The Best Ski Resorts in Europe: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
For our 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, survey voters weighed in on their favorite ski resorts in Europe. Verbier stole the number one ranking, leaving Zermatt holding close in second place. Italy, host of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, will be in the spotlight this year and had four resorts in the showing. Levi resort in Finland held its own in the rankings, with resorts in France, Switzerland, and Italy dominating the rankings. Here are the ski resorts that you loved most, for both their serious slopes, excellent après ski scenes, and exceptional hotels.
Ingolf Pompe 14/Alamy20. Kitzbühel, Austria
Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a picturesque 750-year-old city center; a lively après-ski scene along quaint, cobblestone streets; and unsurpassed skiing that includes 11 renowned ski schools and the most demanding course 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. The resort also has a stellar line-up of winter events, including the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup (January 15 through 18, 2026) and Sound Escape music festival (March 26 through 29, 2026).
Where to stay: 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. For affordability and convenience, check out the new Henri boutique hotel that recently opened by the train station.
Stats: 58 lifts for 96 runs covering 145 miles. One-day lift tickets average $92; on the Ikon Pass.
- Getty
19. Megève, France
Megève may not have the haute party scene of, say, St. Moritz, or the breadth of sporty-centric Courchevel, but it still has plenty to tout. Two ski areas are covered with nearly 250 miles of runs linked by state-of-the-art cable cars. Skiers can choose from 50-plus on-mountain restaurants, like the excellent La Ferme de Mon Père. A charming, car-free city center featuring an open-air ice rink, cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs, as well as a number of smart boutiques makes Megève a family favorite.
Where to stay: The resort's primary patrons—streams of well-heeled Parisians looking to escape the city—reserve rooms at Relais & Châteaux Flocons de Sel, or the Les Fermes de Marie, a tiny mountain chalet where the rooms have fur throws, wood-beamed ceilings, and stone accent walls. Four Seasons Hotel Megève and 12-room Le Chalet, from Zannier Hotels, both offer five-star service.
Stats: There are 112 lifts for nearly 250 runs for the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area. One-day lift tickets from $60. The Mont-Blanc Unlimited Pass starts at $116 and includes 10 ski areas and nearly 450 miles of slopes across three countries; on the Mountain Collective Pass.
Guillaume Marques/Unsplash18. 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. The eclectic dining scene draws on flavors from around the world. Essential reservations include Mumma, which specializes in Asian and South American fusion cuisine, and Yumidori, a Japanese spot helmed by a sushi world champ. New this season, Restaurant Le 3842 will serve a three-course lunch atop the Aiguille du Midi.
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: There are 43 lifts for 68 miles of slopes. One-day lift ticket from $69; on the Ikon Pass. The Mont-Blanc Unlimited Pass starts at $116 and includes 10 ski areas and nearly 450 miles of slopes across three countries.
Getty17. Lech Zürs, Austria
Lech Zürs 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, family-run boutiques, art galleries, and stylish hotels and chalets. The village of 1,600 may be tiny, but it boasts one of the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world (Rote Wand Chef’s Table at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel is a must). 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, Zug, and Oberlech. Two modern new cable cars make the slopes even more accessible.
Where to stay: Five-star, family-run Hotel Almhof Schneider is the epitome of Alpine elegance, with a serious art collection, serene spa, and a 25,000-bottle wine cellar. Boutique stay Hotel 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, 85 lifts and cable cars can access more than 180 miles of marked slopes and 120-plus miles of backcountry runs. One-day lift ticket from $95; on the Epic Pass.
Getty16. 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 the 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; on the Ikon pass.
Getty15. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is a resort of superlatives. The highest ski resort in Europe delivers six months of skiing—the longest season on the continent—and is part of the Three Valleys, the largest ski area in Europe, boasting more than 370 miles of pistes. Recent upgrades have made the ski experience rival the top resorts on the planet. This season, the new 10-seater Face Nord gondola will whisk 1,450 skiers per hour to the Asters and Face Nord slopes, creating a key link to the Orelle area via the beginner-friendly Lory run. And after a season of closure, the Cime Caron cable car will return with two new cabins, providing direct access to Val Thorens’ highest point at 10,498 feet, as well as the year-old Caron 3200 restaurant and its endless panoramas of the Alps. The après scene has long been legendary. Après icon La Folie Douce unveils a head-to-toe renovation this season, including a second balcony. Two locals are behind the newest post-ski gathering spot, La Timbale, a tapas spot in the heart of the village.
