The Best Ski Resorts in Europe: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

Skip to main contentFind hotelsFind hotels by location...Find hotels by city or location...From family-friendly resorts to freeride meccas.GettyFor our 39th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, survey voters weighed in on their favorite ski resorts in Europe. Swiss resorts earned four of the top five spots, with Verbier claiming the number one ranking for the second consecutive year. Italy’s Olympic spotlight helped it land an unprecedented five resorts on the list. The tiny ski resort of Gudauri in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains made its debut in the rankings—proof that readers are venturing further afield for fresh tracks. Here are the ski resorts that you loved most, for both their diversity of terrain, excellent après ski scenes, and exceptional hotels.Getty20. Gudauri — GeorgiaThe Caucasus Mountains may not have the cachet of the Alps or the Rockies, but there are plenty of reasons to make the journey to ski in Georgia. The ski passes are a bargain. The slopes are uncrowded. And the food rivals anything you’ll have in France or Italy. Gudauri, the country’s premier ski resort has just over 50 miles of groomed trails, plus freeriding opportunities. There’s a mom-and-pop vibe, with stalls at the base of the mountain selling wool-knit socks, and churchkhela, candle-like strings of nuts encased in a wax-like, grape juice. Travel Bar and La Suite are the main après ski spots (be warned, the local brandy, chacha, is like rocket fuel). Plan an early on-slope lunch at Cafe Vitamin, where you can dig into traditional dishes like khachapuri, molten cheese (often topped with an egg) baked into a shallow bread bowl.Where to stay: Ski-in/ski-out Gudauri Lodge has 171 rooms across five categories and a sprawling open-air hot tub. Ati Ambavi is a boutique hotel with room decor inspired by cultural icons like Georgian-American ballet master George Balanchine and Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani. The Rooms Kazbegi hotel is a 40-minute drive from the ski resort but its mountain views, delicious Georgian restaurant, and hip vibe are worth the commute.Stats: There are 14 lifts for nearly 50 miles of runs. One-day lift ticket from $27.Getty19. Breuil-Cervinia, ItalyLocated on the Italian side of the Matterhorn massif, the high-altitude ski resort of Cervinia is linked with the Swiss resort of Zermatt. The combined terrain is vast, making it possible to log serious mileage without repeating a run all day. The majority of slopes are geared toward beginners and intermediates and the on-piste dining options are exceptional. Many skiers cross the border just to lunch on pasta all'Amatriciana and sip Bombardinos (an Italian riff on eggnog). Cervino The One is a new cableway project connecting Breuil-Cervinia with Plateau Rosa/Testa Grigia in just over 15 minutes. The modern two-section 3S gondola by Leitner includes a mid-station at Plan Maison.Where to stay: Stylish apartments at Saint Hubertus Resort have modern kitchens, marble bathrooms, and stone living rooms with fireplaces. The team at five-star Hermitage Hotel & Spa can arrange adventures ranging from snowshoeing to heliskiing.Stats: There are 19 lifts for 72 runs. One-day lift ticket from $52; on the Ikon pass.Getty18. Courmayeur Mont Blanc, ItalyLocated on the sunnier, Italian side of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur attracts both dedicated skiers and unapologetic sybarites who prefer to sip Aperol spritzes on terraces by day and dine on gourmet meals at night. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car whisks skiers across the Italian-French border where they can test their mettle on 11-plus miles of spectacular off-piste slopes, including the bucket-list glacial run of the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix. The resort’s modernized snowmaking system guarantees snow on over 8o percent of the slopes, every day of the season. After the pistes close, the Courmayeur Cable Car continues running until midnight so you can dine at mountain-top restaurants like LaChaumière. You can also experience the adventure of a snowmobile climb to reach fancy alpine huts like Rifugio Monte Bianco.Where to stay: Auberge de la Maison is the epitome of alpine romance. Most rooms have panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the spa features unique alpine therapies such as a hay bio-sauna.Stats: One-day lift ticket from $83; there are 18 lifts for 33 trails.Cober Schneider/Getty17. Andermatt, SwitzerlandWhen an Egyptian billionaire opened five-star The Chedi Andermatt hotel (more on that later) in 2013, it turned a relatively unknown ski area tucked between Zermatt and St. Moritz into an international ski destination. The largest ski area in the heart of Switzerland has such varied and vast terrain you never have to repeat a run. Gemsstock is a steep, free-riding playground while neighboring Nätschen is laced with cruise-y runs. And if you want something