Where are the Best Resorts for High-Altitude Skiing?

For those who love high-altitude skiing, the resorts have long seasons and extensive slopes. They’re a haven for ski-lovers who are on the hunt for good snow, especially on early or late-season trips when lower resorts might not have great snow cover. Here are some of the best resorts across Europe. 

Mayrhofen, Austria

Snow range: 630-3,250m

This is one of the world’s most famous resorts, Mayrhofen is a must for fans of apres ski! When you’re not partying, you can head off to explore 515km of intermediate slopes across the Zillertal area. Don’t miss out on the reds up on the Hintertux glacier; and if you’re feeling up to it, test your skills on Harakiri, Austria’s steepest run. 

Val Thorens, France

Snow range: 1,300-3,230m

Find your soon-to-be new favourite mountain with skiing holidays Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort at 2,300m. There are 600km of well-groomed piste across the Three Valleys area, with modern ski lifts, and unbeatable views of the six surrounding glaciers. Head off to the Peclet glacier to ski on some sunny, well-groomed runs. 

Cervinia, Italy

Snow range: 1,324-3,883m

Cervinia shares its 360km ski area with Zermatt – so if one country isn’t enough for you, pop your passport in your pocket and ski over to Switzerland. There are plenty of easy runs and nursery slopes at Plan Maison, as well as long, sweeping reds and black runs across the area to keep confident skiers on their toes.

Chamonix, France

Snow range: 1,040-3,842m

Chamonix might not seem huge compared to other French ski areas – it’s got a relatively modest 150km of slopes – but its range of tricky red and black runs keep experts coming back. For the ultimate challenge, take on the Vallée Blanche, which is one of the most famous off-piste routes in the world.

Tignes & Val d’Isere, France

Snow range: 1.550-3,456m

These two resorts are pretty different – Tignes is all about purpose-built convenience, while Val d’Isère is more high-end – but they share the same excellent ski area, the Espace Killy. And each side has its own glacier, so you can tackle intermediate and advanced slopes up on the Grande Motte or Pisaillas glacier.

Obergurgl, Austria

Snow range: 1,800-3,082m

Obergurgl is one of the highest ski villages in Europe and has excellent snow all winter. Even the beginners’ slopes have unforgettable views, with some rising up to 3,000m.