| FR
Immaculate white blankets of snow, theatrical craggy skylines and thrilling slopes. Discover the highest European ski resorts for an unforgettable escape. Whether you spend your days carving through the fresh powder on the dizzying black runs or making the most of the gentler slopes at the best beginner and intermediate ski resorts, your tailor-made adventure awaits! Read on to explore our guide on where to ski in Europe for the best high-altitude fun.
The Highest Ski Resorts in France
Espace Killy in Val d'Isère-Tignes - The Best High Altitude Resort for Families
Second only to Val Thorens (which is officially the highest ski resort in France and the highest ski resort in Europe) Val d’Isère and Tignes collective make up the renowned Espace Killy. With collectively 300 km of runs, there’s no need to worry about finding fresh powder in one of the highest ski resorts in France! In particular, the Grande Motte glacier offers the unbeatable combination of impeccable snow conditions and breathtaking views on your descent.
Why We Love It:
- Unmatched Snow Reliability - Home to the largest artificial snow-making system in Europe, ensuring excellent conditions throughout the season.
- Top-Tier Luxury - One of the best luxury ski resorts in France, featuring ski-in ski-out chalets for direct access to the slopes.
- Adventure for Experts - Offers 12 black runs and extensive off-piste terrain for thrill-seeking advanced skiers.
- Ideal for Beginners Too - Some of the best beginner slopes in the French Alps, including the scenic Magnard run.
- Not Just for Skiers - A wealth of non-skiing activities makes it one of the best resorts for non-skiers as well—perfect for mixed groups or families.
Consult our guide to Val d'Isère to discover everything you need to know about this emblematic resort.
Courchevel 1850 - The Most Luxurious High Altitude Resort
Snow enthusiasts flock annually for Courchevel for its reliable snow. Courchevel 1850 is the highest of the four villages in Courchevel and the perfect backdrop for your adventures in the French Alps.
Thanks to its high altitude, its sloping mountain face is like a magnet for adrenaline seekers who enjoy flying through the awe-inspiring landscape at one of the highest altitude ski resorts in Europe. Plus, with access to Les Trois Vallées—one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe—you’ll have over 600 km of interconnected pistes at your skis, making it a true paradise for all levels.
Why We Love It:
- Unrivalled Luxury - Courchevel 1850 is the most luxurious ski resort in Europe. It is well known for its ultra-luxurious accommodations, fine dining (including Michelin-starred restaurants), and seamless ski-in/ski-out access.
Part of the Biggest Ski Area in Europe - Located in Les Trois Vallées, offering access to over 600 km of interconnected slopes. - Great for Mixed-Ability Groups - From beginners to experts, Courchevel 1850 offers a wide range of slopes, making it ideal for groups with varying skill levels.
- Fantastic for Families with Kids of All Ages - One of the best destinations for family ski holidays in France. Little ones can learn on gentle nursery slopes, while older teens and adults can enjoy intermediate terrain or challenge themselves on Naturides, the ungroomed but patrolled off-piste runs.
Hear From Our Concierge About Their Favourite Courchevel Experience
Tucked away in a hidden corner of Courchevel, The Fairy Mountain Experience invites you to step beyond the ordinary and into a world of alpine enchantment. As twilight falls over the snow-capped peaks, your evening begins with a serene snowshoe trek, guided only by torchlight and the glow of the stars.
Your private adventure continues in a beautifully curated alpine setting. Picture a scene straight from a fairytale: a crackling brazero, plush loungers, and a warm apéritif by the fire—surrounded by the stillness of snow-blanketed mountains.
The highlight of the evening awaits. Your personal chef is ready to welcome you with an exquisite gourmet meal, thoughtfully prepared and elegantly served amidst the alpine wilderness.
To arrange this exclusive alpine experience, contact our luxury concierge—they’ll personalise every detail to create a memory that’s truly yours.
For more inspiration, discover our luxury family-friendly chalets in Courcheve and browse through our exclusive guide to Courchevel.
Chamonix - The Best High Altitude Resort for Intermediate Skiers
Wondering where to best enjoy the snow? Follow in the footsteps of pioneers and explorers who have long flocked to Chamonix for its majestic alpine peaks and fairytale villages. This capital of alpinism in the French Alps is one of the best ski resorts for those in search of high altitudes.
Why We Love It:
- Sky-High Adventures from Valley to Summit - While the resort town sits at a charming 1,035 m, hop on the iconic Aiguille du Midi cable car and you'll soar to an astonishing 3,842 m where you'll be greeted by jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc.
- Adrenaline for the Bold - A dream come true for thrill-seekers. Ski past dramatic rock faces and through pine forests that blur into emerald flashes as you carve your way down world-class terrain.
- Scenery Beyond Compare - Few resorts rival Chamonix for scenery. With Mont Blanc towering above and the Alps stretching endlessly in every direction, even a coffee on a terrace feels like a luxury experience.
At the end of the day, novices and veterans alike like can gather at one of Chamonix's best restaurants to replenish energy stores before heading back to your luxury Chamonix chalet right on the slopes.
Let us spill all the secrets to the best slopes, activities and spots in our dedicated guide to Chamonix.
The Highest Ski Resorts in Switzerland
Zermatt - The Best High Altitude Resort in Switzerland
Zermatt is one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe, with dizzying high-altitudes and alpine villages that look straight off the page of a fairytale. Completely car-free since the 1960s, let this enchanting Swiss Alps resort transport you to another world where horse-drawn carriages trot past.
Why We Love It:
- Home to the Iconic Matterhorn - Towering at 3,887 m, Zermatt sits in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn—its sharp, gothic peak cutting through the sky like a monument to alpine majesty.
- Tradition and Innovation Collide - Though famously car-free, Zermatt is anything but old-fashioned. Its cutting-edge lift system—one of the most advanced in the world. They also have the world’s highest 3S cable car.
- A Playground for All Levels - With over 360 km of pistes Zermatt offers an incredible mix of wide, scenic blue runs for cruisers, challenging reds for confident intermediates, and off-piste zones and mogul fields for expert skiers.
- Reliable Snow - High altitude and glacier skiing mean excellent snow reliability throughout the season.
Choose this luxury ski resort in Switzerland and stay in one of our Zermatt luxury rentals on the slopes perfect for families heading to the Swiss Alps.
The Highest ski resort in austria
Lech - The Best High Altitude Resort to Embrace Luxury Living
An integral part of the Arlberg Ski Domain, one of the highest ski resorts in Austria, Lech offers unparalleled skiing conditions in the majestic Austrian Alps. It creates its own brand of opulent charm, staying true to its Alpine heritage while earning its reputation as one of the best luxury ski resorts in Europe.
Why We Love It:
- A Timeless Alpine Retreat - Lech has long been a favorite among European royalty and international jet setters. As one of the best luxury ski resorts in Austria, it offers an atmosphere of refined elegance.
- Old-World Charm - After skiing, stroll through Lech’s fairytale village, where snow-covered chalets, cobblestone streets, and traditional alpine architecture create a postcard-perfect setting.
- Luxury Beyond the Slopes - Lech is more than just a ski resort—it’s a full alpine lifestyle experience. Expect gourmet dining, high-end shopping, world-class spas, and unique experiences like heli-skiing
- Space, Privacy, and Tranquility - With a cap on daily lift tickets, Lech prioritises a relaxed, uncrowded experience both on the mountain and in the village.
Discover our chalets near the best places to ski in Europe at some of the highest ski resorts in the Alps. Glide down the glistening powder paths, past the snow-dusted pine forests and head home to the comfort of your luxury chalet in the Alps.
FAQ: Highest ski resorts in europe