more mellow, you can easily link to the family-friendly slopes of Sedrun. When your legs get tired from all the skiing, the Matterhorn Gotthard railway (also included in the ticket) will take you back to Andermatt. This season, Andermatt-Sedrun will open two new chairlifts, the Val Val-Calmut and Val Val-Cuolm, doubling capacity to 2,400 skiers per hour. The culinary scene is more impressive than ever now that Swiss star chef Andres Caminada has opened an outpost of his IGNIV restaurant concept in Andermatt’s Reuss district.Where to stay: The extravagant Chedi Andermatt has 123 spacious rooms and suites all boasting fireplaces, Hästens mattresses, and large balconies. Set aside plenty of time to soak in the spa’s hydrotherapy zone and indulge in the 16-foot-high, glass-walled, climate-controlled Cheese Tower or The Japanese, the hotel’s Michelin-star Japanese restaurant.|Stats: Average price for a one-day lift ticket is $120; the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis ski region comprises 33 lifts for 93 marked pistes; on the Epic Pass.Graziella Zago16. Abetone, ItalyLocated on the ridge between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, Abetone is Central Italy’s largest ski region. Many call it Florence’s secret ski resort as it’s just a 90-minute drive from the city. The family-friendly resort is made up of four interconnected valleys. Local ski champ Zeno Colò designed a handful of runs including the “Zeno” slopes in the Valley of Luce. There’s also a dedicated Nordic skiing area. The slopes are rarely crowded, especially in the afternoons, which are dedicated to long leisurely lunches at rifugios like La Selletta and Monte Gomito.Where to stay: Val di Luce Spa Resort has spacious family suites that sleep four to six, many with well-equipped kitchens. The spa is a highlight with a pool housed in a Louvre-like glass pyramid so you can gaze at the starry night sky.Stats: There are 17 lifts for just over 30 miles of runs. One-day lift ticket from $60.Igor Banaszczyk15. Livigno, ItalyPerched at 5,950 feet, this remote ski town in Lombardy is nicknamed “Little Tibet.” Its four, high-altitude snowparks served as the Winter Olympic stage for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. And its party scene is just as rowdy as its terrain. Set at the base of the Carosello 3000 cable car beneath a huge circus tent, Stalet is an après ski institution known for its crazy costumes, tabletop dancing, and DJ sets. On the Mottolino slopes, Camanel di Planon is an old-school mountain hut with a panoramic terrace and daily 1p.m. music-and-dance show. The best way to arrive at Milky’s Disco Club is via a copper slide at the entrance (stairs are also an option). Party nights are often themed and costumes are highly recommended.Where to stay: Hotel Spöl is a five-star, adults-only property in Valtellina with a new longevity-focused spa that offers therapies like cryo and molecular hydrogen boosters.Stats: There are 32 lifts for 78 runs. One-day lift ticket from $74.Getty14. Zermatt, SwitzerlandZermatt, surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks, has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas—some at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, so snow here lingers well beyond the winter season. This enchanting, alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland's most famous mountain, and has plenty of modern touches, like its swanky après-ski diversions and state-of-the-art lift system, recently enhanced this season with the new 6-seater Patrullarve chairlift. Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation in the car-free village. On the slopes, be sure to stop for the burger at Chez Vrony (reservations a must) and a glass of bubbles at the tiny Champagne bar at the end of the Sunnega run. The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II now links the entire stretch between Zermatt and Cervinia by cable car, connecting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise mountain station with the Testa Grigia valley station. Cervino The One is an ambitious new cableway project on the Italian side, connecting Breuil-Cervinia with Plateau Rosa/Testa Grigia in just over 15 minutes.Where to stay: Grand dame Mont Cervin Palace and modern-luxe Schweizerhof Zermatt, both offer prime central locations and every imaginable amenity. Just above the village, slope-side CERVO Mountain Resort has an ashram-inspired spa with an expansive network of outdoor pools, saunas, and soaking tubs.Riffelalp Resort is another favorite located directly on the slopes, and the Omnia is beautifully nestled into the mountains just above the village.Stats: There are 55 lifts for 147 runs. One-day lift ticket from $87; on the Ikon Pass.Janoka8213. Alpe d'Huez, FrancePoised on a south-facing mountain plateau, Alpe d'Huez is aptly nicknamed “Island in the Sun,” averaging 300 days of sunshine per year. This vast ski area connects several charming villages—Huez, Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, and