Skiing in Europe

A quarter- century of skiing in Europe: a love story.

For the past 25 years, we have been coming to Europe to ski, and our passion for it has only grown stronger with each passing season. Yes, we have skied in Canada, north America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. But our long-term love affair with European skiing has never changed. It’s the wide open endless groomed ski pistes, the breath taking scenery, incredible food, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. It’s why we adore skiing in Europe and why it’s become an integral part of our lives. If you have never skied in Europe, GO.

The Love of The Alps.

The Alps have been the heart and soul of our European skiing adventures. Extending across 8 countries, the alps offer some of the best and diverse ski resorts in the world. Our journeys began in Austria 25 years ago, where iconic ski resorts like Kitzbuhel and St. Anton captured our hearts. Austria quickly became one of our favorite destinations, thanks to its charming villages and vibrant Apres-ski culture.

St. Anton am Arlberg known for its challenging slopes and lively nightlife, the towns traditional Austrian charm, combined with its reputation as one of the world’s premier ski resorts, kept us coming back. The historic charm of Kitzbuhel with its medieval streets and colorful buildings provided a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The French Alps, with breath taking ski destinations like Chamonix and the Three Valleys. Chamonix with its majestic Mont Blanc backdrop and challenging terrain. The Three valleys with over 600km of groomed runs, offer endless exploration between Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thoren’s, and La Tania.

Italy’s Dolomites is certainly our favourite place to ski, seeing we now live in Italy, with its dramatic rock formation and sunny weather. Combining the Sella Rhonda circuit, linking several resorts, became a favourite route for the family with stunning scenery and excellent skiing. The culinary delight of Italian ski resorts from hearty mountain dishes to fine wine, adds a delicious dimension to our skiing.                                                                           

Switzerland’s Zermat, with its stunning Matterhorn, and the Jungfrau with its majestic peaks, stunning valleys, and pristine beauty. We loved skiing in this part of the world, although more expensive than other resorts, the thrill of skiing on some of the most famous slopes in the world, made you forget about the expense.

Good to Know

The lift lines are virtually non-existent, for Americans used to organized lift lines and attendants helping, the lack of order is boggling. Be prepared to jostle and elbow your way onto the lift. It’s just how it is done.

You can eat really good food, and a mountain view, without breaking the bank.

The safety bar is always used, and everyone wears a helmet, in Europe there’s no debate on when or if the safety bar down it’s the law.

Different people movers- T-bars, J-bars, Rope-tow chairs, Gondolas, trams, cable carts, cog railways, haul skiers up the slopes.

European Culture.

European ski culture has played a significant role in our love for skiing in Europe. Apres-ski, the social activities and entertainment following a day on the slopes, has been a highlight. Austrias lively apres-ski scene with iconic spots like Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh in St. Anton, Frances La Folie Douce, with its blend of live music and performances on the mountain, create a party atmosphere that we always look forward too.

 Alpine cuisine has been another part of our ski trip to Europe, generally speaking you will eat delicious meals 3 times a day, and usually plenty of it. From Swiss fondue and Raclette, French Crepes, cheeses and delicious breads to Italian Pasta, Pizza, and Wine you will hardly go wrong. Austrian food we love from Goulash (Beef Stew) and Schnitzel, heartier Spaetzle (Dumpling) are filling dishes. Dining in Mountain huts and restaurants, often with spectacular views, has been an integral part of our skiing experience.

Practical Tips and lessons learned.

Over 25 years of skiing in Europe, we’ve gathered a wealth of experience, such as high-altitude resorts offering guaranteed snow and longer seasons. For quieter experiences we always plan for the last 2 weeks of January, not only quieter but much cheaper, avoiding the peak holiday crowds, we find there is always plenty of snow from mid-January. “Accommodation” options are vast, ranging from ‘Luxurious Chalets” and five- star hotels to budget-friendly hostels and self-catering apartments.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Ski in / Ski out accommodation has been particularly convenient, allowing us direct access to the slopes. Try and book well in advance to secure the best options and prices, we usually book from May to early June at the latest for January.

Lift passes and ski rentals are easily accessible with many resorts offering discounted passes if purchased online in advance. Ski schools have been invaluable especially for our kids, providing instructions and enhancing their skills and culture. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skier looking to improve, taking lessons has always been worthwhile.  

Handy Tip

If you ski more than 7 days, it may be worthwhile buying your own ski equipment, it usually works out dearer to rent your skis and boots then to buy them out right.

Our love affair with skiing in Europe has been a journey of discovery, adventure and deep appreciation for this continent. Our European ski holidays were never just about skiing, exploring local cultures and history has added extra pleasure to our trips. Visiting medieval castles, charming old towns, and cultural landmarks has provided enjoyable breaks from skiing. Weather carving down the pristine slopes of the dolomites, enjoying the lively Apres-ski in St. Anton, exploring the scenic trails of the Three Valleys. Europe continues to captivate us, and our love for this winter wonderland grows stronger with each visit.                                                             

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years,

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermat, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Ski Lifts– Getting to Europe’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-Lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as you will not be sharing with others or waiting at the airport as your driver will be waiting for you on arrival.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment. – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Breg’s Ski and Snowboard (US) or Snow and ROCK (UK).

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.                                                                          

Choosing your Ideal Resort.

Choosing a ski resort can be difficult due to the wide range of options available, we are all looking for chocolate box snowy European village. A destination that combines picturesque charm with excellent skiing facilities, these villages often have cobblestone streets with stunning mountain backdrops, offering a magical winter escape. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect village.

Villages we love for that postcard perfect setting, Wengen in Switzerland with its car-free village and chalet-style buildings, or lock in Lech in Austria surrounded by the spectacular Arlberg mountains. Ensure the village has access to a variety of slopes catering to all levels, Villages like Kitzbuhel and Saalbach in Austria, offer extensive ski areas with well-maintained piste and modern lift system, ensuring a great skiing experience.

Global warming is causing the European ski season to start later with warmer temperatures reducing snowfall. High altitude villages like Zermatt in Switzerland, Val Thorens and Val d’ Isere in France provide consistent snow conditions throughout the season, crucial for a reliable ski holiday. If you’re looking for a vibrant Apres ski scene and quality dining options look no further than Megeve in France, (one of our favorites) not only picturesque beauty but also a gorgeous village with cobblestone streets and chic boutiques.

Accessibility is something else to consider, villages near a major train station like Zell am See or St. Anton in Austria or close to a major airport that can be reached by bus or shuttle offer greater convenience. Immerse in local traditions and cultures also adds to the experience of skiing in Europe, Italian villages like Cortina D’ Ampezzo or Val Gardena, provide a rich blend of history and skiing.

There are hundreds of ski resorts to choose from in Europe, whether you’re a family, first timer or a thrill seeker, considering these factors. You can find a charming snow-covered village, that offers both beauty and an unforgettable skiing experience.                                                      

VILLAGE CENTRE OF MEGEVE

Handy tip.

Renting a car gives you greater flexibility, if you’re comfortable driving in Europe or in the snow. You can compare these companies “Discover cars or Rentalcars.com we find overall, they are better than their competitors.

Favorite Ski Resorts

Cortina                                                  Megeve                                         Zell am See