Alpine winter escapes: Top skiing destinations in Europe

Hit the slopes and experience one of the top activities to do during winter in Europe.

Cold weather and short days are among us in many parts of the world. Although the warm days of summer may be missed, there’s something charming and cozy about the cooler time of year, and this is also the highly anticipated season for all sorts of winter sports, including skiing. 

With this, many travelers are journeying to Europe to enjoy an alpine escape and savor in the beauty of winter. Whether you want to traipse through blankets of snow, enjoy seasonal bites, or partake in one of the numerous sporting activities winter has to offer, there’s plenty awaiting you when you travel to Europe during the colder months on a skiing trip. 

Europe’s slopes and sheer variety of ski resorts are rivaled by few areas. There are many options to choose from depending on your preferred geographic region, difficulty level and other preferences. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the popular skiing spots in Italy, France, and Austria. Read along to map your snow-packed winter holiday! 

Skiing regions in Italy

Northern Italy boasts incredible scenery and numerous mountain ranges. Alongside shimmering lakes, pristine nature, sport lovers will have plenty of options by way of skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities against the backdrop of spectacular scenery. Many of the resorts are accessible from major airport hubs, such as Milan and Venice, so you can rely on Daytrip to take you directly to your destination in the warmth of a private car!

After you explore the iconic Italian cities of Milan and Venice, make your way to one of the hundreds of resorts dotting the noteworthy skiing regions in Italy. The Dolomites, Lombardy and Valle d’Aosta are only a few of them but the most remarkable ones. Where you decide to go depends on your preferences and skill level, as well as après-ski options. Read on to learn more about the most prominent skiing regions, as well as a few resort picks from each. 

Valle d’Aosta

Nestled between France, Switzerland and Italy, Valle d’Aosta is an Alpine region known as the smallest, least populous region of Italy; yet, it is also the highest by elevation. Skiers traveling to this region will have Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Grand Paradiso and Matterhorn to choose from, with Mont Blanc being the highest point in all of Italy (15,780 ft or 4,810 m).

The Cervinia resort is situated at the foot of the Matterhorn mountain, with a notably long ski season due to its high elevation and reliable snow. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, as well as those wanting to explore both Italian and Swiss slopes. And the good news is, Daytrip can get you from Milan Malpensa Airport to this resort in only about two hours!

Dolomites

The Dolomites are a sprawling mountain range encompassing the northeast of Italy. Not only are its towering slopes beloved by ski lovers, but there are plenty more activities than what initially meets the eye. Travelers can plan a cozy getaway with numerous après-ski delights, and getting there is easier than ever when you book your transfer with Daytrip. 

There are many resorts dotting the region, but the most notable are Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena. Cortina d’Ampezzo is surrounded by shops, dining and cultural experiences, and offers visitors scenic views atop its peaks. Val Gardena is a favorite worldwide, with options suiting every ski level, yet plenty of challenging landscapes for advanced skiers looking for an adventure. 

Make your trip from Venice Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo a smooth one by booking a seamless and reliable transfer with Daytrip. When you travel with Daytrip, you also have the option to explore sightseeing stops and cities along the way and create a memorable travel experience.

Lombardy

The wealthiest region in Italy has Milan at its heart, where visitors can discover UNESCO world heritage sites, breathtaking nature and varied history after a day of hitting the slopes. Ski lovers will delight in a visit to this region for its varied landscapes, as well as its bounty of après-ski options. Among its most popular resorts are Livigno and Bormio.

Skiing regions in France

Skiing in France is all about skiing in style.

Whether you are looking for a taste of luxury or a relaxing family getaway, France has a number of ski resorts to meet a diverse range of preferences, most of which are concentrated on the borders with Switzerland and Italy. Best of all, the skiing regions are among the highest worldwide, with plentiful après-ski options to end a rigorous day of skiing. The Alps’ highest mountain, Mont Blanc, towers over the iconic winter sports hub of Chamonix at over 15,000 ft (4,792 m) tall.  Get to know more about France’s most popular ski regions below!

The French Alps

The French Alps consists of the Northern Alps, which is among the most famous and extensive skiing regions in France, and the Southern Alps, which is smaller, less crowded and more affordable. Situated in the Northern Alps is Trois Vallées, a skier’s ultimate playground and the largest ski area of the world. Here are Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens, and they cover over 600 km of piste and 200 ski lifts; a full variety for every skiing level. 

