Imagine stunning mountain scenery, cozy log cabins, picturesque views and chocolate box ski resorts that they have retained their history, charm and character. Whether hurtling down a mountain is your version of fun or you’re more into it for the après game, there’s a skiing destination perfect for you and your crew.
1. Courmayeur, Italy
Located on the sunnier, Italian side of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur attracts both dedicated skiers and unapologetic sybarites who prefer to sip Aperol spritzes on terraces by day and dine on Michelin-starred meals at night. The ski resort shares access to the legendary glacial run of the Vallée Blanche with Chamonix. Federica Fontana and Federica Brignone are among Italy’s many Olympians who call Courmayeur their training turf. The resort recently debuted the Arp slope, allowing boarders and skiers the opportunity to shred an area only previously accessible to freeriders. After the pistes close, the Courmayeur Cable Car continues running until midnight so you can dine at mountain-top rifugios like Maison Vielle.
2. Adelboden, Switzerland
The small village of Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland has a rustic charm and is centred around the 15th-century church. The chalet-styled village sits in a long valley, with panoramic views of its surroundings and is one of the prettiest ski resorts in Europe. More than 210 kilometres of pistes are easily accessible from the village, as well as a selection of cross-country skiing trails, a snow park and winter hiking routes. Adelboden was the first Swiss ski destination to be awarded the Alpine Wellness holiday resort certificate. You can also learn about dairy production from local herdsmen or dine on cheese fondue from the local dairy in an igloo during the winter months. This really is one of the most picturesque ski resorts.
3. Whistker, Canada
Famed as one of the top places to ski in the world, Whistler ski resort is home to 200km of pistes across an epic winter playground. This ski resort has everything you want and is on many people’s bucket lists. The skiing here is truly world-class, made up of picturesque tree routes, high open powder bowls and numerous snow parks. As one of the world’s best ski resorts, you can expect an unbeatable choice of epic runs. Try the Big Bang and Couloir Extreme, which offer seriously steep double-black diamond terrain. Explore the ridges and bowls dotted around Whistler Mountain. This Canadian ski resort has incredible views too. Whether you’re admiring neighbouring Blackcomb Mountain or the beautiful Lake Alta, you’ll love the breath-taking surroundings. If you’re a foodie, conclude your day on the mountain with an evening spent feasting on international gourmet cuisine. Araxi is one of the best restaurants in town serving the best seafood and Pacific Rim dishes. We also recommend the Oyster Bar.
4. St Martin de Belleville, France
Encompassed in the vast Three Valleys ski area, St Martin de Belleville was an old farming village until the 1980s. With access to its neighbouring resorts of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel, there are a vast 600 kilometres of skiable pistes. One of the prettiest French ski resorts, St Martin de Belleville is made up of traditional wooden chalets and a 16th-century Baroque-style church. Runs into the village are long and intermediate level in this picturesque ski resort, and during months with little snow there is extensive snowmaking.
5. Wengen, Switzerland
If you’re looking for the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe, we recommend Wengen. This traditional village is located on a wind-protected terrace with above average sunshine hours. Enjoy incredible views of the Bernese Alps, particularly the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From here you can easily access the family-friendly slopes of Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen, as well as the World Cup runs on Lauberhorn. Wengen is car-free and is only reached by the mountain railway. The line also calls at Grindelwald, another of our favourite chocolate box ski resorts.
