Get Way More From Your Next Ski Trip at These Destinations in Europe

As soon as the leaves change color and fall to the ground, and that first proper “brrr” sweeps through the air, our attention turns toward winter—more specifically, cold-weather vacations. For devotees of the slopes, that usually means the annual ski trip. While most U.S.-based travelers are inclined to pick popular domestic destinations, like Aspen or Park City, for reasons of cost and feasibility, pulling off a European ski holiday can actually be an easier and less expensive choice.

Sure, the plane ride may be a few hours longer than to the East Coast or out West, but flights are typically direct, and when they’re not, Europe’s well-connected public rail network makes transfers practically stress-free. (Need proof? The train from Zurich to St. Anton am Arlberg, in the Austrian Alps, takes just 2 hours and 21 minutes and costs around $65.) Meanwhile, many favorite resorts in the U.S. are notoriously difficult to reach, often requiring connecting flights or hours on the road.

Once you arrive at a European ski resort, lift pricing, rentals and on-mountain food are generally more affordable than in the U.S. (save for a few champagne-fueled spots). Another bump you won’t have to deal with in Europe? How to keep the kids happy. Virtually every top resort offers lessons for newbies, plus kids’ parks and playgrounds at on-mountain restaurants.

So now that you know a European ski trip can feel just as manageable as a domestic one (often even more so), the only question left is where to go. Enter our European ski primer—from Åre, Sweden, to Zermatt, Switzerland, here is everything you need to choose the perfect slope-side spot.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Stroller-toting families will appreciate Gstaad’s many walkable riverside trails.

When you envision a traditional Swiss Alpine escape, it probably looks something like Gstaad: chalet architecture, pristine slopes and bundled holiday-goers sipping glühwein with a splash of kirsch. Nestled in the German-speaking canton of Bern, this picturesque destination delivers world-class—and surprisingly wallet-friendly—skiing for all levels (a one-day lift ticket at Gstaad typically costs under $100, compared to over $200 at Aspen Snowmass), a lively après scene (d​on’t miss the chance to warm up with a hot drink and some fondue inside the ice igloos at Iglu-Dorf Gstaad​, located near the Saanerslochgrat mountain station) and a pedestrianized main street lined with designer shops and restaurants. Those traveling with tots will appreciate the stroller-friendly walking trails along the river and children’s group ski lessons starting at age three and a half, while hotel aficionados will love classically elegant accommodations like Gstaad Palace. (There’s even a Four Seasons set to open in 2026.)

Zermatt, Switzerland

Mont Cervin Palace offers cozy accommodations and Matterhorn sweeps. (Photo courtesy of Mont Cervin Palace, Michel Reybier Hospitality)

Zermatt doesn’t just sit at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn—it owns the iconic view. Situated in southern Switzerland, this ski retreat boasts abundant snowfall (averaging around 10 feet annually), over 200 miles of groomed pistes, expansive backcountry terrain, Europe’s highest lift station at Klein Matterhorn (12,740 feet) and an après scene full of drinking, dancing and ooey-gooey fondue. And while the primary ski season stretches from late November through April or May, glacier runs allow for year-round access to the slopes (think: spring skiing and hotel savings). Most travelers reach Zermatt via the 12-minute shuttle from Täsch or by direct train from the major Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva. Since the village itself is car-free, there’s no need for a rental, and getting around by foot or rail is exceedingly convenient. Once you arrive, Mont Cervin Palace and Hotel Monte Rosa are two favored lodgings.

Verbier, Switzerland

W Verbier supplies timber-clad balconies overlooking snowcapped peaks. (Photo courtesy of W Verbier)

Celebrated as one of the most thrilling resorts in the Alps (both for its terrain and après-ski culture) and part of the 4 Vallées, Verbier is the destination of choice for serious skiers. But you don’t have to be an expert to love it—novices and fledgling skiers will find plenty of beginner-friendly runs and well-regarded ski schools. After all the downhill action, visitors can rub elbows with European glitterati and the occasional royal at lively haunts like Farm Club, Farinet and Le Rouge Restaurant & Après-Ski. On the hotel front, choose Experimental Chalet Verbier for chic chalet aesthetics, W Verbier for a prime location in the heart of town or Hôtel Montpelier for a more low-key ambience.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Travelers check in to Kulm Hotel St. Moritz for slope access, spa services and sweeping Alpine views. (Photo courtesy of Kulm Hotel St. Moritz)

Located in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, St. Moritz is a favorite of royals and celebrities. But it’s more than an elite escape. Skiers of all stripes flock to the pristine slopes, legendary off-piste areas and glacier runs (specifically, aboard the scenic Rhaetian Railway, about three hours and one easy rail transfer from Zurich). Many come just to experience the glitzy social scene (and who can blame them?); however, St. Moritz also provides a peaceful atmosphere, should you prefer a more chill après-ski vibe. While you’d expect all this to come with a steep price tag (admittedly, overnights at Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and Carlton Hotel St. Moritz are a splurge), it’s entirely possible to find a good value. Pared-down stays, like Hotel Nolda, ring in at under $400 per night and a three-day ski pass goes for just under $200.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Travelers bound for Chamonix can ride the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in France.

