Where Will You Ski This Winter?

Explore some of Europe’s best ski destinations and find the perfect match for your next snowy adventure.

There’s nothing quite like a ski holiday. Snowy mountains, cosy Alpine villages, long lunches on the slopes and après-ski drinks with friends — it’s one of those holidays where the destination becomes just as much a part of the experience as the skiing.

But not every ski resort is the same...

Some are perfect for your first time on skis, some are made for families, some are all about huge ski areas and challenging runs, and others are where the real party starts when the lifts close.

So, what kind of ski holiday are you looking for?

Austria: For the classic ski holiday

If you want the picture perfect ski trip, Austria is hard to beat. Think traditional mountain villages, snowy peaks, cosy restaurants and lively après-ski.

Zell am See is a great all-rounder, particularly for families and beginners, with gentle slopes, excellent ski schools and a beautiful lakeside town. If you're younger, travelling with friends and want more atmosphere, Mayrhofen is one to look at. It has fantastic skiing during the day and a lively après-ski scene once you're off the mountain.

Andorra: Great value and brilliant for beginners

Want to ski without spending a fortune? Andorra is one of the destinations worth having on your radar.

Arinsal is particularly popular with first-timers and families, with gentle runs, nursery slopes and good ski schools. It also has a fun après-ski scene, so you're not stuck for something to do once the skiing is over.

And if you're looking for more than skiing, Andorra's shops, restaurants and spas give you plenty of options for a day off the slopes.

Bulgaria: The best budget friendly choice

If you're watching the budget but still want the full ski experience, Bulgaria can be a fantastic option.

Bansko is one of the country's best-known resorts, offering a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and more challenging skiing, along with a lively town filled with restaurants and bars.

It can also be a great choice for younger groups and first-time skiers who don't want to spend a fortune on their first trip to the mountains.

Our tip: Don't automatically assume that a cheaper ski holiday means a worse one. Bulgaria can be a brilliant introduction to skiing, particularly if keeping the overall cost down is important.

France: For big mountains and serious skiing

If you're heading away specifically to ski, the French Alps should be high on your list.

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and forms part of the enormous Three Valleys ski area, giving experienced skiers access to an incredible amount of terrain.

And it's not just about the skiing.

Val Thorens is also known for its lively après-ski and nightlife, making it a particularly good option if you're travelling with friends and want your holiday to continue long after the lifts close.

For something more luxurious, Courchevel offers spectacular skiing alongside high-end hotels, restaurants and a glamorous resort atmosphere.

Going with friends? Look for the party resorts

Let's be honest — sometimes skiing isn't the only reason you're booking the holiday.

If you're travelling with friends or a younger group, the après-ski scene can be just as important as the pistes.

Val Thorens, Mayrhofen and some Austrian resorts are known for their lively après-ski, with bars and venues that stay busy well into the evening. The beauty of these resorts is that you can spend the day skiing and then head straight from the mountain to the bar. Ski hard, party harder!

Just remember that the livelier resorts can also be busier and more expensive, particularly around Christmas, New Year and peak February dates.

Italy: For skiing, scenery and seriously good food

Italy is perfect if you want your ski holiday to feel a little more relaxed.

Cervinia offers incredible views of the Matterhorn and access to extensive skiing, while the town itself has a welcoming atmosphere.

And then there's the food.

Long lunches, pizza, pasta and mountain restaurants make Italy an easy choice for anyone who believes a holiday should involve plenty of eating as well as skiing.

Switzerland: The wow-factor destination

For spectacular scenery and that postcard-perfect Alpine feeling, Switzerland is difficult to beat.

Zermatt sits beneath the iconic Matterhorn and offers fantastic skiing, beautiful scenery and a charming mountain village atmosphere.

It's generally more expensive than destinations such as Bulgaria or Andorra, but if you're looking for a special winter escape, it can be worth the splurge.

Which ski destination is right for you?

Still not sure? Here's our quick guide:

👨‍👩‍👧 Families & beginners: Zell am See or Arinsal
💶 Best for keeping costs down: Bulgaria or Andorra
🎉 Party & après-ski: Val Thorens or Mayrhofen
🎿 Serious skiers: Val Thorens or the French Alps
🍕 Food lovers: Italy
✨ Luxury: Switzerland or Courchevel
🏔️ Traditional Alpine atmosphere: Austria
👯‍♀️ Groups of friends: Val Thorens, Mayrhofen or Bansko

And remember, you don't have to ski every single day.

One of the best things about a ski holiday is everything that happens off the slopes too. Go ice skating, explore the village, book a spa day, enjoy a long lunch, try some après-ski or simply sit somewhere warm with a hot chocolate and take in the views.

❄️Ready to find your perfect ski escape?

Whether you're planning your first ever ski holiday, a family trip, a week away with friends or a full-on après-ski adventure, choosing the right resort can make all the difference.

From the value of Bulgaria and Andorra to the huge ski areas of France and the lively atmosphere of Austria, there really is a ski destination for every type of traveller.

Not sure where would suit you best? That's where we come in.

Get in touch with us and let us help you find the right destination, accommodation and package for your next winter escape.

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