Where to stay: To celebrate its 10th anniversary, five-star Hótel Pashmina will debut a new outdoor spa with stunning mountain views.
Stats: 25 lifts for 93 miles of pistes. One-day lift ticket for Val Thorens starting at $74. One-day lift ticket for the Three Valleys $95; on the Epic Pass.
Cober Schneider/Getty14. Andermatt, Switzerland
When an Egyptian billionaire opened five-star The Chedi Andermatt hotel (more on that later) in 2013, it turned a relatively unknown ski area tucked between Zermatt and St. Moritz into an international ski destination. The largest ski area in the heart of Switzerland has such varied and vast terrain you never have to repeat a run. Gemsstock is a steep, free-riding playground while neighboring Nätschen is laced with cruise-y runs. And if you want something more mellow, you can easily link to the family-friendly slopes of Sedrun. When your legs get tired from all the skiing, the Matterhorn Gotthard railway (also included in the ticket) will take you back to Andermatt. This season, Andermatt-Sedrun will open two new chairlifts, the Val Val-Calmut and Val Val-Cuolm, doubling capacity to 2,400 skiers per hour. The culinary scene is more impressive than ever now that Swiss star chef Andres Caminada has opened an outpost of his IGNIV restaurant concept in Andermatt’s Reuss district.
Where to Stay: The extravagant Chedi Andermatt has 123 spacious rooms and suites all boasting fireplaces, Hästens mattresses, and large balconies. Set aside plenty of time to soak in the spa’s hydrotherapy zone and indulge in the 16-foot-high, glass-walled, climate-controlled Cheese Tower or The Japanese, the hotel’s Michelin-star Japanese restaurant.
Stats: Average price for a one-day lift ticket is $128; the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski region comprises 33 lifts for 85 marked pistes; on the Epic Pass.
- Marco Bertorello/Getty
13. Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is one of 12 ski resorts that make up the expansive Dolomiti Superski, which connects skiers and riders to nearly 750 miles of slopes including the region’s famous, 25-mile, lift connected circuit, the Sellaronda, which can be completed in a day. The villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena make up the Val Gardena area. Skiers come here for the groomers, but there are some fantastic off-piste descents, including the Forcella Mezdì and the Forcella del Pordoi. Outfitter Dolomite Mountains organizes on- or off-piste ski safaris that explore the entire region. Skiers stay overnight in rifugios—traditional mountain huts—and dine at sensational on-mountain restaurants like Emilio Comici.
Where to stay: Family-friendly Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti has a kids’ club, top-notch spa, and Mediterranean-influenced restaurant. Third generation, family-run, ski-in/ski-out Hotel Freina is located directly at the foot of the Ciampinoi piste in the middle of the Sellaronda. Granvara Relais & Spa Hotel wins points for its five-star service and unbeatable views of the towering mountains of Sassolungo.
Stats: There are 79 lifts for more than 110 miles of slopes. One-day Dolomiti Superski pass from $88; on the Ikon Pass.
.jpg)
Getty12. Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland
More than 70% of this vast ski area’s slopes fall between 6,500 and 9,800 feet in elevation, which makes for some of Europe’s most reliable snow conditions. With three connected mountains, there’s terrain for all abilities. Beginners and families love the gentle runs around Alp Dado, while skiers and riders looking to test their mettle can tackle the eight-mile descent from La Siala down to Flims. Laax is known as Europe’s freestyle mecca and plays host to the annual Laax Open, one of the snowboard world’s most important events. And this March, superstar snowboarder Shaun White brings Season One of his Snow League to Laax’s halfpipe. Night skiing and snowboarding mean you can be on the slopes until 10 p.m. and have an excuse for double après.
