What Are the Biggest Ski Resorts in Europe?

As the winter season approaches, skiing fans are looking for their next ski destination! Is that you? Why not choose from the best of the best? Here, we reveal the biggest ski resorts in Europe, as well as the highest and best! Finally, if you are traveling to these European countries from abroad, we explain the entry requirements!

The Biggest Ski Resort in Europe

With 600 km of ski runs, Les 3 Valleés ski area is the largest in Europe, and in the world! In the Savoie, deep in the French Alps, Les 3 Valleés ski area connects 7 different resorts: Brides-les-Bains, Courchevel, Méribel, les Ménuires, Orelle, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens. It boasts 334 marked trails and nearly 200 ski lifts at the cutting edge of comfort, innovation and safety.

 The Next Biggest Ski Resorts in Europe

- Les Portes du Soleil (France/Switzerland) with 600 km of skiing and 316 runs. This cross-border ski area culminates at 2460 meters and includes 12 ski resorts: 8 in the Haute-Savoie, France (Abondance, Avoriaz 1800, Châtel, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine-Avoriaz, St. Jean d'Aulps) and 4 in Valais, Switzerland (Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val d'Illiez Les Crosets Champoussin). 

- Sella Ronda (Italy) with 500 km of skiing in the south of Tyrol, in the Dolomites mountain range.

- Paradiski (France) with 425 km of skiing and 264 runs. Located in the Savoie, in the Tarentaise Valley, this area culminates at 3250 meters of altitude and includes 7 French ski resorts: La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Villaroger, Montchavin, Les Coches, Montalbert and Champagny-en-Vanoise.

- Les 4 Vallées (Switzerland) with 410 kilometers of slopes. Culminating at an altitude of 3300 meters at Mont-Fort, Les 4 Valleés connects Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon to form the largest ski area in Switzerland.

The Best Ski Resort in Europe

The World Ski Awards ceremony recognises the best ski resort in the world each year. Based on votes from ski industry professionals and the public, the 2021 award was given to a ski resort in Europe: Verbier (Switzerland). This Val de Bagnes ski resort is known for its landscapes, chalets and after-ski amenities. Not to mention the 410-km ski area culminating at 3330 m above sea level. 
 

The Highest Ski Resort in Europe

The highest resort in Europe is Val Thorens (France). Located at 2300 meters of altitude, this small village in the Tarentaise Valley is surrounded by the slopes. Its visitors get exclusive access to the 600 km of skiing at Les 3 Vallées. 

What are the Requirements for Travel in Europe?

Are you planning a trip to one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe? You won't regret it! But before you pack your bags, let's talk entry requirements. 

Are you a citizen of the European Union or Schengen area (or associated states)? You can visit our selection of ski resorts with a national identity card or a passport valid for the duration of your stay.

Are you a citizen of a country outside the EU and Schengen Area? Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter the Schengen area and visit the ski resorts mentioned in this article. See here which countries need a Schengen visa.

- Do you need a Schengen visa? Go to the consulate’s website for the country in the Schengen Area where you wish to travel to obtain the necessary information and start your Schengen visa application, following the steps as indicated. Once you have obtained your visa, be sure to keep the supporting documents, including your proof of Schengen travel insurance, in case you are asked for them when entering the Schengen Area. Make sure to prepare all supporting documents concerning the reason for your stay in the Schengen Area, resources during your stay, your return ticket to your country of origin and proof of insurance covering medical and hospital expenses up to a minimum of €30,000.

- You don't need a visa? You can travel in the Schengen Area with a passport that is less than 10 years old and is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. The border police may also ask you for other documents. Please note that as of November 2023, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. 

 Schengen Visa Insurance

Choose peace of mind for your visa application or when crossing the border with Schengen travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance. Recognised and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates throughout the world, our policies cover your medical expenses for up to 60,000 euros in case of illness or accident in one of the Member States of the Schengen Area, as well as additional coverage, available here.