Every year, as winter approaches, more and more ski enthusiasts take advantage of the season, not only to challenge themselves on the most demanding slopes but also to enjoy a winter tourism experience in the mountains, even if it means significant travel.
Ski enthusiasts travel from all around the world to visit the best ski vacation resorts in Europe and enjoy a few days of adventure, relaxation, and all the attractions these destinations have to offer.
Given the location of many resorts, these trips are often made by plane or private jet, making a chauffeured private transportation service an invaluable ally from the start.
A private chauffeur will allow you to optimize your time and ensure seamless transfers from the airport to your accommodation. They will also provide fast and comfortable transportation to the ski slopes, top restaurants in the area, spas, nightclubs, and other mountain activities.
Discover the charm of the most exclusive ski resorts in Europe, where you can enjoy a few days of tourism and sport without any worries.
Best ski resorts in Europe: white paradises
With over 1,700 ski resorts across the continent, Europe has become a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. From the Swiss Alps to the stunning Polish Tatra Mountains, European snow tourism continues to attract more visitors each year.
In this guide to the best places to ski in Europe, we’ll highlight the most exclusive options, celebrated for their exceptional slopes, unforgettable landscapes, and diverse leisure and entertainment offerings.
Their privileged location, with breathtaking views, makes these resorts an exceptional place to enjoy a few days of sport and nature. Combined with the tranquility and top-tier services provided, they offer a perfect blend of comfort and exclusivity for an unparalleled experience.
St. Moritz Ski Resort, Switzerland
Located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 6,089 ft, St. Moritz is one of the world’s oldest ski resorts and among the most famous in Europe. Spanning nearly 11 mi² with 218 miles of ski slopes, this ski destination in Switzerland features two major ski areas: Corviglia and Corvatsch.
St. Moritz, renowned for its “Champagne Climate” with intense sunshine and dry air, offers some of the best skiing in Europe—both safe and challenging.
You can tackle its more than 80 ski slopes with a private instructor or, if you’re an experienced skier seeking new thrills, try heliskiing. Guests can also enjoy world-class services at hotels like Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, including natural water spas and private chef options.
A unique highlight of the resort is the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the only polo tournament in the world played on a frozen lake, scheduled this year for January 24, 25, and 26. The resort also hosts golf and ice cricket tournaments, adding to its exceptional allure.
Courchevel Ski Resort, France
The ski resort of Courchevel, France, is part of Les 3 Vallées, a network of three ski resorts that together boast over 373 miles of interconnected slopes, making it the largest ski resort in the world.
Among its many ski areas, Courchevel 1850 stands out as the most famous, thanks to its high-altitude location, diverse activities, and exceptional ski slopes suitable for both beginners and experts. Staying at Les Airelles Hotel, situated in the heart of Courchevel, offers a privileged base to fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer.
Beyond skiing in the French Alps, Courchevel provides a range of off-piste activities, including panoramic helicopter and light aircraft flights, luxury shopping at top-brand boutiques and ateliers, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc and Le Sarkara.
Val Gardena Ski Resort, Italy
Val Gardena, nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, is a stunning valley surrounded by three charming villages: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva. It forms part of Dolomiti Superski, a network of twelve ski areas in the Dolomites, offering 310 miles of slopes, including the iconic 6.5-mile slope La Longia, the longest in South Tyrol.
What makes Val Gardena one of the most unique ski resorts in Italy is its annual hosting of two Alpine Ski World Cup events: the Super-G slalom and the Saslong Classic downhill on the renowned Saslong slope. The resort also features other exciting events like the Sellaronda ski marathon and ice sculpture contests.
From the top of Val Gardena’s slopes, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites before an unforgettable descent. After a morning of skiing, staying at the Adler Hotel offers the perfect retreat, with its spa and heated pools surrounded by a magical snowy landscape.
Levi Ski Resort, Finland
Levi Ski Resort, located in Finnish Lapland about 105 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Finland’s most popular ski destinations.
With 5 ski areas, which together total 44 slopes, Levi is renowned for its excellent snow quality and enchanting Nordic landscapes. Beyond skiing, Levi offers a variety of unique activities, including ice fishing, reindeer sleigh rides, and ice bathing therapies.
What truly sets Levi apart is its prime location for viewing the northern lights. Guests can stay in the glass igloos of Aurora Pyramid and even book a professional photo shoot to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Visiting Levi in December adds another layer of magic, as you can experience the polar night, or kaamos, when the sun remains below the horizon all day. This, combined with the snow, moonlight, and northern lights, creates a mesmerizing orange-hued landscape.
Kasprowy Wierch Ski Resort, Polonia
Among the ski resorts in Poland, Kasprowy Wierch stands out as one of the country’s most traditional. Located in the Tatra Mountains near the city of Zakopane, it marks the border between Poland and Slovakia.
At an altitude of 6,520 ft, Kasprowy Wierch is the highest ski resort in Poland and is known for its alpine mountain conditions. These, along with its steep slopes, make it particularly appealing to advanced skiers.
Kasprowy Wierch is a resort rich in history, with one of the oldest cable cars in Poland, offering panoramic views of the Tatra National Park along its 2.5-mile route.
After a day on the slopes, you can relax in Zakopane’s cozy mountain huts, unwind at the natural hot springs at Chochołowskie Termy, and explore the region to experience the Górale culture. Visit small local stores that sell typical products such as the famous oscypek cheese and hand-carved wooden decorations.
Snow tourism: explore beyond the slopes
The best ski resorts in Europe, like those mentioned above, are often located far from cities and major airports. For this reason, an important part of planning your winter vacation is organizing your travel arrangements to ensure everything goes smoothly.
With a private transportation service, your driver will meet you at the airport upon arrival, be aware of your flight details in advance, and be ready to handle any delays or unexpected events.
You can opt to fly to one of the airports close to ski resorts in Europe. For example, if your private flight is scheduled to land at Engadin-Samedan Airport (SMV) in St. Moritz, located in a valley at an altitude of 5,600 ft, and your plane is diverted to another airport due to runway conditions, your chauffeur will seamlessly pick you up at the new destination.
Additionally, given that weather conditions and mountain roads can be extreme, it’s necessary to have safe, reliable transportation and a private driver who knows the area well.
Snow tourism goes beyond skiing as the main activity, with Après-Ski taking center stage. Après-Ski is more than just a break after a day on the slopes—it’s about immersing yourself in a festive, relaxed atmosphere, enjoying live music with a glass of champagne while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
A vacation where adventure and relaxation come together to create a complete experience, allowing you to enjoy a helicopter ride, a private massage, or dine at Michelin-starred restaurants after a morning on the slopes.
Leave your transfers to Drivania Chauffeurs. Travel at your own pace, exploring the best ski areas in Europe with ease, flexibility, and the comfort of a private chauffeur.