Alpine resorts are not all idyllic chocolate-box Christmas villages, often they are purpose-built concrete towns. If you’re after the perfect package, read our top 10 prettiest ski resorts in Europe.
We’ve picked 10 of the prettiest ski resorts in Europe, either in terms of pretty village or awesome backdrop.
Prettiest ski resorts in Europe
Alpbach, Austria
The pretty village of Alpbach is well-deserving of its place on our ‘prettiest ski resorts in Europe’ list. It is situated on a sunny plateau, 1,000m above sea level and with the Alps as a stunning backdrop. There are lots of lovely wooden chalets dotted in between a gently rising mountain.
OnTheSnow asked Marketing Manager Michael Mairhofer to describe why Alpbach stands out. He said, “I would say that the village of Alpbach is unique in Austria because of its uniform architecture. All buildings have to be furnished from the first floor in wood including a balcony. That’s why it was voted the most beautiful village in Austria.”
Alpbach is ideal for beginners who will find perfect flats at the base of the mountain and wide open runs in the Skiweg area. Pretty tree-lined slopes can be accessed on the main ski area. Expert skiers have a small but decent area to explore. Recommended routes include those from Loderstein back to the gondola station and the runs around the Wiedersbergerhorn.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Known as “the town of the chamois” the medieval village of Kitzbuhel has cobble-stoned streets and a quaint cluster of shops and cafes. For picture-perfect you can’t get much better. Lodging tends to be upscale and Kitz has a reputation for attracting the rich and famous. But it’s possible to find average-priced apartments too.
The resort draws hordes of crowds during the infamous Hahnenkamm, the terrifying World Cup downhill race. The Hahnenkamm is doused with water by race-crews to make it more perilous. It rightfully earns its reputation as one of the most challenging races in the world. It’s surprising then that skiing caters to all abilities. The area includes the nearby villages of Kirchberg and Jochberg, as well as a separate area, the Kitzbüheler Horn.
Levi, Finland
170km north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll find Levi, Finland’s largest and most popular ski resort.
Levi makes our “Prettiest ski resorts in Europe” list because of its Narniaesque landscape resembles a fantasyland. Its frozen trees are encrusted in layers of snow, glowing mists roll across the slopes and ice sculptures dotted around the village. Levi, Finland is gaining in popularity as a top family ski destination, particularly at Christmas time, when snow reliability often outstrips that of the Alps. Lapland also offers the ultimate in authentic Christmas experiences, being home to the “real” Santa Claus.
Wengen, Switzerland
Perched on a mountainside above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Wengen is an idyllic Swiss village. It was actually one of the first-ever purpose-built ski resorts. As such, accommodation is made up of large Victorian-era hotels. The service, as you would expect from a Swiss resort, is impeccable. To reach Wengen, visitors have to hop aboard the cog railway which feels like jumping aboard Hogwart’s Express to a magical land.
The ski area is linked with neighbouring Grindelwald and the views are breathtaking. You’ll find yourself skiing beneath the impressive peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch. The village itself is small, less than 1km in length, but it feels homely and cozy.
Megeve, France
Fashionable Megeve was developed as a ski resort in the 20s by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild. She wanted to create France’s own version of St. Moritz. The resort, a medieval town at the base of Mont Blanc, became so popular that by the 50s Jean Cocteau had renamed it the “21st arrondissement de Paris”.
Naturally, the picturesque ski resort has expanded since then but its cobbled streets and charming farmhouses have stayed the same. It is an elegant place, smart and laid-back, with a 13th-century church and open-air ice rink adorning its quaint central square.
There are many excellent restaurants, several of which have Michelin stars, and many chic cafes. Shoppers are extremely well catered for with a wide selection of high-end boutiques. Après ski is smart and James Bond wouldn’t look out of place here.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Located in the Veneto region of Italy, just two hours north of Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo has many virtues but the best is the incredible Dolomite scenery that surrounds it. Soaring dolomitic limestone that rises to over 3000m and which turns reddish-orange gives the resort a unique beauty.
The location of the cable cars is another draw – they sit atop 100ft cliffs and attest to the fact that there is some serious skiing to be done here. Cortina is a large village and mountain restaurants, upmarket shops and bars are all bustling.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Nestled between 13 towering peaks measuring 4000m, sits Saas-Fee: the “Pearl of the Alps”. It is a gorgeous traditional Swiss village that offers spectacular Himalayan-esque views. The village centre is traffic-free with the exception of electric vehicles. So noise is kept to a minimum and narrow streets are filled with boutiques, bars and cafes. The resort has managed to retain an authentic village feel and cowsheds are dotted throughout. So picturesque in fact, that it was chosen as the location for the music video of Last Christmas by 80s band Wham!
As for snow reliability, the picturesque ski resort of Saas-Fee is located at high altitude. Many of its slopes are above 2500m meaning that snow is almost guaranteed. It’s a perfect resort for beginners who can access easy slopes at the bottom, middle, and top of the mountain. Intermediates will enjoy it too but experts will find that challenging runs are lacking.
Nightlife is vibrant and particularly popular is the Popcorn Bar – recipient of an MTV Bar Award. Find it inside the five-star Ferienart hotel on the main street.
Zermatt, Switzerland
“Amazing . . . Expensive too” are phrases which often go hand in hand with Zermatt. Here are a few more . . . Gorgeous, pretty, bursting with Alpine charm.
Expansive. Not quite the quintessential chocolate-box resort it’s sometimes described as. But there are centuries-old wooden chalets as well as strikingly modern hotels – a stay in either would be excellent. Horse-drawn carriages are a regular sight.
Oh, yes, and Gandalf’s hat – a real, enormous version which looms in all its pyramid-shaped glory over the mega-village. Also known as The Matterhorn. As for the skiing, there are plenty of challenging reds and a few technical blacks but for experts, it’s all about Stockhorn.
Adelboden, Switzerland
Hidden away at the end of a mountain road Adelboden has been a best kept secret for some time now. It’s charming because farm life is still very much in evidence and come the summer your ski-instructor will probably be herding his cows.
Architecture is in the style of dark wood chalet style buildings with red and green painted shutters. The square features a pretty village church with exquisite stained-glass windows. Skiing comprises five family-friendly areas totaling 210km of pistes.
Niseko, Japan
With a reputation for being one of the best resorts worldwide for powder, Niseko also offers spectacular views of Mount Yotei. Off-piste terrain and easily accessible backcountry is top-notch and the silver-birch trees through which you’ll ski are unique to the area.
Unlike many other Japanese resorts, Niseko manages to combine alpine and tree skiing. Low temperatures and low humidity work to provide that famous light and dry powder. Niseko is suited to all abilities and is particularly attractive to advanced skiers and riders. The après ski is unique too and takes place at traditional outdoor thermal baths.
April 09, 2024
