The Most Scenic European Destinations for Luxury Ski Getaways
Posted on 2nd August 2023
The allure of the European mountain towns is something you will not find anywhere else on Earth. Therefore, when it comes to a luxury ski holiday, most people would choose Europe. Europe’s ski resorts are epic, boasting fantastic terrains, quaint resort towns, and picturesque alpine villages. If you’re planning a ski holiday and wondering where to go, here are some of the most scenic European destinations for luxury ski getaways.
1. Switzerland
You will find some of Europe’s best luxury ski resorts in Switzerland. Boasting incredibly rich snow and breath-taking natural scenery, it delights skiers with its range of ski runs in varying difficulty levels spanning several hundreds of kilometres. Aside from offering a fantastic skiing holiday, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts, perfect for those seeking a more intimate holiday experience.
Perched 1,500 km above sea level and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most luxurious ski resorts. It has a remarkable stretch of off-piste runs, perfect for experts and high-level skiers seeking thrilling adventures. Verbier also offers plenty of green and blue pistes, perfect for beginners and first-timers.
What’s great about a ski holiday in Verbier is you’ll find plenty of fun activities to enjoy when you’re not skiing. The resort has several cosy cafes, restaurants, and pubs to indulge in the après side of life. Its stunning scenery, fun nightlife scene, and rich culture will add value and excitement to your ski trip.
Aside from Verbier, the other destinations to consider for luxury ski resorts in Switzerland are Saas Fee, Zermatt, St Moritz, and Gstaad. All these resorts offer a range of accommodations, from luxury chalets to five-star hotels.
2. France
With the Alps and the Pyrenees on its doorstep, France offers the best destination for a luxury ski getaway in Europe. It has everything you expect from a lavish ski holiday, including Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious chalets.
Courchevel is one of the go-to destinations for luxury skiing in France. It boasts over 150 kilometres of ski runs. And when you add its links with the neighbouring valleys, you can enjoy a whopping 600 kilometres, with plenty to entertain even the most advanced skiers! Once you have your fill of the slopes, you will find numerous activities to enjoy in this luxury resort. Spend your days shopping in its many boutiques and shops or indulge in mouth-watering cuisines in the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Given its vibrant vibe, Val d’Isere has a reputation for being one of the liveliest resorts in the French Alps and an ideal choice for those who love to party between enjoying the slopes. It has over 25 bars and restaurants where you can socialise and party with like-minded visitors. Val d’Isere is also home to fantastic ski schools, where beginners can learn the basics and advanced skiers can test their skills.
3. Austria
Austria boasts a vast Alpine skiing slope stretching the length of the country. It is another fantastic option for a luxury ski vacation in Europe, where you can expect picturesque mountain villages home to snowy wooden chalets, several hundred miles of varied terrains, and a lively ski scene. The Austrian Alps have elevations reaching up to 3,000 metres. As you ski along its vast slopes of well-groomed pistes, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Lech is an incredibly scenic village offering a great diversity of ski slopes for all levels of skiers, although it focuses more on beginners and intermediate skiers. Aside from its varied slopes, you will love its picturesque chocolate box Alpine village, numerous options for luxury ski chalets, and fantastic restaurants serving diverse cuisines. In addition, Lech has links to neighbouring resorts of St Anton and Zürs, offering a more incredible skiing experience.
Kitzbuhel is another popular destination for a luxury holiday in Austria. The famous resort has hosted celebrities and well-heeled visitors seeking a luxurious ski holiday experience. In Kitzbuhel, you’ll have no shortage of luxury accommodations, including some of Austria’s most iconic ski chalets.
4. Italy
Skiing is more than a sport in Italy – it is a lifestyle with delectable food and wine. So, if you’re looking for a luxury ski getaway in Europe, Italy is the perfect choice. While Italy doesn’t have the Alpine accolades of Switzerland and France, it is home to the Dolomites, which offer a spectacular skiing experience.
To truly appreciate La Dolce Vita on snow, head to the delightful ski towns of Cortina and Val Gardena. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a fabulous ski resort in France dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites.” It has all the luxurious amenities you would expect, from five-star hotels to Michelin-starred restaurants and superbly scenic ski slopes. And with three sophisticated ski resorts, Cortina offers a ski holiday you will never forget.
Val Gardena is another fascinating destination for an incredible ski holiday in Italy. It lies along a gorgeous valley with several luxury ski lodges and chalets. Along its ski slopes, enjoy several miles of fantastic terrains taking you through picturesque mountain villages and fantastic restaurants serving delicious alpine cuisine and aperitifs.
5. Bulgaria
Indeed, Switzerland, France, Austria, and Italy offer some of the most incredible spots for a luxury European ski holiday. But if you prefer to ski in a lesser-known destination, away from the crowds, hit up Bulgaria. It might not have the polished ski resorts of the Alps or the Dolomites, but it has plenty of charms luring skiers of all levels.
Bulgaria has three main ski resorts, including smaller and less-developed options. Borovets is the closest resort to the capital of Sofia and is, therefore, the most popular resort in Bulgaria. It sits along the edge of the Rila Mountains and features pine-forested pistes that could rival the Alps.
Borovets feature 58 kilometres of slopes at over 1,300 metres and are particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The ski town is only an hour and a half from Sofia, allowing for an easy day trip from the capital city.