Villard-Reculas—and contains terrain to satisfy every skier, from cruisey blues to 10-mile-long La Sarenne, the lengthiest black diamond run in France. Its high elevation—Pic Blanc summit reaches 10,925 feet—also makes it reliably snow sure. On-mountain restaurants, like L'Alpette Chez Passoud, served made-from-scratch regional dishes like tartiflette. And there’s a lively après ski scene anchored by iconic party spot La Folie Douce. Each March, electronic music festival Tomorrowland, takes over the slopes.Where to stay: Club Med’s all-inclusive ski packages offer great value and the brand’s Alpe d'Huez location is perched at 6,100 feet, delivering ski-in/ski-out access and sensational views. The 5-star Daria-1 Nor hotel, part of the French Les Étincelles Collection, offers direct access to the Alpe Express gondola, and its spa is the ultimate sanctuary for recovery with a hammam, contrast therapy, and a Himalayan salt wall. Hotel Pic Blanc has cozy chalet vibes and a fantastic restaurant.Stats: There are 84 lifts for 111 runs. One-day lift ticket from $65.Ingolf Pompe 14/Alamy12. Kitzbühel, AustriaWith three nearby airports—Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck—Kitzbühel is easily Austria’s most popular holiday resort. The legendary alpine sports town has it all: posh hotels, a picturesque 750-year-old town center, a lively après-ski scene along quaint, cobblestone streets, and unsurpassed skiing that includes 11 renowned ski schools and the most demanding course on the World Cup circuit. With more than 60 mountain huts and restaurants, there are plenty of delicious options to refuel, or lounge leisurely over lunch on the slopes. The resort also has a stellar line-up of winter events, including the Sound Escape music festival (December 11 -12, 2026) and the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup (Jan. 15-17, 2027).Where to stay: Hotel Schloss Lebenberg, a medieval hillside castle overlooking the village that earns high marks for its stellar service, dining room, and ornate, Gothic-style décor. For affordability and convenience, check out the Henri boutique hotel by the train station.Stats: 58 lifts for 96 runs covering 145 miles. One-day lift tickets average $92; on the Ikon Pass.Getty11. Megève, FranceMegève may not have the haute party scene of, say, St. Moritz, or the breadth of sporty-centric Courchevel, but it still has plenty to tout. Two ski areas are covered with nearly 250 miles of runs linked by state-of-the-art cable cars. Skiers can choose from 50-plus on-mountain restaurants, like the excellent La Ferme de Mon Père. A charming, car-free city center featuring an open-air ice rink, cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs, as well as a number of smart boutiques makes Megève a family favorite.Where to stay: The resort's primary patrons—streams of well-heeled Parisians looking to escape the city—reserve rooms at Relais & Châteaux Flocons de Sel, or the Les Fermes de Marie, a tiny mountain chalet where the rooms have fur throws, wood-beamed ceilings, and stone accent walls. Four Seasons Hotel Megève and 12-room Le Chalet, from Zannier Hotels, both offer five-star service.Stats: There are 112 lifts for nearly 250 runs for the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area. One-day lift tickets from $60. The Mont-Blanc Unlimited Pass starts at $116 and includes 10 ski areas and nearly 450 miles of slopes across three countries; on the Mountain Collective Pass.Getty10. Val Thorens, FranceVal Thorens is a resort of superlatives. Europe’s highest ski resort offers one of the continent’s longest ski seasons, running from November 21, 2026, to May 2, 2027, and is part of Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest linked ski area, with more than 370 miles of runs. This winter, the resort is expanding its appeal with new dining spots, thrilling off-slope activities and a fresh high-altitude experience. At Caron 3200, perched at 10,498 feet, visitors can embark on a virtual-reality ascent of Everest, immersing themselves in the journey to the world’s highest summit without leaving the Alps. For those seeking a different kind of adrenaline rush, the resort is introducing Mountain Kart Xperience, while the Cosmojet toboggan run offers three miles of exhilarating downhill fun. The Bee zipline adds another dose of adventure, soaring 5,905 feet above the slopes. The dining scene is also evolving: Le Bouchon Alpin brings a taste of Lyonnais and Savoyard classics, Le Neva serves contemporary French cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients, and Zig Zag Café opens as the resort’s first dedicated coffee shop. Meanwhile, the international freeride spotlight returns to Val Thorens from January 25 to 30, 2027, when the Freeride World Tour brings the world’s best skiers and snowboarders to its dramatic high-mountain terrain. The après ski scene has long been legendary, known for party institutions like La Folie Douce and low-key gathering spots such as La Timbale, a tapas bar in the heart of the village.Where to stay: Five-star Hótel Pashmina for the outdoor spa with stunning mountain views.Stats: 25 lifts for 93 miles of pistes. One-day lift ticket for Val Thorens starting at $77. One-day lift ticket for the Three Valleys $98; on the Epic Pass.Stefano Politi Markovina/Alamy9. St. Moritz, SwitzerlandThe oldest winter holiday resort in the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. As if St. Moritz wasn't already blessed enough at nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, the sun shines 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air for what’s known as a “Champagne climate.” But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping, and excellent skiing on- and off-piste that draw celebrities and royalty alike. The iconic alpine city is equally famous for its unique events on the frozen lake St. Moritz: the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz, the White Turf horse racing and the ICE car show. The restaurant scene has never been more varied, from cult Italian franchise Crazy Pizza and Greek hotspot Neora at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz to Beefbar at Grace La Margna.Where to stay: A room in the Serlas Wing at alpine grand dame Badrutt's Palace Hotel, which has been indulging A-listers since 1896, or at the Kulm Hotel—one of our Gold List favorites—can do no wrong.Stats: There are 58 lifts for 88 runs. One-day lift tickets range from $45 to $100; on the Ikon Pass.Getty8. Lech Zürs, AustriaLech Zürs may lack the bling of areas like St. Moritz and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but that’s part of its charm. Behind traditional farmhouse facades you’ll find chic, family-run boutiques, art galleries, and stylish hotels and chalets. The village of 1,600 may be tiny, but it boasts one of the highest density of award-winning restaurants in the world (Rote Wand Chef’s Table at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel is a must). And of course there’s the draw of its excellent snowfall and the famed White Ring, a circuit of nearly 14 miles that links Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. Two modern cable cars make the slopes even more accessible.Where to stay: Five-star Hotel Almhof Schneider is the epitome of alpine elegance, with a serious art collection, serene spa, and a 25,000-bottle wine cellar. The family behind the property also recently opened two, design-centric chalets, Haus W and Chalet Sonnenhof. Boutique stay Hotel Kristiania was originally established by Olympic skier Othmar Schneider, and his family continues the hotel’s legacy of hospitality. The Yurt, a salon-inspired après bar within a Kyrgyz-style tent, takes up residency on the hotel grounds this season.Stats: Part of the Arlberg, Austria’s largest inter-linked ski area, 85 lifts and cable cars can access more than 180 miles of marked slopes and 120-plus miles of backcountry runs. One-day lift ticket from $95; on the Epic Pass.Guillaume Marques/Unsplash7. Chamonix-Mont Blanc, FranceChamonix-Mont Blanc’s expansive backcountry and gnarly terrain make it a bucket-list destination for serious skiers. Host to the first winter Olympics in 1924, the pedestrian-friendly town oozes alpine charm and, despite the mountain’s extreme reputation, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Riding the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in Western Europe is a must simply for the views. From the top, experienced skiers can schuss down the legendary Vallée Blanche, 12.4-mile glacier descent in the heart of Mont-Blanc Massif. A guide is essential for the descent and Chamonix has the world’s oldest and largest guiding organization. The eclectic dining scene draws on flavors from around the world. Essential reservations include Mumma, which specializes in Asian and South American fusion cuisine, and Yumidori, a Japanese spot helmed by a sushi world champ. Restaurant Le 3842, one of the highest restaurants in Europe, serves a three-course lunch atop the Aiguille du Midi.Where to stay: La Folie Douce Hotel has a hip vibe, a lively après scene and an unbeatable location in the heart of Chamonix, with a ski lift steps from the front door. For over-the-top luxury, book a stay at Hameau Albert 1er. The five-star hotel has 33 rooms, two suites and two stand-alone chalets and a Michelin-star restaurant. Le Collectionist’s portfolio of luxury chalets range from three to 12 bedrooms.Stats: There are 82 lifts for 91 runs. One-day lift ticket from $55; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective Pass. The Mont-Blanc Unlimited Pass starts at $85 and includes 10 ski areas and nearly 450 miles of slopes across three countries.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Jen Murphy is an award-winning journalist who splits her time between Colorado and Maui. She loves the outdoors and specializes in writing about far-flung adventures, like kite surfing in Madagascar and skiing in the Republic of Georgia. A certified yoga instructor, she is passionate about health and wellness and writes ... Read More