Looking to jet off to colder climes this winter? These leading resorts in Europe are the ultimate destination for a winter sports holiday. Craft your own epic adventure that combines an exceptional location with a wealth of snow-filled outdoor activities.
Cortina, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo is undoubtedly one of the leading destinations in Europe for both skiing and snowboarding. Its famous runs have earned it the position of co-host for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and the annual Snowboard World Cup races are also held here. There are plenty of places for less experienced tourists to practice, with most of the 83 pistes ranking at beginner or intermediate level.
When comparing the best Italy ski holidays, Cortina almost always comes out on top. This is not just because of its exceptional winter sports, but also its staggering scenery. Described as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina is blessed with UNESCO-recognised vistas of towering rock spires that formed the dramatic backdrop for the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix sits at an elevation of just over 1,000m in the French Alps’ sensational Mont Blanc valley. This resort is relatively small and somewhat unwieldy but is high on the bucket list for serious skiers, thanks to its incredible off-piste descents including the epic 23km-long Vallée Blanche.
For those less confident on their skis, there are still many winter sports activities to indulge in. Explore the glorious mountain surroundings on a guided snowshoeing excursion or via an exhilarating dog sled ride. Ice skating is also on offer within the resort itself. The bravehearted can try their hand at a tandem paragliding flight for a birds-eye view of the picture-perfect landscape.
SkiWelt, Austria
SkiWelt in Wilder Kaiser, Austria, has previously earned itself the title of best ski resort in the world – and with good reason. Its position 1,800m above sea level and 270km of slopes offer fantastic skiing throughout the winter season, from wide green routes to devilish black runs. SkiWelt also has a wide range of eateries and facilities that make it a favourite for families travelling with children.
Skiing is not the only activity on offer at this stand-out resort. Winter hiking trails along Alpine slopes, of varying difficulty, are an incredibly rewarding way to take in the beautiful views. Alternatively, you can get your blood pumping with an adrenaline-inducing ride down one of the toboggan runs.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
No list of best winter holiday resorts in Europe would be complete without St. Moritz. This enchanting destination in the Swiss Alps was the birthplace of winter tourism as we know it today and is a favourite destination of tourists and celebrities alike.
Its diverse offering includes world-class skiing and snowboarding, but also incredible on-ice events including curling, tobogganing, ice skating and even horse-racing! The dry and sunny climate of St. Moritz means that these events – and, indeed, excellent skiing conditions – is almost guaranteed all season, from mid-December right up to the end of March.
