These Are the Highest Ski Resorts in Europe
Without snow, the most beautiful winter vacation feels more like a summer retreat in the mountains. Fortunately, however, there are numerous places in Europe where snow is guaranteed.
January 9, 2023
5. Tignes/Val d'Isère, France
Tignes is located in a valley basin, surrounded by imposing mountains. © Gaspard Guillod
Located in the Italian Aosta Valley, the descent from Monte Bianco starts at 3466 meters. However, the freeride route cannot be called a real "ski resort". Just ten meters lower lies Tignes/Val d'Isère in France. With 300 kilometers of marked slopes and 79 mountain lifts, this is more like a real ski resort with a snow guarantee. In fact, it is one of the largest ski areas in France. Some slopes are located on glaciers allow for snow activities even during summer.
Hotel Tip
Luxury and mountains as far as the eye can see. © Brambleski
The Face à Face Chalet was awarded at the ninth World Ski Awards the best new chalet in the world. Guests enjoy six bedrooms and bathrooms, 380 square meters of living space, a large dining area, balconies, home theater and a private spa.
Chalet Face à Face
Val d'Isère, France
Google coordinates: 45.441363, 6.977527
Web: brambleski.com.
Tel.: +41 27 776 2164
Price: Chalet from €26.390 per week
4. les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes includes one of the largest glaciers in Europe in terms of area. © Toa Heftiba
Granted: If you consider the altitude alone, La Grave - La Meije in the French Hautes-Alpes is actually the fourth highest ski resort in Europe. After all, you can ski from 3534 meters. On the other hand, whether one can speak of a ski area, with only three runway kilometers and three lifts of "skiing area", is questionable. Les Deux Alpes in Grenoble has much more to offer. Here, the highest point is at 3523 meters. There are 200 kilometers of marked slopes and 48 mountain lifts.
Hotel Tip
Clean lines, warm wood and heavy fabrics create an alpine feel-good ambiance. © Le Petit Bes
Chalet Le Petit Bes is located only 250 meters from the ski lift and can accommodate a total of 18 guests. Besides hot tub, fully equipped kitchen and playroom for small guests, it also offers modern interior and wonderful views.
Chalet Le Petit Bes
315,Rue Fond Vieille, 38860 Les Deux Alpes, France
Web: airbnb.com
Price: Chalet from approx. €791
3. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is located near the Italian border and is considered a particularly beautiful ski resort. © Daniel R
With an altitude of 3573 meters as well as 100 kilometers of marked ski slopes, the world-famous ski resort in Switzerland is one that really promises skiing vacations with a snow guarantee. 23 lifts and mountain railroads take guests into the winter sports fun. No less than 13 four-thousand-meter peaks lie around the glacier village. This has earned Saas-Fee the nickname "Pearl of the Alps".
Hotel Tip
Luxury in the middle of the mountains. © Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
The 5 star hotel Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa enables a particularly luxurious skiing vacation. The hotel welcomes its guests with warmth. They enjoy the Gault Millau award-winning cuisine, a spa area of over 2000 square meters and beautiful rooms and suites.
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
Dorfgasse 1, 3906 Saas-Fee, Valais, Switzerland
Web: walliserhof-saasfee.ch
Tel.: +41 27 958 19 06
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from approx. €340
2. aiguille du midi, france
The summit is accessible by cable car all year round and is also a popular summer destination. © Tord Sollie
At 3842 meters, the peak in the Mont Blanc massif is truly fascinating. It is located south of Chamonix and is accessible by cable car. It is the second highest cable car in Europe. The one to exceed it leads to the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt. The descent from the glacier, called "Vallée Blanche" is 24 kilometers long. And as such, it is mainly suitable for experienced skiers. Those who prefer a classic experience are best to stay in Chamonix.
Hotel Tip
Swimming with mountain view: At the beautiful Hôtel Mont-Blanc, it's possible. © Hôtel Mont-Blanc
Hôtel Mont-Blanc is located in the heart of Chamonix. It scores with a heated pool, outdoor hot tub and an excellent restaurant. There is a free shuttle service to the ski slopes. Guests won't miss a thing. If you're looking for a luxurious hideaway, this is it.
Hôtel Mont-Blanc
62 All. du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Web: hotelmontblancchamonix.com
Tel.: +33 4 50 53 05 64
Price: doubles from € 403
1. Zermatt-Matterhorn, Switzerland & Italy
A rack railroad takes you up to Gornergrat, which is located at 3100 meters above sea level. © Kevin Schmid
The ski area is divided between two countries. Thus, part of it is located in the Swiss Valais, while another part extends into Italy. 322 kilometers of slopes and 38 kilometers of ski routes make the ski-enjoyment around Zermatt almost limitless. With an altitude of up to 3899 meters, it is the highest ski resort in the Alps. Thirty-eight four-thousand-meter peaks define the panorama. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise is also the highest and largest summer ski area in Europe.
Hotel Tip
At Riffelalp Resort, even guests with the highest expectations will find nothing lacking. © Riffelalp Resort
The luxurious Riffelalp Resort is located at 2222 meters and has the Matterhorn in view. You arrive by cogwheel train, enjoy the finest cuisine and let yourself be pampered in the highest spa in Europe.
Riffelalp Resort
3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Web: riffelalp.com
Tel.: +41 27 966 05 55
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from approx. €660