Where to Stay: The hip Riders Hotel at Laax base station has stylish rooms, a vegetarian restaurant, and weekly free concerts, movie screenings, and art exhibitions at the lobby bar.
Stats: 30 ski lifts connect 134 miles of slopes and 5 snowparks with the world’s largest halfpipe; One-day lift ticket from $66.
- Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty
11. 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 the abundance of fabulous restaurants. On a bluebird day, schuss to Glacier 3000 Neues. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, it has the best terrace on the slopes with panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
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. Five-star Ultima Gstaad is all the buzz this winter as it will be home to Switzerland’s first Zuma restaurant pop-up. And in December the brand debuts Ultima Promenade Gstaad, an eight-suite, four-floor chalet with over-the-top touches like a private disco and cinema.
Stats: One-day lift tickets between $53 and $84; there are 42 lifts for nearly 125 miles of runs.
.jpg)
- Education Images/Getty
10. Corvara - Alta Badia, Italy
This valley extraordinarily combines the beauty of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Ladin traditions and culture, as well as exceptional slopes that connect to the massive Dolomiti Superski area, including the Gran Risa slope where Ski World Cup races are held each year. New infrastructure, including an upgrade of the Forcelles lift, will make connecting the slopes speedier than ever. The cuisine is just as appealing as the skiing, with everything from Michelin-star gastronomic temples to humble, family-run mountain huts set at 6,500 feet. Outfitter Dolomite Mountains can curate culinary ski safari that showcase the best slopes and chefs. A novel sommelier on the slopes program pairs skiers with an instructor and wine expert and tastings are hosted at mountain huts including Ütia Bioch and Club Moritzino.
Where to stay: The completely renewed Hotel La Müda debuts this December.
Stats: There are 53 lifts for 101 slopes. One-day lift ticket from $104; on the Ikon Pass.
Nora Gi/Unsplash9. Innsbruck, Austria
If you want to bag peaks while also getting a dose of urban energy and culture, look no further than Innsbruck. The capital of Tirol has hosted the Olympics twice (in 1964 and 1976) and is surrounded by 12ski resorts (Kühtai, Axamer Lizum, Muttereralm, Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Oberperfuss Cable Cars, Hochoetz, Schlick 2000, Glungezer, Serlesbahnen Mieders, Elferbahnen Neustift, Stubai Glacier) each with its own personality. Stubai Glacier is Austria’s largest glacier resort area and often stays open through May, Axamer Lizum features challenging championship runs, and Schlick 2000 is a family favorite for its ski school and progressive terrain. Collectively called Olympia Ski World, the massive area can all be explored with just one ticket, the Ski Plus City Pass, which includes non-ski activities like tobogganing and bobsledding an Olympic run. During the Christmas season, you won’t want to miss exploring the charming holiday markets in the surrounding villages. Don’t miss dinner at Innsbruck’s hot new restaurant, Das Blum.
Where to stay: The 120-room Stage 12 hotel is set right in the old quarter of the city and is an easy bus ride to the resort. Ski-in/ski-out Mooshaus in Kühtai is known for its infinity pool, a doting kids club, and fantastic service. Perched at around 6,630 feet, ski-in/ski-out Jagdschloss Resort has both hotel rooms and apartments, and you can ski from the door to three-lake lift.
Stats: 108 lifts and cable cars and with just over 168 miles of runs. Two-day pass from $179.
- ventdusud/Getty
8. 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 and high-quality, snow-sure slopes (and as backup, the largest artificial snow making 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 make a stay here a true holiday in every sense of the word. This season, skiers have multiple new dining options on and off the slopes, such as IMA, a vibrant new restaurant, bringing the flavours of the Near East to Val d’Isère, and Le Bottleneck at K2 Chogori, where the emphasis is on braised meats and fondue. The resorts' famous La Folie Douce also sets out to reinvent its culinary space with the launch of “La Petite Cuisine -Gare Centrale”, a dynamic hub combining food, drinks, performances, workshops, and music in an industrial-chic setting.
