During the cold months of winter, many flock to the best ski resorts in Europe for some fun on the slopes, and boy, are we spoiled for choice when it comes to ski resorts that are just a short flight away.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn the basics of skiing or you’ve loved skiing since you were a child, there are a huge range of different ski resorts in Europe to choose from depending on your interests and experiences.
And don’t worry if you’re not interested in skiing and you’re just there to enjoy cosying up in a chalet with some fondue, there’s plenty of other things you can get up to including a range of restaurants, spa facilities, shops and more.
Best ski resort for families: Serre Chevalier
We know little ones can struggle to stay interested when it comes to outdoor activities, especially if it’s their first go at skiing or if they get too cold. The resort of Serre Chevalier is located in the Hautes-Alpes in France and there is plenty for the whole family to get up to during your stay. The slopes are adapted to all levels with a range of ski schools on offer, making it a great place to learn to ski as a family, with lessons available for little ones as young as three-years-old. As well as skiing, you’ll find sledding areas, dog-sled rides, ice karting, skating rinks, swimming pools and snow mobiles to have a go on.
Where to stay: There are a huge range of different accommodation options available to spend your stay in at Serre Chevalier depending on your budget and party size. For a hotel with a spa, Le Grand Aigle Hôtel & Spa is an ideal option for families with older children and those who don’t fancy skiing. There’s also many residencies for larger groups to choose from as picturesque private chalets to splurge on like the Reymond Christiane - Chalet Les Tavaillons.
Best ski resort in Scotland: The Cairngorm Mountains
You really don’t have to travel far in the winter to find a fun ski resort, and there are plenty to enjoy in Scotland. Simply grab your ski jacket and hop in the car or on a train. With it being so close, Scotland is an ideal place to go for a spot of skiing if you don’t like to travel.
The Cairngorm Mountains really are the go-to place for skiing in Scotland and it’s the place that you’re most likely to guarantee yourself a good amount of snow in the winter months. However, as we know when it comes to British weather, it can be very unpredictable, so you may find snow is in short supply occasionally. There are a number of runs suitable for a range of abilities as well as restaurants, bars and walking routes to explore.
Where to stay: There are many different accommodation options but we’d recommend the Cairngorm Motorhome Site where you can park your motorhome for the duration of your trip while enjoying some pretty impressive views from the car park.
Best budget ski resort: Jasná Nízke Tatry, Slovakia
We all know how pricey skiing can be, particularly some of the more expensive resorts in France and Austria. There are however some more affordable ski destinations including Jasná Nízke Tatry in Slovakia. It’s home to the longest slopes in Slovakia as well as stunning nature but it’s definitely better suited to more confident skiers and is home to the largest ski events in Slovakia. We’re also huge fans of the warming traditional slovakian food to warm you up after some skiing including a traditional bowl of goulash.
Where to stay: The accommodation and food is also very reasonable in Slovakia and you can often find hotel rooms for as little as £30 per night at certain points in the season, with many hotels just a stones throw away from the slopes.
Best ski resort with spa: Paravis Spa at the Hotel Tyrol in Selva, Italy
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming in from a cold day on the slopes to a warming, cosy spa. Whether you’re looking to soothe your muscles after skiing or you’re seeking something to occupy yourself with while your family ski, a hotel with a spa is a must for many skiers. One of the best picks by far when it comes to a spa within a ski resort is Paravis Spa at the Hotel Tyrol in Selva, Italy.
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Hotel Tyrol is very close to the Sellaronda ski circuit and the spa includes a thermal treatment room, a Turkish bath, heated pool, four different types of saunas to help relieve any muscle tension from the day.
Ski resort for beginners: Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental
If you’re new to skiing and want to learn how to be a pro on the slopes, then you’ll want to head to a ski resort that has a great ski school. With lessons available for everyone aged 3 and up, the nursery slopes at Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental are designed for your first time ever on the slopes and you even have the option of booking some 1:1 lessons with an experienced skier.
Where to stay: The Tirol Lodge is located in the perfect place to get to the slopes, allowing you to ski in and out, with plenty of amenities including ski hire, restaurants and shops at easy reach. It also has a real touch of luxury with comfortable rooms and a steamy outdoor pool for relaxing in the evening.
Best luxury ski resort: Courchevel, French Alps
For a touch of luxury, the ultimate luxurious ski resort is Courchevel in France. As one of France’s most famous ski resorts, its stunning views, world-class slopes and luxurious hospitality attracts ski lovers from around the world each season.
Where to stay: If you truly want to splurge on a special stay, Cheval Blanc really does have it all. With modern and cosy interiors, seasonal food offerings as well as a luxurious spa to escape to, it’s the perfect place to spoil yourself after a long day on the slopes.
To enjoy more regular stories just like this, become a Yours subscriber and become part of our fun and friendly community of like-minded readers.
Best quiet ski resort: Chamrousse
If the idea of getting caught up in a big group of skiers or accidentally falling into someone puts you off, then a smaller, quieter resort like Chamrousse could be just what you're looking for. Chamrousse ski resort is tucked away in the snowy Belledonne mountains in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France in Isère.
Where to stay: While there are plenty of budget friendly accommodation options you can find for less that £40 per night, we'd recommend opting for something a little more luxurious at the 4* Le Grand Hôtel & Spa in Uriage Les Bains, which is where I stayed for my third night.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.