Posted on Friday, 16 December 2022

Planning a ski holiday for the first time? Looking for an alternative to your usual resort? Or simply want the best ski holiday destination your budget will allow?

Whichever is the case, a wealth of fabulous ski locations are available, from North America to Japan.

But for Brits, it makes sense to head over to continental Europe for our snowbound jollies: flights are cheap, and you have dozens of truly world class resorts to choose from. 

Best country for skiing in Europe?

The undisputed king of European skiing remains France, where the biggest and best resorts are found.

As well as having insanely beautiful Alpine vistas, French resorts are extremely well developed, with the modern lift systems and a range of accommodation options.

While France may be among the best countries for skiing, other countries have excellent skiing facilities, too: Switzerland and Austria have resorts that compare well with their Gallic neighbour, while North America boasts some equally epic slopes and superb facilities.

How much does a a skiing trip cost?

While picking up the basics of skiing is straightforward, for some of us, the real challenge comes with saving enough money to have a ski break in the first place!

That’s what we’ve included budget options as well as high-end resorts. 

 

Here’s our pick of the best places to ski in the world!

Courchevel ski resort, France

Why Courchevel ski resort?

• Legendary black runs
• Snow-sure, with 700 snow cannons
• Glamorous après ski scene
• Access 400 miles of ski runs as part of the wider Three Valleys area

How expensive is Courchevel ski resort?

You don't have to be an A-lister to enjoy glitzy Courchevel - and its world-famous black runs. Indeed, despite its exclusive reputation, it's no more costly than any other French ski resort.

That said, if you want to splash the cash, there are plenty of upmarket hotels, restaurants and bars in which to do so (which have seen a trade boom in recent years thanks to an influx of well-heeled Russians).

It's entirely possible to enjoy Courchevel on a moderate budget - especially if you can find four or five other people with whom to share a chalet.

If you can, you could be looking at £200pp for the week!

Courchevel ski resort runs

Courchevel occupies a lofty position in French skiing (literally as well as figuratively) for good reason. It's part of Les Trois Vallées - the largest ski area in the world, covering more than 400 miles of skiable runs and comprising eight different resorts.

It's also extremely reliable as regards snow; if the white stuff doesn’t fall, it will be produced by the 700+ snow cannons dotted across the resort.

It’s one of the best ski holidays in Europe, let alone France.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Why Zermatt ski resort?

• Incredible Matterhorn backdrop
• 350 km of ski runs
• Zermatt Snow Park for snowboarders
• Longest downhill run in Europe
• Access to Val d'Aosta trail system in Italy

What type of ski resort is Zermatt?

Like Courcheval, Switzerland's Zermatt is considered a very high-end ski resort, with some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Alps.

Leaving costs aside, Zermatt is a remarkable ski resort for many other reasons.

Backed by the iconic Matterhorn, it boasts breathtaking vistas unmatched anywhere else in the country - perhaps the continent.

It's also the highest winter sports area in the Alps and features more than 350 km of slopes. 

Latest addition to Zermatt

Last year it unveiled the world's loftiest 3S lift, able to transport 2,000 skiers up to the Matterhorn Glacier (3883m) every hour.

Is Zermatt suitable for snowboarders?

The resort also has the world's longest downhill, starting from Matterhorn glacier, and is an idyll for snowboarders too - thanks to the high-altitude Zermatt Snow Park on the Theodul Glacier.

In the unlikely event that Zermatt's vast and exhilarating ski runs aren't enough, you can ski over the Theodul Pass and enter Italy's Val d'Aosta and the expansive Breuil-Cervinia ski system.

Bottom line: Switzerland is one of the best countries for skiing, and Zermatt is easily on top of the Swiss pile!

Hirmentaz-Bellevaux, France

Why Hirmentaz-Bellevaux ski resort?

• Family-friendly and ideal for beginners
• Cheaper than most other French resorts
• 25 slopes, 15 lifts
• Perfect for a quiet, low-key ski break
  
  

How expensive is Hirmentaz-Bellevaux ski resort?

If remortgaging your home doesn’t sound like a reasonable way to fund your next skiing holiday, consider diminutive Hirmentaz-Bellevaux.

Something of a local secret, Hirmentaz-Bellevaux has a mere 25 slopes and 15 lifts, but only costs 23.90 euros for a day pass (about a third of the cost of a Chamonix day pass!).

It's ideal for beginners and those with youngsters, so it’s very popular with families.

Accommodation and food are much cheaper than most other French Alpine resorts, so it's a winner for those on a budget.

How to get to Hirmentaz-Bellevaux ski resort

The nearest airport is Meythet Airport, about 40 miles away.

Vail, Colorado, USA

Why choose Vail for your skiing holiday?

• 5,000 acres of skiing
• Slopes for every ability level
• 350 inches of annual snowfall
• Three terrain parks for riders
• Limited daily ticket sales to prevent overcrowding

Because Vail is so big (5,289 acres) and has so many different types of slopes, it has something for every level of skier.

It's also as snow sure as you can get, with more than 350 inches of snowfall annually.

What is Vail like?

