What Are the Biggest Ski Resorts in Europe?

As winter approaches, ski enthusiasts are on the lookout for their next skiing destination! Are you one of them? Why not choose from the cream of the crop? Here, discover the best ski resorts in Europe, and for those traveling from abroad, learn about the necessary travel formalities. 
 

The 3 Valleys (France)

With 600 km of interconnected slopes, the Les 3 Vallées ski area is among the largest in Europe and the world! Located in the heart of the French Alps in Savoie, the 3 Valleys connects seven resorts: Brides-les-Bains, Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Orelle, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and Val Thorens. It offers 334 marked slopes and nearly 200 state-of-the-art lifts focused on comfort, innovation, and safety. Ticket prices per person (adult): between €62 and €79 per day (depending on the duration of the pass). 

Portes du Soleil (France/Switzerland)

This cross-border area, peaking at 2460 meters, connects 12 ski resorts: 8 French in Haute-Savoie (Abondance, Avoriaz 1800, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine-Avoriaz, St Jean d’Aulps) and 4 Swiss in Valais (Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val d'Illiez Les Crosets Champoussin). The result: 600 km of skiing and 316 slopes! Ticket prices per adult: between €50 and €66 per day (depending on the duration of the pass). 

Dolomiti Superski (Italy)

In the heart of the Dolomites, Dolomiti Superski is an association of 12 ski areas, offering 1,200 km of slopes with a single pass. The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, the largest area in Dolomiti Superski, has 175 km of slopes on its own. The Sellaronda, a famous 40 km ski circuit around the Sella massif, is a must-see in the region. Ticket prices per adult: between €42 and €83 per day (depending on the duration of the pass). 

Paradiski (France)

Located in Savoie in the Tarentaise valley, this area, peaking at 3250 meters, connects 7 French ski resorts—La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Villaroger, Montchavin, Les Coches, Montalbert, and Champagny-en-Vanoise—totaling 425 km of skiing across 264 slopes. Skiers have the opportunity to glide through an exceptional setting of forests, glaciers, and panoramic valleys. Ticket prices per adult: between €58 and €74 per day (depending on the duration of the pass). 
 

The 4 Valleys (Switzerland)

Peaking at 3300 meters at Mont-Fort, the 4 Valleys connects Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon to form the largest ski area in Switzerland, with 410 kilometers of slopes. Verbier, known for its chic atmosphere and popular après-ski scene, is a highlight of the area, while Mont-Fort, the highest point, is famous for its breathtaking descents and alpine views. Ticket prices per adult: between €67 and €95 per day (depending on the duration of the pass). 

What are the travel formalities for traveling in Europe?

Are you a citizen of the EU or the Schengen area? You can travel to the ski resorts on our list with a valid ID card or passport. 

Are you a citizen of a non-EU country? Depending on your country of origin, a visa may be required to enter the Schengen area. Find out here which countries need a Schengen visa 

Do you need a Schengen visa? Get all the necessary information to start your visa application at the consulate of the Schengen country you wish to visit. 

Do you not need a visa? You can travel in the Schengen area with a passport issued within the last 10 years that is valid for at least 3 months after your return. Starting in 2025, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization 

Attention: Whether you need a visa or not, you will need travel insurance that meets the criteria set by the Schengen countries to travel. 

 Schengen Visa Insurance 

Choose peace of mind when preparing your visa application or when crossing borders with Schengen travel visa insurance from Europ Assistance. Recognized and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide, it provides coverage for medical expenses up to €60,000 in case of illness or accidents occurring in any Schengen member state, along with other benefits available here 

To learn more about ski resorts in Europe

 
 What is the best ski resort in Europe? 

The World Ski Awards ceremony recognizes the best ski resort in the world each year. Based on votes from ski industry professionals and the public, the 2023 award went to a French ski resort: Val Thorens (the 3 Valleys). 

 What is the highest ski resort in Europe? 

The highest ski resort in Europe is Val Thorens (France). Situated at an altitude of 2300 meters, the small village in the Tarentaise valley is at the heart of the slopes, giving all its visitors privileged access to the 600 km of skiing in the 3 Valleys.