The Ultimate Guide for this Year
When it comes to planning a perfect skiing vacation, choosing the right destination can make all the difference. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the ideal ski resort that suits your preferences. That’s why we have compiled a list of the most popular and top-rated ski resorts that are just perfect for your holidays. These ski resorts offer an excellent mix of challenging slopes, breathtaking views, and an unbeatable winter sport experience. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, our list includes a range of ski resorts that cater to all levels of expertise. From the snowy trails of Vail to the charm of Banff, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated list to help you find your ideal ski resort destination.
Table of Contents
2023-2024 Season
As we approach the upcoming ski season, ski fanatics are once again waiting anxiously for the climate predictions to decide their next holiday destination. The disappointment of last year’s poor snowfall leading to delayed openings and shortened ski resort seasons across Europe still lingers in their minds. However, there is optimism for the 2023-2024 season, and high hopes for early openings.
In preparation for the upcoming ski season, many airlines have already announced new ski flight routes. Jet2.com, for example, is set to operate up to 34 weekly ski flights to Geneva from nine UK airports. This popular destination offers ski enthusiasts some of the very best ski resorts across the Swiss and French Alps. From well-known resorts such as Tignes and Verbier to hidden gems like Flaine and Zermatt, Geneva has it all. So, why not make it your ultimate pick for your next skiing or snowboarding adventure?
These resorts cater to different preferences, skill levels, and interests, ensuring a diverse and memorable skiing experience for all.
10 Unique Ski resorts for 2023
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt, located in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, is a heavenly mountain resort popular for its wide range of activities including skiing, climbing, hiking, and many others. An elevation of around 1600m enables visitors to witness the magnificent Matterhorn peak, which is characterized by its distinct pyramid shape, towering above the town. The central area, the Bahnhostrasse, is a bustling street laden with an array of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisines. This area is also known for its lively apres-ski scene and provides public outdoor rinks for ice-skating and curling. Moreover, the town has an elevation of 1620m and is surrounded by other popular ski areas. If you want an up-close view of the town’s beauty, check out the “live camera” situated in a precise location to capture the stunning scenery of this charming mountain resort. Lastly, don’t forget to grab a copy of the “Ski Map” that will guide you through the town’s ski runs and lift facilities during the winter season.
Where can you find accommodation in Zermatt?
2. St Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is an absolutely stunning and luxurious alpine town nestled in Switzerland’s Engadin valley, where it has the privilege of having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. It boasts such unique attractions as the world-class Cresta Run, an Olympic ice rink, and various winter sports activities on its frozen lake, including polo, cricket, and even horse racing on ice! With plenty of ski and snowboard areas available, including Corviglia, Diavolezza, and Covatsch, everyone from beginners to experts are sure to find their ideal slope. Even cross-country skiers will be impressed with the well-groomed trails winding throughout the area’s breathtaking landscapes. For those wanting to know more, there’s also a live camera feed available so you can get a glimpse of the beauty that is St. Moritz anytime. And if you’re curious about the layout of the slopes before your visit, the ski map can be found quickly and easily on this website. With an elevation of 1822 meters, St. Moritz is perfect for those who want a wonderful, luxury vacation full of exciting activities and exquisite scenes.
"Where can I stay in St. Moritz?"
3. Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a popular destination for intermediate skiers, offering a vast range of pistes to explore. But that’s not all – the resort is renowned for its challenging black runs and off-piste areas that remain covered in deep snow well into the season. Extreme skiers will be particularly thrilled to know that Verbier is home to the Xtreme Verbier freeride event, which takes place annually in March.
What’s more, Verbier boasts a starting elevation of 1500m, ensuring a great base for skiing or snowboarding. And if you can’t wait to hit the slopes, you’ll be delighted to know that the resort offers a live camera feature where you can keep an eye on skiing conditions before you even set foot on the mountain! If you prefer to explore the resort beforehand, be sure to check out the interactive ski map, which offers a detailed overview of all the pistes, lifts, and amenities.
Where to Sleep in Verbier
4. Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein is an incredible Austrian gem that is both a ski town and spa, situated in the High Tauern mountains and south of Salzburg. Its steep, forested slopes are adorned with exquisite hotels and villas that offer a stunning view of the city. The town has an elevation range of 860 to 2300 meters, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of ski rides and spa relaxation at high altitudes. The place is known for its delightful amenities that cater to anyone’s needs, such as cozy rooms, pools, and saunas, among others. If you are dreaming of a skiing or spa holiday, Bad Gastein is a perfect choice— a resort that provides skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts an incredible view of the majestic slopes. Suppose you want to keep updated and get a sense of what the slopes look like before your trip. In that case, the interactive webcam feature comes to your aid, allowing you to sightsee the snowy slopes virtually. Check the links mentioned above for more information about the area, or better yet, pack your bags and experience Bad Gastein’s beauty!
