Dreaming of shushing down a slope in style? Then nothing beats a stay at one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe? Here are some of the most amazing ski destinations that you can’t miss.
If you’re looking for a ski holiday and winter vacation that is unforgettable, you should consider one of Europe’s many exclusive ski resorts, luxury hotels, and luxury chalets.
From the slopes of the Swiss Alps to the picturesque towns of Austria, European ski resorts are first-class with every ski level and skill level from beginner to pro, fabulous hotels and luxurious wellness centres. Plus there are so many to choose from. In this post, I’ll share my top picks for the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe.
1. St.Moritz
One of the most popular ski resorts in the world, St Moritz is located in the Swiss Alps, very close to Italy, and offers stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and plenty of luxury amenities, the perfect place for a winter holiday.
The resort town is home to a number of upscale hotels, including the most famous hotel in town, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. Open in 1896, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has been catering to the glitterati for more than a century. There are six restaurants and a free shuttle cable car to the ski lifts!
You don’t need to know to ski, St. Moritz also offers several other winter sports, such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. There’s truly something for everyone at this world-class ski resort.
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo
You’ll know you’re in Italy by the menu! Pasta, pasta, and more pasta! Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in the stunning Dolomites, the southern Italian Alps, offering visitors the perfect destination to experience true Italian luxury. Italians love Cortina and it has that special charm that you can only find in Italy.
There are plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants, but the Queen of the Dolomites is the Cristallo.
The Cristallo has been open since 1901 that sits up overlooking the town. The hotel has an elegant and refined atmosphere, with beautiful antique furnishings and a grand piano in the lobby. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has wonderful splendid indoor pool, plus a spa with a sauna, steam room and an outdoor hot tub.
For ski-lovers, the slopes are perfect for both beginner and experienced skiers. However, if you’re looking for a genuinely unforgettable ski vacation, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the place to go.
3. Val Thorens
Val Thorens fits the bill when it comes to the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe. This picturesque resort is located in the French Alps, also the Three Valleys, and is known for its smooth skiing slopes. But that’s not all Val Thorens has to offer. The resort is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels and spas in the Alps, including the 5-star Hotel Pashmina.
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, the Hotel Pashmina is a perfect choice. This stunning property offers beautiful mountain views, spacious suites, and an on-site spa. You can also enjoy Michelin-starred dining at the hotel’s restaurant.
Read more about Val Thorens here!
4. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is a popular ski resort in Austria that’s known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class skiing. The town is located in the Tyrol region of the Alps, and it’s surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of upscale hotels and resorts to choose from.
Some of the five-star hotels include the Hotel Tennerhof, the Grand Tirolia Hotel, and the Kaiserhof Kitzbühel – all with alpine charm! When it comes to things to do, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, go for a hike in the mountains, or explore the charming town.
Kitzbühel is the perfect place to enjoy a winter wonderland vacation in luxury.
5. St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton needs no introduction as one of the best ski resorts in Europe. This world-famous resort is located in the Austrian Alps and offers stunning views, great skiing, and plenty of luxury hotels. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, I recommend the Raffl’s St. Antoner Hof, which is situated right on the slopes and offers beautiful mountain views. The hotel has a great spa and an indoor pool so that you can relax after a long day of skiing.
And if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings, St. Anton is home to many bars and clubs so that you can party the night away.
6. Courchevel
Courchevel is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in Europe and for a good reason. Located in the French Alps, Les Trois Vallées. it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
There are plenty of luxury hotels to choose from, but if you really want to splurge, you can stay at the Hotel de Charme Les Airelles. It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and it has an outdoor pool, spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant. Or you can always book the Chalet Edelweiss, another fabulous choice.
Ski-enthusiasts are in for a ride at Courchevel, with its vast array of slopes and trails. And when you’re ready to take a break from skiing, you can explore the charming town or go for a scenic hike.
7. Morzine/Avoriaz
Skiing in Morzine, gliding down the snow-covered hills of the Vallée de la Manche in the Savoie Mont Blanc region of France, we couldn’t hear a thing except the crunching of show under our feet. Visiting this popular French ski resort is one of those ski holidays where you find peace whatever level you are.