If you’re years into the annual ski-trip game and want to level up, consider Chamonix, one of the world’s oldest ski resorts. Though it’s widely regarded as the birthplace of extreme skiing, Chamonix​ thankfully ​doesn't require any ​jumping through logistical hoops ​t​o reach. It’s just a 1.5-hour shuttle ride from Geneva Airport (GVA). Adrenaline chasers will have a blast navigating the varied backcountry terrain, which includes narrow couloirs, steep drops and powder bowls, or checking off bucket-list challenges like mountaineering (a mix of icy endurance climbing) and the famous Vallée Blanche, one of the longest off-piste descents in the world. When you need a break from barreling downhill, ride the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in France (starting at $68 for round-trip adult tickets) or kick back in a mountain-view room at Hôtel Mont-Blanc.

Courchevel, France

Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a cozy and chic ski-in/ski-out base. (Photo courtesy of Ultima Hotel Courchevel)

Courchevel is synonymous with glamorous slope-side style. This elite resort offers luxury chalets (Ultima Hotel Courchevel and Lys Martagon are worth the splurge), designer shopping and a beyond-the-velvet-rope foray into jet-set culture. Part of the Les 3 Vallées, it also has about 370 miles of marked pistes, with beginner, intermediate and expert zones, and several groomed slopes that are more manageable than those at neighboring mountains. For pint-size snow bunnies, ESF Courchevel 1850 provides ski schools starting at age 3, and Children’s Village has day care for little ones from 18 months—a perfect family-friendly option for parents who want to swoosh down the slopes solo for a few hours.

Lech, Austria

The quaint snow-covered village Lech sits at an elevation of 4,738 feet.

For well-maintained slopes and Alpine charm without the pretense, you can’t beat Lech. Part of Arlberg—Austria’s largest connected ski area—this quaint village at 4,738 feet wins over visitors with its mix of marked pistes, backcountry routes and reliable powder. (It’s one of the snowiest spots in the Alps, which all but guarantees good conditions.) Experienced skiers might want to try heli-skiing, but there’s also plenty of adventure in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and high-altitude hiking. Adding to Lech’s appeal is the fact that it’s less crowded and expensive than many of its Alpine neighbors—you can score a one-day lift ticket for around $90, and rooms at the ski-in/ski-out Hotel Schranz average around $500 a night during peak season.

St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria

St. Anton am Arlberg offers a variety of slopes, from beginner-friendly runs to steep chutes.

With deep powder, extensive trails and spellbinding scenery, St. Anton am Arlberg is a ski paradise with plenty of bragging rights—though this humble spot in the Tyrolean Alps isn’t one to crow. The gateway to the Arlberg ski region, it’s got steep runs and lots of off-piste terrain, but also a large lift network leading to plenty of easier slopes. On- and off-mountain, there’s Austrian charm in spades, from the warm, welcoming après culture (MooserWirt is a must-visit slope-side restaurant for a megawatt party with live music) to affordable accommodations like Hotel Pension Kirchplatz. Direct rail access from Innsbruck and Zurich makes St. Anton am Arlberg especially convenient for international travelers.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Cinque Torri, part of the Dolomiti Superski network, is known for its reliable snowfall (an average of 8 feet of powder annually) and excellent conditions. (Photo courtesy of Cortina Marketing/Alberto De Giuli)

Recently, it seems like everyone is seeking out the Dolomites (including us—the destination is one of our Trips to Take in 2026)—and the high-altitude region is responding in kind, with a flurry of new development and hotel openings. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Dolomites,” the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is where you’ll want to base your stay. Beyond its fashionable Italian vibe, the historic snow sports destination gets an average of 8 feet of fresh powder annually. It’s also part of the Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski area in the world by some estimates—travelers can buy a five‑day pass to access all 12 interconnected resorts, which total 774 miles of skiable runs, for around $400. Back in town, peruse the designer boutiques along Corso Italia, go for a panoramic alfresco lunch right on the mountain at El Camineto Cortina and rest your head at the newly redesigned Ancora Cortina.

Åre, Sweden

The Åre ski lift brings riders to runs ranging from easy greens and kids’ areas to advanced double blacks.

Most people associate European ski destinations with Switzerland and France, but Sweden has great slopes, too. Located less than two hours by train and bus from Östersund (the county capital and home to the closest airport), Åre, Scandinavia’s premier ski resort, offers runs for all skill levels, from magic carpets for kiddos to black diamonds and off-piste terrain near Åreskutan summit for advanced riders. Powder hounds can expect an average annual snowfall of 50 inches, while families will value the snow parks, themed children’s areas and ski schools starting at age 3. When you’re not riding the lifts, there are loads of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating at outdoor rinks and dogsledding, plus cozy hotels such as Hotell Fjällgården.