Snow sure ski resorts in Europe
Snow reliability comes down to three things: how high the skiing sits, which way the slopes face, and whether there is a glacier. Altitude is the single best proxy, so this list ranks European resorts by the height of their highest lift served point, and flags the ones with year round glacier skiing.
Ranked by top lift served elevation across our full European database.
- 1
ZermattValais, Switzerland3899 m top liftOne of the most recognisable ski locations in the world filled with old-world Swiss charm.3899 m top lift - 2
CerviniaAosta Valley, Italy3883 m top liftA significantly lower price tag with unparalleled scenic skiing with the famous Matterhorn mountain as a backdrop3883 m top lift - 3
ChamonixMont Blanc, France3842 m top liftBest known as the birthplace of extreme skiing, it is considered one of the most famous ski resorts in the world.3842 m top lift - 4
Les Deux AlpesIsère, France3600 m top liftEurope's largest skiable glacier. Reliable snow and one of the strongest freestyle scenes.3600 m top lift - 5
Saas FeeValais, Switzerland3600 m top liftCar free glacier village ringed by 13 four thousand metre peaks.3600 m top lift - 6
TignesEspace Killy, France3456 m top liftWorld-known for its high-altitude skiing, extensive terrain, and reliable snow conditions all year-round.3456 m top lift - 7
Val d'IsèreEspace Killy, France3456 m top liftElegant World Cup village with 300 km of linked pistes and world class off piste.3456 m top lift - 8
Pitztal GlacierPitztal Glacier, Austria3440 m top liftAustria's highest glacier ski area in Tyrol reaching 3,440m. Guaranteed snow with dramatic high-Alpine scenery and a café at the summit.3440 m top lift - 9
SöldenÖtztal, Austria3340 m top liftTwo glaciers, an 007 lounge and a party scene that opens the World Cup each October.3340 m top lift - 10
Alpe d'HuezIsère, France3330 m top liftFamously referred to as l'île au Soleil for its average of 300 sunny days annually, Alpe d'Huez majestically sits atop a southern-oriented plateau, elevated above the clouds, and provides breathtaking panoramic views.3330 m top lift - 11
VerbierValais, Switzerland3330 m top liftA glamorous resort stretched across 4 valleys, offering 412 km of unmatched skiing for all levels.3330 m top lift - 12
NendazValais, Switzerland3330 m top liftThe birthplace of the Freeride World Tour, this large, modern Swiss resort has 412 km of slopes to carve.3330 m top lift - 13
Thyon-Les CollonsLes 4 Vallées, Switzerland3330 m top liftRenowned for its beginner-friendly slopes, expansive 4 Valleys terrain, and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.3330 m top lift - 14
St. MoritzEngadin, Switzerland3303 m top liftBelle Époque glamour, 300 days of sun a year and skiing across three connected areas.3303 m top lift - 15
Sierra NevadaAndalusia, Spain3300 m top liftSunny slopes and vibrant vibes in Europe's southernmost ski resort.3300 m top lift - 16
GudauriGeorgia, Georgia3276 m top liftEnjoy sunny, south facing slopes, at Georgia's largest and highest ski resort where kids up to 6 ski for free3276 m top lift - 17
Alagna ValsesiaMonterosa ski, Italy3275 m top liftAn ancient Walser village beneath the towering south face of Monte Rosa, where centuries of mountaineering heritage meet some of the most celebrated freeride terrain in the Alps.3275 m top lift - 18
ChampolucMonterosa ski, Italy3275 m top liftSun-drenched terraces, fresh pasta at lunch, and 200km of uncrowded pistes beneath the Monte Rosa massif - Italian skiing at its most authentic, with heliskiing for those who want more.\"3275 m top lift - 19
La PlagneParadiski, France3250 m top liftOne of the world's largest ski resorts, offering exceptional terrain for every level and France's only bobsleigh track.3250 m top lift - 20
Hintertux GlacierZillertal, Austria3250 m top liftTraditional Austrian mountain hospitality, and year-round skiing set against a backdrop of stunning alpine peaks.3250 m top lift
Frequently asked questions
- What counts as a snow sure ski resort?
- As a rule of thumb, skiing that tops out above 2,800 m with a base above 1,800 m holds cover reliably from early December to late April in the Alps. Glacier resorts extend that further at both ends of the season.
- Where can you ski in Europe in November?
- Glacier areas open first: Hintertux and Sölden in Austria, Zermatt and Saas Fee in Switzerland, Tignes and Val Thorens in France. Terrain is limited early on, usually a handful of top lifts.
- Where can you ski in Europe at the end of April?
- Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d'Isère, Obergurgl, Zermatt and Hintertux typically run into late April or May. Look for north facing pistes and a base above 2,000 m.