It has all the glitz and glam you'd find in a Courchevel or Zermatt, with luxury hotels and boutiques in the town of Vail, overlooked by the perfectly maintained slopes.

Snowboarding and skiing at Vail

There's little opportunity for friction among the various thrill seekers: three terrain parks ensure the snowboarders are happy and (mostly) out of the way of the skiers.

What's more, daily ticket sales are limited for the 22/23 season so there's no overcrowding.

However, this means you'll need to reserve passes ahead of time to avoid disappointment (assuming you don’t have the EPIC season pass).

To conclude, if you can afford the extra cost of the flights, Vail is one of the top ski holiday destinations in the world, let alone the USA.

Val d'Isere and Tignes, France

Why Val d'Isere and Tignes ski resorts?

• 300km of world-class slopes
• More than 20 black runs
• Exceptional off-piste terrain
• Slopes of up to 3,450m
• Snow-sure even in late spring
• Expensive - but worth the money
  
  

Are Val d'Isere and Tignes good resorts for experienced skiers?

With more than 20 thrilling black runs, the Val d'Isere and Tignes ski areas are the ideal stomping ground for experienced skiers.

Val d'Isere and Tignes ski runs?

The two zones share a high valley, together creating more than 300km of contiguous ski terrain, connected by more than 150 lifts.

Part of the Parc National de la Vanoise, Val d'Isere and Tignes boast slopes as high as 3,450m, which means snow is preserved long into springtime - so it's perfect for late ski break.

Off piste-skiing at Val d'Isere and Tignes

While the on-piste action is superb, it's arguably the off-piste terrain that really sets this ski area apart.

Most of the off-piste thrills take place above the tree line.

The North Face of Pramecou comes highly recommended - but even seasoned veterans should hire a guide to ensure they don't become a statistic.

Are Val d'Isere and Tignes ski resorts expensive?

Val d'isere and Tignes are rather costly - but not without reason; these are world-class ski places with terrain that won't disappoint.

Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy

Why Cortina D'Ampezzo ski resort?

• Spacious, wide slopes 
• Fabulous Dolomites scenery
• Stay in mountain 'refugios' overnight
• Access the wider Averau ski area

Wide, sweeping slopes, fabulous scenery and a history steeped-town, Cortina has all the ingredients for an exceptional ski resort.

In addition, it's Italy - so you can expect the cuisines to be top-notch!

Cortina D'Ampezzo scenery and fame

The magnificent Dolomites provide the backdrop - one of the best in Europe.

What's more, numerous 'refugios' are dotted across the mountains, enabling you to wake up in the awe-inspiring wilderness.

The resort's image received an extra boost in 1981 when the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only used it for its now-famous ski chase scene (the one that ends on the toboggan run).

How expensive is Cortina D'Ampezzo ski resort?

Upmarket boutique stores and high-end hotels continue the Bondian feel; Cortina certainly isn’t cheap. However, there are still good value accommodation and dining options if you hunt around.

Other ski resorts nearby

In the unlikely event you explore every inch of Cortina D'Ampezzo, you can buy mountain passes for the Averau ski area (Dolomiti Superski Pass), giving you access to the Alta Badia and Corvara and Sella Ronda ski resorts.

Telluride, Colorado, USA

Why Telluride ski resort?

• Epic San Juan Mountain scenery  
• Suitable for every ability level
• Thrilling heli-skiing and bowl skiing 
• Superb nightlife for every pocket
  
  

Where is Telluride ski resort?

Reaching Telluride is an experience in itself, nestled as it is among Colorado's San Juan mountains.

What is Telluride like?

Telluride's epic main street reflects the majestic surroundings, where the nightlife is as boisterous or laid back as you want it to be.

And while the resort boasts some luxurious hotels, there are plenty of more affordable options for those on a budget.

Ski facilities at Telluride

Alongside an array of excellent regular slopes, Telluride offers some great bowl skiing (where you ski in a natural bowl), chute skiing and even heli-skiing.

These challenging possibilities are often lacking in other Colorado resorts.

Beginners and intermediates will appreciate the Mountain Village.

Families are well-catered-to, with Ski Clubs that combine childcare and ski lessons. This means grown-ups can fit in a few more runs - or even indulge in some adult-only après ski!

Telluride nightlife

Come night, hop on the free gondola to the mountain village, look back and enjoy the twinkling lights of town.

Indulge in après ski cocktails at Allred's Restaurant (3211m), or fine mountain dining at the Italian-themed Alpino Vino restaurant.

However, given the precipitous nature of the scenery, sporting a hangover in Telluride is not recommended!

Ultimately, Telluride has long been one of the most exciting ski holiday destinations in the world, and is worth a visit if you have the funds.

Niseko, Japan

Why Niseko ski resort?

• Comprises four epic ski resorts
• Excellent groomed slopes 
• Legendary off-piste skiing
• Easily the best après ski in Japan

With the volcanic backdrop of Mt. Yotei, known as "Hokkaido's Mt Fuji," Niseko is arguably the best ski area in Japan.

Where is Niseko?

Located on the northern island of Hokkaido, the area's four interlinked resorts are known collectively as "Niseko United" (Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, and An'nupuri).