Where to stay: Airelles Val d’Isère opens its first slopeside chalet this winter. The 215-room Club Med Val d’Isère is the first Club Med Exclusive Collection resort in the Alps. We also love the chic atmosphere of Airelles Val d'Isère, Hotel Le K2 Chogori, and Le Refuge de Solaise, the highest hotel in France. At the foot of the slopes, Hip Hideouts is launching three apartments in Le Parc 1963, offering a highly personalized stay.
Stats: One-day lift tickets are $88 for Tignes and Val d’ Isère. The linked Tignes–Val d’ Isère ski area has 161 runs connected by 71 lifts, plus two skiable glaciers and two snow parks. Ski passes are free for children under age eight.
- Didier Marti/Getty
7. Crans-Montana, Switzerland
It doesn’t have the cachet of Zermatt or Verbier, but that’s one of the many reasons skiers love under-the-radar Crans-Montana. Its 90 miles of slopes are spread across a south-facing plateau in Switzerland’s Valais canton, which means they’re almost always sun-soaked. And the resort features 18 on-mountain restaurants, such as Chalet Merbé and Cabane des Violettes, with terraces so you can work on your tan and take in the dazzling alpine views. Freestyle fans will find one of the best snowparks in Switzerland, featuring an Olympic-size halfpipe. And it’s hard to find a ski resort that can compete with its spectacular views over a range of 18 peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Where to stay: Six Senses Crans-Montana is an oasis of luxury. The team can arrange exclusive experiences such as first tracks ski passes and gourmet snowshoe excursions.
Stats: There are 24 lifts for 61 runs. One-day lift ticket from $128; on the Epic Pass.
- Romi Tolonen/Getty
6. Levi, Finland
Located in the Arctic Circle in the wilderness of Lapland, Levi is Finland's leading ski resort with four connected ski areas that include 44 slopes, four snow parks, and five ski touring routes. Families love the dedicated areas Kids' Land and Leevilandia, the beginner-friendly area that boasts a snow tubing run, a tobogganing slope, and an indoor playground area. Levi’s slopes are popular among world-class alpine skiers, as well, hosting World Cup races. Beyond the slopes, snowy adventures are endless from snowmobiling and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and viewing the Northern Lights. Levi boasts some 2,000 saunas, guaranteeing visitors can always find a place to warm up from the cold. And don’t miss a meal at Tuikku, the oldest mountain restaurant in Levi with panoramic views across the fells of Western Lapland.
Where to stay: Levi offers 105 Northern Lights accommodations, including Levi Aurora Igloo and Northern Lights Village, with an annual average of 111 aurora borealis sightings. Levi Spirit Luxury Villas & Resort is less than one mile from the nearest ski slope and provides unique experiences ranging from reindeer sledding and husk safaris.
Stats: There are 26 lifts for 44 slopes. One-day lift for $40.
Giacomo Maestri/Getty5. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
This historic town, carved into the valley of the Boite river, grew into a must-visit ski destination following the 1956 Winter Olympics, and it will once again host the Games in 2026. Just two hours from Venice, the town isn't too remote—though the towering ring of surrounding Dolomites might make it feel otherwise—and its low-key vibe (a far remove from the flashy, see-and-be-seen culture of other comparable ski towns) continues to attract the likes of George Clooney. Part of the massive Dolomiti Superski, Cortina connects skiers and riders to nearly 750 miles of slopes. And Nordic fans can access Europe’s biggest network of cross-country trails.
Where to stay: Diesel founder Renzo Rosso recently reimagined 35-room Hotel Ancora, lovingly restoring elements of the old (fabric-effect wallpapers and hand-painted gilt motifs on the ceiling of the breakfast room) and bringing in fresh touches such as Marshall speakers in the rooms and an underground speakeasy. The intimate Hotel de Len has just 23 rooms and a fabulous rooftop spa that overlooks the valley. Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a lavish Belle Époque hotel about a mile from the gondola, is closed for a refurbishment and will reopen under the Mandarin Oriental flag in 2026.