The Courchevel resort is renowned for its luxury, but is still a notable destination for those seeking family-friendly skiing destinations. The resort encompasses 150 km alone, with access to the entire Three Valleys area. Following a full day of skiing, there are numerous high-end restaurants in the area waiting for you to reward yourself with their delicious meals.

The Val d’Isère and Tignes resorts, located in Espace Killy in the French Alps, consist of 300 km of runs. It is most suitable for advanced skiers and those seeking a lively après-ski culture.

Another resort that every skier should cross off their bucket list is Chamonix Mont-Blanc, an iconic resort consisting of 150 km of runs. Best suited for advanced skiers and thrill seekers, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mont Blanc and plenty of opportunities for adventure await. 

One of the many routes that Daytrip operates in this region is from Lyon to Courchevel, which can take you to your ski resort in about two hours. 

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees encompass the border between France and Spain, and are an attractive option for beginner skiers or budget-conscious travelers. Although its peaks are not as high as those in the French Alps, their resorts are still high quality and generally quieter than their higher-altitude counterparts. Plus, the cuisine and culture of the region stand out by offering a distinctly Spanish flair. 

In addition to the Alps and the Pyrenees, there are more regions that are a bit off the beaten path but have their own distinct charms, such as the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France and the Jura Mountains along the Swiss border.

Skiing regions in Austria

With friends, family or just solo, skiing is the perfect activity to challenge yourself and bond with others. 

Austria has undoubtedly made its mark on the skiing world, not only thanks to its extensive runs, but also the rich range of activities it offers. It’s also a relatively inexpensive destination compared to its neighboring counterparts, but with the offering of just as many activities and culture. From wellness to Alpine cuisine to entertainment, skiers are in for a treat when they book their ski vacation here!

Pro tip: Cash is king in Austria. Many places don’t accept cards, so make sure you plan ahead and bring some Euros with you. 

Tyrol

This is Austria’s most popular skiing region, comprising high-altitude slopes dotted with picturesque alpine villages. If you make your visit here, be sure not to miss the St. Anton am Arlberg resort, which is known for being the birthplace of alpine skiing. You can expect an iconic ski experience all around, from rigorous slopes to high quality off-piste terrain. Another popular resort is the Kitzbühel resort, with runs suitable for all levels, plus a quaint, medieval town center where you can explore after a long day of skiing. Ischgl is another one that can’t be missed; its trendy, upbeat après-ski scene connects with the Samnaun Swiss resort, and is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. 

Getting to the Tyrol region from Germany or the Austrian capital is a breeze with Daytrip. For example, there are routes from Munich to Kitzbuhel-Kirchberg or Vienna to Kitzbuhel-Kirchberg, to get you to the slopes seamlessly and on your own schedule. 
 

Salzburg

Although Austria is more budget-friendly destination, this doesn’t come at the expense of high quality.

Situated in the west of Austria, Salzburg offers plenty of resorts ranging from family-friendly to adventurous, advanced terrain. Its most well-known resort is the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, an interconnected area also known as the “Ski Circus”, which consists of 270 km of slopes and a bounty of après-ski activities. Because of its connections, you’ll be able to experience a variety of long routes without repetition, and plenty of varied terrain. If you’re someone looking for a little bit of everything, you can’t go wrong with this resort!

Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg spans over Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Perhaps best suited to advanced skiers, you can count on breathtaking views everywhere you look, reliable powder snow, and challenging off-piste areas when you visit this region for your ski trip. 

Other ski areas in Austria include Carinthia, Styria, Ski Amadé and Oberösterreich. In most areas, you can fully embrace the Austrian ski culture by partaking in après-ski parties, tasting local cuisine, visiting spas, and trying other winter sports such as tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoeing and more. 

If you’re looking for a flexible and safe way to get from your hotel or airport to your destination, Daytrip’s service can cater to a variety of needs. In addition to being a practical transfer choice to get you to your ski resort destination, Daytrip offers multiple sightseeing options, allowing you to discover local attractions, small hidden towns, and natural wonders so that your winter travels are ones to remember.

Not sure if Daytrip offers a particular route or stop? That’s where our custom route form comes in; with this form, you can customize a one-way or round-trip however you’d like. 

Do you have some other iconic ski resorts or other winter activities in mind for winter 2024? Drop them in the comments below and let us know what you think!