Niseko ski resort terrain

Niseko offers a tantalising variety of terrain, from superbly-groomed trails to ungroomed bowls, snow parks to wooded glades.

Huge tracts of the resort are also unpatrolled - but totally accessible. Experience vertiginous chutes, natural half pipes and an abundance of tree skiing.

While all this may seem a little hardcore for some, two thirds of the resorts ski area is actually dedicated to beginners and intermediates.

Other activities to enjoy in Niseko

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there's snowshoeing, snowmobiling and hot springs to enjoy.

The nightlife is in the same league as many western European resorts - something that cannot be said for the vast majority of Japanese ski resorts which tend to be rather sedate come evening.

Chamonix ski resort, France

Why Charmonix ski resort?

• Challenging runs for experienced skiers
• Cross Country options for beginners
• Greatest height differential in the world (Grand Montets)
• Skiable into spring
  
  

What are the conditions like for skiing at Charmonix?

Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc (4,807m) provides an epic backdrop for Chamonix, which boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Europe.

Glaciers together with the high altitude keep conditions powder dry.

Experienced skiers looking for real challenges will adore Chamonix's terrain.

Charmonix resort

Several areas comprise the resort: Grand Montets, with the greatest height differential on the planet (1,235 - 3,300m); and Les Houches, with its World Cup-approved Verte.

Off-piste skiers will find much to enjoy at Chamonix, as will cross-country trail lovers.

Less experienced skiers are also well catered to, with six nursery slopes across the resort.

How expensive is a skiing holiday to Charmonix?

As one of France's leading six luxury ski resorts, you can expect prices to be high (although not as high as Courchevel!).

A one-day pass costs 52.70, while two days will cost you 98.60.

However, Chamonix can still be enjoyed on a budget. Three-star hotels, Airbnbs, and chalets with self-catering facilities are in good supply - especially before or after the busiest periods (Christmas to New Year). 

Nightlife in Charmonix

As far as nightlife goes, there’s plenty of it.

Even a full week here would not afford enough time to sample all the bars, which cover every taste and budget, from quiet drinking holes to table-top dancing!

Live music, famous performers and Champagne spraying complete Chamonix’s legendary après ski scene.

You’ll find plenty of fellow Brits to socialise with - since they are the most numerous non-French group.

And while not speaking at least some French makes life tricky in the rest of France, you won’t find this problem in Chamonix, where English is widely spoken.

Additionally, many of the instructors are British.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Why choose Kitzbühel, Austria for a skiing holday?

• 170 km of trails 
• 280 km extra trails with the Kitzbühel Alps AllStarCard
• Home to the adrenaline pumping 85% Hahnenkamm run
• Budget options available

Accessible from Saltzburg and Innsbruck, Kitzbühel is Austria's premier ski resort.

Kitzbühel Alps AllStarCard

In the unlikely event that the 170 km of trails are insufficient, you can pick up a Kitzbühel Alps AllStarCard and access 280km more.

The AllStarCard includes nine ski areas, including gentle slopes, wide sweeping cruisers, and freestyle/rider parks.

Best known of all Kitzbühel runs is the 85% Hahnenkamm, where the world's most challenging downhill race is held.

 

How expensive is a trip to Kitzbühel?

The town itself is quintessentially Alpine, with frescoed buildings, upmarket boutiques and plush hotels.

However, while the resort can look and feel rather exclusive, it's actually possible for families and budget skiers to enjoy a visit without finding themselves knee-deep in their overdraft.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Why choose Bansko for a skiing holday?

• Among the cheapest ski resorts in Europe
• Effervescent après ski (beer £1.50!)
• Lift queues can be long
• 65 km of slopes
• ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers
  
  

Bansko ski runs

Boasting 65 km of pistes, Bansko is Bulgaria's best known ski resort, and arguably the best in southwestern Europe.

Around 80% of the slopes are either beginner or intermediate, with 'Difficult' runs accounting for just 9% of the total (also 9% for Ski routes).

With this in mind, Bansko might not be the best choice for experienced skiers.

How expensive is a skiing holiday in Bansko?

Affordability is the key draw of Bansko, which attracts mostly locals and Brits looking for a budget ski adventure.

Hotels, ski equipment hire, ski schools, food and drink are considerably cheaper than Austria or France.

The nightlife is renowned and far easier on your purse than partying in western European resorts.

Less affordable is the Bansko ski pass, which considering the resort only has 65 km of runs at EUR230 for 6 days is rather expensive.

This pass is almost as costly as a French or Austrian pass.

 

Downsides to a ski holiday in Bansko 

The key drawback of Bansko is the lift waiting times - especially in peak season (early January to mid-February); you could be looking at an hour's wait, although if you're willing to pay for a taxi up to the onward lifts, you might be able to beat the queues.

Of course, this adds to the cost if done daily, and other skiers might have the same idea!

But it's cheap!

Despite the slow and over-used lift and gondola system, and despite the slightly pricey ski pass, Bansko is on this list because it is a great way to enjoy a ski break if money is tight.

In the end, if all you're looking for is a snow-covered slope, cheap ski hire and draught beer for £1.50, Bansko could be ideal!

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