Stats: One-day Dolomiti Superski pass from $88; on the Ikon Pass. There are 35 lifts for nearly 75 miles of runs.
Buzz Pictures/Alamy4. 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, offers more than seven acres of terrain so young ones can easily progress. Not a skier? Choose from 45 non-skiing activities such as dog sledding and ice climbing. 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 once you’ve gotten a taste for Courchevel’s heated pavements and impressive, Michelin-starred dining scene. Known as the most Michelin-starred ski resort in the world, Courchevel proudly shines with seven starred restaurants and a total of 13 Michelin stars.
Where to stay: Of the 31 palace hotels in France, 5 of them are here—including L'Apogée Courchevel, Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges Courchevel, and Cheval Blanc Courchevel. Rosewood will plant its first ski-in, ski-out flag in Courchevel 1850’s tony Le Jardin Alpin area this winter. French designer Tristan Auer modeled the 51-room hotel after the region’s historic farmhouses.
Stats: Courchevel has 46 lifts for 102 runs.One-day lift ticket for the 370-plus miles of pistes in the Three Valleys $95; on the Epic Pass.
Stefano Politi Markovina/Alamy3. St. Moritz, Switzerland
The oldest winter holiday resort in the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. As if St. Moritz wasn't already blessed enough at nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, the sun shines 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air for what’s known as a “Champagne climate.” But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping, and excellent skiing on- and off-piste that draw celebrities and royalty alike. The iconic alpine city is equally famous for its unique events on the frozen lake St. Moritz: the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the White Turf horse racing and the ICE car show. After successful pop-ups cult Italian franchise Crazy Pizza will open a permanent location in the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz. The hotel will also welcome Neora, the first modern Greek restaurant in the Engadin.
Where to stay: A room in the new Serlas Wing at alpine grand dame Badrutt's Palace Hotel, which has been indulging A-listers since 1896, or at the recently renovated Kulm Hotel—one of our Gold List favorites—can do no wrong.
Stats: There are 58 lifts for 88 runs. One-day lift tickets range from $45 to $100.
Getty2. 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 well 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 swanky après-ski diversions and state-of-the-art lift system, recently enhanced this season with the new 8-seater Gifthitli chairlift. Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation in the car-free village. On the slopes, be sure to stop for the burger at Chez Vrony (reservations a must) and a glass of bubbles at the tiny Champagne bar at the end of the Sunnega run. The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II now links the entire stretch between Zermatt and Cervinia by cable car, connecting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station with the Testa Grigia valley station.
Where to stay: Grand dame Mont Cervin Palace and modern-luxe Schweizerhof Zermatt, both offer prime central locations and every imaginable amenity. Just above the village, slope-side CERVO Mountain Resort has an ashram-inspired spa with an expansive network of outdoor pools, saunas, and soaking tubs.
Stats: There are 55 lifts for 147 runs. One-day lift ticket from $87; on the Ikon Pass.
Getty1. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is considered one of the Alps' most glam resorts with high-profile stays including Richard Branson's luxury chalet The Lodge. 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 4 Vallées. Connectivity is easier than ever with the first-phase of a new hybrid gondola-lift opening this winter to connect Les Planards to the 7,217-foot summit of Savoleyres. Top tables include L’Inkontro, a restaurant inspired by culture of the Bagnard region, and local chef David Adam’s A Table, a six-seat restaurant in a former sheepfold. Verbier’s nightlife is as popular as its pistes. Dance the night away at the Farm Club, an iconic institution founded in 1971, or Farinet, a favorite of the Royal family.
Where to stay: Newly opened Cabane Tortin is the ultimate splurge. The three-bedroom, buy-out chalet is perched at 9,500 feet atop the Tortin Glacier and boasts a one-to-four staff to guest ratio, plus private night skiing on freshly groomed slopes. The W Verbier has the best location in town, close to ski school meeting spots and opposite the Médran gondola. Hotel Cordée des Alpes is another great boutique option with an award-winning restaurant.
Stats: There are 80 lifts for more than 250 miles of runs across the 4 Vallées ski area. One-day lift ticket from $100; on the Epic Pass.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
