area – with nearly 100 lifts and more than 400 km of ski runs for all levels of expertise at your feet. Trails on Mont Fort Glacier have views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. A freeride paradise, the resort is a must for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and its après-ski and aperitifs are a veritable institution on terraces where a cosmopolitan clientele of all generations is to be found. While this resort is a true paradise for winter sports, its summer options are just as appealing and are an open invitation to endless discoveries. The resort is a huge adventure playground for those skilled at mountain biking.
The ski lift network makes it possible for everyone to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Other sports are naturally also plentiful and be it on land or in the air, you’ll find whatever you need in Verbier. A rich cultural agenda, sports events throughout the year, shopping, gastronomy, history and night life are just some of the many aspects that you will find in the resort and that will make your stay unforgettable.
Throughout the season, the resort throbs with world-class sports, cultural, artistic and gastronomic events: Verbier Art Summit (31 January & 1 February 2020), Verbier Xtreme (28 March–5 April 2020); Haute Cuisine, (1–4 April 2020) and the legendary Patrouille des Glaciers, ski mountaineering race (27 April–3 May), all do their bit in boosting the resort’s charm and making it lively and energetic.
The ski lifts open continuously (7 days a week) until 3 May 2020. See hotels in Verbier
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isère is a ski resort in the French Alps, near the Italian border. With nearby Tignes, it’s part of the Espace Killy ski area. Val d’Isère is a genuine old village with an outstandingly high-quality ski area with more than 80 years of history since the first pioneers. These visionaries turned a little community tucked away at the end of a long and remote valley into a world-class international tourist destination.
The name Val d’Isère is synonymous with skiing. The high altitude French resort (1850 – 3456m) is internationally famous for the extent of its ski area that’s suitable for everyone from complete beginner to veteran powderhound.
It’s not by chance that Val d’Isère is well known for its art de vivre. With Michelin-starred and traditional restaurants along with cool bars, nothing here is actually left to Lady Luck. These factors all add up to make Val d’Isère a favourite destination for people who truly appreciate the good things in life.
You’re skiing in the footsteps of Jean Claude Killy and the other great ski champions of the past who learned their skills here. Your hotel or apartment may well be the former family home of one of those pioneers. See hotels and apartments in Val d’Isère
St Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, has the Cresta Run, a world-championship bobsled run made of natural ice, and an outdoor Olympic ice rink. Its frozen lake hosts polo, cricket and even horse racing on ice. Ski and snowboard areas include Corviglia, Diavolezza and Corvatsch, and there are well-groomed cross-country ski trails.
There are many ski resorts in St Moritz.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, is a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing, and hiking. Zermatt is Switzerland’s highest ski resort. Skiing enthusiasts from all over the world congregate in Zermatt. At an altitude of around 3883 meters between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia lies the highest ski area in Switzerland, the Matterhorn ski paradise. 360 kilometers of blue, red, black and yellow runs promise fantastic skiing. Guests can use modern lifts and cable cars, including the recently opened Matterhorn glacier ride. The supporting programme of events includes some unforgettable gourmet delights and infamous après ski evenings..
Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants, and also has a lively après-ski scene. There are public outdoor rinks for ice-skating and curling.
See and book your room in Zermatt
Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is one of the most popular resorts in Italy. It is a valley in the Dolomites, in northern Italy, known as a center for mountain sports. The Sellaronda circuit is a ski route that goes through Selva di Val Gardena. The Alpine meadows and pine forests of Puez-Odle Nature Park shelter eagle owls and rock ptarmigans. In the town of Ortisei, the Museum Gherdëina has fossils illustrating the formation of the surrounding mountains, plus art and wood carvings.
All the ingredients that go into making a perfect holiday can be found in Dolomites Val Gardena: three beautiful villages where exclusive hotels, rustic guesthouses and plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries are waiting just for you; the beautiful natural landscape which will make you forget about the everyday grind and a sportive offer make the decision to come here an easy one.
Dolomites Val Gardena is located in the heart of Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their uniqueness, their beauty and their incredible importance for humanity. Which is also why they were put under special protection. You can detect right from the get go what’s so special about this valley when arriving in Selva Val Gardena, Ortisei or S. Cristina. Locals speak Ladin, a language that is older than Italian and is still taught today in the local schools.