Where can I stay in Bad Gastein?
5. Megève, France
Looking to embark on a skiing adventure in the Alps of southern France? Look no further than Megève! This enchanting ski resort is nestled in the Mont Blanc massif and boasts a plethora of thrilling downhill runs, snow parks, and cross-country trails that seamlessly connect you to La Giettaz. But skiing isn’t the only thing Megève has to offer. With its charming and historic pedestrian center, complete with cobbled medieval streets, you’ll love exploring the rustic-chic chalets, upmarket hotels, and designer boutiques dotting the area. Want to know more about Megève’s elevation? Take note: it ranges from 1113 to 2350m. And for those who want to stay updated on the latest weather conditions, Megève has a live camera feed you can check out. To top it all off, don’t forget to visit their website to see their Ski map and organize your transfer from Geneva. Go ahead and book your dream ski vacation today!
Where to Stay in Megève?
6. Lech, Austria
Lech am Arlberg is not just any mountain village – it is an exclusive ski resort located in the Bludenz district of the westernmost Austrian state of Voralberg, nestled comfortably on the banks of the river Lech. Its unique geography and rich history places it firmly in the Tannberg district, but in terms of tourism, Lech is an important part of the Arlberg region, which is widely regarded as a premier location for skiing enthusiasts.
The resort village sits high up at an elevation of 1444m above sea level, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re curious about the conditions up there before you hit the slopes, check out their live camera footage for a real time panoramic view.
Before you hit the slopes, be sure to take a good look at the ski map to plan out your adventure. Lech am Arlberg offers a wide range of slopes and terrain for skiers of all skill levels.
All in all, Lech am Arlberg is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an exclusive ski resort experience with amazing views, impressive slopes, and excellent amenities. Check it out for yourself and book your stay today!
Looking for a place to stay in Lech?
7. Alta Badia, Italy
Alta Badia is a well-known place with a rich food culture that attracts countless visitors from around the world. Situated in the southern part of the Val Badia valley, which divides it from the Val Pusteria valley at San Lorenzo, it is an excellent destination where South Tyrol borders Trentino and Venetia. The region is composed of six small villages – Convara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, and La Val – that make up the Alta Badia area. With its position at the foot of the impressive Dolomite summits, Alta Badia is surrounded by pristine nature and bathed in natural sunlight. The elevation here is an impressive 1568m. Through the live camera, one can experience the beauty of this place in real-time. Additionally, Ski enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of Slopes and walks in and around Alta Badia with the help of a comprehensive ski map.
Looking for accommodation in Alta Badia?
8. Tignes, France
Tignes is an extraordinary ski hub situated in the French Alp region near the picturesque Italian border. This winter sports wonderland comprises a group of villages, out of which Val d’lsere and Tignes Le Lac are the busiest, boasting numerous restaurants, shops, and cozy accommodations. During winters, this place becomes a paradise for ski enthusiasts, joined by an intricate network of lifts that connects it to the Escape Killy ski area. The neat and well-maintained ski runs on the magnificent Grande Motte glacier offer some of the most incredible skiing experiences that one can have. The place is not just an adrenaline-filled destination in winters, but in summers too, Tignes becomes the haven for remote adventure seekers. The area offers a stunning network of trails, a bike park, golf, and plenty of other outdoor activities. Tignes is surely one of the most spectacular destinations you can explore in your next vacation. Don’t forget to check out the live cam and ski map (provided in the link) to see the stunning view.
Looking for a place to stay in Tignes?
9. Davos, Switzerland
Davos, a world-renowned ski resort town, is nestled in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland’s eastern region. With its well-established reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for winter sports enthusiasts, Davos offers a range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities for people of all skill levels. Davos Klosters Mountains area boasts six ski areas, with its Jakobshorn area standing out for its extensive slopes and terrain parks, which attract snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Another area, Parsenn, is famed for its long and challenging runs suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. Additionally, the town of Davos is divided into two main parts, Dorf and Platz, with economic and transportation purposes, while its neighboring Klosters becomes a luxurious getaway location.
Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing along the stunning landscape surrounding Davos and attend the annual World Economic Forum, a popular platform for world leaders, executives, and intellectuals to discuss global concerns. Besides hosting international winter sports events, the congress center hosts cultural performances and events throughout the year.
Furthermore, the Swiss Alps’ scenic beauty provides an ideal atmosphere for outdoor activities year-round, with visitors coming from all around the world to enjoy the winter sports and mountain climate of Davos.
Looking for a place to stay in Davos?
10. Chamonix, france
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often referred to as Chamonix, is not just any ordinary ski resort town, it’s a renowned winter sports destination that has earned its place among the most famous and historic destinations in the world.
-6°C Its unique location near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy provides visitors with outstanding panoramic views of the Alps, offering a breathtaking backdrop for skiing and other winter activities. The resort boasts several features that you won’t find anywhere else.
For instance, the extensive and diverse Chamonix ski area provides a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, including interconnected ski areas like Brevent-Flegere, Grands Montets, Le Tour, and Les Houches. Visitors can easily access high-altitude off-piste routes from Aiguille du Midi cable car, the iconic attraction that takes visitors to over 3,800 meters providing stunning panoramic views of the Alps. With a rich mountaineering history, Chamonix is often considered the birthplace of modern mountaineering, and the town has hosted numerous international skiing and snowboarding competitions. The Montenvers Railway provides a unique experience that takes visitors to one of the largest glaciers in France, promising a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Beyond the slopes, Chamonix is a charming town with vibrant restaurants, shops and après-ski activities that make it a lively destination both day and night. Chamonix is accessible year-round from Geneva airport, which is only an hour’s drive away. Whether you seek alpine landscapes, challenging terrain, or a rich cultural experience, Chamonix is the must-visit winter sports destination, attracting visitors from across the world.
Looking for accommodations in Chamonix?
11. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas Fee is a stunning resort located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, and boasts an array of features that appeal to both skiers and non-skiers alike. One of the defining characteristics of the village is its unique car-free status, which means visitors must park their cars in nearby lots before travelling by electric taxis or horse-drawn sleighs. With slopes ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 meters (5,900 to 11,800 feet) above sea level, Saas Fee is known for its high-altitude skiing and fantastic snow conditions throughout the season. The Allalin Glacier offers an abundance of slopes suitable for different skill levels, including the opportunity for off-piste skiing. Additionally, the village boasts traditional Swiss architecture, narrow streets, and picturesque mountain views, creating a charming village atmosphere. Beyond skiing, visitors can participate in activities such as ice climbing, winter hiking, and tobogganing, while the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking and mountaineering during the summer.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often referred to as Chamonix, is not just any ordinary ski resort town, it’s a renowned winter sports destination that has earned its place among the most famous and historic destinations in the world.
Looking for a place to stay in Saas-Fee?
12. Saas Grund, Switzerland
Saas Grund is a charming and picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Saas Valley in Switzerland. This village boasts incredible ski opportunities and is part of the broader Saas Fee ski region. The Saas Fee ski resort itself is world-renowned, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Its high-altitude slopes offer stunning panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the area, while its variety of skiing terrain caters to every skill level. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, there’s something for everyone in the Saas Fee region, including Saas Grund. Visitors to Saas Grund can expect to find a wide range of lodging options, including hotels and chalets. The village is also easily accessible by car or public transportation, providing convenient transportation options for travelers. So if you’re looking to enjoy some of the best skiing opportunities in the world, look no further than Saas Grund and the broader Saas Fee ski region.
Where to Stay in Saas Grund
13. Saas Almagell, Switzerland
Saas Almagell, a charming village situated in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, offers a plethora of exciting activities, making it an ideal travel destination. Nestled in the stunning Saas Valley, Saas Almagell is one of the villages in the Saas Fee region, famous for its extensive skiing opportunities. The region’s slopes are perfect for skiers of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts. The Saas Fee Ski Resort, a world-famous destination in the Swiss Alps, is likely where Saas Almagell is located, providing skiers with unmatched high-altitude skiing experiences and excellent snow conditions all season long.
Visitors can find accommodation at hotels, chalets, and other lodging options in the cozy village of Saas Almagell, where traditional Swiss architecture and picturesque surroundings create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The village’s accessibility is a plus, with car and public transportation options available, allowing visitors to travel conveniently from nearby towns and cities. Come and experience the beauty and excitement of Saas Almagell.
Where is the best place to stay in Saas Almagell?
Make next Holidays Special
Make your bookings early as prices are higher at last minute