Looking For Your Next Alpine Ski Adventure? Check Out Europe’s Top Summits and Slopes
Champagne powder and heart-pounding slopes beckon skiers to Europe’s many resorts each winter. From the off-piste possibilities of the Swiss Alps and deep snow stashes in Italy’s Dolomite region to Sweden’s wild backcountry and Norway’s extended season, the continent’s top alpine destinations boast something for everyone.
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Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Austria
Unlike some alpine destinations, it’s not necessary to be an expert to ski the 75 miles of slopes at Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, where the majority of runs are geared toward novice and intermediate skiers. For those hoping to clock more hours and improve their skills, night skiing makes it possible to continue the fun after the sun has set. Had enough of the planks? Take a load off and swoop down the mountain on a toboggan course.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Although the 176 miles of slopes comprising the KitzSki Kitzbuhel/Kirchberg ski area in Tyrol are gentle and ideal for intermediate skiers, there are plenty of challenges fit for more competitive powder hounds (case in point: the resort hosts the Hahnenkamm, a downhill World Cup race). One of the biggest draws here, however, is the charming Medieval town and its cozy pastel Easter egg-colored inns, restaurants and bars snuggled in massive snow banks.
Andermatt, Switzerland
From groomed family-friendly slopes in the Nätschen area to free-riding deep runs crisscrossing Gemsstock mountain in the Swiss Lepontine Alps, the newer resort, Andermatt’s incredibly varied terrain and fresh snow will satisfy any level of skier. If downhill skiing isn’t your thing, winter enthusiasts can hit the nearly 20 miles of cross-country trails spread out over the Ursern Valley or spend the day tobogganing, snowshoeing, or ice skating.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is as scenic as it is charming and consistently ranks among Europe’s top ski resorts. The season is especially long here—running from around the end of October through the first part of May—and skiers can even conquer the Glacier 3,000 well into summer. For non-skiers, the area offers ample opportunities to get in on the action thanks to challenging snow hiking terrain, as well as winter-biking and snowshoeing trails.
Zermatt, Switzerland and Cervinia, Italy
The Matterhorn towers over picturesque Zermatt, giving this ideally situated Alpine resort town a postcard-perfect feel. The skiing is just as impressive. The area features Europe’s highest lifted ski slope, clocking in at just shy of 13,000 feet. This and the other steep runs spread out over four ski areas, and over 200 miles make it a mecca for advanced skiers ready to take on pristine pistés during the day–the descent from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is an awe-inducingly scenic eight miles–and the Swiss town’s buzzing après-ski scene at night. Intermediate-level skiers or those looking to take a break from the adrenaline-filled descents in Zermatt should hop on the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, a brand-new cableway that conveniently links to Cervinia, just across the border in Italy. This section of the mountains has nearly 100 miles of runs that include plenty of gentler slopes.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Two hours north of Venice lies picturesque Cortina d’Ampezzo, a resort that has a relaxed vibe complemented by nerve-jangling legendary black runs, tree-lined trails and couloirs. Known as “The Queen of the Dolomites,” the historic UNESCO World Heritage area, host to the 1956 and upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, is one of Europe’s most stunning destinations for mountain and winter-sports enthusiasts.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, serves as the jaw-dropping backdrop to the French Alps destination Chamonix, home to the very first Winter Olympics in 1924. The rest of the area’s sprawling terrain is equally impressive for serious skiers who are craving to carve out an extreme backcountry adventure. Top of the bucket list: a 9,000-foot, 12.4-mile thrill ride down the off-piste glacier run Vallée Blanche.
Riksgränsen, Sweden
Located in Swedish Lapland on the Norwegian border, this small resort’s position around 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle means the season doesn’t start until mid-February when the sun once again begins to peek above the horizon. Skiers who make the trek to this area of Sweden are rewarded with a month’s long accumulation of snow that makes the treeless area a coveted destination for free riders and heli-skiers.
Lillehammer, Norway
Olympic site Lillehammer is a great deal for a Scandinavian winter retreat since one ski-pass provides access to five resorts: Hafjell, Skeikampen, Kvitfjell, Gala and Sjusjoen. The ski season in this part of central Norway runs from November through April and there’s everything from beginner slopes and World Cup-class alpine runs to over 1,400 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Source: https://outdoors.com/ski-summits-and-slopes-in-europe/