From black runs to red runs to nursery slopes, there is something for the beginner, the intermediate skiers and the advanced skiers in Morzine ski resort. There is even the infamous Swiss Wall, Le Pas de Chavanette, thought to be one of the most difficult slopes in the world, in the Portes du Soleil circuit. If you are a demon skier, you can reach this from Avoriaz, which sits above Morzine, or the neighboring Swiss resorts of Les Crosets and Champery.
Two of the guardians of Morzine are Eric and Caroline Marullaz-Monné, owners of La Bergerie. Caroline’s family has been welcoming visitors to La Bergerie, their hotel right in town. Eric’s look of astonishment when I asked where the lockers were for our ski stuff told me everything. It’s just not the kind of place where you would need lockers.
8. Megève
If you’re searching for luxury, then Megève is your best bet. This French ski resort is located in the heart of the Alps and offers surreal skiing views and plenty of high-end shops and restaurants.
There are numerous luxury hotels to choose from – you can go with Hotel Mont Blanc. Its gorgeous mountain views, spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities make it the perfect place to relax after a long day on the slopes. If you’re looking for an even more luxurious experience, check out Les Fermes de Marie – it has its own private spa and outdoor pool!
9. Lech
Located in the stunning Austrian Alps, Lech is one of Europe’s most exclusive and luxurious ski resorts. This world-famous resort is known for its spectacular scenery, fabulous hotels, and incredible après-ski scene. So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable winter vacation, Lech is the perfect place to be.
The most luxurious hotel in Lech has to be the 5-star Aurelio. When it comes to the atmosphere, Lech is electric! The lively après-ski scene is world-renowned, and there’s always something going on in the town.
10. Verbier
Verbier is a world-famous ski resort located in the Swiss Alps. It’s known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as its luxurious accommodations. There are many high-end hotels in Verbier, including the W Verbier.
When you’re not hitting the slopes, you can enjoy Verbier’s vibrant nightlife or take a scenic hike through the nearby mountains.
11. Zermatt
The resort Zermatt is home to some of the best skiing in the world, as well as incredible views of the Matterhorn mountain. There are several luxurious hotels to choose from in Zermatt, including the 5-star Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, which offers stunning rooms and suites, an award-winning spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant and the famous Kulm Hotel, reached by train from Zermatt and the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps!
If you’re looking for even more luxury, the Riffelalp Resort 2222m is the highest luxury hotel in Europe and offers unparalleled views of the Alps.
12. Méribel
Méribel is one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe and has an attractive vibe to it. Situated in the French Alps, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains while skiing or snowboarding down the slopes. The resort has a great selection of hotels and apartments to choose from, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars.
The atmosphere in Méribel is electric, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re hitting the slopes during the day or partying at one of the many nightclubs at night, you’re sure to have a great time.
If you’re looking for a cozy chalet or a 5-star hotel, you’ll find it in Méribel. One such hotel is the Le Kaila Hotel which offers stunning views of the mountains and valley.
13. Gstaad
Gstaad is a small town in the Swiss Alps that’s home to some of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe. The town itself is incredibly picturesque, with quaint chalets and cobblestone streets. And, of course, skiing is to die for (no pun intended).
There are several luxurious hotels to choose from in Gstaad, but my personal favorite is the Grand Hotel Park Gstaad. This hotel is absolutely stunning, with beautiful mountain views and spacious, luxurious rooms. The atmosphere at Park Gstaad is incredibly relaxed and inviting, and there are plenty of great things to do both on and off the slopes.
14. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France is known as the resort for real skiers. Resort is probably the wrong word because Chamonix was a thriving village long before it was a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Who doesn’t want to be surrounded by massifs, breathing fresh air, eating melted cheese in all forms, while drinking local white wines? Needless to say, you will quickly fall in love with Chamonix.
The best beds in town are the Hameau Albert 1er for that rustic Alpine chic and Hotel Mont Blanc for the trendy hipster in all of us.
Read more about Chamonix here!
Why Best Bits Loves Ski Resorts!
These are just a few of the luxurious ski resorts that Europe has to offer. So, whether you’re looking for amazing skiing, incredible views, or a vibrant nightlife scene, you can find it at one of these resorts. So, book your trip today and enjoy all that European ski resorts have to offer!
